Balkan regional security and defense cooperation

Military and international officials have been conducting high-level visits across the Balkans to assess security capabilities and strengthen regional cooperation.

In late August, NATO officials inspected defense industry companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including Binas d.d. Bugojno and BNT d.d. Novi Travnik, observing production facilities and live-fire demonstrations. During these visits, officials noted growth in the local defense sector, including expansion into drone production. Concurrently, KFOR leadership in Kosovo met to discuss the regional security situation and reaffirmed commitments to maintaining a secure environment.

By September, security activities expanded to include international military exercises and operational coordination. In Montenegro, military leadership reviewed the ‘Common Challenge 26’ exercise in Kolašin. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, EUFOR leadership met with the 5th Infantry Brigade near Tuzla to discuss strengthening the relationship between EUFOR and national armed forces, while also engaging with local liaison teams to monitor the environment.