From the United States, the Speaker of the Albanian Parliament, Niko Peleshi, raised concerns about security in the Western Balkans.
During his speech at the Security Forum in the U.S. Congress, Peleshi described the region as a geopolitically sensitive area, vulnerable to hybrid threats and foreign interference.
“The Western Balkans remains geopolitically sensitive, exposed to external attempts to undermine stability, weaken democratic institutions, and erode confidence in the Euro-Atlantic path. This reality requires vigilance, resilience, and strategic clarity. Euro-Atlantic integration and Kosovo’s membership in NATO are essential for regional security and stability,” he stated.
“Security has a cost, and responsibility must be shared!” With this message, Speaker Peleshi recalled the NATO Summit decision in The Hague to increase defense investments, highlighting that Albania is also taking steps in this direction.
“This year we are investing 2.12% of our Gross Domestic Product in defense, with a sustainable upward trajectory in the coming years to meet agreed guidelines,” he added.
At the Forum, attended by senators and congressmen, senior U.S. security officials, and high-ranking military figures, Peleshi emphasized that the Albania–U.S. partnership is strategic, long-term, and based on shared democratic values, rule of law, and respect for human rights.
