The European Union plans to fund Albania’s military using its so-called “European Peace Facility”, officials in Brussels have confirmed.
In a press release published on July 15, the Council of Ministers said it would be handing €13 million worth of equipment to the country’s Armed Forces.
It is the first time the EU has provided aid to the military this way.
Brussels officials insisted the “peace” funding would take the form of “equipment not designed to deliver lethal force”.
This reportedly includes the provision of light-armour vehicles, which Brussels described as being “equipped to provide high mobility and manoeuvrability in all types of terrain and weather conditions and ensure the protection of personnel against light weapons and explosives”.
It is unclear whether these vehicles could be weaponised by the Albanian Armed Forces after delivery. Asked for details on the vehicles, the Council refused to comment.
Speaking about the announcement, EU foreign affairs tsar Josep Borrell described Albania as being an important partner to the EU that is aligned with the bloc’s “security policy”.
“Today’s decision is an important milestone in our security and defence co-operation,” he said.
“It also reflects our appreciation for Albania’s full alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, which is a very clear expression of Albania’s strategic choice for a future within the EU.”
Global spending on nuclear weapons has increased to over $90 billion, peace organisations have claimed. https://t.co/1bRffKpmNC
— Brussels Signal (@brusselssignal) July 10, 2024
