International and Regional Cooperation with focus on Euroatlantic Integration Pillar

The International and Regional Cooperation with focus on Euro-Atlantic Integration (IRC) Pillar has focused its scope of activities from mainly regional security cooperation issues to broader politico-military issues of Euro-Atlantic integration in accordance with the RACVIAC Strategy paper.

Programme area/Activity interests

1. European Integration

In the last ten years, the IRC Pillar has carried out a significant number of activities related to EU integration, as this process includes and supports the SEE countries’ EU membership aspiration. Further activities and topics will also be tailored to the achievements of European integration, in the context of the Pillar's previous activities, as their logical resumption. The European Union has a dynamic structure and European integration has reached a point that requires its constant and deep exploration. Hence, the IRC Pillar will stay focused on further EU integration strategies and strategic objectives, seeking to maintain the link between them and integration processes in the states of the SEE region.

2. Euro-Atlantic Integration

The process of accession to NATO has served as a catalyst for substantial political, economic and structural reforms in the aspiring countries of SEE. Despite the progress achieved, there are still considerable security challenges on the SEE countries’ path towards accession to NATO, including new security issues and requirements perceived by NATO in terms of recent natural disasters and conflicts around the World. The clear European and Euro-Atlantic orientation of Southeast Europe is the best way to achieve lasting peace and stability, as well as social and economic development in SEE. The IRC Pillar plans and conducts activities guided by the needs of the SEE region. Furthermore, the Pillar’s activities emphasize the importance of inclusiveness as a prerequisite for a successful and substantial implementation of regional cooperation in accordance with regional initiatives in Southeast Europe and their respective statutory documents.

3. Cooperation with international and regional organizations

Regional cooperation contributes not only to all international/regional organizations, but also to the SEE countries and the EU itself. The IRC Pillar is developing its relationship with other international and regional organizations, trying to confirm RACVIAC’s key role in security cooperation in the SEE region. The Pillar is seeking to be well-informed on the ongoing and planned regional activities by participating, as appropriate, in meetings and events, maintaining contacts, exchanging information and, where relevant, setting up working arrangements with regional initiatives and organizations, and international ones active in the region.


The Changing Face of Organized Crime in SEE: Trends and Developments, 03 - 04 May 2011		Civil Protection in the EU and in South-Eastern Europe, Conference co -organized with TAIEX and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Croatia, Zagreb, 18-19 May 2011		Address by Ms Vesna Pusić, PhD, Chairperson of the National Committee, Parliament of the Republic of Croatia, during the Seminar “The South-East Europe's Path towards the EU: Progress through reforms and the way ahead regarding CFSP and CSDP”, RACVIAC, 30 November - 02 December 2010

4. Possible security challenges

In the era of globalization and technological innovation the world is likely to be far more complex and subject to rapid and unpredictable changes. Therefore, the EU is obviously facing an increasing number of security issues and threats. They must be considered much more seriously than ever before. Responses to future security threats and challenges must be based on the acknowledgment and understanding of this reality.

This suggests the need to view problems in a larger, wider context, and to consider a variety of approaches to problem solving. It also imposes the need for security organizations and institutions such as RACVIAC, having capabilities that are tailored to cope with the reality of rapid change and its consequences. The IRC Pillar is directing its activities towards strengthening the role of RACVIAC as a forum for security cooperation with a view to better preparing countries in the SEE region for possible security challenges.