Former Croatian President Stipe Mesić has commented on the defense agreement between Kosovo, Albania, and Croatia, emphasizing that Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has no reason to worry as the agreement is focused on defense. The agreement, which has attracted significant attention, particularly in Serbia, was described by Vučić as potentially harmful to Serbia.
During a visit to Brussels after meeting NATO Secretary General, Vučić framed the agreement as an anti-Serbia development, with Serbia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs planning to seek explanations from Croatia and Albania. Vučić said, “We will protect our country and defend it successfully from any potential aggressor, even a powerful one,” during a press conference on March 19.
However, Mesić believes that there is no reason for Serbia to be concerned, as the agreement is about defense cooperation. He described the agreement as a positive development and suggested that other countries could also join the cooperation. “This defense agreement between Kosovo, Albania, and Croatia is a good one, with the possibility for other countries to join,” Mesić stated.
Croatian officials, including Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, have rejected Serbia’s claims, stating that the agreement is about cooperation, not hostility. “Before speaking, it would be wise to take five minutes to read the agreement. It is a memorandum for cooperation with no hostile intentions,” Plenković told reporters in Brussels on March 20, 2025.
Croatian Minister of Defense Ivan Anušić also responded to Serbia’s reactions, asserting that the time when Croatia needed to ask Belgrade what it could or couldn’t do has passed. “That time will never return,” he added.
Albanian Minister of Defense Ejup Maqedonci emphasized that the alliance with Kosovo and Croatia is not meant to threaten any country, but rather to promote stability and security in the Western Balkans. “We do not aim to threaten anyone; we want to send a message of peace, stability, and security,” Maqedonci said.
Today, Albanian Defense Minister Pirro Vëngu published the full agreement, pointing out that Serbia had ignored regional initiatives for two years, preventing itself from participating in multilateral consultations. He added that Serbia’s refusal to engage leaves its victim narrative ineffective.
This development highlights the growing regional cooperation between Kosovo, Albania, and Croatia, despite Serbia’s objections.
