Minister Vengu at the First EU-Albania Security and Defence Dialogue: Strengthening defence capabilities for a safer region

Published: Tuesday, 08 April 2025 14:33

 

Albania will intensify its cooperation and engagement with the European Union to strengthen its defense capabilities. The statement was made by the Defence Minister, Mr. Pirro Vengu, during the First EU-Albania Security and Defense Dialogue, held in Tirana with the participation of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Vice-President of the European Commission, Ms. Kaja Kallas, who was visiting Tirana for the first time as part of a Balkan tour.

In his speech, Defence Minister Vengu emphasized:

“This new Security and Defense Partnership between Albania and the EU, and this very first dialogue, should be seen as the foundation for a ‘strategic approach’ in Albania’s path toward full integration into the EU’s security and defense policy, agenda, instruments, and mechanisms — even ahead of official full membership. We must clearly set a shared level of ambition to pursue our common goal: a much stronger European defense, capable of addressing both traditional and emerging security threats, which, as we all know, have been significant in recent years.”

The Defence Minister pledged to increase Albania’s contribution to EU-led crisis management missions through the Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP), such as EUFOR ALTHEA in Bosnia, the EU Battle Groups, and soon the naval operation ASPIDES.

While thanking the EU for the initial €13 million in support for the Albanian Armed Forces, Defence Minister Vengu noted that close cooperation would continue with EU teams to make the most of the European Peace Facility. He also announced that talks for a second round of assistance were already underway.

He expressed the need to be more ambitious in seizing the opportunities offered by the newly established SAFE instrument:
“We understand that many of these instruments are primarily intended for EU member states, but we strongly advocate for them to be made fully accessible to candidate countries and close EU partners like us. By doing so, we will accelerate the modernization of our Armed Forces, strengthen operational capacities and capabilities, advance military training and mobility, and, most importantly, revitalize the defense industry.” - he stated.

The Defence Minister also reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to a partnership with the EU, particularly in the revitalization of the defense industry — a key priority of the Albanian government.