TIRANA, May 25 – The EU Chargé d’Affaires in Albania Andre Rizzo said Albania has advanced in building institutions against organized crime. He spoke at the conference “From Seizure to Public Good” in Tirana. At the same time, he linked these reforms to the rule of law and EU integration.

Confiscation and social reuse of criminal assets form a key part of democratic consolidation, Rizzo said. Organized crime operates across borders with advanced technology, he added. It weakens public trust and distorts markets. It also undermines the rule of law. He called for direct targeting of criminal networks.

Albania has strengthened cooperation with international partners and SPAK (Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime), he said. Confiscation alone does not solve the problem, he noted. Authorities must track, freeze, manage, and reuse assets for public benefit. Social reuse transforms illegal wealth into public value, he said.

Rizzo said Albania plays a leading role in the Western Balkans in this field. EU-supported projects operate in Elbasan and Durrës. Confiscated assets fund cultural and community initiatives there. The EU remains committed to supporting institutional reform and transparency. Confiscation restores justice and strengthens public trust, he said.

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