Interior Minister Ervin Demo said Albania plays an active role in Europe’s security architecture and in tackling cross-border threats. He made the remarks opening the international conference “Regional security: New risks, stronger cooperation” in Tirana.

The event brought together Regional Cooperation Council Secretary-General Amer Kapetanović, Italian Interior Ministry representatives, the Italian Embassy, the European Union Delegation and regional delegations.

Demo stressed that international crime, illicit trafficking, cyber threats and emerging criminal activities often move faster than institutions. He called for stronger institutions, faster information exchange, improved technology and joint operations.

The minister cited the European Commission’s 2026 report, which recognised progress in cooperation with European Union member states, anti-drug operations, joint patrols, criminal asset tracing and the fight against cybercrime. However, he highlighted the need for stronger financial investigations, prosecutions, digital evidence analysis and critical infrastructure protection.

Demo also referred to regional talks in Budva on online child abuse, internet fraud, migrant smuggling and migration policy. He highlighted preliminary findings from the regional Secure Meter 2026 instrument on public perceptions of safety and trust.

He reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to European security cooperation, describing security as essential for investment, economic development and European integration.

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