The United Kingdom has announced a funding package of up to £5 million for the Western Balkans, including Albania, in another intervention focused on illegal migration and criminal networks. According to the official British version, the fund aims to strengthen the region’s institutions through training, expertise and information-sharing.
The announcement was made at the Berlin Process Summit
The package was announced by the UK Minister of State for Europe, Lord Wood of Anfield, during the Berlin Process Summit taking place in Montenegro.
The scheme includes the countries of the Western Balkans, among them Albania, while London presents the support as part of an effort to curb illegal migration and crack down on organized crime in the region.
What the funding provides
According to the British announcement, the funds will be used to support institutions through training, expertise from the United Kingdom and stronger information-sharing.
The British government claims this approach will help crack down on criminal groups and prevent the exploitation of migrants, a formulation that places the emphasis on security and border control.
London’s claims about results on the ground
From Budva, the British official said criminal gangs have long exploited the region and that the new funding will strengthen cooperation with international partners and security in Europe.
The announcement distributed to the media says equipment and training funded by London have helped Western Balkan authorities carry out more than 100 interventions involving migrants since June 2026, as well as hit several criminal gangs. No further public details were given on how the funds will be divided by country or on the specific results for each state.
The role of the regional task force
The new assistance, according to the British government, will also support the Joint Migration Task Force, a structure that brings together specialists from different countries to detect, prevent and disrupt illegal migration activities.
This task force has carried out operations in Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro and North Macedonia. London says the cooperation will continue to target trafficking networks and stop the organizers of illegal migration before they put more people at risk.
The new package announced by London also places Albania in another regional security mechanism, where the priority remains controlling migration flows and striking criminal networks.
Beyond the official statements, it remains to be seen how the funding will be distributed in practice and what measurable impact it will have on the ground for Albanian institutions.