EU4Migration in Albania

The project assists national authorities in aligning legal frameworks, policies, and procedures with European Union standards. This involves reforming Albania’s asylum legislation and procedures in line with international and EU norms, ensuring access to digital services for refugees, expanding access to free legal aid for asylum-seekers including court representation, and building the capacity of judges, lawyers, and asylum authorities. A pilot initiative will also be launched to decentralize asylum procedures and involve local actors more directly.

The project provides targeted assistance to enhance the ability of relevant institutions to manage borders, identify and support vulnerable individuals, and deliver rights-based services in reception facilities. Special attention is given to unaccompanied and separated children. Planned activities include improving staffing and service delivery at the National Reception Centre for Asylum and providing training to police and frontline workers on protection-sensitive border management. The project also contributes to strengthening asylum procedures and return systems.

The initiative supports local authorities and service providers in designing and implementing inclusive policies that promote integration, participation, and access to services. It also aims to raise public awareness, foster dialogue between communities, and build partnerships that contribute to long-term inclusion.

UNHCR will work closely with national and local actors to promote social and economic inclusion by advocating for access to civil registration and social services, supporting refugee access to vocational training and employment opportunities, and engaging in policy discussions to ensure inclusion in national planning and assistance programmes.