Albania’s Defense Minister, Pirro Vengu, stated that the trilateral defense agreement between Albania, Kosovo, and Croatia is not aimed against any country, including Serbia, which was formally invited to join the initiative.
The remarks come in response to Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, who previously characterized the pact, signed in March 2025, as hostile to Serbs and part of a “military alliance.” Serbia reacted strongly at the time, criticizing the agreement as directed against its interests.
“This is a trilateral agreement not built against anyone. I was the first to extend the invitation to Serbia. If Serbia considers regional stability and the Euro-Atlantic future of the region important, why not join? To date, we have not received a response,” Vengu said during a press conference on January 26.
Scope of the Agreement
Under the agreement, Albania, Kosovo, and Croatia are cooperating across several areas:
- Military coordination and training
- Academic and educational collaboration
- Defense equipment production, including armored vehicles
Vengu highlighted that Tirana and Prishtina share similar views on regional threats and are aligned in their approach to defense production.
“Croatia is a European leader in small combat drones with a consolidated defense industry. Albania aims to develop tactical and armored vehicles, creating a strategic advantage and potential for exports,” Vengu explained.
The agreement is open to other countries and is designed as a partnership rather than a formal alliance, Vengu noted, emphasizing that no approvals or permissions are needed from third parties.
Regional Reactions
- Serbia: Vučić called the pact a “hostile military alliance” and suggested it could be used against countries aligned with Russia in the event of wider conflict.
- Croatia: Croatian Interior Minister Davor Božinović emphasized that Croatia acts transparently in international relations and supports peace and cooperation in the Western Balkans.
Albania and Croatia are both members of NATO, while Kosovo continues to seek membership. The pact aims to strengthen defensive capabilities, cooperation in training and education, and readiness against hybrid threats.
