The Balkans
Coronavirus spreads across the Balkans
By Markus Salzmann, 25 March 2020
The number of victims affected by the COVID-19 virus is rising rapidly in the countries of Southeast Europe.
Slovenian journalist Blaž Zgaga: If Assange is extradited “the same can happen to any of us”
By Oscar Grenfell, 29 February 2020
”If journalists cannot write about war crimes allegedly committed by Western armed forces, what is the legitimacy of these democratic countries?”
Nationalists win parliamentary elections in Kosovo
By Markus Salzmann, 14 October 2019
The turnout of just 44 percent shows that the majority of the population rejects the policies of the narrow layer that runs the country.
Returning to the scene of the crime
Ex-US President Clinton visits Kosovo to celebrate 20th anniversary of NATO bombardment of Serbia
By Jordan Shilton, 15 June 2019
The imperialist onslaught against Yugoslavia was launched by the Clinton administration under the hypocritical banner of “human rights.”
European powers fear loss of influence in Balkans after London summit failure
By Julie Hyland, 17 July 2018
The failure to integrate the west Balkan countries into the European Union has created opportunities for Europe's competitors.
German-US tensions grow over expansion of Nord Stream pipeline
By Clara Weiss, 12 April 2018
Potential US sanctions against the project could dramatically intensify the economic and political tensions between the United States and Germany.
Political tensions in Albania destabilise the Balkans
By Markus Salzmann, 22 May 2017
Two decades after the breakup of Yugoslavia by the US and Europe, warnings of a new war in the region are mounting.
Nationalists storm Macedonia's parliament
By Markus Salzmann, 1 May 2017
The long simmering political crisis in Macedonia intensified last week after followers of long-time Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski attacked the parliament building, injuring nearly 100 people
Threat of war increases in the western Balkans
By Markus Salzmann, 13 March 2017
The political and social crisis in the Balkans is exacerbating conflicts between the successor states of Yugoslavia, heightening the threat of another war in the region.
Cold weather kills hundreds in Eastern Europe and the Balkans
By Markus Salzmann, 24 January 2017
The situation in the refugee camps along the so-called Balkan route and in Greece is particularly dire, an indictment of the policy of the Syriza government in Athens.
Bosnian Serb referendum inflames tensions in the Balkans
By Paul Mitchell, 27 September 2016
The referendum went ahead despite the Bosnia and Herzegovina Constitutional Court ruling it illegal.
Macedonian police tear-gas refugees trying to cross Greek border
By Alex Lantier, 1 March 2016
Police fired stun grenades and tear gas at hundreds of desperate Syrian and Iraqi refugees seeking to travel through the Balkans towards Germany.
Thousands of refugees stuck on the Balkan route
By Martin Kreickenbaum, 24 November 2015
Under pressure from France and Germany, the Balkan countries are refusing to allow those deemed “economic migrants” to cross their borders, a violation of international law.
Refugees confront appalling conditions in the Balkans
By Martin Kreikenbaum, 18 August 2015
Refugees traveling the 4,000 kilometres between Syria and Germany, France and Sweden must endure a treacherous journey through Greece, Macedonia, Serbia and Hungary.
Macedonia conflict threatens to destabilise whole of Balkans
By Paul Mitchell, 21 May 2015
The South Stream gas pipeline was a major element in Russia’s attempt to reduce its reliance on Ukraine as a transit route for its gas supplies to Europe.
Escalating tensions between Russia and the West over Balkan energy
By Paul Mitchell, 12 December 2014
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has warned against NATO expansion in the region, which is seen as a provocation against Russia.
Balkan states back US war in the Middle East
By Stefan Steinberg, 11 October 2014
Balkan countries that have joined the “coalition against IS” are whipping up anti-Islamist sentiment and introducing repressive legislation.
Jürgen Habermas—Germany's state philosopher turns 85
By Ulrich Rippert, 18 June 2014
The hymns of praise for Habermas resemble a swan song for the German system of social partnership and class collaboration.
The Balkan floods and the break-up of Yugoslavia
By Paul Mitchell, 20 May 2014
The severity of the floods has been compounded by the fall-out from the break-up of the former Yugoslavia, the Bosnian War (1991-95) and the NATO bombardment of Serbia in 1999.
