A trilateral meeting of defence officials from Kosovo, Albania, and Croatia was held recently to advance joint cooperation in defence and security, building on a declaration signed in 2025.
• The meeting brought together directors of defence and armaments policies from the three countries’ ministries to discuss implementation of the 2025 Tripartite Joint Declaration on Defence Cooperation.
• The Kosovo delegation was led by Faruk Geci, Director of Defence Policy.
• Participants exchanged views on enhancing defence capabilities, cooperation between defence industries, and the next steps for implementing the agreement.
Four Key Areas of Cooperation
According to official statements, the declaration outlines four main pillars of collaboration:
- Promoting cooperation in defence capabilities and the defence industry;
- Increasing interoperability via joint education, training and exercises;
- Addressing hybrid threats and strengthening resilience;
- Full and continued support for Euro-Atlantic integration.
Officials emphasized that cooperation aims to increase security and stability in Southeast Europe and strengthen ties between the participating countries.
Background: Trilateral Defence Declaration Signed in 2025
This trilateral cooperation builds on a joint defence declaration signed on 18 March 2025 in Tirana by the Defence Ministers of Albania, Croatia, and Kosovo.
The earlier agreement focused on:
- Developing defence capacities and technologies;
- Improving military interoperability through joint training and exercises;
- Strengthening stability and security in the region;
- Support for Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
Regional Context
The trilateral cooperation has attracted international attention. Serbia has publicly criticized the initiative, suggesting it could destabilize regional security—given its non-recognition of Kosovo’s independence.
Both NATO member states Albania and Croatia have framed the agreement as a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing collective security and interoperability rather than threatening any neighbour.