On Thursday, June 19, 2025, the Albanian government approved the creation of a joint Task Force for the implementation of the protocol between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and the Government of the Republic of Italy, aimed at strengthening cooperation in the field of migration and its implementing agreement.

This decision was based on Article 100 of the Constitution and Law no. 20/2024, “On the ratification of the protocol between the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Albania and the Government of the Republic of Italy on strengthening cooperation in the field of migration,” upon the proposal of the Minister of the Interior.

Key points of the decision:

1. Task Force Formation:
   A Task Force is established to oversee the implementation of the Albania–Italy migration cooperation protocol and its implementation agreement.

2. Purpose:
   The Task Force will coordinate, monitor, and supervise implementation in line with the responsibilities of the involved institutions.

3. Leadership and Composition:
   Chaired by the Deputy Minister of the Interior responsible for migration, the Task Force includes:

   • Deputy Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs

   • Deputy Minister of Defense

   • Deputy Minister of Finance

   • Deputy Minister of Health and Social Protection

   • Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Energy

   • Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces

   • Directors from the State Police: Border & Migration, Public Order & Safety, and Support Services Departments

4. Responsibilities:

   • Draft an action plan based on institutional responsibilities

   • Identify structures and obligations for unforeseen situations

   • Ensure operational support for involved institutions

   • Handle requests from the Italian Embassy via the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and deliver binding decisions to relevant institutions

5. Meetings:

   • The Task Force meets as needed, at the request of its chair or any member

   • External experts or organization representatives may be invited when necessary

6. Reporting:

   • Members must inform the chair of any issues

   • The chair reports monthly to the Minister of the Interior

7. Technical Secretariat:

   • Composed of mid- or high-level officials from:

     • Directorate of Migration, Asylum, and Anti-Trafficking (Ministry of Interior)

     • Public Order and Safety Structures (Ministry of Interior)

     • Consular Directorate (Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs)

     • Support Services Department (State Police)

8. Secretariat Duties Include:

   • Organizing Task Force meetings

   • Preparing reports and coordinating with institutions

   • Handling and reviewing documents from the Italian side

   • Sharing materials and compiling meeting minutes

9. Duration:

   • The Task Force will remain operational until full implementation of the protocol is completed

10. Deadlines and Obligations:

• Institutions listed in point 3 must appoint and send names of their representatives within 10 days of the decision’s entry into force

• The Task Force is responsible for carrying out this decision

This decision becomes effective upon its publication in the Official Gazette.