2026 Defence budget approved in principle, Minister Vengu: “A strategic choice for Albania 2030”

Published: Thursday, 20 November 2025 12:45

The Albanian Parliament has approved in principle the 2026 Defence Budget, which Defence Minister Pirro Vengu described as “a turning point for the modernisation of the Armed Forces, the revival of Albania’s defence industry, and the strengthening of civil emergency capacities.”

Presenting the draft budget in the plenary session, Minister Vengu underlined the strategic shift in national security investments:

“With a 12% increase compared to 2025, reaching 58.9 billion LEK or 2.12 % of GDP, this budget is not just a NATO criterion. It is a political and strategic choice to give Defence the real weight it deserves in our vision for Albania 2030.”

A total of 13 billion Lek is dedicated to uniformed personnel, including salary increases, better living conditions and expanded career opportunities.
“With this budget, we are not merely giving salaries. We are giving dignity and trust.” - Minister Vengu said, emphasising the priority of renewing human capital and strengthening the link between youth and the Armed Forces.

The budget also allocates 16.3 billion Lek for operational readiness, covering equipment, training, naval and air capacities, logistics and international missions. Nearly half of the total, 29 billion Lek, is directed toward capital investments, technological modernisation, digitalisation of combat units and the development of a growing Made in Albania defence industry.

Minister Vengu highlighted that Albania’s domestic industry is now producing ammunition, drones, anti drone systems, armoured vehicles and generating new jobs:
“For the first time, Defence is not only an expenditure, but also a source of income and development.”

In civil emergencies, 4.3 billion Lek are planned for two new regional centres, two firefighting aircraft and strengthened prevention and response capabilities.

The 2026 Defence Budget was approved in principle with 83 votes in favour and 32 against in the early hours of 20 November.