Koka: Despite the "arms race," I do not expect conflicts in the Western Balkans

Analyst and Chief Editor of Suri TV Bledian Koka stated that investment in defense is an important national interest for every country. However, despite the regional "arms race," he does not anticipate conflicts in the Western Balkans.

"The arms race among Western Balkan countries should not be seen as preparation for a potential regional conflict. Regardless of recent international developments, following the US elections and the new approach of the American administration to global conflicts, such a scenario should not be expected. However, even though these conflicts are far from our region, they still pose a risk. That is why NATO exists. Therefore, while I hope that new conflicts will not arise, it must still be a priority for every country in the region to be militarily prepared to respond to any challenge," Koka told Kosovo Online.

He emphasizes that defense investments must be a national interest for every state.

"Military investments should not merely be election promises but concrete steps in line with national interests. Leaders must understand that their countries, regardless of which alliance they belong to, must have their own defense capabilities in case of aggression," Koka stressed.

Commenting on the fact that Albania was the only country in the region to improve its ranking in the Global Firepower index, moving from 90th to 78th place, Koka attributes this to Tirana’s commitment to fulfilling its NATO obligations since joining the alliance in 2008.

"According to NATO obligations, each member country is required to allocate 2% of its annual state budget to the military," Koka stated.

He reminds that NATO membership does not only entail collective defense in case of an attack but also requires a country to have its own capability to defend and retaliate if necessary.

Koka notes that this principle was a major talking point during Kosovo’s election campaign.

"I see that this trend is more pronounced in Kosovo than in Albania, especially during the last election campaign. It was one of the main topics and one of the key promises made by Prime Minister Kurti, expanding and increasing military investment. However, I believe that the need for national defense should not be used as a mere campaign slogan. Kosovo must be prepared to defend itself under any circumstances, particularly given the region in which it is located," Koka said.

Discussing Albania’s plans, he criticized the government's insistence on further increasing the defense budget.

"The Albanian government's desire to raise defense spending to 2.5% of GDP is more a form of unnecessary servility. This is not feasible in a country with limited financial resources and significant economic challenges like Albania. It is abnormal for a government to act as if it is a military power when that is neither necessary nor realistic. I agree that Albania has an obligation to increase its defense budget to 2% as required by NATO, but anything beyond that is an unnecessary promise," Koka concluded.