NATO and the European Union (EU) should remain focused on the Western Balkans, said Defense Minister Dragan Krapovic, adding that it is a strategically important region for Europe and the Alliance.
Following the meeting of the North Atlantic Council in the format of defense ministers (NAC) in Brussels, Krapovic said that the situation in Kosovo is sensitive, especially in light of the fact that elections will be held early next year.
“Whenever it’s election time, tensions rise and we agreed that it would be necessary to direct the special focus and attention of NATO and the EU to the Western Balkans as a strategically important area for Europe and the Alliance”, Krapovic said in a video statement delivered to the media.
He said that the interlocutors discussed possible enlargement of the KFOR Mission and the strengthening of its position.
Krapovic also recalled that the first ministerial meeting led by the new NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte took place on Thursday and Friday.
He stated that during the first session with partners from the Indo-Pacific, they discussed common topics, while in the second session, related to the NATO-Ukraine Council, they agreed to remain in solidarity with Ukraine and provide all necessary assistance within the limits of current capacities.