S outh - Eastern E urope 4.1 Presence in Albania Introduction The OSCE Presence in Albania (the Presence) continued an enhanced focus in 2017 to help the Albanian institutions fight against transnational threats and organized crime. Recognizing that transnational elements are often present in serious and organized crime, the Presence seeks to further improve co-operation between neighbouring law enforcement agencies. In that respect, the Presence built up on the already initiated and signed Hot Pursuit Protocols, by running cross-border simulating exercises designed to gauge the effectiveness of these protocols. Efforts were also made to enhance communication between border police agencies at regional and central level. BUDGET (UB)* 2017 2016 TOTAL TOTAL 2,892,700 EUR 2,907,900 EUR 14% 84% 12% SECURITY CO-OPERATION DEPARTMENT SECURITY CO-OPERATION DEPARTMENT 354,300 EUR 395,100 EUR STAFF* 2017 2016 TOTAL SECURITY CO-OPERATION DEPARTMENT Total 82.5 11% 9 Total 6 Local 3 International (UB)1 * 42 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