• As soon as possible and through an in-depth analysis, the defense budget should be freed from funding activities, capacities and structures that belong to other ministries. • The defense budget should reach(at least) 2% of GDP. • Planning of operational capabilities should be done based on security scenarios, preferably with participation and contribution of other Albanian security institutions. • The legislature should unceasingly exert its supervisory and controlling role over the MoD and the AAF(via periodical hearings, inspection visits, etc.). Abbreviations AAF ALL GDP MBP MoD MoH MoI NBC O&M Albanian Armed Forces Albanian lek(100 ALL= 0.95 EUR as of 18 October 2023) Gross domestic product Midterm budgeting plan(ing) Ministry of Defense Ministry of Health Ministry of the Interior Nuclear, bacteriological, chemical Operations and maintenance BUILDING AND MAINTAINING OPERATIONAL MILITARY CAPABILITIES IN ALBANIA IN THE FACE OF CURRENT AND EXPECTED SECURITY CHALLENGES | 11