EU Council grants Albania an additional 21 million euros to strengthen its army

The Council of the European Union has approved a new financial package of 21 million euros to bolster Albania's military capabilities. This decision, made under the European Peace Facility, marks the third such bilateral assistance measure for Albania, bringing the total EU support through this instrument to 49 million euros. The initiative aims to further enhance the Albanian army's capacity for timely and effective deployment.

According to the Council's statement, this enhanced capability will also increase Albania's potential to contribute to the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy operations and international coalitions. High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, emphasized Albania's role as a close and reliable partner in foreign and security policy, highlighting its active participation in EU operations and its commitment as a NATO ally. "Strengthening our security and defense cooperation with Albania directly strengthens European stability, security, and peace," Kallas stated.

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Albania is a close and reliable partner in foreign and security policy, an active contributor to EU operations and a committed NATO ally.

The decision underscores the EU's ongoing commitment to security and defense cooperation with Albania, building upon the EU-Albania Security and Defence Partnership signed in December 2024 and subsequent defense dialogues. The funding package acknowledges Albania's full alignment with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy. Through the European Peace Facility, the EU will provide Albania's military with light armored multi-purpose vehicles, tactical and engineering vehicles, along with related supplies and services, including operational and maintenance training.

The European Peace Facility, established in March 2021, is designed to finance actions within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy to prevent conflict, preserve peace, and strengthen international security and stability. This latest allocation reflects a continued strategic investment in Albania's defense sector and its role within the broader European security architecture.

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Strengthening our security and defense cooperation with Albania directly strengthens European stability, security, and peace.