The Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a strong reaction late Tuesday, calling the newly signed military alliance agreement between Kosovo, Albania, and Croatia a "provocation." The agreement, signed in Tirana by the defense ministers of the three countries, has drawn sharp criticism from Belgrade, which claims that the move undermines regional stability.
Serbia announced that it will urgently request official explanations from the foreign ministries of Croatia and Albania regarding the trilateral defense cooperation memorandum. Belgrade argues that by signing this agreement with "the illegal representative of the temporary self-governing institutions in Pristina," Croatia and Albania have taken steps that pose a threat to peace in the Balkans.
According to Serbia's statement, as a country committed to military neutrality and regional stability, it has the right to demand clarification on the nature and objectives of this military cooperation. Belgrade is particularly concerned that this alliance was formed without any consultation with Serbia, emphasizing that it includes an entity (Kosovo) that lacks international legitimacy and allegedly endangers the Serbian population and the entire region.
Serbia’s Official Concerns
“We cannot ignore the clear political message behind this initiative. It is evident that this memorandum is not a result of coincidental cooperation but a targeted strategy to isolate Serbia and strengthen paramilitary structures in the southern province of Serbia, in direct violation of international law and UN Security Council Resolution 1244,” stated Serbia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Serbia also highlighted its concerns that two of its neighboring countries, Croatia and Albania, have chosen to move forward with this agreement while extending an invitation to Bulgaria to join. If, as claimed, this alliance is not directed against any particular country, Belgrade demands to know why Serbia was excluded from any discussions regarding collective security in the region.
Belgrade further argues that unilateral military armament and cooperation with what it considers "illegal structures" in Kosovo constitute a grave violation of international legal norms and a direct threat to regional peace.
“Serbia will not remain silent on this matter. Despite our military neutrality, Serbia has always been willing to consider sincere cooperation with Croatia and Albania in combating terrorism and modern security threats. However, this initiative—executed without Serbia’s involvement but with Pristina—represents an open provocation and a severe disregard for the reality on the ground,” the statement continued.
Serbia demands immediate clarification from Zagreb and Tirana regarding the real objectives of what it calls a "dangerous" military initiative.
Croatian Defense Minister’s Response
In response to Serbia’s strong reaction, Croatian Defense Minister Ivan Anušić dismissed Belgrade’s concerns, emphasizing that Serbia no longer has the authority to dictate Croatia’s military decisions.
"The days when Croatia sought approval from Belgrade on what it should do and how it should function are long gone. Croatia has been an independent and sovereign state for 35 years, following five years of aggression from the same Belgrade policies that now make these statements," Anušić said, as reported by Dnevnik.hr
He further clarified that Croatia will sign military agreements with its partners and allies without external interference. “Albania is our NATO ally, and Kosovo is a friendly country that we have recognized. More countries will join our memorandum. There is not a single mention of Serbia in this document, nor any indication of aggression or activities threatening anyone, including Serbia,” he stated.
Anušić emphasized that Croatia is focused on cooperation and knowledge exchange with other nations. “That is precisely what we will do with Albania and Kosovo—work together to combat cyber warfare, a challenge Croatia has faced for the past five or six years, just like Albania and Kosovo. We will collaborate to prevent these threats across our territories. That is the essence of this initiative, and Croatia will certainly not ask Belgrade for permission,” he concluded.
Kosovo and Albania’s Stance on the Agreement
Kosovo’s Defense Minister, Ejup Maqedonci, who signed the agreement alongside Albania’s Pirro Vengu and Croatia’s Ivan Anušić, described the initiative as a commitment to strengthening regional defense cooperation.
“Based on our shared values, aligned geostrategic orientations, and mutual engagement in regional cooperation, Albania, Croatia, and Kosovo commit to enhancing collaboration and advancing measures to protect our territories and peoples. We aim to contribute to international peace and security while developing our defense industry,” Maqedonci stated after signing the declaration.
He emphasized that the three countries would work to increase military interoperability through joint education, training, and exercises. They also aim to address hybrid threats and coordinate policies for Euro-Atlantic integration.
“This cooperation is not a threat to anyone but an additional effort to maintain peace and regional stability in the Western Balkans. Together with Albania and Croatia, Kosovo is stronger, the region is safer, and peace is more sustainable,” Maqedonci affirmed.
Albanian Defense Minister Pirro Vengu echoed these sentiments, describing the agreement as a significant step toward strengthening defense capabilities, developing military technology, and improving military interoperability in the region.
“Albania and Croatia will continue to support Kosovo’s aspirations for full integration into regional and Euro-Atlantic structures,” Vengu wrote on X (formerly Twitter).