This is why Kosovo, Albania and Croatia's military alliance is stirring controversy

A newly signed trilateral military alliance declaration between Kosovo, Albania, and Croatia has ignited a wave of controversy across the Western Balkans, raising concerns about its potential impact on regional stability, diplomatic relations, and the broader geopolitical balance in Southeast Europe.

While the three countries have framed the pact as a step toward enhanced security cooperation and regional peace, critics argue that the move could deepen political divisions, escalate tensions with neighbouring states—particularly Serbia—and complicate existing diplomatic efforts aimed at long-term reconciliation in the Balkans.

The declaration outlines military collaboration in joint training, cybersecurity coordination, rapid response mechanisms, and defence procurement. But beyond its technical aspects, many analysts interpret the alliance as a strong political statement—especially with Kosovo at the centre of the pact.

Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008 and is still not recognised by Belgrade or several UN member states, signing a formal military agreement with two NATO members have been viewed by some as a provocative geopolitical manoeuvre.

“This alliance is not just about defence—it’s about redefining the regional balance of power,” said Dr. Marko Ivković, a security analyst based in Belgrade. “It sends a message that Kosovo is increasingly being treated as a de facto NATO partner, even if it is not formally recognised.”

Unsurprisingly, Serbian officials have reacted with strong condemnation. Belgrade has accused the alliance of threatening peace in the region and undermining ongoing EU-facilitated dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić called the move "a dangerous escalation" and warned that it could provoke a regional arms race.

“This agreement does not contribute to peace—it isolates Serbia and fuels division,” he stated in a televised address. “We will not stand idly by while others try to change the security architecture of the region unilaterally.”

Pro-government media in Serbia have even suggested that the pact may be a precursor to greater Albanian-Kosovar military integration, stoking fears of what they describe as a "Greater Albania" agenda—a long-standing narrative in Balkan nationalist discourse, despite repeated denials from Tirana and Pristina.

Some EU diplomats have also privately expressed concerns that the trilateral pact could complicate Serbia’s path toward EU accession and fuel renewed nationalist rhetoric across the region.

“This type of military coordination needs to be carefully managed,” said a Brussels-based EU official. “Otherwise, it risks becoming another flashpoint in an already delicate geopolitical theatre.”

Within the three signatory countries, however, reactions have been mixed. In Albania and Kosovo, the pact has been largely celebrated as a milestone in regional integration and security assurance.

In Croatia on the other hand, some political parties have questioned the value of deepening military ties with Kosovo, citing legal ambiguities and the risk of alienating Serbia, a key trade partner.