The rightward gallop of the Bosnian pseudo-left
By Ognjen Markovic, 5 April 2014
The pseudo-left in Bosnia treat major historical issues with contempt and associate with forces with longstanding counterrevolutionary records.
US seeks to hijack Bosnia protests
By Ognjen Markovic and Paul Mitchell, 27 February 2014
Washington has grown increasingly dissatisfied with the intransigence of local politicians and the EU’s failure to resolve the quagmire.
Calls for expanded European Union intervention in Bosnia
By Ognjen Markovic and Paul Mitchell, 14 February 2014
Protests over the last week in Bosnia and Herzegovina have led to the resignation of four cantonal government heads and various other officials.
Tony Blair whitewashes imperialism’s role in the Middle East
By Jordan Shilton, 7 February 2014
The former Labour prime minister’s pronouncement that the roots of war lie in extremist religion is an attempt to obscure his own responsibility for sectarian tensions in the Middle East.
Croatian war criminals released after appeal by Western military chiefs
By Paul Mitchell, 11 December 2012
The International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia Appeals Court overturned the convictions of Croatian general Ante Gotovina and Assistant Interior Minister Mladen Markac.
Protests against Slovenian government
By Markus Salzmann, 10 December 2012
On December 3, tens of thousands took to the streets in Slovenia to demonstrate against the austerity measures of Prime Minister Janez Janša’s right-wing government.
Protest against austerity measures in Slovenia
By Markus Salzmann, 27 November 2012
On November 17, 30,000 people protested in the Slovenian capital against austerity policies.
Slovenia: Government and opposition join ranks to impose austerity
By Markus Salzmann, 29 September 2012
Slovenia’s conservative government is working closely with the opposition Social Democrats and the trade unions to impose another austerity package.
Slovenia threatened with national bankruptcy
By Markus Salzmann, 10 September 2012
Although the country’s total debt is relatively low at 47 percent of GDP, the crisis gripping Slovenia’s three largest banks threatens to drag the country into the abyss.
Banking crisis intensifies in Slovenia
By Markus Salzmann, 6 August 2012
Slovenia is among the Eastern European countries hardest hit by the financial crisis.
New austerity package in Slovenia
By Markus Salzmann, 6 July 2012
With Slovenian banks heavily in debt, the right-wing government of Prime Minister Janez Jansa is acceding to demands for tougher austerity measures.
Escalating protests in Montenegro
By Ognjen Markovic, 24 March 2012
A large demonstration against declining living standards and corruption took place in the Montenegrin capital of Podgorica on March 18.
Montenegrin unions agree to pay and job cuts
By Ognjen Markovic, 26 January 2012
Unions in Montenegro have agreed to a cut in the number of public employees, pay reductions and a three-year ban on strikes.
Croatia: Referendum paves way for EU accession
By Markus Salzmann, 25 January 2012
Croatian voters approved the country’s joining the European Union in a referendum held on Sunday.
New Croatian government to implement big business measures
By Ante Dotto, 13 December 2011
The newly elected Social Democratic-led coalition in Croatia will step up the austerity measures demanded by the financial markets.
Slovenian election brings businessman to power, more cuts promised
By Markus Salzmann, 10 December 2011
The Positive Slovenia party won the early parliamentary election held in the Adriatic nation last Sunday with 29 percent of the vote.
European debt crisis threatens Balkan economies
By Antid Oto, 22 November 2011
The deepening European financial crisis and the ever-growing possibility of bankruptcy for countries like Greece and Italy pose huge dangers for the economies of the Balkan countries.
Croatia’s ruling party in crisis
By Markus Salzmann, 9 November 2011
One month before the forthcoming general election in Croatia, the ruling party, the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), is embroiled in a deep political crisis.
WikiLeaks documents expose disaster created by the US and EU in Bosnia
By Ante Dotto, 17 October 2011
The political deadlock in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) represents the systemic failure of the entire official political framework in the region and a foreign policy disaster for the state's international backers, the US and EU.
Slovenian government ousted by vote of no confidence
By Markus Salzmann, 24 September 2011
After months of continual parliamentary crisis, the Slovenian minority government led by Premier Borut Pahor was ousted from office following a vote of no confidence on Tuesday.
