Albania decides to create a military reserve

Albania plans to start forming reserve military forces in January 2025. The relevant draft law has already been approved.

Albanian Defense Minister Pirro Vengu stated this, KOHA.net reports.

It is noted that this will allow servicemen who have decided to develop their careers in the private sector to also serve in the Albanian armed forces, performing specific missions.

According to the Minister, these could be peacekeeping missions within NATO or in the region.

“Within the framework of NATO’s commitments and standards and new security challenges, there is a need to consider the possibility of creating and organizing reserve forces,” Vengu stated.

Next year, the Albanian government will allocate €15.5 million for a reserve force of approximately 2,100 people. They will provide the capacity to respond quickly to emergencies.

Servicemen who were enlisted in the reserve at the time the relevant law entered into force, as well as civilians who meet the criteria for military service in the reserve, are recruited through a competitive process.

They sign a contract for service in the reserve for at least two years, which can be extended.

It is worth noting that reserve service is available in other countries, mostly in the United States but also in Ukraine.

The Albanian government previously approved a salary increase for defence sector employees. It is noted that the salary increase reaches €700. This decision applies to 6,000 military personnel.

Albania also intends to rebuild its own military industry. There are many industrial facilities in the country that are either mothballed or not used for their intended purpose.

In July this year, the European Council approved a €13 million aid package to support the Albanian military.