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"Rama's government has reported inflated figures", Albania invests little in defense, risks canceling NATO summit

Politiko 2026-06-19 11:42:22

"Rama's government has reported inflated figures", Albania

Albania is among three NATO member countries that have failed to meet the 2% of Gross Domestic Product target for defense spending, according to internal alliance sources.

According to internal NATO sources, together with the Czech Republic and Slovenia, they have again resulted in lower defense spending than agreed, writes Dutch media outlet Da Telegraaf. 

In March, NATO announced that all member countries had reached the 2% threshold, a target set for years as a minimum standard for defense spending. However, internal reviews have shown a less favorable picture.

Before the summit in The Hague last summer, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte had put great pressure on the countries lagging behind, warning that failure to meet the target could cause strong discontent from allies, including the US and US President Donald Trump.

According to sources, some countries with weaker economies have attempted to meet the 2% threshold, even including spending items that should not have been counted. Slovenia and Albania in particular are suspected of reporting inflated figures, falling up to half a percentage point below the real target.

There are also concerns that these three countries may miss the target again this year. In addition, attention is being paid to several other countries, including Hungary.

Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has warned that the US could take action against allies that fail to meet their financial obligations. According to these warnings, Washington could reduce its contribution to the NATO budget, which finances headquarters, missions and military exercises. Currently, the US covers about 15% of the alliance's budget.

According to sources close to the organization, Albania may even risk the right to organize the next NATO summit if it does not improve the fulfillment of its financial commitments.

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