The defense "race" in Europe - Albania, record budget. Is the increase in investments enough?
In an uncertain global situation, many countries are increasing their defense budgets. Germany, Poland, Denmark, Sweden, the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Finland, and the Baltic states are significantly increasing defense spending, with targets ranging from 2.5–3% of GDP to close to 5% in some cases.
The main focus is on the modernization of armies, ammunition, air defense, drones, logistics, and new capabilities, while in some countries military service models are also being restored to increase readiness.
In this context, Albania could not be left behind, a record defense budget of 59 billion lek was approved for 2026, with the aim of meeting NATO standards. But how protected is Albania really in case of danger and are investments in defense alone enough?
"As long as we say NATO protects us, but in cases of conflict, are we ourselves ready? What is NATO? It makes a global policy of protecting its members, but the basis will be Albanian soldiers, the basis will be the Albanian population, the basis will be "he has the shelters to protect the population?". Are you able to have food reserves, hospital reserves? In cases of a situation, they will not come and open field hospitals to maintain and cure or to heal or to save the lives of Albanian citizens. All of these, I said, are the real basis of the economy, where from time to time information for the public and the media is not public, or is often reduced, or carries euphoria ," says Softa.
According to the expert, the vision for this sector should be "Albania 2030", but "Albania 2050" and investments should be more far-sighted.
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