European Peace Mechanism, 15 million euros aid for the Albanian Armed Forces
The European Council approved the second measure of bilateral assistance under the European Peace Mechanism amounting to 15 million euros, aimed at strengthening the capacities and defensive capabilities of the Albanian Armed Forces, bringing the total amount of support for Albania to 28 million euros to date.
The Ambassador of the European Union Delegation in Tirana, Silvio Gonzato, stated today that this is another important step in strengthening EU-Albania cooperation in the field of security and defense.
“Albania is a close and stable partner of the European Union in foreign and security policy,” said Ambassador Gonzato, following the approval of the second measure of bilateral assistance in support of the Albanian Armed Forces.
The decision complements the support already provided by the European Union and aims to further enhance the deployability of the Albanian Armed Forces.
The assistance measure will also increase Albania’s potential to contribute to the operations and missions of the EU’s Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP), as well as to international coalitions.
The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, noted that “Albania is a close and permanent partner of the EU in foreign and security policies, contributing to EU operations and an ally of NATO.”
Kallas emphasized that “strengthening cooperation with Albania in the field of security and defense directly reinforces stability, security, and peace in Europe.”
The Council’s decision illustrates the EU’s strong and ongoing commitment to Albania in the field of security and defense. It also reflects the mutual commitment to strengthen cooperation in this area, based on the signing of the Security and Defense Partnership between the EU and Albania in November 2024 and the opening of the first Security and Defense Dialogue in April 2025.
The approval of a new supportive package recognizes Albania’s full alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy.
Through the European Peace Mechanism, the EU will provide the Albanian Armed Forces with multi-functional light armored vehicles, as well as tactical and engineering vehicles and, when necessary, relevant supplies and services, including operational and maintenance training.
The European Peace Mechanism was established in March 2021 to finance measures under the common foreign and security policy for conflict prevention, peacekeeping, and strengthening international security and stability.
In particular, the European Peace Mechanism enables the EU to finance measures designed to strengthen the capacities of third countries, as well as regional and international organizations regarding military and defense issues.
The first measure of bilateral assistance under the European Peace Mechanism in support of the Albanian Armed Forces, worth 13 million euros, was approved in July 2024. (July 28)
