A fierce arms race is taking place in the Western Balkans, with Serbia and Croatia as the main protagonists.
The latter unveiled its full military potential in a grand parade on Thursday, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Operation Storm, which ended with the expulsion of the occupying Serbian forces, writes A2 CNN.
The parade sparked discontent in Belgrade, where a grand demonstration of weapons and military capabilities is also being planned for September 20. For experts quoted by Deutsche Welle, this is just the latest chapter in a multi-year arms race between the two countries.
"There is no doubt that Serbia and Croatia are competing to modernize their armed forces. Croatia is in NATO, but still sees Serbia as the biggest security challenge. In a way it is surprising that 30 years after Operation Storm so much intolerance is being created. Belgrade and Zagreb have clearly found a way to continue generating hatred and intolerance," said military analyst Aleksandar Radic, among others.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić links almost every arms purchase to Croatia and its weapons, and has often proclaimed Serbia to be "the strongest military power in the region." Although some analysts believe the Croatian military parade is a message to Belgrade, Aleksandar Radić believes "that this rivalry is not the motive for holding the parade."
"Croatia attaches great importance to the commemoration of Operation Storm, so it was expected that something like this would be organized. But now we have a Serbian parade and the question arises as to what is the motive for organizing it? Despite Vučić trying to present it as a show of strength towards Croatia, this parade has much more to do with his internal problems and protests. The date of September 20th has no significance for Serbia, there is no reason for this parade and we can say that it was organized to show rebellious Serbia that 'I am stronger than you'. This is how he will declare victory over the color revolution," said military analyst Aleksandar Radić.
Croatia is among 18 EU countries that have applied for billions of euros from the bloc's soft loan program aimed at helping Europe strengthen its security. Prime Minister Plenkovic has said Croatia could request 1.8 billion euros from the fund. (A2 Televizion)
A2 CNN Livestream
MUND TE LEXONI GJITHASHTU
