Albania is a developing economy, ranked 69th in Human Development Index. Its defence and security orientation is linked to EU and NATO integrations. Albania became a member of NATO in 2009. In 2014, Albania was awarded candidate status by the EU. According to the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index, Albania is ranked 110th out of 180 countries.

Bosnia and Herzegovina (BIH) is a developing economy, ranked 73rd in Human Development Index. Its defence and security orientation is linked to EU and NATO integrations. BiH is a potential candidate for the EU membership since 2016 and it is part of the NATO Membership Action Plan since 2018. According to the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index, Bosnia and Herzegovina is ranked 110th out of 180 countries.

On February 17, 2008, Kosovo formally declared independence from Serbia. Its defence and security orientation is linked to EU and NATO integrations. Kosovo signed a Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the EU, which entered into force in 2016. NATO has been leading a peace-support operation in Kosovo since June 1999. According to the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index, Kosovo is ranked 87th out of 180 countries.

Montenegro is a developing economy, ranked at the 48th in Human Development Index. Its defence and security orientation is linked to EU and NATO integrations. Montenegro became a member of NATO in 2017. In 2012, Montenegro started accession negotiations with the EU and is currently a frontrunner for accession. According to the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index, Montenegro is ranked 64th out of 180 countries.

North Macedonia is a developing economy, ranked at the 82nd in Human Development Index. Its defence and security orientation is linked to EU and NATO integrations. North Macedonia became NATO member in 2020. Since 200, North Macedonia has the status of candidate for EU membership. According to the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index, Montenegro is ranked 87th out of 180 countries.