Today the research team of the Euro-Atlantic Council of Macedonia led by Mr. Ilija Djugumanov starts their trip around the Balkans.

The research team will conduct interviews as a part of the research phase for the current project: “Regional Post – ISAF engagement”.  In this week they will visit Albania, Montenegro and Serbia. Our second team is currently in Bosnia and Herzegovina and doing the research.

They will do interviews regarding the A5 countries (Macedonia, Albania, Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia & Herzegovina) participation into ISAF mission from its beginning by contributing individually, with NATO countries assistance, and through the regional initiatives such as medical contribution and training for the Afghan security forces.

These initiatives were shown as a great driving force for strengthening the regional cooperation. Strong lessons were learned about the capacities of the countries in the region.

Therefore, project which will focus on the achievements within ISAF, the transition to Afghan security responsibility, the lessons learnt considering the future prospects of the region and offering practical solutions setting out how to support Afghanistan once transition is complete, is with immense importance.

In that spirit, we consider that in-depth research of the capacities for possible post - ISAF engagement of the countries that are targeted - Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, plus Serbia need to be done. Regional cooperation as well as developing strong relations with the neighbor states is priority for enhancing security, stability and prosperity.

We wish our team the very best!