Albania advances to NATO 3.0 phase and prepares for summit in Tirana

Albanian Defence Minister Ermal Nufi announced that the country is moving into a new stage of its relationship with NATO, described as “NATO 3.0”. The phase calls for greater responsibilities and enhanced defence capabilities. Albania is preparing strategic investments to modernise its armed forces, including the procurement of aircraft expected to arrive within the year, and the development of infrastructure for both defence and emergency response.

Nufi said the upcoming NATO summit will be hosted in Tirana, a decision he said reflects the alliance’s confidence in Albania’s role as a reliable partner. He highlighted the shifting security environment, referencing the war in Ukraine, cyber‑threats and hybrid warfare, and stressed that NATO’s current focus is on readiness, capacity and rapid response. The minister reiterated that the Western Balkans remain crucial for European security and that Albania’s efforts are part of the collective defence system.