Albania Reopens Soviet-Era Air Base as NATO Hub Amid Russian Tensions
Albania reopens a Soviet-era air base in Kucova to service NATO aircraft in response to potential threats from Russia, with the prime minister citing concerns about Russian ambitions in the region. NATO has invested over €50 million to refurbish the base, and Albania is also in talks with NATO about constructing a naval base. Additionally, NATO military exercises involving 13 countries have begun in Finland, Norway, and Sweden, while Hungary has approved Sweden's membership in the alliance.