NATO III Bucharest. The enlargement summit (April ) The summit initiated the third round of enlargement in the post-Cold War era These last two rounds of enlargement were “strategic” in the sense that the new members’ territory lay in regions that Russia consider critical to its own national interest A logical continuation of NATOs involvement in the Balkans since early 1990’s, but also a way to increase NATO’s capacity for international action through the addition of new members and partners

NATO III Tuning and calibrating the process of enlargement Membership Action Plan (MAP). Launched in Provides advice, assistance and practical support The main features with MAP are: - submission of individual annual progress reports, covering political, economic, defence, resource, security, and legal aspects - a focused feedback mechanism - coordinated assistance, including specific defence planning Participation in MAP does not guarantee future membership

NATO III The first NATO military operation in the Balkans where ”Operation Sharp Guard” ( ) With the Dayton Agreement, NATO deployed a peacekeeping force, first named IFOR then SFOR ( ) Full-scale military engagement, waging an 11 week bombing campaign (without UN- Security council mandate) KFOR under UN-mandate

NATO III Albania joined the alliance April 1, 2009 – Post-communist era marked by political and economical turmoil. – Corruption: ranked 105 out of 175 countries, with the worst showing in central Europe – need bilateral assistance to participate in international missions and lacks sufficient logistical capabilities

NATO III Croatia joined the alliance April 1, Had no real obstacles to overcome in terms of political and economical reforms - Strong backing from European states Macedonia. Membership opposed by Greece - the two countries have been in disagreement over Macedonia’s use of the name “Macedonia” since 1991

NATO III Summary Future members? Russia? Enlargement also creates internal problems: More members strains the decision making process Where, and when, will the enlargement stop? Diluted organization?