Military alliance planned between two of Romania’s neighbors

Croatia, Albania, and Kosovo have signed a memorandum on military cooperation, which has triggered a strong reaction from Serbia, reports vreme.com. The memorandum aims to strengthen cooperation in defense capabilities and industry, enhance interoperability through education, training, and exercises, combat hybrid threats, and reinforce strategic resilience, while fully supporting Euro-Atlantic and regional defense integration.

While the signatories praise the agreement, stating it poses no threat to anyone but serves as a message to those who dare to threaten security, peace, and freedom in the Western Balkans, Serbian authorities perceive it as another danger.

Serbia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs swiftly responded, announcing it would urgently request detailed explanations from the Foreign Ministries of Croatia and Albania regarding the signing of the trilateral memorandum. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić also condemned the agreement.

According to Serbia’s Foreign Ministry, “these two countries, along with the illegitimate representative of Pristina’s temporary self-government institutions, have taken actions that undermine regional stability.” The statement further asserts, “The Republic of Serbia, as a guarantor of peace and military neutrality in the Balkans, rightfully demands answers regarding the nature and objectives of this security cooperation.”

The ministry also criticized the exclusion of Serbia from consultations, stating, “It is particularly concerning that this military alliance was formed without Belgrade’s involvement, with the direct participation of an entity lacking international legitimacy and posing a security threat to the Serbian people and the entire region.”

Furthermore, the ministry pointed out that Croatia and Albania initiated the agreement while extending an invitation to Bulgaria. “If this agreement is truly not directed against anyone, then we demand an explanation as to why Serbia was excluded from any negotiations on regional collective security,” the Serbian Foreign Ministry stated.

What do the signatory countries say?

Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, praised the memorandum as a crucial step for security and congratulated the signatories. Kurti wrote on Facebook:

“Congratulations to everyone! A very important step for security and peace in the region, through defense, cooperation, and coordination among our peaceful countries. The trilateral military alliance declaration was signed today in Tirana by our Minister of Defense (Kosovo), Ejup Macedonci, Albania’s Defense Minister, Pirro Vengu, and Croatia’s Defense Minister, Ivan Anušić.”

Minister Macedonci emphasized, “The goal of this cooperation is not to threaten anyone, but to send a message to those who intend to destabilize the region—showing them that we stand together and will not allow any destabilization.”

Croatian Defense Minister Ivan Anušić stated that “the three countries will be prepared to face future security challenges in Southeastern Europe, and there is a possibility that this trilateral military alliance may expand in the future to include Bulgaria.”

Albanian Defense Minister Ejup Vengu added that Kosovo and Albania have valuable lessons to learn from Croatia.

After the signing of the Declaration on the military alliance between Kosovo, Albania, and Croatia, retired Albanian General Esad Çolaku emphasized that this was a clear signal to Serbia and other countries that might have territorial claims in the Balkans, reports Kosovo Online.

“One of these agreements is a clear message to Belgrade because it sends a strong signal to all those who have territorial claims against neighboring countries. We know that Serbia started a war in Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, and Kosovo,” Çolaku stressed.

He also expressed concern over the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighting that “the situation there is worsening due to Serbia’s influence, which could have dangerous consequences for the entire Balkans.”

Regarding Albania, Çolaku explained that the country’s military forces need further expansion, adding that Albania must invest more in increasing the size and readiness of its military.

“Albania is in great need of this because it has very few military forces. In addition to increasing the number of soldiers and units, it must also maintain a very high level of training. Albania is not directly threatened, as Kosovo stands in front of it,” Çolaku emphasized.

When asked about the possibility of a military alliance between Serbia and Hungary, Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić responded positively.

“I believe that anything that strengthens Serbia’s ability to act independently on the international stage, protect its national interests, and enhance the security of all its citizens is a positive development. What has been achieved in relations with Hungary over the past 12 years, since the signing of the historic Agreement on National Reconciliation, is a legacy for future generations. It is a European example of how two nations can build a new type of relationship and a major achievement of President Vučić’s policy,” Đurić stated.

“We have responded to this challenge—a so-called alliance that many describe as an anti-Serbian axis—with dignity, strong arguments, and facts. We demand transparency and a departure from the politics of division and conflict. Our goal is not to win a dispute but to solve a problem,” he added.

The Serbian Foreign Minister also stated that strengthening diplomatic activity is a positive step and that transparency is of utmost importance.

“As Foreign Minister, whenever such serious issues arise in our country, they affect our ability to act on the international stage. What is happening now is not good for Serbia’s image. We live in an era where our people have been labeled, and the 1990s still define our image in many parts of the world. Now, recent events are being added to this narrative,” Đurić concluded.