Slovenia government on verge of collapse
By Markus Salzmann, 24 August 2011
The Slovenian government led by Premier Borut Pahor faces collapse following unpopular austerity measures and allegations of corruption.
Staggering levels of youth unemployment in the Balkans
By Ante Dotto, 23 August 2011
The record levels of unemployment across Europe are overshadowed by the figures available for the Balkans, where more than 50 percent of young people are without work.
Tensions remain high after clashes on Kosovo-Serbia border
By Ante Dotto, 9 August 2011
Tensions remain high after violent clashes broke out again at the end of last month on the Kosovo-Serbia border.
Hunger strikes spread in Montenegro
By Ante Dotto, 27 July 2011
Since the beginning of the year many people have gone on hunger strikes throughout Montenegro, the smallest of the states emerging after the breakup of Yugoslavia, with a population of around 620,000.
EU concludes negotiations over Croatia’s accession
By Markus Salzmann, 18 July 2011
The push by the Kosor government and Brussels for Croatia’s entry into the European Union is designed to make it a low-wage country for exploitation by major European businesses.
Montenegro: Five years after independence
By Ante Dotto, 28 June 2011
Five years after nominal independence, the social and political situation in Montenegro belies the claim that the break-up of Yugoslavia into “independent” states represented anything progressive.
Twenty years after the dissolution of Yugoslavia: Slovenia’s government in crisis
By Markus Salzmann, 27 June 2011
Slovenia’s conservative opposition parties are poised to oust the current government, in order to subject the country to the social devastation demanded by the EU and IMF.
Mladic extradited to the Hague
By Chris Marsden and Markus Salzmann, 1 June 2011
The former chief of staff of the Bosnian Serb Army in the Republica Srpska during the 1992-95 civil war was extradited to the Netherlands on Tuesday, where he will stand trial at the Hague for war crimes.
Croatian conviction casts light on US responsibility for war crimes
By Paul Mitchell, 22 April 2011
Last week, the International Criminal Tribunal for Yugoslavia in the Hague found two Croatian military leaders, General Ante Gotovina and Assistant Interior Minister Mladen Markac, guilty of war crimes and sentenced them to 24 years and 18 years imprisonment.
Rising social protests in the Balkans
By Markus Salzmann, 15 April 2011
Political and social unrest has increased in the Balkan region during the past weeks and months.
Protests continue in Croatia
By Markus Salzmann, 22 March 2011
The people of Croatia have launched a wave of protests against drastically deteriorating social conditions, a savage austerity programme and corruption on the part of top-ranking politicians.
Three killed in protests in Albania
By Markus Salzmann, 27 January 2011
The entire political establishment of Europe is terrified that the protests last week could spread beyond Albania’s borders to its highly politically unstable neighbours in the Balkans.
Former Nazi soldier appointed to Latvian parliamentary committee
By Markus Salzmann, 20 November 2010
A former member of the National Socialist Waffen SS has been elected chairman of a parliamentary committee of the Latvian government.
Elections in Latvia—austerity course to be continued
By Markus Salzmann, 2 October 2010
The elections in Latvia this weekend take place against the background of a deep economic, political and social crisis.
Twenty years since declaring independence from the USSR
Austerity in Latvia: a warning to the international working class
By Niall Green, 4 May 2010
Twenty years after declaring independence from the USSR, the Latvian government is carrying out savage austerity measures in collusion with international financial elite and their representatives in the IMF, the European Union, and the government in Riga.
Deepening economic crisis in eastern Europe
By Markus Salzmann, 27 November 2009
Recent reports indicate that the economies of many central and eastern European states are headed for new shocks.
Bosnia faces collapse
By Paul Mitchell, 8 October 2009
A number of reports have pointed to the increasing threat of Bosnia and Herzegovina collapsing, and even about the possibility of war breaking out.
Balkan governments introduce harsh austerity measures
By Markus Salzmann, 19 August 2009
Irrespective of the political composition of the various Balkan state governments, they are uniformly reacting to the economic crisis by shifting the entire burden onto the backs of the broad masses of the population.
Bosnian Serb leader Karadzic claims US granted him immunity
By Paul Mitchell, 30 May 2009
Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic has alleged he was given an immunity deal by US diplomat Richard Holbrooke at the end of Bosnia-Herzegovina’s 1992-1995 war.
