EU concerned about an escalation of tensions in Balkans

Concerns in Brussels about the possibility of escalating tensions in the Western Balkans are serious, sources at the headquarters of the European Union and NATO.

In these two organisations, they say they have long been aware of Russia's attempts to destabilise the Western Balkan region in order to undermine the long-term stability and the region's Euro-Atlantic perspective.

These concerns, during this week, have also voiced the European Parliament in a resolution that approved Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

So far, according to diplomatic sources in the EU, Russia has invested a lot in the region in deinformation campaigns, especially in Serbian-language media, but also in connection with political organisations in some Western Balkan countries. The same sources claim that in Brussels “are aware of these efforts and have undertaken measures for co-operation with our partners in the region”.

In these contacts, we have told all partners to be completely vigilant and not to take actions that could increase tensions. We have heard from all partners that they are aware of the circumstances and will do their best not to allow the escalation of the” situation, a diplomatic source says.

Sources in the EU and NATO say a greater dose of concern exists about the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina than in Kosovo. But, even in Kosovo's case, they say they are carefully monitoring the situation, which at the moment is calm.

Days ago, when Russia's aggression against Ukraine began in NATO, they assured the troops of the Alliance and of the partners that are in the KFOR mission in Kosovo will continue to carry out their work to secure all Kosovo citizens.

NATO policy in Kosovo and the Western Balkans has been consistent all the time. That's it now. NATO remains fully committed to continuing to play its role in supporting long-term security in the Western Balkans”, says an official of the NATO's question of whether the Alliance will increase its presence in the region to prevent possible destabilisation because of the war in Ukraine.

Mission NATO in Kosovo, KFOR, there are about 4,000 deployed troops. The largest number of soldiers are from the United States and Italy.

Concern over the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina has expressed chief NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.

NATO in Bosnia and Herzegovina has limited military presence and has a headquarters in Sarajevo that also has limited tasks. Alliance troops support military forces in Bosnia and Herzegovina for reform and modernisation, according to priorities set in the Partnership for Peace. Bosnia and Herzegovina is part of NATO's Partnership for Peace Programme and has expressed aspirations to become a member. But this process has not advanced due to domestic political problems.

Meanwhile, the EU has a military mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, EUFOR, which is willing to help preserve stability in this state.

As EU High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security Josep Borrell has announced, EUFOR has decided to send 500 additional troops to this state, which so far were in a state of readiness outside Bosnia and Herzegovina, as the reserve force.

The escalation of the international security situation has potential to promote instability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Sending these forces is a preventive measure to boost Bosnia and Herzegovina's” stability, the EUFOR statement said when it was announced to send additional troops.

Even though the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina -- the state where three ethnicities live -- Bosniaks, Croats and Serbs, as well as reports between Kosovo and Serbia -- are the topics that currently attract Brussels' greatest attention, concerns also about the situation in Montenegro, even though this state is a NATO member.

The EU is also in constant contact with diplomatic representatives of the countries of the region in Brussels. Of them, the European bloc wants to support sanctions against Russia and Belarus, as well as other foreign policy and EU security positions.

Sources in the EU say they welcome support from all Balkan countries for sanctions against Russia, except Serbia. The latter has refused to impose sanctions on Moscow, with which there are close reports.

But, even in Serbia's case, the European bloc says its “voting at the UN General Assembly for the resolution condemning Russian aggression against Ukraine is signaled in the right direction”.

The Balkan region has suffered a lot in the past and we believe they know very well what tragedies bring. Therefore, we expect the region to remain calm and stable, and in turn we will do our best to preserve stability”, an EU diplomat tells Radio Europe free.

Authorities in Kosovo have said they have undertaken a series of security measures, following the outbreak of war in Ukraine.

Kosovo Security Forces, together with KFOR, are said to be committed to preserving security throughout the territory of Kosovo, and especially in the Serb-run majority north, where the security situation is fragile. / REL/