Tension erupts in the Balkans following a new conflict between Serbia and Kosovo

In recent hours, Albania, Croatia, and Kosovo signed an agreement in the Albanian capital, Tirana, to strengthen their defense cooperation, in a context of growing regional tension due to the secessionist drift in Bosnia-Herzegovina and the frictions between Serbia and Kosovo.

This agreement aims to improve the interoperability of the armed forces of the three countries and develop common defense capabilities, with a focus on regional stability and preparedness to face security challenges in Southeast Europe.

The Minister of Defense of Albania, Pirro Vengu, highlighted that the agreement reflects a common commitment to regional security threats. He emphasized that the cooperation is not directed against any country, but as a message of unity and resilience against those who attempt to destabilize the region.

Similarly, the Minister of Defense of Kosovo, Ejup Maqedonci, stated that the goal of this pact is not to threaten, but to demonstrate that the three countries are united and committed to stability.

Meanwhile, the Croatian minister, Ivan Anušić, emphasized that this agreement strengthens the interoperability of the armed forces and establishes the possibility of expanding the alliance in the future, even with the inclusion of Bulgaria.

This agreement also occurs in a context of increasing tensions in the region, particularly due to the separatist ambitions of the Bosnian Serb leader Milorad Dodik, who has taken steps toward separating from the central power of Bosnia-Herzegovina, seeking an eventual union with Serbia.

Additionally, relations between Kosovo and Serbia remain tense, especially due to disputes over the Serbian population in northern Kosovo, where about 50,000 Serbs reside and maintain a stance favorable to Belgrade.

Albania and Croatia have been NATO members since 2009 and have openly supported Kosovo's aspirations to join both the Atlantic Alliance and the European Union.

Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia in 2008, but Belgrade still doesn't recognize its sovereignty. Despite diplomatic efforts, the situation in the region remains delicate, with Serbia attempting to halt Kosovo's integration into international structures.

The trilateral agreement was signed by the defense ministers of the three countries: Pirro Vengu, Ivan Anušić, and Ejup Maqedonci.

Through this pact, the three countries seek to advance in military technology, conduct joint training, and improve defense capability through collaborative military exercises. Additionally, the agreement reaffirms the support of Albania and Croatia for Kosovo's full integration into Euro-Atlantic structures, something Serbia strongly opposes.

From Belgrade, the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern about the agreement, considering that forming a military alliance without prior consultation with Serbia could further destabilize the region.

In its statement, Serbia emphasized its role as a guarantor of peace and military neutrality in the Balkans and requested clarifications from Albania and Croatia about the objectives and nature of the defense cooperation with Kosovo.

On the other hand, the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, celebrated the agreement as an important step for security and peace in the region, highlighting that this cooperation contributes to strengthening the stability and integration of Kosovo into international structures.

The agreement also highlights the growing alignment of Albania, Croatia, and Kosovo on defense issues, which could generate new dynamics in the Balkans.