U.S. Fund cuts react to SPAK: their support, extremely important for empowering our work.

The Special Prosecutor has reacted after the US Embassy announced in Albania to cut off funds for Albanian institutions.

We have been informed of the United States Government Executive Order to prevent implementation of international assistance programmes. SPAK is an independent institution that relies entirely on the state budget. The 20-24 Law “for managing the budget system of the Republic of Albania” also envisions the budget approved for the Special Anti-Corruption and Organised Crime Structure for 2025”, the SPAK's response to A2 CNN says.

“Special Procurory and National Bureau of Investigation (BKH), from creation, have had the support of international partners, including the United States of America, who have made their contribution through missions: O PAT, ICITAP, DEA, FBI. Their support is extremely important for empowering the work of the SPAK and consists mainly of training, study visits, various technical equipment and problem management system”.

A day earlier, the United States Embassy in Tirana has announced Albania's Foreign Ministry on suspending US funds following an order by President Donald Trump.

On 24 January, the US State Department ordered the suspension of new funding for most international aid programmes, as part of the president's efforts to adapt American aid policies to his foreign policy goals.

These programmes, which are funded mainly through the American Agency for International Development (USAID), will be influenced by this decision.

State Secretary Marco Rubio sent a message to US embassies worldwide, clarifying that international aid will be distributed only in full compliance with the foreign policy of the president of the United States.

The funds are cut down until a second decision on institutions:

Finance Ministry, including Financial Intelligence Agency

The Interior Ministry, including Albanian State Police, Police Supervisor Agency and the Violence Co-ordination Centre.

Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

Ministry of Justice, including Directorate General of Prisons

Defence Ministry

Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs

Ministry of Education and Sports

Ministry of Tourism and Environment

Ministry of Health and Social Management

State Ministry for Youth and Children

State Ministry for Local Power

Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, including the Albanian Electronic Corporation (KESH), Transmission System Operator (OST), Power Distribution Operator (OSHEE) and the Albanian Energy Exchange (ALPEX)

State Ministry for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption

State Ministry for Relations with Parliament

Parliament, including its commissions

High Judicial Council

Prosecutor's High Council

Constitutional Court

Supreme Court

All courts, including appeals courts, appellate administrative courts, first degree courts

The Anti-Corruption and Organised Crime Special Prosecutorial Building, including the Special Prosecutor and the National Bureau of Investigation

First Anti-Corruption and Organised Crime Court

Special Court of Anti-Corruption and Organised Crime

Attorney General's Office

High Inspector of Justice

Independent Qualification Commission, International Monitoring Operation and Special Appeal Room

National Cyber Security Authority (AKSK)

National Information Society Agency (AKSHI)

State ministry and chief negotiator's office

State Agency for Strategic Programming and Assistance Coordination (SASPAC)

All Municipal Powers

The executive order requires a 90-day suspension of US international development assistance to assess efficiency and “compliance with the foreign policy of the United States”.

It affects new funding distributions for foreign countries, NGOs, international organisations and contractors, until the completion of programme revisions.