The Republic of Serbia, as well as other countries of the region, is faced with terrorism, various forms of organized crime, corruption, trafficking in narcotics, the destructive activities of certain religious sects, people trafficking, and financial and high-tech crime. II. SECURITY CHALLENGES, RISKS AND THREATS The Republic of Serbia is determined, based on the development of democratic processes, European foreign policy orientation and policy of cooperation and strengthening measures of trust in the region, to build its own security, which makes it a significant factor of regional security cooperation and reliable partner in international relations. Despite the positive results in strengthening the security position of the Republic of Serbia, there are still significant security challenges, risks and threats. The consequences of many years of civil war waged on the territory of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, the international isolation of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and NATO bombing, the problems of transition, as well as key issues of global and regional security, reflect on the security of the Republic of Serbia to a large extent and can threaten its stability and peace. Challenges, risks and threats to the security of the Republic of Serbia have a complex character, and they may manifest with similar content, scope and intensity at the global, regional and national level. Basic criteria in considering and stating challenges, risks and threats are the consequences on the security of the Republic of Serbia that could arise in case of their appearance. The threat of armed aggression against the Republic of Serbia is significantly reduced but not completely excluded, and may occur as a result of armed conflicts, either global or regional in nature, caused by conflicting interests of major powers or countries in the region. Separatist aspirations of some nationalist and religious extremist groups represent a source of constant security risk and a direct threat to the territorial integrity of the Republic of Serbia. Separatist efforts of a part of the Albanian national minority in Kosovo and Metohija, which culminated in the illegal unilateral declaration of independence of Kosovo, are a direct threat to the territorial integrity 9