Minister Vengu: The 2026 Defence Budget, the most ambitious since NATO membership

Published: Wednesday, 12 November 2025 17:27

Defence Minister Pirro Vengu presented today before the Committee on Internal Affairs and National Security the Ministry of Defence’s draft budget for 2026, which he described as the most ambitious since Albania joined NATO.

According to Minister Vengu, next year’s budget foresees 58.9 billion lekë, marking a 12% increase compared to 2025, and for the first time reaching 2.12% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The minister underlined that the draft budget is focused on five main priorities:

Strengthening the dignity of the uniform, through salary increases and improved benefits for military personnel; reinforcing the mission of the Armed Forces, with every penny invested in military capabilities, emergency preparedness, and the enhancement of Albania’s role within the Alliance.

Another priority is the revival of the “Made in Albania” defence industry, which includes the development of armored vehicles, munitions and anti-drone systems, as well as the modernization of Civil Emergencies through the creation of a new national fleet, the construction of regional emergency centers, and fair funding for high-risk areas.

According to Minister Vengu, this is a security budget, a development budget, and a budget of national pride.