The annual South-Eastern Europe Defence Ministerial (SEDM) meeting was held in person on the 4th of November in Skopje.Representatives of the SEDM Nations, SEEBRIG HQ and representatives of UNDP/SEESAC, Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), RACVIAC and European Union participated. The meeting was presided by the SEDM Chairman Mr. Plamen YORDANOV, Deputy Minister of Defence of the Republic of Bulgaria.

In his opening remarks, the Chairman stressed on the importance of the Ministerial meeting as the forum for high-level officials to discuss current regional security issues and concerns. Moreover, Mr. YORDANOV expressed his confidence in the future of the process and its consolidation as one of the most important regional mechanisms for cooperation and highlighted that such events contribute to the regional security and stability based on the principle “ It’s much better to know each other, before we need each other”.

Ms. Radmila SHEKERINSKA, Minister of Defence of the Republic of North Macedonia, gave a key note speech, in which she addressed the immediate challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the looming threats such as climate change, disinformation and the digitization of conflicts and crises. Furthermore, she underlined that cooperation and partnership are essential for the nations in order to thrive and be resilient.

Following the update on the latest developments on SEDM-CC projects and PMSC activities, given by Mr. YORDANOV, the Commander of the South-Eastern Europe Brigade (SEEBRIG) Brigadier General Aristeidis ILIOPOULOS reviewed the Brigade’s activities since the last SEDM Ministerial meeting in 2020 and presented the documents to be approved by the MPFSEE Nations.

During the meeting, the SEDM nations’ Ministers and their representatives expressed their national views and commitment to the SEDM Process, thus contributing to the importance of the Initiative as acrucial format for regional cooperation.

In the closing remarks the SEDM Chairman congratulated Ms. Radmila SHEKERINSKA for the successful organization of the Ministerial in these unprecedented circumstances.

The full joint statement is available here.

 

On the 15th and the 16th of September 2021, were held respectively the 46th PMSC and the 45th SEDM-CC Meetings in Sofia, Bulgaria.

The recent developments and the way ahead for SEEBRIG and the SEDM Process were discussed within the margins of the meetings. The leading nations provided updates on the various SEDM projects. The participating international organizations expressed their content and willingness for further collaboration with the Initiative.  Topical security and defense issues at a regional scale as well the perspectives for enhancing the regional cooperation were also discussed in details.

The meetings were headed by the chairman of the SEDM Process, Deputy Minister of Defence Mr. Plamen Yordanov.

Due to the COVID restrictions the meetings were held in a hybrid mode, in which attendants participated both physically and virtually.

From 1st of July 2021, Bulgaria will take over the Chairmanship of the South-Eastern Defense Ministerial Initiative for a two-year period (2021-2023).

In connection with these preparations for the Hand Over of the duties and responsibilities of the SEDM Chairmanship, the Secretariat of SEDM Chairmanship, held by Albania during 2019-2021, visited Sofia on 15-18 June 2021. The Albanian delegation was led by the Director of the SEDM-CC/PMSC Secretariat, Mr. Gjergji METHOXHA.

The purpose of this visit was to conduct the HO-TO Coordination Meeting among two Secretariats, focusing the discussions on SEDM Meetings procedural details of chairing the SEDM Secretariat and on SEDM Secretariat’s priorities, work and accomplishments, as well as discussions on SEDM Secretariat HO-TO Ceremony in Kumanovo/North Macedonia and the Handover to the incoming Bulgarian Chairmanship of the SEDM Archive (Hard Copy – Electronic), Secretariat Materials (Flags, Stamps, Logos) and Use of Portal/E-mail Services.

The Hand Over-Take Over Coordination Meeting of the SEDM-CC/PMSC Secretariat conducted in Sofia without any doubt was a completion of a successful Meeting, which was made possible thanks to the excellent cooperation and support by the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Bulgaria.

The Director of the SEDM-CC/PMSC Secretariat, Mr. Gjergji METHOXHA expressed his appreciation and gratitude to Brigadier General Radostin ILIEV, Director for Defense Policy and Planning and to Mrs. Daniela GRIGOROVA, new Director of SEDM-CC/PMSC Secretariat for a harmonious and fruitful cooperation and the warm hospitality.

