The United Kingdom plans to intensify its military presence in the Western Balkan region, participating in European missions within the new defense pact with the European Union. About it reports AFP with reference to the statement of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Kingdom David Lemmy.
Within the framework of May 19, a defense agreement between London and Brussels will be able to supplement the EU missions in the Balkans, in particular-in Kosovo, where they are already involved in peacekeeping operations under NATO auspices.
"We want to work closely with our European partners in the region," Lemmy stressed. According to him, the complement of NATO efforts by EU forces is extremely important, especially in the face of increased threats to stability in the Balkans.
The new agreement formalizes Britain and EU cooperation in the fields:
counteract hybrid threats,
cybersecurity,
protection of critical infrastructure,
maritime safety.
It also allows British officials to participate in meetings of EU Defense Ministers, and the British military - to join European exercises and joint procurement of weapons.
Separately, Lemmy mentioned recent visits to Serbia, Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina, noting that London was concerned about the disruption of Deyton peace agreements that became the basis of peace in the region after the 1992-1995 war.
