Albania reintroduces military reserve service under new law

November 29, 2024 – Albania has brought back its military reserve service with the introduction of a new law that aims to strengthen the country’s armed forces. The law will soon see 2,100 reservists recruited to serve up to 45 days a year, participating in both national duties and international missions.

The law sets out clear requirements for those wanting to join, including Albanian citizenship, a clean criminal record, and age limits—up to 50 for soldiers, 55 for non-commissioned officers, and 60 for officers. These reservists will work alongside the regular military forces, contributing to peacekeeping missions led by the UN, NATO, and the EU.

Ardit Çollaku, a senior official at the Ministry of Defence, explained that the service is voluntary, with two-year renewable contracts. This approach seeks to address recruitment gaps while keeping service voluntary.

This initiative comes as part of Albania’s ongoing commitment to NATO, which encourages member states to transition to fully professional armed forces. Albania’s previous mandatory military service law was amended in 2003, and this new law is seen as a step toward modernizing the country’s defense forces.

While the reserve force is expected to grow over time, Albania’s target of 2,100 reservists is set to be reached by 2030. A 125-person company is planned to join the armed forces by 2025, with the Ministry of Defence already budgeting for the expansion.