Albania

Conscription currently imposed?

No

Suspended 2010 under Article 42 of Law 9999,
Could be reinstated in time of war.

Conscientious objection first recognised

1998

Constitution, Articles 166 and 167
First provisions in Law no. 9047 (10.07.2003) "On military service”

CO release of professional soldiers

–

No provisions

Minimum recruitment age

18

18 in case of general/partial mobilisation

Population

Total

% males 15-19

Thus approx. annual cohort reaching 18

3,102,000

2.9

17,992

Armed forces

Total strength

Of which conscripts

Compared to annual cohort above

4,650

-

Total strength is 25.8% of cohort

Military expenditure

$ (% change from 2022)

Per capita

% of GDP

398m (+73.9%)

$140

1.7%

Current situation

Feedback from the state

From the Ministry of Defence reply to the EBCO Questionnaire.

Law No. 59, established in 2012, governs the military career in the Armed Forces of the Republic of Albania. According to this law, the duration of service after the recruitment phase and completion of the basic course is defined by an initial contract lasting for a period of three years.

The annual recruitment process, initiated in 2010, comprises three stages each year. On average, approximately 800 individuals are recruited annually, although not all successfully complete the mandatory basic courses. In 2022, 594 individuals attained recruit status, with 454 opting for voluntary recruitment. Among the voluntary recruits, 12% were women, with an average age of 22.29 years. The recruitment age falls within the range of 18 to 27 years.

Legislation governing the release of armed forces personnel:

  • Law no. 9210, dated 23.03.2004, "On the status of military personnel of the FA"
  • Law no. 59, dated 2014, "On the career in FA"
  • Military service contracts with the head of the institution/structure

11 personnel were released in 2023 at their personal request due to diverse family reasons: 6 officers, 3 non-commissioned officers and 2 soldiers.

No programmes which could be seen as preparatory to military recruitment are an obligatory part of the secondary education curriculum.