Kosovo, Albania, and Croatia are advancing efforts to turn their joint defense declaration into actionable measures designed to bolster collective security. Announced in March, the declaration highlighted priorities including stronger defense capabilities, closer training ties, and strategies to counter hybrid warfare while aligning with Euro-Atlantic structures.
In July, defense experts from the three countries met in Tirana to develop a practical roadmap. According to Acting Kosovo Defense Minister Ejup Maqedonci, the final guide will be presented to their defense ministries in September for formal endorsement.
One of the first concrete steps will be shared arms procurement, with the three nations pledging to place a unified weapons order. Each will contribute funds individually, but coordination on quantity and delivery ensures efficiency and alignment across their armed forces.
The agreement also broadens cooperation into military education, joint exercises, and recruitment programs while focusing on countering hybrid challenges such as cyber threats and disinformation campaigns. NATO and US officials have expressed support for the initiative, seeing it as a boost to Southeast European stability. However, Serbia has voiced objections, arguing that the collaboration risks reviving subregional arms blocs and heightening tensions.
