54th Coordination Committee Meeting of the South-East Europe Defence Ministerial Process – A Key Forum for Dialogue on Regional Security

The 54th  South-East Europe Defence Ministerial Coordination Committee (SEDM-CC) Meeting was organized on 19 March 2026 in Chania, Greece, under the chairmanship of the Hellenic Republic. It brought together 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 the Center for Security Cooperation (RACVIAC), Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and UNDP SEESAC.

The coordination meeting 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 representatives of the member countries presented national views on the evolving security environment and reiterated that the SEDM process continues to serve as a key forum for dialogue on regional security, confidence-building, and practical defence cooperation, enabling the nations of South-East Europe to work together for security and stability of the region.

UNDP SEESAC informed on the continuation of the Regional Roadmap on combating illicit trafficking, possession and misuse of SALW, their ammunition and explosives,  implemented in close cooperation with the Western Balkans authorities supported by the EU, Germany and France. Namely, the EU approved funding for the coordination and monitoring of the next phase of the Roadmap in the amount of EUR 3.5 million for the next 3 years.  This project will also provide assistance to the authorities in Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. Underlining that the relevance of disarmament, arms control efforts and the Women, Peace and Security Agenda is increasing, UNDP SEESAC commended the Ministries of Defence in the Western Balkans for the results achieved in advancing gender equality in the military in line with the UNSCR 1325.  

The Chair concluded the SEDM-CC meeting in Chania thanking the representatives of the governments in the region for their continuous support and contribution to SEDM process.