The South-Eastern Europe Defence Ministerial Meeting in Sarajevo Reaffirms Regional Cooperation and Good Neighbourly Relations

The annual South-Eastern Europe Defence Ministerial (SEDM) meeting, organized by the Ministry of Defence of Bosna and Herzegovina on 27 November 2025 in Sarajevo, in Bosna and Herzegovina, brought together high-level representatives of SEDM member countries  - Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Croatia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Turkey, Slovenia, Serbia, Moldova, Georgia, alongside the representatives of the international organizations, including  UNDP SEESAC and the Center for Security Cooperation (RACVIAC).

This year's Ministerial meeting, under the Chairmanship of Greece, emphasized the progress of the SEDM projects in promoting regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations and strengthening the ability of SEDM countries to withstand emerging challenges.

During the meeting, the Ministers and representatives of the member countries presented national views on the evolving security environment and reiterated that the SEDM Process continues to serve as a platform for dialogue, confidence-building, and practical defence cooperation, enabling the nations of South-Eastern Europe to work together for the security and stability of the region.

UNDP SEESAC briefed the participants about support provided to the authorities and results achieved in advancing regional cooperation, small arms and light weapons control and support to the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. UNDP SEESAC underlined that the successful implementation of the Western Balkans Small Arms and Light Weapons Control Roadmap and its important impact on regional coordination and cooperation, has been recognized at the Berlin Process Summit.

UNDP SEESAC also commended the Ministries of Defence in the Western Balkans for their commitment to advancing gender equality in the military in line with the Women, Peace and Security Agenda.

SEDM Members concluded the Ministerial Meeting in Sarajevo by endorsing the Joint Statement reaffirming their determination to continue regional cooperation to preserve peace and stability.