Serbia and NATO Begin First Joint Military Exercises

May 12, 2026, 18:02
EuropeInternational

Introduction

Serbia and NATO have started their first direct joint military training exercise. This program involves personnel from several countries and aims to improve stability in the region.

Main Body

The military exercises began on May 12 and will end on May 23. Approximately 600 soldiers from Serbia, Italy, Romania, and Türkiye are participating. Furthermore, military observers and planners from the UK, US, France, Germany, and Montenegro are supporting the operation. These activities are part of the Partnership for Peace program, which Serbia has been a member of for nearly twenty years. In the past, the relationship between Belgrade and NATO was very difficult due to the 1999 bombing of Yugoslavia. Additionally, tensions remain because NATO-led peacekeepers are still stationed in Kosovo, a territory that Serbia does not recognize as independent. However, the current cooperation shows a positive change, as planning teams from different nations are now working together effectively. From a strategic perspective, Serbia follows a policy of military neutrality. This means the country balances its diplomatic and defense deals between NATO members, Russia, and China. The Serbian Ministry of Defence emphasized that these exercises are intended to maintain peace in the region. Meanwhile, NATO officials asserted that the training fully respects Serbia's neutral status.

Conclusion

These joint exercises mark a new level of direct cooperation between Serbia and NATO, while allowing Serbia to keep its neutral position.

Learning

🚀 Moving Beyond 'And' & 'But'

At the A2 level, students usually connect ideas with basic words like and, but, and because. To reach B2, you need Logical Connectors. These are words that act like 'road signs' for the reader, showing exactly how two ideas relate.

🔍 The 'Upgrade' Map

Look at how the article replaces simple words with 'Professional Connectors':

  • Instead of "Also" →\rightarrow Furthermore / Additionally

    • A2: Serbia is training. Also, the UK is helping.
    • B2: Serbia is training. Furthermore, military observers from the UK are supporting the operation.

  • Instead of "But" →\rightarrow However

    • A2: The past was bad, but now it is better.
    • B2: The relationship was very difficult. However, the current cooperation shows a positive change.

  • Instead of "At the same time" →\rightarrow Meanwhile

    • A2: Serbia said this, and at the same time NATO said that.
    • B2: The Ministry emphasized peace. Meanwhile, NATO officials asserted that they respect neutrality.

💡 Pro Tip for B2 Fluency

Notice the punctuation! These connectors usually start a new sentence and are followed by a comma ( , ). This creates a rhythmic, academic pace that makes you sound more confident and formal.

The Formula: [Sentence 1]. →\rightarrow [Connector] + [ , ] →\rightarrow [Sentence 2].

Vocabulary Learning

direct (adj.)
Straightforward; not indirect or indirect.
Example:The military exercises were a direct effort to improve regional stability.
joint (adj.)
Shared by two or more parties.
Example:They carried out joint training drills with soldiers from several countries.
military (adj.)
Relating to the armed forces.
Example:The military exercise involved thousands of soldiers.
training (n.)
The process of learning skills or knowledge.
Example:The program includes intensive training for personnel.
exercise (n.)
A planned activity for practice or testing.
Example:The joint exercise began on May 12.
participating (v.)
Taking part in an event or activity.
Example:Approximately 600 soldiers are participating in the drills.
supporting (v.)
Providing assistance or aid.
Example:Military observers are supporting the operation.
operation (n.)
A planned series of actions or activities.
Example:The exercises are part of a larger operation.
program (n.)
A planned series of activities or events.
Example:The Partnership for Peace program has been running for twenty years.
relationship (n.)
The way in which two or more people or things are connected.
Example:The relationship between Belgrade and NATO was difficult in the past.
difficult (adj.)
Hard to deal with or overcome.
Example:The relationship was very difficult after the bombing.
bombing (n.)
The act of dropping bombs on a target.
Example:The 1999 bombing of Yugoslavia caused lasting tensions.
tensions (n.)
A state of mental or emotional strain.
Example:Tensions remain over the presence of peacekeepers.
peacekeepers (n.)
Military personnel who maintain peace in conflict areas.
Example:NATO-led peacekeepers are stationed in Kosovo.
territory (n.)
An area of land belonging to a particular country or state.
Example:Kosovo is a territory that Serbia does not recognize as independent.
recognize (v.)
To acknowledge or accept as valid or true.
Example:Serbia does not recognize Kosovo as an independent territory.
independent (adj.)
Not dependent on others; self-sufficient.
Example:Kosovo is considered an independent state by many.
cooperation (n.)
The act of working together to achieve a common goal.
Example:The current cooperation shows a positive change.
strategic (adj.)
Related to planning for achieving a goal.
Example:From a strategic perspective, Serbia maintains neutrality.
neutrality (n.)
The state of not taking sides in a conflict.
Example:Serbia's neutrality helps it balance relations with multiple powers.