In the framework of strengthening capacities for the management of civil emergencies and addressing situations caused by summer wildfires, a meeting was held with representatives of the Armed Forces, firefighting units, and the State Police. The focus was on analyzing the measures undertaken, assessing damages, and determining concrete steps to reinforce response mechanisms in the future.

Present at this meeting were Prime Minister Edi Rama, Minister of Defense Pirro Vengu, Minister of Internal Affairs Albana Koçiu, and Minister of State for Local Governance Ervin Demo. The ministers presented an overview of their respective institutions’ activities, the deployment of human resources and equipment, as well as ongoing projects for expanding operational fleets and making infrastructural investments.

The importance of effective coordination was particularly emphasized, especially in the most affected areas and in national parks or residential zones, where swift field intervention and timely action are essential.

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Prime Minister Edi Rama:

First of all, I want to underline the fact that, as we made clear at the peak of the firefighting response, the government’s moral and legal commitment regarding homes and livestock lost will be upheld to the letter. An inventory has already been completed, and all those who have lost homes or livestock should rest assured that, with the approval of the upcoming normative act of the government, they will be compensated cent by cent. This, I believe, is of great importance. Equally important is that everyone begins considering enrollment in the new natural disaster home-insurance scheme, which we will also enshrine in law.

Of course, while climate plays a major role in the spread of fires, the other side of the coin remains arsonists. For them, the Penal Code will be further tightened. A new package of amendments has been prepared and will soon be opened for public consultation, alongside measures targeting all illegal activities damaging the territory, public or private property, and any form of unlawful construction.

Secondly, I want to reiterate, as I have said before and as outlined in the Ministry of Internal Affairs priorities, that firefighters will be elevated to an entirely new level of attention, treatment, and support. This means, among other things, that firefighters will be included in the salary-increase formula applied to the Armed Forces, which today continue to experience steady, sustainable wage growth. Our ambition is that, by Albania 2030, the Armed Forces’ average salaries reach NATO levels. It is an ambitious goal, but entirely achievable.

As the Minister highlighted, a comprehensive plan for further modernization and capacity-building of our firefighting corps is already in motion. I am confident that this year will prove crucial in ensuring much stronger territorial performance by the next fire season.

The situation today, including equipment and even uniforms, is incomparable with what we inherited years ago. Today, no arrears remain to be paid off from the “cursed past,” and thanks to economic growth and increased revenues, we are able to reinvest more for those serving the nation.

Beyond firefighters and the forces present here—who, truthfully, have done extraordinary work in this most challenging of years—let us not forget that 2025 has been the hardest year yet, not only for us but across Europe and in neighboring countries. For this reason, as the Minister stressed, local civil structures must be fully involved in preparation starting now.

We have already begun working on a reform of the prefectures. This reform will not only empower prefectures but also strengthen municipalities and local administrative units. Too often, when faced with emergencies, while firefighters, rapid intervention forces, the military, and police deploy immediately and effectively, we observe confusion and lack of coordination at the local government level. In countries like Italy, by contrast, the role and responsibilities of civil protection representatives are clearly defined long before disaster strikes. Albania must reach that level of preparedness.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs must also be ready with an updated map of forces and potential emergency scenarios. Civil protection, in turn, must ensure support for all actors deployed on the ground.

Another crucial element is the forestry service and the involvement of schools—not only for awareness campaigns but also for preparing students to understand that fire is a recurring threat. School visits, demonstrations, and awareness-raising initiatives will be organized jointly by the Armed Forces, State Police, and firefighters, targeting both high school and younger students. This is vital because climate change and global warming are emerging as a new “enemy” of humanity and the planet.

Technology is another key factor. We will continue to strengthen our aerial fleet. Soon, the Air Force Academy will officially open in Vlora, training a new generation of pilots. Alongside helicopters, we are significantly expanding our drone fleet, including drones with thermal cameras for real-time forest monitoring and drones for reseeding burned areas. Step by step, we will also reinforce our aerial firefighting capacity with specialized aircraft.

In addition, work has begun on early warning systems and integrated rapid-response control centers with ground units.

I have personally followed measures implemented in countries like Greece and Italy, which face chronic wildfire problems and have invested massively in prevention and response. Yet, even there, the fire season remains a major struggle. The EU has also invested heavily in collective civil protection systems, but the losses this year—in forests, human lives, and livestock—were historically the highest recorded. Fighting wildfires is truly a battle requiring patience and strength, even as technology develops ever-smarter drones to detect outbreaks faster.

Finally, I want to give special recognition to the State Police, whose performance this season has surpassed previous years despite greater challenges. We have also introduced a key legal amendment: in areas affected by arson, no construction permit will be granted for the next 30 years.

I sincerely thank all of you for the extraordinary work you have done. I extend my deepest gratitude especially to the firefighters, who embody dedication and sacrifice. We are fully aware of your challenges and of the resources still needed so that you may work with greater motivation, dignity, and respect. Naturally, financial motivation remains essential, and we are mindful of this.

To our firefighters, I say: may God bless you and your families. What you do is truly exceptional, and we recognize it wholeheartedly. The same applies to the Armed Forces and the State Police, who stand on the front line during such crises.

Thank you all—together, with determination and willpower, we will perform better each and every day.

Thank you very much!