10 million euros in EU funds to improve migration and asylum systems in Albania

The European Union, together with IOM, UNHCR, and the Albanian Ministry of Interior, officially launched the EU4Migration project in Tirana.

With a budget of 10 million euros secured by the EU, this four-year initiative aims to support Albania in strengthening its migration and asylum management systems, in line with EU and international standards. The project will contribute to creating more effective governance frameworks, protecting people on the move, and improving access to services for migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees.

The opening ceremony was greeted by the EU Ambassador to Albania, Silvio Gonzato, and the Albanian Deputy Minister of Interior, Besfort Lamallari, the IOM Coordinator for the Western Balkans, Laura Lungarotti, as well as the Senior Operations Officer at the UNHCR Regional Office for Europe, Alexander de Chalus.

The EU Ambassador to Albania, Silvio Gonzato, stated that global migration challenges are complex and require strong governance frameworks, as well as cooperation, trust, and a common vision between the EU and partner countries like Albania.

“Effective migration management is important not only for the security of our borders but also as a reflection of our core values: solidarity, human dignity, and respect for human rights. Our new project, ‘EU for Migration,’ will support Albania in strengthening its systems and capacities in this area, in line with the migration management strategies of both Albania and the EU. Reforms in this area will also help advance Albania’s EU membership negotiations and, ultimately, its path towards EU membership,” Gonzato expressed.

Deputy Minister of Interior, Besfort Lamallari, expressed confidence that with the proper commitment from all relevant institutions, this project will help strengthen the inclusion of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, improving their access to education, healthcare, employment, and social services. “For Albania, this is an opportunity to reconfirm that it is an open and democratic society that respects human rights and values coexistence and diversity as part of our European identity,” he emphasized.

The IOM Coordinator for the Western Balkans, Laura Lungarotti, stated that this initiative is about aligning policies and practices with European and international standards, strengthening institutional capacities, and investing in community-based solutions. “Above all, it is about people. Our success will depend on our ability to work together, to listen to the needs of migrants, and to ensure that they remain at the center of everything we do,” she pointed out.

The EU4Migration project will support Albania’s EU membership process and alignment with the EU acquis, directly contributing to reforms for Chapter 24 – Justice, Freedom, and Security. It will also complement efforts under the EU Action Plan for the Western Balkans and its five key pillars, including strengthening border management, improving asylum systems, and promoting international cooperation.

Implemented by IOM and UNHCR in close cooperation with the Ministry of Interior and a wide range of national and local partners, the project follows an inclusive approach. Its efforts aim to support Albania in achieving the strategic vision for migration, as outlined in the National Migration Strategy 2024–2030, and in fulfilling its commitments to the EU and global obligations for people on the move. (June 20)