He extended its full cooperation to the incoming Bulgarian SEDM Chairmanship and presented best wishes to the new SEDM Chairmanship for success in all their endeavors to the benefit of the Member Nations of SEDM and for our region.

The Official Ceremony of the Hand Over – Take Over of South-East Europe Defense Ministerial Coordination Committee/ Political-Military Steering Committee (SEDM-CC/PMSC) Chairmanship will be held together with the 22th SEEBRIG Anniversary Ceremony on 26th August 2021 in Kumanovo, North Macedonia.

The SEDM Deputy Chief of Defence/General Staff Meeting (DCHODs) 2021 Meeting has been performed on 10 June 2021, via Video-Teleconference.

The Deputy Chiefs of Defence/General Staff and Representatives from 14 SEDM member nations, SEEBRIG's Commander, the Director of RACVIAC and UNDP SEESAC Policy Expert attended the meeting, chaired by H.E. Mr.
Petro KOÇI, Chairman of the SEDM-CC/PMSC Secretariat/Deputy Minister of Defense.

The SEDM Chairman and Co-Chair, Deputy Chief of General Staff of Croatia, Lieutenant General Siniša JURKOVIĆ, as the Host Nation, opened the annual SEDM DCHOD's Meeting and delivered their welcoming remarks to the participants.

The purpose of this Meeting is to foster constructive regional political-military cooperation in Southeast Europe (SEE), in order to further strengthen peace, stability, trust, prosperity and security in the region.

The Deputy Chiefs of Defence/ General Staff stated that the SEDM Initiative has strengthened the relations between our nations and has contributed to their efforts towards a common Euro-Atlantic future. They welcomed the achievements of SEEBRIG Brigade and acknowledged the contribution of the Brigade to the regional peace, security and stability. They reiterated that all achievements and the outstanding results reached in all these years, present an imperative for us to make all necessary efforts, in order to continue on further strengthening our regional defense cooperation through increased cooperation between member nations.

Being the last SEDM Meeting under the Albanian Chairmanship, the SEDM Chairman expressed his appreciation and gratitude to all SEDM member Nations for their contribution to the SEDM Process and took the opportunity to extend best wishes to Sofia for a successful Chairmanship of the SEDM-CC/PMSC Secretariat in the next mandate.

At the end, the participants expressed their appreciation to Host Nation and SEDM Secretariat for their efforts in successfully preparing and conducting the annual DCHODs Meeting through Video-Teleconference.

The Joint statement is available by clicking here.

 

The 13^th Interconnection of Military Hospitals (IMIHO) Users’ Meeting took place virtually on 17 December 2020, in collaboration with “Celio” Military Hospital in Rome. A Webinar was executed via IMIHO dedicated teleconference platform, that focused on the contributions, challenges and experiences of the Military health care personnel during the ongoing pandemic crisis.    

Participants from seven Nations, as well as the SEDM Secretariat had the opportunity to receive an extensive briefing, composed of diverse and informational presentations on COVID-19 related topics, such as national perspectives and military contribution, evacuation of patients, diagnosis, triage/bed allocation priority and software development.  The duration of the Webinar was extended, due to the enthusiastic willingness of Participants to engage into conversation and exchange their expert opinions, views and experiences, as well as elaborate on lessons learned and way-ahead.

The 31^st IMIHO Technical Working Group Meeting took place virtually on 18 December 2020. During the event, the IMIHO Chairman elaborated on the significant progress and tangible outcomes achieved during the last months, as well as the planned way-ahead. A fruitful dialog produced several action items of common interest and benefits. Specific actions were decided, aiming at further enriching the IMIHO Portal, enhancing functions and services offered at no cost to users, including subprojects, webinars and online medical training, both theoretical and practical. Furthermore, a new version of the IMIHO website is under development, with substantial results, by utilizing new internet technologies, open-source software, mobile technologies and based on best practices, lessons learned and user feedback.

The participants would like to express their gratitude to “Celio” Hospital personnel for the excellent presentations and superb organization of the event. Also, special thanks to SEDM Secretariat for the support, as well as all participants for the cordial cooperation.

