OLAF Acting Director-General meets key Albanian authorities to strengthen cooperation on protecting EU financial interests

On the margins of the 2025 AFCOS Seminar held in Tirana on 8-9 October, OLAF's Acting Director-General Salla Saastamoinen met with senior Albanian counterparts to discuss ongoing cooperation in protecting the European Union's financial interests and supporting Albania's progress towards EU accession.

In discussions with Petrit Malaj, Albanian Minister of Finance, attention was given to Albania's progress in strengthening anti-fraud systems and aligning with EU accession requirements on the protection of the EU's financial interests. The talks highlighted the implementation of the National Anti-Fraud Action Strategy 2025-2030, which reinforces the role of the Anti-Fraud Coordination Service (AFCOS) and underlined the importance of continued cooperation and regular dialogue to ensure sound financial management in line with EU standards.

A meeting with Altin Dumani, Chief Prosecutor of Albania's independent prosecution office, the Special Structure against Corruption and Organised Crime (SPAK), focused on cooperation in the investigation of cases involving potential misuse of EU funds. Collaboration between OLAF and SPAK is increasing, with OLAF offering expertise to support SPAK in investigating complex fraud cases. Both institutions welcomed recent progress and reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening operational cooperation.

Discussions with the Head of the State Agency of Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination (SASPAC), Eridana Çano and her team, centred on Albania's national audit and control systems. The exchange highlighted SASPAC's role as a key actor in coordinating international and EU financial assistance and in managing pre-accession funds, drawing on its extensive experience and regular contacts with the European Commission.

Through these meetings, OLAF and the Albanian authorities reaffirmed their shared commitment to protecting the EU's financial interests and to strengthening cooperation as Albania advances on its path towards EU membership.