EU and Albania sign a military cooperation agreement

TIRANA, June 5 – The European Union and Albania signed Tuesday a framework agreement for the participation of Albania in the EU crisis management operations.
On behalf of the EU, the Executive Secretary General of the European External Action Service (EEAS), Pierre Vimont, signed the agreement with Albanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Edmond Haxhinasto.
Albania and the EU already co-operate in the area of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). Brussels and Tirana have previously negotiated ad hoc arrangements for Albania’s participation in two EU military operations, in Chad and the Central African Republic, and in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This agreement, however, will set out a legal framework for future Albanian participation in the full range of the EU military operations and civilian missions. It will also allow involvement of Albania in the on-going and future crisis management efforts whenever Tirana accepts to participate in EU operations
EU and Albania sign a framework agreement for the participation of
The agreement will set out a legal framework for possible future Albanian participation in the full range of EU-led military operations and civilian missions, and represents a step towards more structured cooperation between the EU and Albania in the security field.
This new framework instrument will allow on a case-by-case basis the smooth involvement of Albania in on-going and future EU crisis management efforts across the world, avoiding unnecessary delays where Albania is invited and agrees to participate in EU operations. The agreement comes in response to Albania’s strong desire to contribute with personnel and assets to the EU efforts, offering enhanced effectiveness and flexibility in response to future crises.
Albania has applied for the EU’s candidate status and expects likely a positive response this autumn after two previous failures.