We hope that these multinational activities will bring the national health care communities closer, provide an online medium for information and expertise exchange, while conducting training, fostering scientific and academic collaboration among professionals of the Health Care Institutions, serving Military personnel. Finally, it is our hope that the Webinar and future activities will help towards bringing soon an end to the ongoing pandemic situation. 

More information and recorded material will be available at theat the IMIHO Portal soon.

 

Bucharest, as host nation of Female Leaders in Security and Defence (FLSD) Project, organized on Thursday, 5 November 2020, the International Conference “Gender equality - 20 years after the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. The impact on the security and defence sector” in order to promote the gender dimension.

The event, organized via use of SEDM videoconference system, took place under the auspices of the Process of Meetings of Defence Ministers of Southeast Europe (SEDM) and was part of the set of actions undertaken by Bucharest, as a nation-leader, to further develop the project "Women Leader in the field of Security and Defence”. Our country is, after 2017, for the second time the host of an international conference dedicated to the promotion of gender equality.

,,This anniversary it happening in a year with a double significance – the 75th anniversary of the UN and its founding Charter and 65th anniversary of Romania’s accession to the organization”  said Secretary of State Simona Cojocaru, Head of the Department for Defence Policy, Planning and International Relations within the Ministry of National Defence.

The Secretary of State stated that, based on national legal framework, Romanian MoD  promotes and supports fair and balanced access at all hierarchical levels for men and women, military or civilian personnel, to both leading and executive positions, with the observance of complying with performance selection criteria.,, Therefore, there are no restrictions regarding women’s participation and selection for positions in the MoD, specific to permanent missions from the Military Representations of Romania to international organizations, or temporary missions specific to commanding or executive structures deployed abroad”, concluded the Head of the Department for Defence Policy, Planning and International Relations.

The conference was attended by experts from SEDM Member – Tirana, Sarajevo, Athens, Rome, Skopje, Podgorica, Ljubljana and Ankara, representatives of the UN, NATO and the Centre for Security Cooperation in South Eastern Europe (RACVIAC).

The event was also attended by representatives of public institutions that contributed to the development of programmatic documents on gender issues, namely the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the National Agency for Equal Opportunities between Women and Men, the National University of Political Studies and Public Administration, as well as representatives of civil society.

In the same context, of the activities organized at national level to mark the 20th anniversary of the adoption of UNSCR 1325, were released publicly the National Strategy and the National Action Plan on the implementation of UNSCR 1325 (2000), Women , Peace and Security, for the period 2020-2023, approved by Government Decision no. 561/2020.

At the Ministry of National Defence, the two decades since the adoption of the UN Resolution on Women, Peace and Security were marked on Wednesday, November 4, by naming "Smaranda Brăescu" (the first woman parachutist with a patent in Romania, European and world champion in parachuting) the conference room of the Department for Defence Policy, Planning and International Relations of the Ministry of National Defence.

The conference was an opportunity to reaffirm, at international level, the role of women in the prevention and resolution of military conflicts, in the promotion of peace and security, as well as in the political and military decision-making process.

The South-Eastern Europe Defence Ministerial (SEDM) meeting has been performed on 14th October 2020, via Video Teleconference, using the SEDM Portal.

Deputy Ministers of Defence/representatives from 13 SEDM Nations, SEEBRIG Commander and representatives from RACVIAC, RCC and UNDP SEESAC participated in the Meeting, which was chaired by Deputy Minister of Defence of Albania/Chairman of SEDM-CC/PMSC Secretariat, H.E. Mr. Petro KOÇI and Deputy Minister of National Defense of Greece H.E. Mr. Alkiviadis STEFANIS.

The SEDM Chairman H.E. Mr. Petro KOÇI and H.E. Mr. Alkiviadis STEFANIS opened the Meeting and delivered their speeches underlining the importance of the moment.

In the beginning, SEDM Chairman addressed the impact and the challenges posed by COVID-19 virus as a global health crisis and expressed that our thoughts are with the loved ones of the victims, and with all those who suffers from the pandemic.

SEDM Chairman gave a rundown on the latest developments on SEDM-CC Projects and PMSC activities since the last SEDM Ministerial Meeting highlighting the achievements obtained within the SEDM process under the Albanian Chairmanship. 

