3 minutes agoNATO boosts investments in Albania, support for Kosovo
Periskopi(8 years ago)
(8 years ago)NATO is increasing its influence in the Western Balkans as it prepares to establish its first air base in the region, as well as has urged Balkan countries to formally join the alliance, writes British prestigious “Express”. On August 4th, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that NATO intends to build its first base [...]
On August 4th, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that NATO aims to build its first Western Balkan base in the town of Kucova, while the works will begin this year.
The prime minister also stressed that the official “are discussing with the US to modernise Albania's” air capacities.
Albania became part of NATO since 2009 and is still replacing the outdated arsenal of weapons.
This country has access to the Adriatic Sea and Ion, and is located northwest of Greece, broadcasting atats.
Prime Minister Rama announced via his account to “Facebook” that the North Atlantic Council NATO will invest 50m euros.
This base will be used for air supply, logistical support, air patrol and training.
The base will also be used by the Albanian Air Force.
Deputy Secretary-General of NATO, Rose Gottemieder, said that “Alliance will support reforms in Kosovo, including the establishment of its regular armed forces”.
The EU has also helped by expanding with Albania, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia, which are states aspiring to become part of the European Union.
Bosnia Hrec Herzegovina formally submitted its EU membership application in 2016.
Also, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo are signatories of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU, an agreement that also has a military clause.
There are also efforts to reduce the region's energy dependence on Russia.
The Trans Adriatic pipeline project (TAP) is in construction phase and extends from the Caspian Sea to Albania, but also runs north of the Western Balkans.