Biden in the Balkans: US asserts interests in shattered region
By Paul Mitchell, 21 May 2009
The US administration is moving to reassert its authority in the Balkans as a divided European Union fails to push through the measures that were agreed in the Dayton Accord for this key strategic region.
Latvia rocked by protests
By Stefan Steinberg, 16 January 2009
On January 13, Riga, the capital of the Baltic state of Latvia, was rocked by protests and demonstrations which left around 25 people injured following clashes with police. Police made an estimated 106 arrests.
Eastern European economies face bankruptcy
By Niall Green, 23 October 2008
The economies of central and eastern Europe are being rocked by the crisis of world capitalism, compounded by the corrupt and pro-big business policies of their local elites.
More claims that Western powers protected Radovan Karadzic
By Paul Mitchell, 21 August 2008
Earlier this month, former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic appeared before the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) after 13 years in hiding. He was arrested in the Serbian capital of Belgrade disguised as Dragan Dabic, a doctor of alternative medicine.
The arrest of Radovan Karadzic and the complicity of the West in Bosnia’s civil war
By Paul Mitchell, 30 July 2008
The capture of Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadzic has unleashed a torrent of historical distortions echoing the propaganda used to justify US-NATO intervention in the former Yugoslavia and to obscure the role of the Western powers in the federation’s break-up.
Kosovo: The Hague acquits former PM Haradinaj of war crimes amid alleged witness intimidation
By Paul Mitchell, 16 April 2008
Kosovo’s former Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj has been acquitted of all charges of war crimes committed whilst he was a top commander in the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA). However, Haradinaj’s release has been accompanied by renewed allegations that witnesses were subjected to systematic harassment and intimidation and gruesome claims that the KLA “harvested” body organs from hundreds of Serbian prisoners before killing them.
Serbs protesting Kosovo independence attack US embassy in Belgrade
By Julie Hyland, 22 February 2008
Violence has flared once again in the former Yugoslavia, following Kosovo’s unilateral declaration of independence from Serbia on Sunday.
An exchange on the break-up of Yugoslavia
21 February 2008
Below we publish a letter from a reader on a recent WSWS article on the Serbian elections, followed by a reply by the article’s author, Paul Mitchell.
From the archive of the WSWS
After the Slaughter: Political Lessons of the Balkan War
By David North, 20 February 2008
In light of the recent developments surrounding the declaration of independence of Kosovo the World Socialist Web Siteis republishing the following article, which originally appeared on June 14, 1999.
The case of Kosovo: “Self-determination” as an instrument of imperialist policy
By Peter Schwarz, 20 February 2008
The support of the US and the major European powers for Kosovo’s unilateral secession from Serbia, in the face of fierce opposition from Serbia and Russia, as well as China, marks a turning point in international politics.
Deep divisions in Europe over Kosovo independence
By Stefan Steinberg, 19 February 2008
Deep divisions emerged at the European Union meeting in Brussels on Monday, with the assembled Foreign Ministers unable to arrive at a unified position with regard to the declaration of independence made by the Kosovan Prime Minister on Sunday.
Kosovo’s declaration of independence destabilises Europe
By Chris Marsden, 18 February 2008
Yesterday’s declaration of independence from Serbia by Kosovo’s parliament brings the world a step closer to another war on European soil. The move has been prepared and encouraged by the United States and the European powers in a deliberate attempt to stoke hostilities with Russia.
Serbian government faces collapse following presidential election
By Paul Mitchell, 7 February 2008
On February 4, voters re-elected Boris Tadic president of Serbia in a second-round contest against Tomislav Nikolic of the extreme right-wing nationalist Serbian Radical Party (SRS). Only 120,000 votes separated the two candidates. Tadic, leader of the Democratic Party (DS), received 2.3 million votes, and Nikolic got 2.18 million in a turnout of nearly 68 percent of the electorate.
