EU allocates €13 million to modernize Albania’s ground forces

The European Union has provided a €13 million fund to the Albanian Government for the modernization of its ground forces. This was one of the benefits outlined in the Partnership Agreement signed on Wednesday in Brussels between the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, and Albania’s Minister of Defense, Pirro Vëngu, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, in the presence of Prime Minister Edi Rama.

Why is this important: Since joining NATO in 2009, Albania has increased its defense budget but remains below the 3% GDP benchmark required by the alliance for member states. International financial support, such as this EU grant, is essential for strengthening Albania’s defense capabilities. This agreement is particularly significant as the EU appears open to funding additional defense and security projects proposed by the Albanian government, with potential approvals expected next year.

Context: The Partnership Agreement was highly praised by both Prime Minister Rama and Kaja Kallas for its strategic importance to Albania’s armed forces and the EU’s broader security framework.

Prime Minister Edi Rama described the agreement as a sign of the inseparable bond between Albania and the EU: “This agreement is significant because it demonstrates our unbreakable connection and the need to strengthen it further every day. I express my gratitude to the EU for supporting the agenda of fully reuniting Europe.”

Kaja Kallas emphasized the EU’s commitment to supporting Albania’s armed forces:
“We have already directly supported Albania’s armed forces, and both sides want to do more. This agreement shows that we will continue working together to invest in our shared security and ensure that Albania is part of key discussions on Europe’s defense and security.”

The agreement positions Albania as a strategic partner in the EU’s security plans, signaling deeper integration into Europe’s defense initiatives.

Broader context: The signing of this agreement preceded the Western Balkans Leaders’ Summit with EU Council heads. Prime Minister Rama also held bilateral meetings with Kaja Kallas and the new EU Enlargement Commissioner, Marta Kos. Discussions focused on Albania’s progress toward EU accession, including the opening of the sixth negotiating cluster on foreign policy, which was formalized during Tuesday’s third intergovernmental conference between Albania and the EU.

This partnership not only reinforces Albania’s defense capabilities but also strengthens its path toward deeper EU integration, showcasing its role in Europe’s collective security framework.