United Kingdom targets Albanian organised crime

Significance

The UK action -- which follows similar US sanctions -- comes amid continuing concern in Western countries about the malign influence of Albanian criminal groups both at home and abroad.

Impacts

• Tougher action on tackling organised crime will help Albania achieve progress in its recently-opened EU accession talks.
• Sanctions on Berisha cast serious doubt on the ability of his Democratic Party to present itself as a credible party of government.
• The ruling Socialist Party, in power since 2013, is set to reap the benefits of a weakened opposition.