Towards a Western Balkans Battle-Group. A Vision of Serbia's Defence Integration into the EU 2010–2020.
Towards a Western Balkans Battle-Group. A Vision of Serbia's Defence Integration into the EU 2010–2020.

Author(s): Filip Ejdus, Marko Savković, Nataša Dragojlović
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Politics, International relations/trade, Security and defense, Military policy
Published by: BCBP Beogradski centar za bezbednosnu politiku
Keywords: Western Balkans; NATO;
Summary/Abstract: The aim of this policy vision is to offer arguments for Serbia's proactive integration into the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) through the implementation of the Battlegroup concept in the period running up to 2020. In the following text, we will first present a short overview of the CSDP and the concept of EU Battlegroups. Next, we explain why it is in the interest of the Republic of Serbia to participate in EU Battlegroups as soon as possible. Special attention is directed to arguments which explain why the creation of a Western Balkans Battlegroup before 2020 is in the interest not only of Serbia and her neighbours, but also of the EU as a whole. Finally,a four-phase model for the inclusion of Serbia into an EU Battlegroup is presented. The model encompasses (1)a preparation and observation phase(2010-2012), (2) an adaptation phase (2013-2015), (3) a phase of advanced participation, planning and preparation (2016–2018) and (4) a phase of development of initial operational capability and the formation of the Western Balkans Battlegroup (2018–2020).

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