Albania reaffirms commitment to NATO and defense investment at Dayton Forum
President Bajram Begaj used his speech at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Dayton to spotlight Albania’s growing defense budget, its commitment to Ukraine, and its enduring support for regional peace and integration.
Why is this important: Albania’s clear alignment with NATO priorities and its call for vigilance in the Western Balkans come at a time when geopolitical tensions are rising. As one of the region’s most vocal pro-Western actors, Albania is positioning itself as a pillar of stability and a staunch supporter of Ukraine.
Context: The speech coincided with the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Agreement, a landmark moment that ended the Bosnian War and helped stabilize the Western Balkans. The NATO Parliamentary Assembly used this occasion to reflect on the legacy of peacebuilding in the region and the ongoing challenges to integration and security.
Albania, a NATO member since 2009, has steadily increased its military spending and cooperation with Western allies, especially as global threats have intensified following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
What did he say: President Begaj opened by framing the current moment as a test for the international security architecture. He called NATO “the cornerstone of democratic stability,” and confirmed that Albania is ramping up defense spending and revitalizing its domestic defense industry.
He also stressed Albania’s unshakable alignment with the EU and the United States in their support for Ukraine. According to Begaj, Russia’s war has reminded the world that peace is fragile and must be defended with resolve.
Turning to the Western Balkans, Begaj described Kosovo as an irreversible reality, but warned of lingering divisions that could spark new tensions. He called for continued international engagement to prevent backsliding and reaffirmed Albania’s role in promoting Euro-Atlantic integration across the region.
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