British Foreign Secretary David Cameron recently visited Tirana and praised the collaborative efforts between the U.K. and Albania in reducing illegal migration. Cameron commended the partnership for disrupting people smuggling operations and signed a bilateral agreement in 2022 to return Albanian boat arrivals to Albania. He highlighted the progress made in reducing small boat arrivals from Albania to the U.K. by over 90% in 2023. The partnership between the two countries has significantly decreased dangerous crossings and provided a more prosperous future for young Albanians. Cameron also discussed the need for greater collaboration across Europe on migration challenges, organized crime, Western Balkan security, and support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression during his visit.
Albanian nationals were among the 45,000 people who arrived in the U.K. in speedboats in 2022, seeking higher-paying jobs than those available in neighboring countries like Greece or Italy. Many of these arrivals ended up working in cannabis-growing houses to pay back trafficking money. The influx of Albanians led to tensions between the two countries, with British officials referring to them as an “invasion,” which was criticized by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama as a cover-up for the U.K.’s border policies. Despite these challenges, London and Tirana signed an agreement in 2022 to return Albanian boat arrivals to Albania and London has provided funding for projects, especially in northeastern Albania where most of the illegal newcomers originated from.
Albania, currently in negotiations to join the European Union, has been taking steps to combat people smuggling gangs. In 2019, Albania became the first non-EU member country to have officers from the bloc’s border agency, Frontex, manage its borders in the south and east to prevent illegal crossings and fight cross-border crime. The country has also been clamping down on people-smuggling through initiatives such as installing a network of cameras and drones along its border with Kosovo to track migrants and identify vehicles used by criminals. These efforts have been part of Albania’s broader strategy to combat illegal migration and strengthen its border security.
During his visit to Tirana, Cameron praised the partnership between the U.K. and Albania in fighting illegal migration, calling it an example for other countries to follow. He emphasized the importance of innovation, creativity, genuine partnership, and follow-through in achieving extraordinary results that benefit both nations. The joint efforts between the two countries have shown positive outcomes in growing Albania’s economy and tourism sector, offering opportunities for people to stay and work in the country, and building a stronger economy. Cameron highlighted the importance of the partnership with Albania in providing a bright future for young Albanians and reducing dangerous small boat crossings.
The joint partnership between the U.K. and Albania has been successful in disrupting the business models of people smuggling gangs, significantly reducing dangerous crossings, and safeguarding the future of Albanian youth. The collaborative efforts have been instrumental in achieving the shared goal of combating illegal migration and organized crime. The partnership has also extended to infrastructure projects such as the development of a new railway link between the Albanian port of Durres and Kosovo’s capital of Pristina, which both countries consider essential. Cameron reiterated the importance of collaboration and genuine partnership in tackling migration challenges and enhancing security in the Western Balkans region, underscoring the positive impact of the U.K.-Albania partnership in promoting prosperity and stability.
