FACTSHEET Europe’s Overlooked Allies: Why the Western Balkans Matter for EU Defence Readiness The latest report of the initiative think nea – New Narratives of EU Integration highlights how the Western Balkans(WB) can strengthen European defence readiness, both in terms of operational delivery and industrial capacity, provided they are integrated in EU’s policy thinking and key existing and emerging initiatives. 1. Why This Matters for the EU and Germany → Neighbourhood stability : WB stability is critical for Germany’s security environment. → NATO interoperability : Three WB states are NATO members; others cooperate closely with NATO. → Supply chain resilience : WB defence industries can boost the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base(EDTIB) with cost-effective production. → Strategic location : WB corridors connect NATO’s eastern flank with the rest of Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean. 2. Key Defence Contributions of the Western Balkans Defence Spending& Modernisation → By 2025, all but Bosnia& Herzegovina exceed NATO’s 2% GDP target. NATO members have committed to the new 5% target. → Over 20% of defence budgets go to equipment& modernisation(NATO target). → Procurement increasingly from EU suppliers(Germany, Italy, France, Austria). Defense Spending among the WB6: NATO Benchmarks, Aspirations, and 2025 Projections % of GDP 6 5 4 3 2 1 NATO Benchmark(2%) 5% 2% 2,06% Regional average(2025) NATO Allies Aspiration(5%) Reality(2025 projected) The chart compares NATO’s defense spending benchmark(2% of GDP) with the projected 2025 regional average of 2.06% of GDP. Support for Ukraine → Significant donations of tanks, helicopters, artillery, ammunition by NATO allies – given country sizes. → Serbia and Bosnia indirectly supply large volumes of ammunition via third parties. Participation in EU& NATO Missions → Active in EU CSDP operations(Mali, Somalia, CAR, Atalanta, Althea), as well as NATO-led and UN peace­keeping operations, in various formats. → Specialised roles: medical units, demining teams, trainers. → Political willingness to participate in rapid deployment initiatives.