WASHINGTON – “The Western Balkans and the Black Sea regions are of strategic importance for the Alliance. We remain strongly committed to their security and stability”, states the Declaration adopted by the heads of state and government of the North Atlantic Alliance, who gathered on 9-11 July in Washington to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Alliance. It is stressed that the NATO will continue to enhance “our political dialogue and practical cooperation with the Western Balkans in order to support reforms, regional peace and security, and counter malign influence, including disinformation, hybrid, and cyber threats, posed by both state and non-state actors”.
“Democratic values, the rule of law, domestic reforms, and good neighbourly relations are vital for regional cooperation and Euro-Atlantic integration, and we look to continued progress in this regard. We remain committed to NATO’s continued engagement in the Western Balkans, including through the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR)”, the Declaration says.
The advice to Bosnia and Herzegovina to continue to implement democratic reforms, no mention of Serbia
When it comes to the individual countries of the WB region, there is a reference to Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is advised by NATO to “continue democratic reforms as it advances with its European integration”. In addition, the Alliance has committed to supporting the security and defence capabilities of BiH, and to enhancing its capacity to counter hybrid threats.
The segment of the document related to the Western Balkans is very similar to the Declaration adopted last July at the NATO Summit held in Vilnius. However, unlike in 2023, this time it is not emphasised that “strengthening NATO-Serbia relations would be of benefit to the Alliance, to Serbia, and to the whole region”, and there is not mention of “the support of the EU-facilitated Dialogue and other efforts aimed at the normalisation of relations between Belgrade and Pristina”.
A promise of long–term support to Ukraine “in the fight for freedom”
On the other hand, many segments of the latest Declaration deal with the current situation in Ukraine. Among other things, it is stated that “at this 75th anniversary Summit, we are taking further steps to strengthen our deterrence and defence, bolster our long-term support to Ukraine so it can prevail in its fight for freedom”.
“Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has shattered peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area and gravely undermined global security. Russia remains the most significant and direct threat to Allies’ security”, the document states.
When it comes to the concrete promised made to Ukraine, NATO leaders underline that “political, economic, military, financial, and humanitarian support, including military assistance amounting to roughly €40 billion annually” will be continued. At the same time, they welcome the Secretary General’s decision to appoint a NATO Senior Representative in Ukraine.
The Declaration also stresses that for the next NATO summit the recommendations on NATO’s strategic approach to Russia, taking into account the changing security environment, will be developed.
Harsh criticism of Belarus, China, North Korea and Iran
NATO leaders have voiced harsh criticism of Belarus, China, North Korea and Iran. They argue that North Korea and Iran are fuelling Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine by providing direct military support to Russia, such as munitions and uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), which seriously impacts Euro-Atlantic security and undermines the global non-proliferation regime.
In reference to Russia’s “deepening political and military integration” with Belarus, it is noted that Belarus is making its territory and infrastructure available to Russia in the war against Ukraine, which has negative consequences for regional stability and defense of the Alliance.
In the segment of the Declaration on relations between Russia and China, it is noted, among other things, that the strengthening of this cooperation and their increasingly vigorous attempts to undermine and reshape the rules-based international order are a cause for deep concern.
“We are faced with hybrid, cyber, space and other threats and malicious activity by state and non-state actors”, the Alliance warns.