COMSEEBRIG, Brigadier General Aristeidis ILIOPOULOS, gave an update on SEEBRIG’s activities since the last SEDM Ministerial meeting and presented the documents to be approved by Deputy Ministers of Defence of MPFSEE Nations.

Deputy Ministers of Defence and representatives from SEDM Nations welcomed the achievements of SEEBRIG Brigade and acknowledged the contribution of this Brigade as important tool for promoting regional security, stability, cooperation and fostering good neighborly relations among countries in the region.

SEDM nation’s representatives expressed their views on the future of SEDM Initiative and underlined that SEDM Initiative has strengthened the relations between the countries and has contributed to their efforts for a common European and Euro-Atlantic future.

The representatives reiterated their commitment to further strengthen the effectiveness and efficiency of this initiative through increased co-operation between member nations and through specific projects within this initiative.

At the end, the Deputy Ministers of Defence/representatives approved the “Joint Statement” of the Ministers of Defense of the SEDM member nations.

Finally, the nations expressed their appreciation to Athens and SEDM Portal Technical Working and to the SEDM Secretariat for the tireless efforts in successfully preparing and conducting the annual SEDM Ministerial Meeting via Video Teleconference.

The full joint statement is available here.

The 43rd SEDM-CC and 44th PMSC Meetings of the SEDM Initiative were held under the Albanian Chairmanship via videoconference on 23 and 24 September 2020, due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

Representatives from 13 SEDM member nations, SEEBRIG’s Commander and representatives from international and regional organizations such as NATO, UNDP SEESAC, RCC and RACVIAC participated in the meetings, chaired by H.E. Mr. Petro KOÇI, the Chairman of the SEDM-CC/PMSC Secretariat/ Deputy Minister of Defense.

The Chairman highlighted in his speech that during all these years, our cooperation has strengthened the relations among our nations and has contributed to the efforts towards a common Euro-Atlantic future. He underlined that the experience we gained so far it is significant in order to maintain the efficiency of the regional cooperation and increasing SEEBRIG’s potentials.

The 43rd SEDM-CC Meeting was focused on the developments of the projects as well on the achievements obtained within the SEDM process. Respectively the “Interconnection of Military Hospital (IMIHO)” project will further enhance the cooperation between military hospitals by enhancing the cooperation on topics of mutual interest and benefits; the promotion of Female Leaders in Security and Defence Project (FLSD), by supporting the implementation of UNSCR Resolution 1325; the promotion of transparent institutions by the implementation of the principles of transparency and integrity (Building Integrity in Defence project); as well as by the further development of the SEDM Portal (SEDM Portal project).

During the 44th PMSC meeting, SEEBRIG’s Commander Brigadier Aristeidis ILIOPOULOS presented an update on SEEBRIG activities and future activities, highlighted the main elements of SEEBRIG’S Annual Plan 2021, new timeline of the Exercise “Seven Stars-21”, went through the major points of the Budget Plan for the Fiscal Year 2021 and Medium-Term Financial Plan 2021-2023. COMSEEBRIG shared with PMSC his vision for the next 3-years and addressed some manning issues. PMSC endorsed SEEBRIG’s Annual Plan and Budget Plan 2021, which will be submitted to upcoming Defense Ministerial for its approval.

At the end, the participants expressed their appreciation to SEDM Secretariat and SEDM Portal Technical Working Group for their efforts in successfully preparing and conducting via VTC the SEDM-CC/PMSC Meetings.

The Deputy Chief of Defence Meeting (DCHODs) 2020 meeting has been performed on 3rd June 2020, via video conference.

The Deputy Chiefs of Defence/General Staff and representatives from 14 SEDM member nations, SEEBRIG Commander and the Director of RACVIAC, attended the meeting, which was chaired by Deputy Minister of Defence Mr. Petro KOÇI, Chairman of the Albanian SEDM-CC/PMSC Secretariat.

The SEDM Chairman and the Deputy Chief of General Staff of Romania, Major General Vasile TOADER, as a host nation, kicked-off the DCHOD's meeting and delivered their welcoming opening remarks to the participants.

