United States Department of State
Office of the Coordinator of U.S. Assistance to Europe and Eurasia
Foreign Operations Assistance Fact Sheet, June 2014*

The primary goal of U.S. assistance to Albania is to help it become an accountable, capable, and prosperous democratic state. To that end, U.S. assistance promotes the rule of law by strengthening the justice sector, supporting good governance, improving democratic institutions; and boosting the capacity of Albania’s security forces and law enforcement agencies to contribute to international security and domestic stability.

Assistance Activities by U.S. Goals in Albania

Improved rule of law through a strengthened justice sector, better governance, and the establishment of democratic institutions

• U.S. experts are helping Albanian officials in Tirana put in place decentralization legislation and related policies and planning reforms, while also assisting municipal governments to improve dialogue with the national government, expand public finances, improve local services, and enhance the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in local governance.

• The United States is providing information and communication technology solutions to increase transparency and accountability in the justice sector, establish legal education and mediation services, and enhance the watchdog role for CSOs and media through capacity-building assistance.

• U.S.-funded small grants to non-governmental organizations enable citizens to create or strengthen grassroots associations, advocate for transparency in government, facilitate the free flow of information, and fight corruption. In addition, the United States is translating important English books into Albanian and hosting prominent American speakers to share ideas and experiences relevant to reform efforts in Albania.

Strengthen the capacity of Albania’s security forces and law enforcement agencies to contribute to international security and domestic stability

• U.S. security experts provide battalion-level NATO interoperability training and communications gear, while also funding exchanges for Albanian military leaders that promote respect for democratic values, strengthen civilian-military relationships, and build strategic management skills.

• The U.S. government is helping Albanian border security officials to put in place effective strategic trade control and licensing systems, and providing technical assistance to enhance law enforcement agencies’ radiation detection and response capabilities. U.S. experts are also assisting the Albanian government to better prioritize the clearance of unexploded ordinance.

Create conditions for broad-based, sustainable, and inclusive economic growth

• Through regional assistance mechanisms, the United States continues to support broad-based economic growth in Albania. Activities are focused on three major thematic areas: promoting financial integration with Europe through the harmonization of fiscal policies; enhanced private sector competiveness and the promotion of exports and workforce skills; and improvements in the business environment, including reducing regional barriers to trade and investment.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

//2009-2017.state.gov/p/eur/ace/index.htm
U.S. Embassy Website
www.foreignassistance.gov

*This fact sheet does not reflect Peace Corps funding or centrally managed or regional Foreign Operations funding that is not specifically budgeted for Albania.