Albania to increase defense spending by about €110 million

Based on Albania's updated 2026 budget, the government will raise defense expenditures by an additional 10.3 billion lek (approximately €109.5 million), bringing total defense spending to 2.6% of GDP, Albanian Finance Minister Petrit Malaj stated, according to Report's Balkans bureau.

Malaj stressed that the budget amendments approved by the government are aimed at strengthening Albania's defense capabilities and accelerating the modernization of its armed forces.

He noted that the revised budget also includes the recruitment of 300 new military personnel.

The increase in spending reflects Albania's ongoing efforts to align with NATO's defense expenditure targets and to enhance its contribution to the alliance's collective security framework.