Europe

The road towards justice in the Western Balkans is still long, but it is not an impossible one – and if reconciliation is to be achieved, the ICTY needs to start being seen as merely the beginning of this road.

The deployment of a missile deterrent in Europe based upon the Long Range Precision Fires programme would present Russia with the prospect of rapid retaliation to any aggression.

With the European Union’s attention almost entirely dedicated to the Brexit negotiations, 2017 has been a year of highs and lows for the Western Balkans. Some countries proved themselves capable of impressive progress, while others showed why external involvement is still very much needed in the region.

In the 16 months since the Brexit vote, European Commission figures have certainly hinted towards ever-closer security and defence union after the UK leaves. But advances towards such integration are still in the very early stages.

The recent moves by Catalonia to obtain independence have generated speculation that regions of other nearby states will follow its example. However, the referendum and its aftermath serve more as a lesson than a model for other European separatist movements.

As Britain comes to grips with a series of (largely self-inflicted) political traumas, the country’s security focus is becoming increasingly rationalised around its NATO commitments. Whilst they were conceived of in a different era, the Queen Elizabeth-class have the potential – if properly supported – to greatly aid this mission.

The Bulgaria-Macedonia friendship treaty does not mean that Sofia and Skopje no longer have any differences, but it does demonstrate that compromise is the way forward. It is high time that other nations in the region followed suit.

15th July has been declared an annual holiday called Democracy and National Unity Day – two attributes Turkey desperately needs, but shows no signs of at the moment. The events of the past year show that the failed coup was also a failed opportunity.

That there is a need to rebuild the US Navy is disputed by few in the mainstream. Initially at least, readiness needs to be prioritised by beginning to clear the many years of deferred maintenance that have undermined the fleet. But in the longer run, building up both numbers and capabilities matter.

Muslims in the Balkans have traditionally been and continue to be moderate, and post-war extremism in the region has yet to translate itself into widespread domestic violence. Nevertheless, ISIS has had some success in recruiting fighters for the wars in Syria and Iraq from the region.