Collective Security

In order to stimulate broader debate on the Western Balkan's current and future relations with Euro-Atlantic structures, TransConflict works to improve understanding about the notion of collective security and its implications for key areas of domestic policy, such as defence and security sector reform. TransConflict’s overriding aim is to provide an innovative platform that will better equip all participants to form their own opinions about the costs and benefits of closer relations with Euro-Atlantic structures. TransConflict's comprehensive programme is also conceptualised so as to serve as a platform for the development of future leaders and security experts, who will increasingly be involved in discussions about the Western Balkan's future within a Euro-Atlantic collective security environment.

Projects and Initiatives:

• Project - Jagello 2000 Workshop Series
• Project - Strengthening Serbia's Euro-Atlantic Integration through Local Youth Offices
• Project - Facilitating Serbia's Contribution to NATO's New Strategic Concept

It is imperative for both the Western Balkans and Euro-Atlantic structures that a generation of capable, articulate and knowledgeable individuals exists that can contribute to the discussion and development of constructive solutions in an ever evolving global security environment. The long-term objective of TransConflict's programme therefore revolves around building both the skills and knowledge of all participants. To achieve this, each activity will contain a strong capacity-building component, designed to strengthen the negotiation, lobbying and communications skills of all participants. TransConflict will also facilitate exchanges of perspectives and experiences between students and young professionals from the Western Balkans with their counterparts in NATO member states and partner countries; thereby fostering regional engagement and a greater sense of inclusiveness and influence. TransConflict will harness this potential through a network of young professionals and university students interested and engaged in the Western Balkan's integration into Euro-Atlantic structures.

Besides strengthening understanding about key issues related to NATO’s current agenda and decision-making structures, TransConflict's collective security-related activities will also explore both the role of NATO with respect to pertinent topics, including energy security, minority rights and economic stability, regional experiences of NATO accession, particularly Slovenia and Croatia, and future relations between the EU and NATO in the sphere of foreign and security policy. The overriding aim is to improve understanding about the role, function and activities of NATO in the context of the shared values and obligations of its member states.