Ministerial meeting of the SEDM process in Sarajevo, Misajlovski stressed the importance of regional initiatives for the security of South-Eastern Europe

Minister of Defence, Vlado Misajlovski, today (27 November 2025) in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, together with defence ministers from the countries of the region, participated in the ministerial meeting of the SEDM process, the main goal of which is to promote stability and security in the region through the development of military and political cooperation between the member states.

During the first session of the ministerial meeting, Minister Misajlovski addressed several key security challenges at the global level – Russian aggression against Ukraine and the escalation of violence in the Middle East, emphasizing that although geographically remote, the region is strongly affected by security instability and that the only sustainable solution is respect for the principles of international law, dialogue and the peaceful resolution of all disagreements.

“Sustainable peace requires a comprehensive approach, which includes much more than military measures, i.e. it includes diplomacy, responsibility and accountability, humanitarian support and long-term development”, stated Misajlovski, adding that “our shared obligation is that the next chapter in international relations is not shaped by conflicts and extremism, but by dialogue, solidarity and respect for international norms that will enable a safe and just world for all”.

Regarding the future of the SEDM process, the Minister gave full support to the expert working group working on a concept document to strengthen the relevance of the South-Eastern Europe Brigade – SEEBRIG.

“The Brigade is extremely important in strengthening regional security and stability and I am convinced that it will continue to develop the goals of the SEDM process”, said the Minister. As the host country of the Brigade’s main headquarters, the minister said, our support for this process was clearly expressed, which he emphasized as an “instrument for unity and cohesion” between the countries of the region.

At the meeting, the ministers were informed about the activities implemented since the last ministerial meeting in November 2024 in Tirana, emphasizing that one of the most significant projects of SEDM is the South-Eastern Europe Brigade – SEEBRIG, whose command is located in Kumanovo until 2026.

The ministerial meeting was co-organized by the Minister of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zukan Helez, together with the Deputy Minister of Defence of Greece, Athanasios Davakis, and the Chair of the SEDM Secretariat, Ambassador Eleftherios Angelopoulos.
The SEDM initiative, established in 1996, unites our country, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Georgia, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Turkey, Ukraine, the United States and Moldova. According to the established order, Greece will chair the SEDM until the first half of 2027, after which the presidency will be taken over by our country.

Other important projects operating within the initiative include: SEESIM – a simulation exercise project, the Women Leaders in Defence and Security project, the military hospital interconnection project, as well as the SEDM portal for rapid and efficient information exchange between member states.