Trump’s aid suspension raises concerns for Albania’s anti-corruption reforms and SPAK

The U.S. government decision to suspend foreign aid for 90 days is impacting Albania’s access to critical funding. The decision, though anticipated, has created uncertainty for Albania’s anti-corruption efforts, particularly for the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), which has relied heavily on U.S. support.

Why is this important: The suspension could hinder progress on key reforms and anti-corruption initiatives. There is growing public perception that the new U.S. administration may not be as supportive of Albania’s justice reform as its predecessor. Many are closely watching to see whether the “non-grata” designation of former Prime Minister Sali Berisha will be revoked, which would signal the administration’s stance on corruption and accountability. However, the surprising suspension of aid is already encouraging optimism among those opposed to SPAK and justice reform efforts. Historically, U.S. aid has been instrumental in providing Albania with both financial and political support in its fight against organized crime and high-level corruption. SPAK, which has relied on American training and investigative tools, could face delays in investigations and weakened authority in politically sensitive cases without continued U.S. backing.

Context: Trump’s executive order halts over $60 billion in global aid for a review of its alignment with U.S. foreign policy priorities. In Albania, the U.S. Embassy in Tirana officially informed government institutions of the funding freeze. This decision affects several ongoing programs, particularly in justice reform and cybersecurity.

SPAK has relied on U.S. aid for specialized tools, investigative support, and international cooperation. While the institution maintains that it will continue its work using domestic resources, concerns remain about reduced access to external expertise from agencies such as the FBI and CIA.

U.S. funding for Albania fell significantly in 2024, dropping to $18.4 million from $38.5 million the previous year. A large portion of the 2024 funding, $8.1 million, was allocated to cybersecurity initiatives. These efforts aimed to strengthen Albania’s defenses against cyberattacks, improve infrastructure, and provide IT training. Additional funding targeted transparency, accountability, and institutional efficiency in public administration, but these projects now face delays.

SPAK’s leadership remains optimistic about maintaining its independence, noting that support from European Union partners could help mitigate the impact. However, experts warn that the absence of strong U.S. political backing may embolden corrupt networks and slow reform efforts.

Background: The Trump administration’s foreign aid freeze is part of a larger policy shift under the “America First” agenda. The order emphasizes greater transparency and efficiency in how U.S. tax dollars are spent abroad. While aid to countries like Israel, remains prioritized due to security concerns, Albania is not included in this category.

U.S. influence in Albania has been particularly significant in holding public officials accountable, with high-profile cases such as the “non grata” designation of former Prime Minister Sali Berisha serving as examples. The loss of direct U.S. pressure may weaken similar future efforts.

Next steps: The U.S. Department of State and USAID will conduct a full review of international aid programs over the next three months. Albanian authorities are expected to intensify collaboration with EU partners to compensate for the temporary funding loss. However, it remains unclear whether U.S. aid will resume at previous levels once the review is complete.