Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has claimed that Albania and Croatia are fueling an “arms race” in the region following the signing of the Defense Cooperation Memorandum with Kosovo. The tripartite agreement, signed in Tirana on March 18, has sparked strong reactions in Belgrade.
“This is a difficult situation for us, but we have understood their message. We will defend our country, deter them, and always successfully protect it from any possible aggressor, regardless of its strength,” said Vučić on March 19 in Brussels after his meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
The Serbian president called the memorandum a “violation of the subregional arms control agreement”, expressing doubts about NATO’s prior knowledge of this development. “I raised this issue in my meeting with Mr. Rutte, but I cannot disclose what he said about it,” Vučić added.
The declaration, signed by the defense ministers of Croatia, Albania, and Kosovo, aims to strengthen cooperation in defense and security, address hybrid threats, and counter risks that could undermine regional stability. According to Croatian Radio Television (HRT), the agreement includes:
- Enhancing defense capabilities and cooperation between defense industries
- Strengthening interoperability through joint education, training, and exercises
- Countering hybrid threats
- Supporting Euro-Atlantic integration
The document also leaves room for other countries to join the initiative if they choose.
On the other hand, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, after meeting with Vučić, stated that “maintaining regional security remains a priority,” emphasizing the need to strengthen NATO-Serbia relations.
Serbia continues to oppose Kosovo’s independence, considering it part of its territory, despite participating in the EU-mediated dialogue for the normalization of relations.
In 2023, Kosovo and Serbia reached an agreement, which among other things, required Belgrade not to obstruct Kosovo’s membership in international organizations. However, tensions between the two countries have remained high, with Pristina accusing Serbia of supporting armed groups in northern Kosovo.
In September 2023, an armed attack in Banjska, Zvečan, resulted in the killing of a Kosovar police officer, for which Kosovo directly blamed Belgrade. Additionally, in November 2024, an explosion in a key water canal in northern Kosovo further raised concerns about regional destabilization.
How this agreement will impact Kosovo-Serbia relations and regional security remains to be seen in the coming months.
