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.

The Western Balkans know that, in the long-term, they have more to gain from the West than the East – and the European Union’s continuous stalling leaves a void that needs to be filled. Stronger engagement with and on the part of NATO, regardless of how far it goes, will bring nothing but benefits to both sides and Europe as a whole.

The new French President, Emmanuel Macron, primarily focused on economic issues and the EU during the course of his campaign. However, rather than dismissing the concerns of Ms. Le Pen and her supporters as fear-mongering, he needs to implement a coherent policy to improve the security situation that is not just a continuation of the old, reactionary approach to the crisis.