Strategic Partners at Europe’s Edge: Harnessing the Western Balkans for EU Defence Readiness The report“Europe’s Overlooked Allies: Why the Western Balkans Matter for EU Defence Readiness” was prepared in the framework of the initiative think nea – New Narratives of EU Integration by the Hellenic Foundation for European& Foreign Policy(ELIAMEP), supported by the Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans. It explores the strategic importance of the Western Balkans in the context of the European Union’s pursuit of strategic autonomy and enhanced defence readiness. The report argues that, despite not yet being EU member states, Western Balkan countries have increasingly demonstrated their value as security contributors and partners. This role is both timely and essential as the EU faces the consequences of the war in Ukraine and potential shifts in the transatlantic security relationship. Further information on this topic can be found here: ↗ fes.de