Recognition of the so-called Republic of Kosovo by some states in the immediate environment of the Republic of Serbia, as well as a number of countries in the world, adversely reflects on strengthening measures of trust and cooperation, and slows down the process of stabilization in this region. Terrorism and the expansion of organized crime, corruption, trafficking in narcotics and weapons, as well as people trafficking, which are most pronounced in Kosovo and Metohija, significantly burden the security situation in Southeast Europe. Inadequate resolution of the return of refugees, displaced and internally displaced persons in former Yugoslavia and their unsatisfactory social status make security situation in the region even more complex. Security situation in the region is characterized by distinct national, religious and political extremism and the destruction of cultural heritage, which, in addition to existing economic and social problems and lack of state institutions, drags out the process of faster and more successful democratic transition of the countries in the region. Relations among the states in the region are also burdened by the return of refugees and return of their property and the problems of borders, as well as the problems arising from inadequate integration of certain minority communities and groups in the wider social environment. Therefore, the integration of this region into European and other international security structures is difficult, which increases the risk of renewal of the crisis and armed conflicts. In such conditions, the continuity of international support and military and security presence with the UN mandate in the region can contribute to stabilization and prevent the occurrence of conflicts and their turn into large-scale conflict. Due to the complex nature of security in the region, the countries of Southeast Europe are increasingly in the situation to use their joint efforts in suppressing the negative processes that threaten their safety. Through building joint mechanisms for the prevention of risks and threats and crisis management, the preconditions for faster democratic transition of all the countries in the region are achieved, thus creating conditions for their approaching and joining the European Union. 7