RACVIAC – Centre for Security Cooperation successfully hosted the 54th Meeting of the MAG (Meeting of the Advisory Group) on 21 October 2025 at its premises, under the Chairmanship of the Republic of Albania and presided over by Ambassador Ardiana Hobdari, MAG Chairperson.
Ambassador Hobdari formally opened the meeting by welcoming representatives and presenting the agenda, setting the stage for a constructive and forward-looking session.
During the opening address, Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie, Director of RACVIAC, highlighted the organization’s achievements and outlined its strategic direction amid complex geopolitical challenges. The address coincided with the recent celebration of RACVIAC’s 25th Anniversary, marking a quarter century of fostering dialogue, cooperation, and capacity building across Southeast Europe. Ambassador Grigorie also paid tribute to outgoing MAG Chairperson Ambassador Hobdari for her leadership and congratulated Ambassador Miroslav Ščepanović of Montenegro on his election as the next RACVIAC Director, effective May 2026.
The Director presented the Interim Report for 2025, emphasizing successfully implemented activities under the RACVIAC Strategy 2021–2026. Notable highlights included workshops on fire investigations, cyber security, counter-proliferation finance, and regional WMD training initiatives. Activities addressing crisis management, arms control, human rights, and gender equality underscored RACVIAC’s continued commitment to regional stability. Partnerships with universities, defense academies, and international organizations were highlighted as essential to maintaining RACVIAC’s credibility and international relevance.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Grigorie outlined RACVIAC’s focus on innovation, inclusivity, and resilience under the forthcoming Strategy 2027–2032. Thanks ware expressed for the recent decision by Member States to increase annual contributions by 15% from 2026, reflecting a strong endorsement of RACVIAC’s mission and sustainability. Gratitude was expressed to the RACVIAC staff and the Republic of Croatia for their ongoing support, reaffirming the organization’s role as a trusted platform for regional dialogue and cooperation.
With deep gratitude to Member States for their invaluable support of the Center’s work, special appreciation was expressed to Austria, Germany, and Hungary for their steadfast partnership, as well as to the United States and Croatia for their significant contributions to the Counter-WMD Network Initiative and the Cyber Security Course.
Throughout the meeting, MAG representatives commended RACVIAC’s leadership and reaffirmed their support for the organization’s mission. Presentations by key RACVIAC programme staff—including Colonel Kayhan Turhan, Biserka Petrovska, Captain Antonios Pappas, and Boško Rotim—provided updates on the 2025 program and introduced the proposed 2026 program.
Personnel and financial matters were also addressed. Rear Admiral Predrag Stipanović provided updates on RACVIAC’s organizational structure and encouraged Member States to second personnel to address staffing gaps. Tin Ključarić, Chief of Administration and Finance, presented the 2025 budget updates and the proposed 2026 budget, which was adopted with gratitude expressed to all Member States for their commitment and demonstrated responsibility.
During discussions on the development of the new RACVIAC Strategy 2027–2032, Rear Admiral Predrag Stipanović, Deputy Director, briefed participants on the current status and way forward. MAG took note of the presented concept papers and noted the proposed direction for the upcoming strategy.
In the session on nominations, Ambassador Hobdari briefed representatives on the election of Assistant Minister in the Ministry of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zoran Šajinović, as the new MAG Chairperson, and Ambassador Miroslav Ščepanović from Montenegro as the new RACVIAC Director, effective May 2026. Both received congratulations and strong support from all participants.
The 55th MAG Meeting was scheduled for 21–23 April 2026. Ambassador Hobdari concluded the 54th MAG Meeting by facilitating the adoption of its conclusions and extending her appreciation to all participants for their contributions. She emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to ensure sustained progress in regional security and cooperation. With the adoption of the conclusions, the 54th MAG Meeting officially concluded, setting a clear course for future cooperation and reinforcing RACVIAC’s role as a pillar of stability in Southeast Europe.
Following the adoption of the Conclusions, the RACVIAC Director had the honour of presenting a crystal plaque to Ambassador Ardiana Hobdari, in heartfelt recognition of her outstanding Chairmanship of the MAG during 2024–2025.
