Germany’s Security Role in Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Kosovo From Civilian Power to Strategic Actor

Abstract

The Western Balkans remain a region of strategic importance for both the European Union and NATO, characterized by ethnic diversity, post-conflict challenges and aspirations for Euro-Atlantic integration. This research examines Germany’s evolving role within the security and defence architecture of the Western Balkans, highlighting its dual identity as a „civilian power” and a pragmatic security actor. Through a comparative analysis of Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Kosovo, the study investigates how Germany’s engagement – within EU and NATO frameworks – has influenced regional stabilization, and democratization. Employing a mixed qualitative methodology, incorporating document analysis and case studies, the study assesses Germany’s contributions to key missions, including EUFOR Althea, EULEX Kosovo and Operation Concordia. The findings indicate that Germany has played a pivotal role in reinforcing the security commitments of the EU and NATO, advancing institutional reforms, and supporting the European integration of the Western Balkans. The findings reveal that Germany has played a crucial role in reinforcing the security commitments of the EU and NATO, promoting institutional reforms, and supporting the European integration of the Western Balkans. However, persistent challenges, such as enlargement fatigue, institutional fragmentation, and external geopolitical pressures, continue to constrain sustainable progress. The research concludes that Germany’s foreign policy has evolved toward a hybrid model of strategic responsibility, reflecting the EU’s own transformation into a global actor that combines normative influence with credible security capabilities. Therefore, the Western Balkans serve as a testing ground for both Germany’s and the EU’s capacity to act coherently and effectively in promoting peace, democracy, and stability within the region.