Reframing Migration: Toward a Human-Centered Security Approach

As Albania emerges not only as a transit country but increasingly as a destination for migrants, its migration policies are undergoing notable shifts. This article examines Albania’s evolving migration governance, focusing on the transition from a traditional, state-centered security approach to a human-centered security framework. Drawing on qualitative methods—interviews with stakeholders from state institutions, academia, and NGOs, alongside a thematic analysis of the key literature and policy documents—this study identifies the drivers of this shift, including democratic reforms, EU integration, and alignment with international standards. The findings reveal a growing emphasis on human security in policy discourse and design, yet also underscore persistent challenges in policy implementation. This article contributes to debates on migration policy by highlighting the tensions and interplay between state security imperatives and human security priorities within Albania’s EU integration trajectory.