Defense Minister Pirro Vengu presented the 2025 Defense budget proposal during a hearing with the Parliamentary Committee for National Security.
Minister Vengu highlighted that this budget marks the largest investment in Defense in over two decades, aimed at advancing the modernization of the Armed Forces. The proposal ensures that reforms will lead to real operational readiness, improved conditions for military personnel, stronger civil emergency infrastructure, and economic growth through industrial development.
Minister Vengu explained that the budget will drive economic growth through a defense industry agenda, stating: “2025 will be the second year we meet NATO’s commitment to allocate over 2% of GDP to Defense.The proposed 2025 budget for the Ministry of Defense totals 52.7 billion lek.
Outlining the budget’s main priorities, Vengu emphasized investment in human capital, modernization, and operational readiness. More than 50% of investments will go towards expanding capacities and modernizing equipment on land, sea, and in the air.
“This budget allows us to continue 21 ongoing projects, launch 8 new ones, maintain progress on 62 infrastructure projects, and initiate investment in 8 new facilities.” – Minister Vengu said.
A significant portion of the budget is dedicated to improving financial support for Armed Forces personnel, with salary increases benefiting 2,500 members, in many cases doubling their pay. The budget also includes a 1 billion lek allocation for the reserve force, which is expected to constitute one-fifth of the active Armed Forces by 2030.
Additional funds from this budget will support the NATO Base in Kuçovë and the maintenance of “Black Hawk” helicopters.
Minister Vengu emphasized the aim to begin generating revenue through the Military Industry in 2025, with plans to enhance production capacities in Mjekës, Gramsh, and Poliçan, and to establish the Defense Industry Agency. The budget also allocates 300 million lek to Civil Emergencies, which represents a significant increase, according to Minister Vengu.
Finally, the budget secures necessary funds for training, education, and exercises for military personnel, both domestically and internationally, with significant investment in the new campus of the Armed Forces Academy.