The OSCE Network is currently implementing the following projects:

1) "Western Balkans Military Dynamics"

Project leader: Prof. Dr Filip Ejdus, Associate Professor, Faculty of Political Science / University of Belgrade, Republic of Serbia

The overall aim of this project is to gain knowledge about military trends in the Western Balkans. It should provide further OSCE Network input to discussions in the OSCE on conventional arms control and confidence building in sub-regional contexts. The specific objectives of the project are to:

•    examine the continuity and change in threat perceptions and defence policies in the Western Balkans;

•    examine the implications of the heated rhetorical tensions in the region, ongoing arms modernisation and the announced rearmament in the Western Balkans;

•    investigate the implications of the ongoing rearmament for the balance of forces in the region;

•    discuss the implementation of the Florence Agreement and the role of OSCE therein, especially in the context of the recent transfer of ownership to the region;

•    study the implications of Croatia aiming for NATO's 2 percent, current arms purchases and any possible asymmetries resulting from this;

•    examine the possible consequences of the establishment of the Kosovo Armed Forces for military dynamics in the region;

•    examine the national decision-making procedures for major military equipment acquisition projects in the Western Balkans;

•    provide recommendations to the OSCE and its participating States on how to contribute to military confidence building and prevent new military securitisation in the region.

2) "China's Belt and Road Initiative: Implications for the OSCE's Comprehensive Security Agenda

Project leader: Prof. Dr Stefan Wolff, Institute for Conflict, Cooperation and Security, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom

Understanding the implications of China’s BRI for the OSCE region and the problems within it is therefore significant for the OSCE’s and its participating States’ ability to continue working towards sustainable solutions. To contribute to such an understanding is the primary aim of this project.

Against this background, the objectives of this project include:

1. Mapping the presence of China across Central Asia, the South Caucasus, the Western CIS, and the Western Balkans over time, in particular how it has manifested itself since the inception of the BRI;

2. Identifying the implications that this presence has had in terms of economic, environmental, social, political, and military security in the OSCE area;

3. Compiling and presenting a report on the basis of (1) and (2) to inform OSCE institutions and participating States’ governments.