The EU is strengthening Albania's military with a new aid package
The European Union has approved a new €21 million military aid package for Albania, aimed at strengthening its army and defense capabilities. The decision was made under the European Peace Facility and continues the EU’s previous support for the country.
The Council of the European Union has approved the next phase of military support for Albania, allocating 21 million euros through the European Peace Facility, and this step effectively continues the policy of gradually strengthening partner armies in the region, where the EU is committed to rapid and coordinated defense cooperation.
The EU Council’s statement reads: “Today, the Council adopted the third bilateral assistance measure under the European Peace Facility, amounting to €21 million, aimed at strengthening the defense capabilities and combat readiness of the Albanian Armed Forces, bringing the total support provided to Albania to date to €49 million.” Brussels emphasizes that this support is not a one-off measure but part of a broader program designed to make the Albanian army more mobile, technologically capable, and able to operate within international missions and coalitions, particularly under the EU’s Common Security and Defense Policy.
It is specifically noted that the aid package includes the supply of light armored vehicles, tactical and engineering vehicles, as well as support in the form of training and maintenance, which is intended to ensure not only the acquisition of the equipment but also its full utilization in practice.
The EU also notes that the decision signals political support for Albania as a state that fully aligns its foreign and security policies with the EU’s approaches, which, in turn, strengthens its role in the regional and international security architecture.
On Thursday, May 14, a flag-raising ceremony for the three new full members—Albania, Finland, and Sweden—was held at the headquarters of NATO’s Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE) in Tallinn.
