Misajlovski: Integration of Western Balkans into EU defence initiatives will strengthen Europe’s security

North Macedonia’s Minister of Defence, Vlado Misajlovski, told colleagues at a defence ministers’ meeting in Brdo, Slovenia, that his country is reinforcing both national and regional security by investing in the army and military mobility.

Misajlovski highlights spending, infrastructure and EU support

Speaking as host of the gathering of defence ministers from the Central European Defence Cooperation and Western Balkan partners, Misajlovski pointed to the state’s budgetary commitment and transport links as concrete steps that bolster allied security.

“With an investment of 2 percent in the defence budget and strong investments in military mobility through the construction of Corridors 8 and 10, the country not only fully fulfills its obligations to the common alliance, but also strengthens security and stability in the wider region on the ground,” he said.

Misajlovski also noted that the European Union’s fourth support package for the region includes, for the first time, activities to develop infrastructure at the Krivolak training ground — a facility he described as an “extremely important resource” for training North Macedonian forces and allied and partner troops.

Referencing regional missions, he recalled contributions by North Macedonian soldiers to NATO’s KFOR in Kosovo and the EU’s Operation Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina and argued that the Western Balkans has moved in recent years “from an importer to an exporter of peace, stability and security.”

“The integration of Western Balkan countries into the EU's defence initiatives will further strengthen regional stability and the overall security of Europe,” Misajlovski added, and urged deeper inclusion of Balkan partners in EU defence instruments.

Misajlovski also participated in a meeting of the Balkan Medical Niche Forces (BMNS). He praised the initiative’s results so far and called for concrete steps to increase its visibility and responsibilities. “Member countries of the Balkan Medical Niche Forces are entering a period in which concrete steps are needed to take greater responsibility. Security developments are affecting the priorities of BMNS partners, with the focus increasingly shifting to other regions. That is precisely why now it is necessary to jointly show and clearly express a strong will, commitment and vision for the further development of the BMNS,” he said.

On his official Facebook page Misajlovski wrote: “Macedonia, as the permanent seat of the Command and leading nation of the BMNS in the period 2026-2028, has a clear vision. We support the idea of exploring the possibilities for the BMNS to make a contribution beyond the Balkan region, for which joint will and dedication from all member countries will be required.”

Photo: Ministerstvo za odbrana