The purpose of this annual meeting is to foster constructive regional political-military cooperation in Southeast Europe (SEE), in order to further strengthen peace, stability, trust, prosperity and security in the region.

The Deputy Chiefs of Defence/ General Staff welcomed the achievements of the SEEBRIG Brigade and acknowledged the contribution of this Brigade to regional security and stability, becoming a unique platform for cooperation and mutual training.

The representatives reiterated their commitment to further strengthen the effectiveness and efficiency of this initiative through increased co-operation between member nations.

The Deputy Chiefs of Defence/ General Staff stressed that the SEDM initiative has strengthened relations between the countries and has contributed to their efforts for a common European and Euro-Atlantic future.

Finally, the participants expressed their appreciation to the SEDM Secretariat and Bucharest for their efforts in successfully preparing and conducting the annual DCHODs Meeting and to the SEDM Portal Technical Working for the excellent support given in order to perform the DCHODs Meeting through video-conference.

The Joint statement is available by clicking here.

 

The Deputies Chiefs of Defence from SEDM Nations and SEEBRIG, as well as representatives from NATO, RACVIAC and UNDP convened in Skopje, on 12 June 2019 to foster military cooperation in South Eastern Europe .

The participants reaffirmed their dedication to support SEDM activities that aim to further strengthen stability, security and prosperity in the region. They also expressed their appreciation to Athens Chairmanship for the efforts to coordinate many fruitful activities and extended their wishes for success to the upcoming Tirana Chairmanship.

During the Meeting, the 6th Additional Protocol of the MPFSEE Agreement was sighed. 

A Joint statement is available by clicking here.

The 42nd PMSC and 41st SEDM-CC Meetings of the South East Europe Defence Ministerial Process, chaired for the first time by the Albanian Chairmanship, took place from 17 to 19 September 2019 in Tirana.

Minister of Defence H.E.  Mrs. Olta XHAÇKA welcomed Representatives from 13 SEDM Nations, SEEBRIG and RACVIAC that participated in the Meetings, chaired by Deputy Minister H.E. Mr. Petro Koçi. 

Mr. Koçi stated his intention to work together with the member nations of the Initiative in order to make SEDM more relevant to the security challenges of our region, useful and effective in enhancing regional stability.

The Meetings were conducted in friendly spirit and mutual understanding. Various programs and initiatives were discussed, aiming at fostering international collaboration and promoting enduring-peace and security.

 

The South-Eastern Europe Defence Ministerial (SEDM) meeting was held in Bucharest on 16 October 2019.

Ministers and representatives from SEDM Nations, the SEEBRIG Commander and observers from NATO HQ, RACVIAC and UNDP participated in the Meeting. SEDM Chairman H.E. Mr Petro KOÇI and Mr. Doru Claudian FRUNZULICA opened the Meeting with inspiring speeches.

SEDM nations expressed their good wishes to the Albanian Chairmanship and SEDM Secretariat, as well as their deepest appreciation to former SEDM Chairman Ambassador Elefterios ANGHELOPOULOS and Athens Secretariat for their contributions during their tenure.

The Meeting also marks the celebration of 20th anniversary of SEEBRIG'S activation, a unique platform for cooperation, mutual training, exchanging of ideas and lessons learned.

The meeting focused on promoting enduring-peace, stability and security in the region of Southeastern Europe (SEE), as well the achievements obtained within the SEDM process. Finally, SEDM nations reaffirmed their commitment to intensify good neighborly relations, strengthening political and military cooperation, with respect to international laws, treaties and agreements. Finally, the nations expressed their appreciation to Bucharest for the tireless efforts in successfully preparing and conducting the annual SEDM Ministerial Meeting. The full joint statement is available here.

 

The 41st PMSC, 40th SEDM-CC and 1st SEEDRO Meetings of the South East Europe Defence Ministerial Process, chaired by Athens, took place from 18 to 21 March 2019 in Chania, Crete.

Representatives from 12 SEDM Nations, the SEEBRIG Commander and an observer from RACVIAC participated in the Meetings, chaired by H.E. Amb. Eleftherios ANGHELOPOULOS.

The Meetings were conducted in friendly spirit and mutual understanding. Various programs and initiatives were discussed, aiming at fostering international collaboration and promoting enduring-peace, stability and security in the region.