Right-wing nationalist leads in Serbian presidential elections
By Paul Mitchell, 30 January 2008
Tomislav Nikolic of the extreme right-wing nationalist Serbian Radical Party (SRS) won the first round of the voting in the January 20 Serbian presidential elections. The SRS, which formed a coalition with former president Slobodan Milosevic’s Socialist Party during the 1990s in the period leading up to the West’s dismemberment of Yugoslavia, is the largest party in the country. Its president, Vojislav Seselj, is presently being tried for war crimes at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) at The Hague.
European Union sends “rule of law” mission to prepare for Kosovan independence
By Paul Mitchell, 24 December 2007
Last week, the European Union (EU), under pressure from the United States, sent a 1,800-strong “rule of law” mission—the largest in the bloc’s history—to replace the United Nations mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). The EU mission’s job is to reform the police, prisons and judiciary and pave the way for Kosovan independence, which the US wants the provincial government to declare early next year.
War danger grows after Kosovo status talks collapse
By Paul Mitchell, 12 December 2007
Last week, three mediators from the United States, the European Union and Russia announced their failure to bring about a negotiated solution between local ethnic Albanian and Serbian leaders, as well as Serbia, on Kosovo’s future status. Kosovo is presently a province of Serbia, but the dominant Albanian elite is pushing for independence.
Kosovo Assembly election result deepens crisis over independence
By Paul Mitchell, 22 November 2007
The result of Saturday’s Kosovo Assembly election has deepened the crisis over independence. The Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), political successors to the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), secured 34 percent (about 220,000 votes) as against 22 percent for the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), in power since the NATO intervention in 1998. The PDK does not have a majority and may be forced into a coalition with the LDK.
Montenegro: Independence vote completes dismemberment of Yugoslavia
By Paul Bond, 27 May 2006
The fracturing of the Balkans reached a new stage with the May 21 vote supporting Montenegro’s separation from Serbia. The tiny republic voted narrowly in a referendum to secede, bringing to six the number of countries formed from the former territory of Yugoslavia.
Kosovo “final status” talks break up without agreement
By Tony Robson, 22 May 2006
Ongoing talks over the future of Kosovo have once again highlighted the predatory character of the NATO-led war on Serbia in 1999. Having transformed Kosovo into a “UN Protectorate” under the guise of protecting ethnic Albanians, the major powers are now seeking to formalise its “final status” as an “independent” state subservient to their interests and demands.
Seven years after US-led war on Yugoslavia
Deadlocks continue at Kosovo final status talks
Part Two
By Tony Robson, 1 April 2006
This is the conclusion of a two-part article on Kosovo. Part One was published on March 31.
Seven years after US-led war on Yugoslavia
Deadlocks continue at Kosovo final status talks
Part One
By Tony Robson, 31 March 2006
This is the first of a two-part article on Kosovo. The conclusion will be published on April 1.
Mystery deepens over Milosevic’s death
Sordid end to “international justice” charade
By Bill Van Auken, 14 March 2006
The controversy surrounding the sudden death of former Yugoslav president Slobodan Milosevic in his jail cell at the Hague has only deepened with the autopsy performed in the Netherlands and the vague, self-serving statements made by officials of the UN war crimes tribunal.
Media lies and hypocrisy in wake of Milosevic’s death
By Bill Van Auken, 13 March 2006
The death of former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic in his jail cell at the Hague on Saturday has unleashed a torrent of historical distortions and outright lies that echo the propaganda campaign waged more than seven years ago to justify the US-NATO war against the country.
An exchange of letters on the Balkans
5 July 2005
The following exchange was in response to the article, “International Commission calls for Kosovo independence” by Paul Mitchell, 24 May 2005.
International Commission calls for Kosovo independence
By Paul Mitchell, 24 May 2005
The International Commission on the Balkans has published a report that calls for a “shift” in Western policy towards supporting independence for Kosovo. The Report, The Balkans in Europe’s Future, also calls for a referendum on the future of the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro and a revised federal structure in Bosnia-Hercegovina.
Kosovo prime minister charged with war crimes
US-backed ex-militia leader on trial
By Paul Mitchell, 16 March 2005
Kosovo’s former Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj is on trial at the United Nations tribunal at The Hague, charged with 37 counts of war crimes. He faces 17 counts of crimes against humanity for murder, rape, persecution, inhumane acts, unlawful detention, deportation or forcible transfer of civilians and 20 counts of violations of the laws or customs of war for cruel treatment, murder and rape.
