NATO says Western Balkans of strategic importance

“The Western Balkans and the Black Sea region are of strategic importance for the Alliance. We will continue to support the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of interested countries in these regions,” the document says.

It added that NATO will “enhance efforts to bolster their capabilities to address the distinct threats and challenges they face and boost their resilience against malign third-party interference and coercion”.

The document sets out the Alliance’s priorities, core tasks and approaches for the next decade and describes the security environment facing the Alliance.