S outh - Eastern E urope 4.1 Presence in Albania Introduction Fighting serious and organized crime continued to represent a priority for the Albanian government and the OSCE Presence in Albania (the Presence) has continued to support the Albanian State Police (ASP) in improving the effectiveness of investigative units. In 2018, the intensified cooperation between ASP and European law enforcement structures led to the dismantling of major organized crime groups. The Presence supported relevant Albanian authorities in tackling transnational organized crime through the sharing of best international practices in the functioning of joint investigative teams. Other areas of Presence assistance included active engagement with the ASP to develop a community policing model and working closely with the MoI and municipalities towards the establishment of new Local and Regional Safety Councils. In the field of illegal migration and border control, the Presence continued to support the Albanian Border and Migration Police (BPM) in implementing the integrated border management strategy and action plan. BUDGET (UB)* 2018 2017 TOTAL TOTAL 2,917,900 EUR 2,892,700 EUR 12% 84% 11% SECURITY CO-OPERATION DEPARTMENT SECURITY CO-OPERATION DEPARTMENT 327,800 EUR 354,300 EUR STAFF* 2018 2017 TOTAL SECURITY CO-OPERATION DEPARTMENT Total 84 11% 9 Total 6 Local 3 International (UB)1 * 44 Figures on budget and staff provided by the OSCE Presence in Albania TOTAL SECURITY CO-OPERATION DEPARTMENT Total 82.5 11% 9 Total 6 Local 3 International