Andoni: Agreement on strengthening defense cooperation is a relief for the EU

Andoni
Source: Kosovo Online

Political analyst from Tirana, Ben Andoni, told Kosovo Online that the declaration on strengthening defense cooperation, signed by the defense ministers of Albania, Kosovo, and Croatia, represents a form of collaboration aimed at a potential future alliance between these three countries. In the context of new geostrategic realities in Europe, he believes that this memorandum serves as a relief for the European Union.

He adds that the memorandum, which was signed two days ago in Tirana, was largely unknown to the media and public opinion, with more information available about it in Kosovo and Croatia than in Albania.

"This is cooperation aimed at forming a kind of future alliance between Albania, Kosovo, and Croatia, which seems like a completely normal agreement, as these countries share a common interest regarding their respective issues with Serbia. The relations between Croatia and Kosovo with Serbia are very specific. The agreement should also be viewed in light of the rhetoric in our countries regarding Serbia’s military buildup, as well as Croatia’s increasing military capacity and Albania’s defense advancements. The memorandum is a coordinated effort by our three countries, with a particular focus on strengthening the arms and ammunition production industry," Andoni stated.

He emphasizes that this cooperation makes sense, especially considering the increasing discussions about a potential reduction of US forces in the region.

"Kosovo could be one of the most vulnerable countries if US troops withdraw from KFOR. This is a complex issue, as it is unclear whether soldiers from other countries would replace them. On the other hand, the moral weight of the American presence would be very difficult to substitute. For this reason, I believe that this memorandum makes sense, as it allows our countries to support each other and prepare for any future risks," Andoni noted.

He also believes that the European Union welcomes the memorandum, as any agreement that reduces the EU’s burden is seen as a positive development.

"In this case, we are talking about two NATO member states and KFOR, which is led by NATO. The EU views Kosovo as a burden, and it is clear that if US forces are indeed reduced, the Union will have to take greater responsibility for managing Kosovo’s future. Therefore, this memorandum serves as a relief for Europe in the context of new geostrategic realities both within and beyond the continent," Andoni concluded.