When asked by ATA about the specific measures being implemented to prevent flooding and fire incidents, Minister Vengu stated that this initiative forms part of the agreements signed during the joint session of the two governments, as well as the agreement between Albania’s National Civil Protection Agency and its Italian counterpart.

“We will adopt the Italian system for the emergency number 112. This is an obligation arising from our European Union membership. We need to have a unified national and European number, 112, which connects to an operations center where all law enforcement agencies and disaster management structures coordinate,” Vengu stated.

According to the Minister, the National Civil Protection Agency (AKMC) already has the financial resources to implement this project, thanks to the support of the Italian side.

Vengu highlighted that, in recent years, Albania has experienced increasingly severe floods and rainfall concentrated in specific regions, while wildfires have become a persistent threat rather than merely a seasonal concern. “These developments are driven by climate change, as well as urban and rural dynamics, and Albania is no exception,” he remarked.

The Minister emphasized that, over the years, there has been a significant reliance on the Armed Forces for emergency response, whereas the new strategy, as reflected in the 2026 budget, focuses on three primary objectives.

“First, the enhancement of municipal capacities through investments in preventive infrastructure. The Minister cited interventions on retention structures in Shkodër and on high-water channels in Vlorë as examples, noting that these measures have helped mitigate the impact of recent rainfall. In this context, the budget for municipal preventive infrastructure has been increased, and next week a call for applications will be launched through the AKMC for the construction of bridges, river retention structures, and the repair of dams and drainage channels, in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture,” the Minister of Defense stated.

Second, the new strategy aims to establish a stronger response chain through the creation of an intermediate level with regional emergency centers, located closer to high-risk areas.

Vengu announced the construction of two new regional emergency bases—in Bushat and Kranë, Finiq—to strengthen response capabilities in northwestern and southern Albania, equipped to support aerial operations and enhance intervention efficiency.

Third, the Minister emphasized the importance of prevention through innovation, highlighting the use of satellite imagery, thermal drones, and advanced technological systems by the AKMC, which have proven effective in field operations. He stated that investments in this area will continue.

/sm/