Serbian President Appoints New Chief of Staff for Armed Forces

Last month, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic named Lieutenant General Milan Mojsilovic chief of staff of the Serbian Armed Forces. This appointment comes at an important time for both the Serbian military’s internal reform and modernization and the international community’s efforts to integrate the Western Balkan region into the Euro-Atlantic community.

General Mojsilovic previously served in Brussels as the head of Serbia’s mission to NATO from 2013 to 2017. Before that, Mojsilovic was the commander of the Serbian Army. Mojsilovic’s experience with, and understanding of, NATO is unique for a Serbian military leader in light of the late 1990s conflicts between NATO and the former Yugoslavia.

Given Serbia’s important role in southeast Europe and the incomplete integration of the Western Balkans into the European space, a leader with General Mojsilovic’s background and experience may be heartening to Western leadership.

Serbia’s defense and foreign policies are unlikely to shift dramatically given that Serbia’s chief of the staff does not formulate policy. Still, the appointment of Mojsilovic does bode well for continued communication and cooperation.

Mojsilovic has made clear that he understands both the regional challenges and the responsibilities of the chief of staff. The general is committed to overseeing the equipping, revitalization, and modernization of a professional army. He stated that the military ought to be able to fulfill its missions, including multinational peacekeeping operations in which Serbia currently has 278 soldiers. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of cooperating with the Kosovo Force and sees cooperation with NATO as serving the interests of the Serbian state. Finally, he promised to prioritize taking care of the people serving in the Serbian military.

Western leaders should set realistic expectations regarding General Mojsilovic’s new role. He has clearly stated that his responsibilities do not include influencing the Serbian political process regarding NATO. He will likely seek cooperation in areas of mutual interest, ranging from increasing interoperability to contributing to regional security. Cooperation within NATO’s Partnership for Peace and the robust relationship with the Ohio National Guard will both continue to flourish.

To welcome the general, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Joseph Dunford, should schedule a meeting with Mojsilovic, and the two should recommit to sending Serbian officers to International Military Education and Training (IMET). A professional, competent armed force is in the interest of a stable and secure Serbia, which coincides with the interests of the Euro-Atlantic alliance seeking a Europe that is whole, free, and at peace.