Atlantic Eagles: Albania in the NATO (2009–2022)
Copyright (c) 2023 Harangozó Dániel
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Abstract
The aim of the study is to provide an overview and assessment of the first 12 years of Albanian NATO membership, based on three selected aspects: evolution of the legal-institutional framework regarding the defence sector, the trends of defence spending and equipment and capabilities development, and the participation in international missions of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Albania (Forcat e Armatosura të Republikës së Shqipërisë, FARSH).
In the changing European security environment in the wake of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, we expect Albania to become more important among Western Balkan NATO allies, despite the limited economic resources of the country and limited capabilities of the Albanian Armed Forces. Such „appreciation” can be explained, among others, by the geographic location of the country, and the consistent pro-NATO policies of successive Albanian governments, irrespective of political party. The above mentioned limited economic and military capabilities nevertheless might be a barrier to more active Albanian involvement in NATO.