NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with Allied leaders from the Western Balkans in Skopje on 22 November 2023. The meeting, hosted by Prime Minister Dimitar Kovačevski of North Macedonia, was attended by Prime Ministers Edi Rama of Albania, Zoran Milanović of Croatia, and Prime Minister Milojko Spajić of Montenegro.
The leaders discussed NATO’s deterrence and defence, growing geostrategic competition, NATO’s continued support to Ukraine, and the situation in the Western Balkans. Stoltenberg concluded his four-day visit to the region, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and diplomacy over conflict and chaos. He stressed that ending secessionist rhetoric would boost stability and enable reforms in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and called for Belgrade and Pristina to reengage with EU-facilitated dialogue.
Stoltenberg also highlighted the latest proposals for the establishment of the association of Serb-majority municipalities in Kosovo as a step forward in overcoming regional conflicts that have continued for far too long.
NATO plays a multifaceted and crucial role in the Balkans, contributing to regional stability, security, and the promotion of democratic values. The alliance’s engagement in the Balkans has evolved over the years, addressing complex challenges and fostering cooperation among nations in the region.
One primary aspect of NATO’s role is its commitment to collective defense. The alliance provides a security umbrella, assuring member states, including those in the Balkans, that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all. This commitment serves as a deterrent against potential aggression, fostering stability in the region.
NATO has been actively involved in peacekeeping and crisis management efforts in the Balkans, particularly in the aftermath of the conflicts of the 1990s. Operations such as the Implementation Force (IFOR) and the Stabilization Force (SFOR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the Kosovo Force (KFOR) in Kosovo, exemplify NATO’s role in promoting peace, stability, and the rule of law.
Furthermore, NATO has supported the integration of Balkan nations into Euro-Atlantic structures. The Membership Action Plan (MAP) process and the Open Door Policy demonstrate NATO’s commitment to assisting aspiring members in meeting the alliance’s criteria and fostering democratic and military reforms. This engagement serves as a stabilizing force, encouraging political and security sector transformations.
NATO’s role extends to capacity-building and training programs, enhancing the capabilities of Balkan nations’ armed forces. The alliance’s support aids in modernizing defense structures, improving interoperability, and fostering professionalization within the region’s militaries.
The Partnership for Peace (PfP) program is another facet of NATO’s engagement in the Balkans. It provides a framework for cooperation with non-member states, allowing them to work closely with the alliance on various security-related initiatives, further contributing to regional security and collaboration.
Moreover, NATO plays a diplomatic role by facilitating dialogue and cooperation among Balkan nations. The alliance serves as a platform for addressing regional disputes, promoting confidence-building measures, and fostering a shared commitment to security and stability. The alliance’s engagement in the region reflects its commitment to fostering a secure and cooperative environment, promoting democratic values, and assisting Balkan nations in their Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