 

From 5 to 6 December 2018, the UN Women, Tbisili Ministry of Defence - the lead nation of the project female Leaders in Security and Defence (FLSD) within the South-Eastern Europe Defence Ministerial (SEDM) initiative held the workshop “Female Leaders in Security and Defence-National Implementation of UN Resolution 1325”. The workshop was held at the Defence Institutional Building School in Tbilisi. The event was the part of the 16-days international campaign against gender-based violence running every year from November 25 the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls to December 10th on the day of International Human Rights. 

The first Deputy Minister of Defence Ms. Lela Chikovani addressed the participants and spoke about the implementation of UN Security Council 1325 and the following Resolutions by the MOD Georgia.  In the welcome address the Head of the UN Women Representative Ms. Erika Kvapilova and the Chair of the Human Rights and Civil Integration Committee of the Parliament of Georgia Ms. Sopio Kiladze highlighted the importance of implementing international gender equality standards and mainstreaming for the better delivering on Women Peace and Security agenda.

During the first day of the workshop the participants discussed the topics regarding the Human Resources Policy, Capacity Development on gender mainstreaming and Gender Discrimination at workplace. On the second day the experts from the Nordic Centre for Gender in Military Operations gave a presentation on Women, Peace and Security Agenda.

More information is available here.

Dear all,

The 10th IMIHO Users' Meeting took place on 13 Nov 18, hosted by the Military Medical Center and Public City Hospital, in Skopje. The Skopje State Secretaty, SEDM Director and representatives from Athens, Belgrade, Bucharest, Rome, Skopje and Sofia, along with a member from SEDM Secretariat participated in the event. The vision, ongoing and upcoming activities, as well as the functionality of the IMIHO portal were presented to the personnel. The IMIHO Chairman and the delegations had the opportunity to engage in conversation and witness the high professional level of the Hospitals' personnel during a tour of the hospital.

The 28th IMIHO Technical Working Group was conducted between 14-15 Nov 18. Prior to the Meeting, the participants visited the Balkan  Medical Force. During the TWG Meeting, the IMIHO Chairman elaborated on the significant progress and tangible outcomes achieved during the last months, as well as the planned way-ahead. A fruitful dialog produced several action items of common interest and benefits. Specific actions were decided, aiming at further enriching the IMIHO Portal, enhancing functions offered at no cost to users, including webinars and online training, documented in the Minutes.

The South-Eastern Europe Defence Ministerial (SEDM) meeting was held in Belgrade on October 11, 2018.

Ministers and representatives from SEDM Nations, the SEEBRIG Commander and observers from NATO HQ, UN Office in Belgrade, UNDP/SEESAC, RACVIAC and RCC participated in the Meeting, chaired by H.E. Amb. Eleftherios ANGHELOPOULOS.

This event marks the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the MPFSEE Agreement and nations reiterated their commitment to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the SEDM Process through increased cooperation.

The meeting focused on promoting enduring-peace, stability and security in the region of Southeastern Europe (SEE), as well the achievements obtained within the SEDM process.

As the last meeting of the Athens SEDM Chairmanship, the nations expressed their appreciation to Athens, the SEDM-CC/ PMSC Chairman and the Secretariat for their efforts to coordinate fruitful meetings and activities, as well as extended their wishes for success to Tirana, being the Chair of SEDM-CC/ PMSC Secretariat during 2019-2021.

Finally, the nations expressed their appreciation to Belgrade for the tireless efforts in successfully preparing and conducting the annual SEDM Ministerial Meeting.

The full joint statement is available here.

 

The 40th PMSC and 39th SEDM-CC Meetings of the South East Europe Defence Ministerial Process, chaired by Athens, took place from 11 to 14 September 2018 in Athens.

Representatives from 16 SEDM Nations, the SEEBRIG Commander and an observer from RACVIAC participated in the Meetings, chaired by H.E. Amb. Eleftherios ANGHELOPOULOS.

The Meetings were conducted in friendly spirit and mutual understanding. Various programs and initiatives were discussed, aiming at fostering international collaboration and promoting enduring-peace, stability and security in the region.