The Defense Ministers of Kosovo, Albania, and Croatia signed a declaration on March 18 in Tirana, establishing cooperation in defense and security to strengthen military capacities and enhance interoperability among the three countries.
The declaration, published on March 22 by Albania’s Minister of Defense, Pirro Vengu, outlines four key areas: cooperation in the defense industry, improving joint capabilities through training and exercises, strengthening measures against hybrid threats, and supporting Kosovo in its Euro-Atlantic integration process.
Military and industrial cooperation
The three countries have pledged to explore the development and procurement of defense capacities through multinational cooperation, aiming to increase the readiness of their military forces and create a competitive and sustainable defense industry. The agreement also foresees investment in new technologies and innovations to establish a unified approach to security and defense transformation.
Enhancing interoperability
The declaration emphasizes boosting interoperability through education, training, and joint exercises. It proposes sharing best practices in recruiting, developing, and retaining qualified military personnel to strengthen deterrence and defense capabilities. Additionally, bilateral and trilateral drills will be conducted to improve operational readiness, in line with NATO and EU policies.
Countering hybrid threats
Another priority is enhancing collective responses to hybrid threats, including cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and foreign malign influence. Intelligence-sharing is highlighted as crucial for preventing, detecting, and effectively countering challenges to national and regional security. The agreement also includes exploring joint responses to threats against critical infrastructure.
Support for Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic integration
The final pillar focuses on aligning security and defense policies with Euro-Atlantic institutions and structures. The three countries have pledged to work together to support Kosovo’s full integration into regional security initiatives and its accession to NATO’s Partnership for Peace program.
Serbia’s criticism
Serbia has criticized the initiative, viewing it as a threat to its territorial integrity and accusing Albania and Croatia of fueling an arms race in the region. Kosovo, on the other hand, has argued that the cooperation will contribute to peace and stability, serving as a message of unity against any potential threats.
Kosovo’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described Serbia’s objections as a “blatant violation of the Brussels Agreements,” asserting that Serbia has no right to interfere in Kosovo’s international relations. Croatia responded by stating that the days of Zagreb seeking Belgrade’s permission for its actions and partnerships are long over.
The defense ministers have indicated that the cooperation could be expanded to include other countries, mentioning Bulgaria as a potential future partner. Montenegro clarified that it had not been invited to join the agreement.
Security experts see the initiative as a step toward strengthening strategic alliances that would help Kosovo advance its defense capabilities. However, they do not view it as a formal alliance similar to NATO.
