NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that the alliance is seriously concerned about the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and Kosovo, Radio Free Europe reported, quoted by BTA.
The situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina
In a speech to the European Parliament, Rutte stressed that preventing a security vacuum in Bosnia and Herzegovina is of utmost importance. He expressed strong support for the EU mission EUFOR Althea and said that NATO will maintain close ties at all levels to ensure timely and coordinated handling of potential risks.
According to the Dayton Peace Agreement, which ended the war in Bosnia, the country is divided into two semi-autonomous parts - Republika Srpska and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The two merged entities share common institutions, including a judiciary and an army, but each part retains its own administration.
Challenges in Kosovo
Rutte stressed that NATO remains in constant contact with representatives of Kosovo and Serbia, especially in the context of the upcoming parliamentary elections in Kosovo, scheduled for February 9. The aim is to prevent tensions that could destabilize the region.
Since the end of the war in Kosovo in 1999 and its declaration of independence in 2008, normalizing relations between Belgrade and Pristina has remained a challenge. This is a particularly sensitive issue for the approximately 50,000 ethnic Serbs living in northern Kosovo, who continue to reject the Kosovo government and see Serbia as their homeland.
Security risks in Europe
The Secretary-General stressed that the Western Balkans region is of strategic importance for European security. He also expressed concern about the growing tensions on the continent caused by Russia's actions.
“We are not at war, but we cannot say that we are at peace,“ Rutte stressed. He called on Europeans to increase defense investment, adding with a touch of sarcasm: “Otherwise, prepare to learn Russian or run to New Zealand.“
Rutte's speech emphasized the need for joint efforts to maintain stability in Europe and its neighboring regions.