Venice: Defence Minister Nufi attends meeting of Defence Ministers of the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative

Published: Monday, 05 October 2026 10:55

The defence ministers of the six countries bordering the Adriatic and Ionian Sea, Albania, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Montenegro and Slovenia, discussed ways to strengthen regional cooperation in defence and security amid an increasingly complex strategic environment.

During the meeting, Defence Minister Ermal Nufi emphasised the importance of strengthening the initiative as a practical mechanism for enhancing coordination, cooperation and shared capabilities across the Adriatic-Ionian region, enabling participating countries to respond more effectively to emerging security and defence challenges.

“Albania supports the continuation of discussions on the Continental European Defence Initiative (CEDI), through which Europe would assume greater responsibility for its own security, in a manner complementary to NATO and while preserving a strong transatlantic bond.” Minister Nufi said.

He further underlined:

“ADRION and CEDI are two complementary tracks: one deepens practical cooperation across the Adriatic and Ionian region, while the other strengthens political and strategic coordination in Europe.”

“In this regard, Albania remains ready to contribute actively to transforming our shared ambitions into cooperation, capabilities and tangible results for European security and beyond,” Minister Nufi added.

The Adriatic-Ionian Initiative is a regional cooperation mechanism in the fields of defence and security, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and maritime security across the Adriatic-Ionian area.

ADRION focuses on enhancing practical cooperation, coordination, interoperability and the development of shared capabilities among its participating countries: Albania, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Montenegro and Slovenia.