Fortunately for the nation, NATO’s 76-year history culminates with the military intervention to stop the genocide and liberate Kosovo from Milosevic’s criminal machine (1999). Although outside Article 5, this first victorious war in NATO’s history legitimized it as: “The Alliance of Hope for the Protection of Human Rights and Democratic Values Around the Globe.”
By Gen. Piro AHMETAJ
First of all, April 4, 2025 marks the 76th anniversary of the founding of the North Atlantic Alliance. This event also gives additional value to our Nation as it coincides with the 16th anniversary of the Republic of Albania’s membership in NATO. 76 years ago, the World War II strategist, the “founding father”, its first Supreme Commander and President of the USA, Deight D. Eisenhower, designed NATO as “a political-military power to guarantee collective defense in the event of an attack by the Soviet Union”. Thus, on April 4, 1949, the most powerful and longest-lasting Alliance in the history of mankind was founded. In the 76 years that have passed, NATO has not only successfully fulfilled “General Eisenhower’s mission”, but has also served as an instrument of trust in invincible military power for peace, security and the promotion of Western values.
After the collapse of the Warsaw Pact (1991): “NATO continues to dominate the global security market” through a comprehensive process of modernization of the concept, structure, armament and standards of cooperation between member countries. Today, in the Euro-Atlantic space of 32 NATO countries, about 1 billion people live, who own ½ of the world economy; there are 8 million (4 active forces and the same number in reserve), while only the USA, France and the UK possess nuclear weapons for deterrence of potential enemies.
Fortunately for the nation, NATO’s 76-year history culminates with the military intervention to stop the genocide and liberate Kosovo from Milosevic’s criminal machine (1999). Although outside Article 5, this first victorious war in NATO’s history legitimized it as: “The Alliance of Hope for the Protection of Human Rights and Democratic Values Across the Globe.” Therefore, it would not be noble if, on every April 4th, we did not reiterate our nationwide gratitude to the US/NATO/UK.
76 years have confirmed the “vital role of the US in the Transatlantic Alliance”, as with about 1 trillion dollars in military spending per year, the US still bears the main burden of NATO commitments and contributions. However, it should be mentioned that due to the “legitimate pressure of the US/Trump” as well as 38 months of bloody war in Ukraine, 32 countries reached the highest budget in history (+ 1.6 trillion euros, of which about 600 billion euros from the other 31 members), with the aim of modernizing military capabilities and increasing NATO’s credibility.
This 76th anniversary also carries “strong messages of hope” for the invincible military power of the US/NATO. Moreover, the neo-Nazi war of Putinist Russia brought expansion with the two Nordic countries (Finland and Sweden), as well as support with over 500 billion euros of modern weapons, including ‘Leopard’ tanks, ‘Patriot’ systems, F-16 aircraft, recently 5000 German troops in Lithuania, etc., which remain proof of NATO’s reinforced determination to support Ukraine until victory over the common evil (Russia-Putinist). Of course, truths/deeds will/are speaking louder than thousands of speeches. Thus, after the “plebiscite victory over all”, President Trump has confirmed that over the next 4 years, he will face the “battle of his life”, that is, with the solemn promise: “to make the USA an unrivaled and invincible superpower for centuries, as well as a stronger NATO, for an even safer world”. Meanwhile, thanks to this “threat, call it what you will…”, from less than 5 (before 2020), today (2025), 27 of the 32 member states (including the Republic of Albania) have increased military spending to 2% of GDP, while the EU also reached 700 billion euros.
Secondly, 16 years after membership, Albania remains even more committed to the Alliance!
First of all, I would like to reiterate the strategic conviction that the Republic of Albania’s membership in NATO remains engraved in national history as: “The second geopolitical achievement after the declaration of independence on November 28, 1912.” As one of the technical witnesses at the NATO decision-making table (Cologne/Strasbourg Summit), I certainly know better than any head nurse/realtor that the official date of membership is April 1, 2009. But as in 16 years, I insist even more strongly on “moving and uniting the protocol celebrations from April 1 to 4, that is, with the date of NATO’s founding.” This is because I appreciate April 4th as a “wise discovery” that overcomes the burdens surrounding April 1st (April Fools’ Day) and confirms a great truth that honors this historic event for the nation. However, while reiterating my gratitude to the US, I continue to reject “populist claims” that Albania’s membership in NATO was just a gift or glory of the current rulers! This, since membership (April 4, 2009) remains the merit of 15-year efforts (PfP/1994 – MAP/1999 – NATO/2009) to fulfill the centuries-old aspiration of Albanians towards an alliance of democratic values. Suffice it to mention that before 1990 we inherited over 115 thousand active forces and the stupidity of the entire military population that consumed 25% of GDP, i.e. an “approach that discredited the nation and exhausted the Albanians.” After accession, the Armed Forces have about 9 thousand, while Albanians spend no more than 2% of GDP! Also, during the 31-year journey towards/after membership (1994-2025), from a consumer, the Republic of Albania is a confirmed contributor to peace and security, as since 1996 more than 10.000 military personnel have contributed to NATO operations in Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Georgia, Mali, etc. However, beyond “political matters (1997, etc.), the deformation of the basic principles of democracy (e.g., 94 deputies continue to be appointed/employed on the payroll of the Assembly), endemic corruption, and the abuse of power,” the Republic of Albania’s membership in NATO remains the product of the will and support of Albanians. But it would be unfair not to reiterate our gratitude to great friends, such as Presidents Bush, Clinton; Secretaries Baker, Allbright, Powell; those of Defense Perry, Rumsfeld, Gates, as well as to generals Clark, Jones, Stavridis, etc. On this occasion, it should also be mentioned that in the 16 years since membership (2009-2025), official Tirana has proven that membership was by no means the last stop for Albania, but a new era, with additional benefits and responsibilities. Therefore, without any political bias/bias, I have welcomed the unconditional contributions of the US/NATO commitments, the achievement of 2% of GDP, the construction of the Kuçova Air Base, the signing of the military agreement with Croatia and Kosovo; the modernization of the FD, as well as the more than modest contributions to Ukraine. Therefore, beyond the paranoia of political privatization and exaggerated celebrations (unfortunately shared even for this achievement), the state’s permanent responsibility to raise the weight and prestige of the Republic of Albania in NATO remains.
In addition, in the reforms to modernize the national security system, “not a penny is worth” the paranoia of privatization of the homeland, the politicization of the accession celebration, and Bolshevik oaths in the battles to maintain/take power, but only love for the country, humility for duty, high state responsibility, as well as trust and blessing towards the strategic partnership with the US/NATO.
To conclude, as I congratulate you on the 76th anniversary of its founding, I believe even more strongly that the US/NATO will continue to remain the most powerful Alliance in the history of humanity for decades and generations to come.”
