2021 Defense Budget, Xhaçka: 11.8% higher than in 2020; in Albania the largest exercise ever

Published: Wednesday, 28 October 2020 17:06

The budget of the Ministry of Defense for 2021 compared to the 2020 has been increased by 2.7 billion lek, i.e. 11.8% more than in 2020.

The Defense Minister, Olta Xhaçka, during a hearing session in the Parliamentary Committee on National Security, emphasized that the draft budget dedicated to Defense for the next year continues to grow and it serves to strengthen and increase the capacities of the Armed Forces.

"This budget continues the growth trend both in nominal value and as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product. So, if for 2020 we had a budget of 1.46% of Gross Domestic Product, for 2021 the budget reaches 1.5% of GDP, which fully meets our objectives and commitments at the Wales Summit to reach 1.75% in 2022, and 1.85% of GDP in the budget of 2023 ", - said Xhaçka.

While expressing Albania's commitment to international missions, Minister Xhaçka stated that for the first time in our country will be held the largest military exercise, with the participation of 8 thousand American troops.

"Exercise Defender - 2021, a US bilateral exercise, is the first of its kind in our country and will participate over 8,000 American troops, which will be deployed in some regions of the country and in some units of our Armed Forces", - said Xhaçka.

Despite the obstacles economy has experienced during the last year as result of the earthquake, but also the pandemic, Albania has adhered to the political commitment to the allies, where the treatment of personnel remains one of the main priorities.

"We have increased the financial treatment through the re-estimation of job difficulties and the return of food allowance for over 4 thousand members of the Armed Forces, which was removed by Berisha's Government in 2013 just a few days before handing over power," said Minister Xhaçka.

The Defense Budget will be used to support staff; domestic and foreign operations and civil emergencies; readiness and maintenance; Exercises; education and training; international structures and commitments; modernization; infrastructure, etc.

Through next year's budget, it will be possible for the Armed Forces to face the new responsibilities of the Ministry of Defense, regarding Civil Protection.

VIDEO