On March 18 in Tirana, the Croatian Ministry of Defense announced the contents of a Declaration signed by the defense ministers of Croatia, Albania, and Kosovo.

The purpose of this declaration is to enhance cooperation among the three nations, promoting stability and security in Southeast Europe, supporting their Euro-Atlantic aspirations, and bolstering alliances between these friendly states.

“We highlight the significance of collaborative actions in addressing security and hybrid threats, as well as other risks that could jeopardize regional, European, and international security. We must take steps to fortify defense capabilities in line with NATO’s strategic concepts and the European Union’s initiatives, aimed at protecting our territories and peoples while contributing to global peace and security,” the statement articulates.

What does the document convey?

Media outlets in Croatia have released the full text of the declaration:

“Joint Declaration following the meeting between the Minister of Defense of Albania, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of Croatia, and the Minister of Defense of Kosovo, convened in Tirana, Albania, on March 18, 2025.

We recognize the strong and enduring ties between Albania, Croatia, and Kosovo, based on shared values, strategic goals, and mutual commitments to regional security and cooperation.

We reaffirm our intention to enhance trilateral defense and security cooperation to bolster stability across Southeastern Europe and the Adriatic-Ionian region.

We stress the necessity of united efforts to address new security challenges, hybrid threats, and other risks that may undermine regional, European, and international stability.

We will take urgent steps to advance defense capabilities, aligned with NATO’s Strategic Concept and the European Union’s Strategic Compass, to fortify our ability to protect our territories and populations and contribute to international peace and security.

We aim to promote joint initiatives for enhancing defense industrial cooperation and production in adherence to NATO’s industrial expansion commitments and the European Union’s ReArm Europe plan.

We are committed to maintaining readiness to confront current and future threats and achieve our defense and security objectives.

We, the Ministers of Defense of Albania, Croatia, and Kosovo hereby declare the following:

Enhancing defense capabilities and industrial cooperation:

We will explore opportunities for developing and procuring defense capabilities through multinational initiatives to boost the readiness of our armed forces;

We will identify areas for defense industrial cooperation by improving access to resources and supply chains to foster a competitive and resilient defense industry;

We will increase investments in cutting-edge technologies and innovations to accelerate and ensure a cohesive approach to security and defense transformation.

Enhancing interoperability via education, training, and exercises:

We will share expertise and best practices in recruiting, developing, and retaining qualified personnel, including sharing concepts regarding reserve forces, to enhance our deterrence and defense capabilities;

We will improve educational and training opportunities through military academies and advanced military schools to boost strategic understanding of common threats and challenges;

We will strengthen bilateral and/or trilateral exercises to enhance interoperability in accordance with NATO and EU training and exercise policies, ensuring adequate force readiness.

Addressing hybrid threats and boosting resilience:

We will strengthen collaborative measures against hybrid threats, including cyber threats, disinformation campaigns, and detrimental foreign influence that may compromise national and regional security;

We will facilitate the exchange of information and intelligence for strategic and operational situational awareness and coordination among defense institutions to prevent, detect, and effectively respond to challenges facing our nations;

We will explore strategies to address a broad spectrum of potential threats to critical infrastructure and communication networks, supporting cohesion and mutual assistance.

Supporting Euro-Atlantic integration:

We will align our policies and positions within Euro-Atlantic multilateral security and defense institutions to further national and common regional interests and objectives;

We will commit to closer cooperation and coordination to fully integrate Kosovo into regional security and defense frameworks;

We will advocate for Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic prospects through support for its status in NATO’s Partnership for Peace.

This Joint Declaration embodies the spirit of friendship, solidarity, and mutual trust. It reflects the shared strategic visions of Albania, Croatia, and Kosovo. It does not impose new international or intergovernmental legal obligations among the States, nor does it affect existing commitments with other States.

Signed in Tirana, March 18, 2025.

For the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Albania, Piro Vengu, Minister of Defense

For the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Croatia, Ivan Anušić, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense

For the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kosovo, Ejup Macedonci, Minister of Defense.

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