Albanian nationals were among the most affected by EU entry restrictions in 2023, with 14,000 cases of denied entry, new figures from Eurostat show.
The report highlights Albania’s significant presence in irregular migration towards the EU, particularly involving unauthorized attempts to cross borders. In addition to the entry refusals, 7,800 Albanians were returned home by EU countries last year, making Albania a key focus of the bloc’s return operations.
The data points to Albania’s central role in migration patterns and the challenges of managing irregular movement within Europe. It also reflects the ongoing need for deeper collaboration between Albania and EU member states, particularly in border management and addressing the root causes driving migration.
These figures come amid increased discussions on shared policies to tackle migration in the Western Balkans, a region often at the forefront of Europe’s migration challenges. Experts believe that stronger coordination could help ease the pressure and create more sustainable solutions for both sides.
