Securing Southeastern Europe: A New Model for Progress in the Western Balkans?

A conversation with:
H.E. Ditmir Bushati
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Albania

H.E. Srdjan Darmanovic
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro

H.E. Davor Ivo Stier
Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia

While the Western Balkans has made significant progress in its efforts to integrate into the wider transatlantic community, countries in the region continue to face significant challenges as they struggle to implement key reforms designed to jumpstart economics, overcome corruption, and address security concerns. NATO and the European Union remain anchors of stability and prosperity in the region, yet many US and European leaders are ambivalent about further integration.

In a groundbreaking effort to advance cross-border security cooperation and strengthen key partnerships within the Balkan region, the countries of Albania, Croatia, and Montenegro recently signed a trilateral agreement that will serve as a platform for expanding political dialogue and security cooperation on issues of common interest.

At this public event, Foreign Minister Ditmir Bushati, Foreign Minister Srdjan Darmanovic, and Foreign Minister Davor Ivo Stier will jointly discuss their perspective on the security challenges facing Southeastern Europe, as well as their insights on addressing issues ranging from Islamic radicalization and terrorist threats to the completion of Montenegro’s NATO accession process.