Opportunities for Development of Defense Cooperation between Southeastern European Countries

The article considers the multilayer military cooperation between the SEE countries over the past 20 years. The need exists to enhance cooperation from mere "interaction" to the possibility of joint acquisition and sharing of arms and equipment and a real increase in military capabilities in the countries of the region. The Bulgarian initiative SEEDEFCO (Southeastern Europe Defense Cooperation) is introduced. The challenges that stimulate or hinder the implementation of this policy are reviewed. The conclusion is that the Balkan countries are not yet ready to transform their synergy into modern regional military cooperation.