Strengthening NATO cohesion key to Western Balkans security

Participants, including representatives of the academic community, international organisations, and former officials from NATO member states, emphasised the importance of continuing Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Euro-Atlantic integration process.

President of the Atlantic Initiative Edina Becirevic underlined that the experience of neighbouring NATO members shows the clear benefits of membership.

"Membership of our neighbours has strengthened institutions and contributed to regional security. It’s important to ask how the region would look today if North Macedonia, Albania, Croatia, and Montenegro were not NATO members," Becirevic said.

Head of NATO’s Political Engagement Office in Sarajevo, Vladimir Vucinic, highlighted the value of exchanging experiences among countries that have already joined the Alliance.

"Citizens, who will ultimately decide on membership, must have accurate and objective information to make an informed choice," he stated.

Professor Robert Baric from the Faculty of Political Science at the University of Zagreb said that member states must know how to make the most of NATO membership.

"NATO is changing, European security is changing and member states must take the military dimension more seriously," Baric noted.

Former North Macedonian Ambassador to NATO Dane Taleski recalled his country’s transformation and reforms before joining the Alliance five years ago.

''Membership had a positive impact on peace, democracy, and regional cooperation,'' he said, adding that the Western Balkans remains a sensitive region due to the influence of foreign powers.

President of the Atlantic Council of Albania Arjan Starova praised Bosnia and Herzegovina’s progress but said the process needs to accelerate.

"Over 90 percent of the process is going well, but what’s achieved on paper must be put into practice. Political and public support are key," said Starova, adding that Kosovo should also continue on its path toward NATO.

Director of Montenegro’s Alpha Centre, Milos Perovic, urged Bosnia and Herzegovina to continue decisively toward Euro-Atlantic integration.

''The process in Montenegro was long and polarised, but we succeeded. I encourage Bosnia and Herzegovina to move forward with even greater determination,'' he said.

The conference was organised by the Atlantic Initiative and the Faculty of Political Sciences, University of Sarajevo, to foster regional dialogue and strengthen cooperation on security and NATO integration in Southeast Europe.