Prime Minister Edi Rama declared today that Albania now boasts the highest-paid Armed Forces in the region, affirming a clear ambition to raise military salaries to match the NATO average by 2030.

The Prime Minister delivered his remarks during the graduation ceremony for 67 new officers from the Officer Preparation Course at the Armed Forces Academy.

During his address, Rama emphasized that international best practices and Euro-Atlantic values now drive the military’s modern transformation.

Looking back at past challenges, Rama recalled how the military once survived strictly on the passion, dedication, and discipline of its members.

“They earned the lowest salaries in our region and managed a ridiculous budget for a NATO force, seeing no clear path forward,” Rama noted.

Reflecting on the ceremony, Rama called today a proud moment for the Armed Forces, the academy’s faculty, and the General Staff, highlighting how Albania transformed past hardships into solid strength.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister emphasized that government attention and respect now fully motivate Albania’s military personnel.