North Atlantic Treaty Organization has officially recognized Corridor 8 — stretching from the Durrës–Porto Romano port complex to the Black Sea — as a security corridor for collective defense.
The decision was taken at Thursday’s meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels, attended by Albania’s Minister of Defense, Pirro Vengu.
In a video message shared by Prime Minister Edi Rama on social media, Vengu described the move as a concrete achievement that places Albania at the heart of the Alliance’s strategic infrastructure and significantly strengthens regional security.
“After several years of disciplined, clear, and consistent work, today in Brussels, at the defense ministers’ meeting, Corridor 8 — starting at the Durrës–Porto Romano port complex and extending to the Black Sea — was officially included in the Alliance’s plans and critical military infrastructure. This is a concrete achievement that positions Albania at the center of all regional plans and infrastructures where the Alliance will focus in the coming years,” Vengu stated.
He added that the Brussels meeting also served as an opportunity to discuss the future of operations in which Albania participates, capacity building, and new opportunities for Kosovo.
“On the other hand, the ministerial was an opportunity to discuss with all allies the future of operations in which Albania takes part, particularly the Kosovo Force mission in Kosovo. An increase in capacities is being assessed. Albania will increase its capacities and involvement in this mission, including for the first time with its air force. Meanwhile, in close partnership with the United States and U.S. European Command, all necessary reassessments are being conducted regarding the future of this mission. This also represents a very good opportunity for the newly elected government of Kosovo to strengthen qualitative and ever-closer cooperation with the Alliance,” Vengu said.
According to him, a third key topic of discussion concerned how allied countries are not only increasing defense investments but also restructuring their military industries to generate greater capacities.
“Albania has firmly embarked on this path, and every day we are creating new capacities in our defense industry, with several contracts signed and others under negotiation. All these elements were welcomed by the allies,” he added.
The Minister of Defense also noted that Albania and Turkey have begun preparations to host the NATO Summit in Tirana in 2027.
