Study shifts EU attention toward unlocking the Western Balkans’ defence potential

The European Union faces an increasingly volatile security landscape, marked by the war in Ukraine and shifting transatlantic dynamics. To bolster its strategic autonomy and resilience, the EU must fully engage the Western Balkans – politically, operationally, and economically, as a vital partner in European defence, according to a comprehensive report by the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP).

The report, titled “Europe’s overlooked allies: Why the Western Balkans Matter for EU defence readiness”, authored by researchers Ana Krstinovska and Alessandro Marone, underscores that integrating the region’s capabilities could significantly enhance Europe’s readiness for high-intensity conflicts.

Despite not being EU members, Western Balkan countries have emerged as valuable contributors to the EU’s defence ecosystem.

According to the researchers, their growing investments in national defence, alignment with EU priorities, and strategic geographic position make them indispensable allies.

The Western Balkans align closely with the EU’s Readiness 2030 agenda, particularly in artillery ammunition production, drone systems, and logistics. The plan proposes significant increases in defence budgets, joint procurement efforts, and the mobilisation of both public and private capital for defense-related investments.

Countries in the region -Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia – the researchers write, have also provided substantial support to Ukraine and actively participate in the EU’s Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) missions, contributing to military mobility and medical support. These efforts highlight their transition from security consumers to proactive contributors.

Bridging the gap between defence and enlargement

The EU’s recent initiatives, such as the 2024 European Defence Industry Strategy, aim to enhance collective readiness and industrial capacity. However, the ELIAMEP report notes that the EU’s defence and enlargement policies often operate in isolation, limiting the potential of regional partnerships.

However, they can benefit from the White Paper on Defence Readiness 2030 and the ReArm Europe initiative, which includes a proposal for joint procurement through the new €150-billion SAFE Instrument, provide the framework for closer defence cooperation between the EU and candidate countries. The Western Balkans are not able to receive loans, but they could participate in common procurements.

A more synergistic approach is essential, leveraging the Western Balkans’ defence contributions to accelerate their EU integration.

Full alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and advancements in the rule of law are as critical as the region’s material contributions. Strengthening governance and anti-corruption measures ensures responsible management of growing defence budgets, fostering trust and cooperation, the authors of the report write.

Recommendations

The ELIAMEP report offers actionable recommendations to maximise the region’s defence potential:

Formal inclusion in EU defence initiatives: create structured pathways for Western Balkan participation in EU defence programs, ensuring their capabilities are integrated into broader frameworks.
Targeted investments: channel EU funding into defence and dual-use industries in the Western Balkans to boost production and enable joint ventures with EU companies.
Infrastructure development: prioritise funding for dual-use infrastructure to enhance military mobility and logistical resilience across the region.
Strengthening governance: support reforms in the rule of law and anti-corruption mechanisms to ensure accountability in defence spending.

SME partnerships: Foster long-term collaboration between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Western Balkans and the EU, integrating regional producers into European supply chains and innovation ecosystems.

Defence as an enlargement catalyst: Use defence cooperation as a strategic incentive to reinvigorate EU enlargement, aligning security and integration goals.

The region’s defence industries are advancing, with significant investments in European military products and domestic capabilities. Their strategic location in Southeast Europe further enhances their value as partners in countering regional and global threats.

By supporting Ukraine and contributing to CSDP missions, Western Balkan countries demonstrate their commitment to European security.

The EU’s growth plan

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on 24 February, 2022, reshaped the EU’s enlargement perspective, highlighting the urgency of integrating the Western Balkans.

The EU’s Growth Plan for the region, backed by €6 billion in funding, aims to drive reforms and investments in energy, transport, and digital transformation.

Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos met on 30 June and 1 July with leaders from the region to advance this plan. Discussions were focused on reforms to unlock funding, alongside new cooperation areas like consumer protection, tourism, and the Single Market Highway.

Additionally, a proposed €87.7 million investment package under the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) is expected to mobilise nearly €500 million in private investments for clean-energy projects, further aligning the region with EU priorities.

The Western Balkans offer a strategic opportunity to strengthen Europe’s defence capabilities and resilience. By integrating their growing defence contributions and aligning policies, the EU can enhance its preparedness for emerging challenges while accelerating the region’s path to membership, the analysts conclude.

Other sources used: European Commission press releases. Edited by a.k.

Caption: Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Borjana Kristo (2-L), EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos (3-L), North Macedonia’s Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski (C), Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti (2-R), and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama pose for a family photo after the EU-Western Balkans leaders meeting in Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia, 01 July 2025. Skopje hosts the meeting of the Western Balkan leaders and EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos on the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans under the motto ‘Stability, Unity, Future.’ EPA/GEORGI LICOVSKI