Institutionalization of education for Defense and Security requirements according to principles that govern scientific activities and higher level of education in the Republic of Croatia has created presumptions for a greater degree of integration and compatibility with NATO institutions and programs, harmonization with standards of the Bologna Process and use of NATO and EU resources. In the recent years NATO has undertaken important steps directed towards harmonization of the education and training in educational institutions of the NATO member and Partner countries with standards of the Bologna Process. The goal of these processes is to improve quality in education and training, as well as confidence and transparency, both among the states and within the states between the Armed Forces and society. Harmonization of the education for Defense requirements in NATO member states with Bologna Process presumes that Defense educational institutions are integrated in scientific-educational systems of their countries. Attainment of the goals of this Plan provides for efficient ap- plication of the mechanisms developed to upgrade the quality of education, enable mobility of students and teachers and contribute to mutual confidence. Examples of such mechanisms are represented by: •E  RASMUS, educational program of the European Union for promotion of mobility of the European students and professors that has become a core factor in internationalization and ‘Europeanization’ of higher education in European Union. •E  uropean Initiative for Exchange of Young Officers Inspired by Erasmus Program (“Military Erasmus”) – a concept aimed at improving quality of education and training of the military personnel in the EU member countries. As a general goal of the “Military Erasmus” prominence is given to increased interoperability among European Armed Forces, development of the Common Security culture and sharing of same values. • European Defense Agency (EDA) with numerous programs that include educational component. • European Security and Defense College (ESDC) as a platform for connecting and networking of the institutions of higher level education for Defense and Security requirements of member states. •N  ATO Security through Science Programme that contributes to security, stability and solidarity by application of science in problem solving. • NATO concept of the Centers of Excellence that provides for development of expert opinions in areas that are of core importance for the Alliance, and in which a single nation can give its most visible contribution. Scientific-research activity (work) will be primarily developed within Croatian Defense Academy. Strengthening scientific- T H E C R O AT I A N A R M E D F O R C E S L O N G − T E R M D E V E L O P M E N T P L A N 2 0 1 5 − 2 0 2 4