Southeastern Europe is a region of transitional changes, new political entities, and potential focal points of crisis. The international political and military institutions with continuous presence in the region expect the Republic of Croatia, as the next likely member of the European Union, to also assume an active role in the development of democracy and stabilization in the region, in political and security-related cooperation, and in the economic presence in the region.
A meticulous monitoring and analysis of relevant political, security, or economic processes in Southeastern Europe, which could affect the stability of political and security conditions in the Croatian surrounding area, constitute a very important area of operation of SOA. In order to anticipate possible threats to Croatian citizens, Croatia’s national interests and its international position, SOA collects and analyzes data on:
- the processes which may lead to the violation of the territorial integrity of the Republic of Croatia (including activities of individuals, groups, organizations, and institutions which advocate, or may advocate, territorial aspirations towards the Republic of Croatia)
- unilateral or multilateral initiatives and activities in the region, relevant for Croatian strategic interest of accession to the European Union
- political and security processes in regard with creating new political subjects in the region, with possible consequences on the regional stability
- processes in the surrounding area of the Republic of Croatia which may lead to a redesign of the SE European political map
- activities of foreign factors which endeavour to influence the economic flow of SE Europe by using political means (issues of energy supply and transport, privatization of relevant economic resources, etc.)
- activities of military and para-military groups and organizations with political ambitions and sufficient power to pose a significant security threat in specific countries
- activities of criminal groups in the region, and their connectivity to similar groups in the Republic of Croatia
- activities of radical groups in specific countries in the region, as a part of the global war on terrorism
- information on war criminals and fugitives of the Hague Tribunal in specific countries, as well as knowledge of the fate of Croatian soldiers and civilians gone missing during the aggressive war in the Republic of Croatia
