Albania hosts EU-funded “Flood North Albania” exercise, Minister Vengu: Ready to respond to emergencies

Published: Friday, 11 April 2025 18:50

 

Albania recently hosted “Flood North Albania”, a major regional and international civil emergency exercise aimed at strengthening disaster response. The exercise brought together 13 teams from 8 countries across the Balkans and beyond, with Albania’s Defence Minister, Mr. Pirro Vengu, visiting participants during the final day.

In his address, Defence Minister Vengu described the event as an important milestone for Albania’s Civil Protection efforts and a clear sign of its growing commitment within the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

“Flooding remains one of Albania’s most serious natural threats — affecting nearly 50,000 citizens every year and causing around €35 million in damage. That’s why civil protection has become a strategic priority for our government.” - he said.
“We’ve taken significant steps forward: building the right structures, investing in prevention, and strengthening cooperation with our international partners. Today, Albania is better prepared to respond to emergencies.”

The Minister noted that the exercise itself was proof of that progress — and of the power of regional cooperation:
“Joint exercises like this one help build shared expertise, streamline emergency response, and ensure we can deliver faster, more effective help when disasters strike.” - Vengu added.

He also underlined that Albania is now an active contributor to EU civil protection efforts:
“We don’t just participate — we help shape the policies, decisions, and action plans that impact the wider Balkan and EU region. And we provide hands-on support in the field when needed.”

Minister Vengu, accompanied by Mr. Haki Çako, Director of the National Civil Protection Agency, and representatives from partner nations, attended a live demonstration in the Dajç area of Shkodër. The simulation included rescue and evacuation operations, livestock protection, and floodwater removal using high-capacity pumps.

Teams from Albania, Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, and the EU Civil Protection Mechanism took part in the field operation.

The “Flood North Albania” exercise aimed to assess the readiness of national institutions and civil protection forces, while also enhancing coordination with international emergency assistance.

The project is led by Albania’s National Civil Protection Agency and funded by DG ECHO, the EU’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Department. Running from January 2024 to December 2025, the initiative includes close collaboration with partner countries such as Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Greece, Italy, Cyprus, and Bulgaria.