Albania did not meet NATO’s benchmark of allocating at least 2% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to defense spending in 2025, according to comments by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte ahead of the Alliance’s defense ministers’ meeting.
Speaking on June 17, Rutte stated that nearly all NATO members had reached the 2% target, but Albania, along with the Czech Republic and Slovenia, remained below the required threshold.
“Last year, Albania, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia did not reach this level, but they have made a clear commitment to exceed the 2% threshold during this year,” Rutte said.
According to reports, Albania’s Ministry of Defense operated with a budget of approximately 55.2 billion lekë in 2025. However, actual defense expenditures reportedly remained below the level required to satisfy NATO’s spending commitment.
Sources indicate that Albanian authorities explored borrowing options from allied countries to help meet the target, but the financing process was not finalized before the end of the fiscal year.
The issue comes as NATO members prepare for significantly higher defense commitments in the coming decade. Under Alliance plans agreed by member states, countries are expected to gradually increase defense and security-related spending to 5% of GDP by 2035.
Despite missing the 2% benchmark in 2025, Albania has pledged to surpass the threshold and strengthen its military capabilities in line with NATO requirements.
The development is particularly notable as Albania is scheduled to host a future NATO summit, underscoring its growing role within the Alliance and the importance of meeting collective defense obligations.