British MI6 agents named in Balkans
By Paul Mitchell, 27 October 2004
Over the last few weeks newspapers in Croatia, Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina have exposed the identities of several British MI6 intelligence agents operating in the Balkans.
Defence witnesses at Milosevic trial refuse to testify
By Paul Mitchell, 6 October 2004
Defence witnesses have refused to testify at the trial of Slobodan Milosevic, halting the trial for at least another four weeks. The witnesses, who include international bourgeois political figures, are protesting at the removal of the right of the former President of Yugoslavia to conduct his own defence.
The Balkans continue to fracture
Part 2
By Paul Mitchell, 1 October 2004
This is the conclusion of a two-part series analysing growing instability and tensions in the Balkans. Part 1 was posted September 29.
The Balkans continues to fracture
Part 1
By Paul Mitchell, 29 September 2004
This is the first of a two-part series analysing growing instability and tensions in the Balkans.
Kosovo protectorate “on point of near collapse” after March riots
By Paul Mitchell, 15 September 2004
A leaked internal United Nations report says the administration in the UN protectorate of Kosovo was on “the point of near collapse” after riots engulfed the province in March.
Hague tribunal stops Milosevic defending himself
By Paul Mitchell, 8 September 2004
Judges have stopped Slobodan Milosevic from conducting his own defence at the war crimes tribunal in The Hague and imposed a defence counsel on the former Yugoslav president. They also ordered the first defence witnesses to appear at the trial on September 7.
Judges call for “radical review” of Milosevic trial
By Paul Mitchell, 10 July 2004
Judges trying former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic are calling for a “radical review” of the proceedings.
Right-wing comes to power in Greece
By Lena Sokoll, 13 March 2004
In parliamentary elections in Greece last Sunday the right-wing Partei Nea Dimokratia (New Democracy Party—ND) recorded a clear victory over the reigning Pan-Hellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK).
Dutch leaders involved in NATO bombing of Yugoslavia testify at The Hague
By Paul Mitchell, 12 February 2004
The first Western leaders involved in the NATO bombing of Yugoslavia in 1999 have appeared before The Hague District Court in Holland. This is the first time since the Second World War that Western politicians have testified in a national court about their alleged crimes against humanity.
Correspondence on the failure of nationalism in Yugoslavia
9 February 2004
Regarding your article, “Milosevic trial sets precedent: US granted right to censor evidence” (31 December 2003):
Milosevic trial sets precedent: US granted right to censor evidence
By Paul Mitchell, 31 December 2003
Earlier this month the US government demanded and received the right to censor testimony at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY).
The Milosevic Trial: Last prime minister of Yugoslavia breaks 12-year silence
By Paul Mitchell, 11 November 2003
The last prime minister of Yugoslavia has broken his 12-year long silence to speak in public about events during the breakup of his country in the 1990s.
A major step for European militarism
EU takes over NATO’s mission in Macedonia
By Paul Stuart, 10 April 2003
On March 31 the European Union (EU) took command of the NATO mission in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM). During a military ceremony at the NATO headquarters in the capital Skopje, Lord Robertson, secretary general of NATO, handed the NATO mission over to EU command Operation Concordia.
Western governments cut aid to Balkans
One millions refugees remain from 1990s wars
By Paul Mitchell, 7 April 2003
Recent reports show that the dire state of the Balkans economy is the primary reason that more than one million refugees and displaced people have still not returned to their former homes.
War crimes tribunal drops charges against Croatian general
By Keith Lee and Paul Mitchell, 26 February 2003
The International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) has dropped war crime charges against the former Chief of the Croatian Army, General Janko Bobetko. Medical experts appointed by the tribunal have declared the 83-year-old Bobetko too ill to stand trial.
European Rapid Reaction Force to deploy in Macedonia
By Paul Stewart, 1 February 2003
The European Union (EU) is preparing in March to replace NATO’s Amber Fox mission in Macedonia. Javier Solano, EU foreign policy chief, has said this first military deployment of the EU Rapid Reaction Force (EURRF) will put EU-NATO relations “on a different footing.” As his remarks suggest, EU officials aim to use the mission in Macedonia to prove that Europe can and must develop a military capability independent of the United States.
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