Ahead of the first NATO defence ministers' meeting under new Secretary-General Mark Rutte, a message from Brussels has highlighted concerns about the situation in the Western Balkans. The former Dutch Prime Minister, who visited Bosnia and Herzegovina earlier this year, expressed alarm over the secessionist policies in the country.

“The situation in the Western Balkans remains worrisome, with secessionist threats in Bosnia and Herzegovina, a fragile security environment in Kosovo, and limited progress in the EU-led dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. Russia is also trying to undermine democracies in the region through cyber and hybrid threats, including disinformation, exploiting internal vulnerabilities to highlight divisions. For over two decades, KFOR has maintained a secure and safe environment for all people in Kosovo and ensured freedom of movement,” Rutte stated from Brussels.

Addressing a journalist’s question, Rutte elaborated on Russia’s influence in the Balkans and NATO’s stance on the matter.

“Let’s not be naive. Russia is, as we know and can see, actively working to undermine democracies in the region. We are certainly aware that cyber and hybrid threats are real, and disinformation is present. They exploit internal divisions to complicate discussions, for example, between Pristina and Belgrade, and to support secessionist movements elsewhere in the region. This is Russia’s typical strategy – stirring up trouble. But we must remain calm and focused, and NATO, particularly KFOR, is doing just that,” Rutte added, mentioning recent meetings with German officials, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz, emphasizing that despite Russian interference, NATO remains committed to stability in the region.

U.S. Ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith also addressed the situation in the region during a special press conference. When asked about Kosovo’s potential membership in the Partnership for Peace (P4P), Smith stressed that Kosovo should first focus on the dialogue with Belgrade before considering NATO membership.

During the summit, NATO defence ministers will also focus on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, discussions with Indo-Pacific partners, and preparations for the upcoming NATO summit to be held in The Hague.