On 12 November 2025 the annual “Arms Control Symposium” drew to a close at RACVIAC – Centre for Security Cooperation. Organized by Cooperative Security Environment (CSE) Pillar, the Symposium serves as a central platform for discussing key topics related to arms control, ranging from conventional treaties and agreements to regional dynamics and the broader implications of arms control policies in South East Europe.
Over the past 17 years this symposium has continuously brought together key stakeholders from the arms control community, along with experts in related non-proliferation fields to review the recent developments in arms control agreements and treaties as well as voluntary measures promoting transparency in military affairs known as Confidence- and Security-Building Measures (CSBMs). By providing a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and expertise-sharing on arms control, non-proliferation, emerging technologies, and new weapon types that impact both regional and global security, this event has reaffirmed RACVIAC role as a trusted regional hub for cooperative security.
This year’s symposium featured five thematic panels led and moderated by Prof. Dr. Giray Sadık of the Ankara Yıldırım Beyazit University, each of them addressing a specific dimension of modern arms control. Panel I, “Arms Control in Transition: Implications for European Security”, focused on the evolving role of international and regional organizations, the future of the Vienna Document, and lessons learned from the implementation of conventional arms control treaties. Panel II, “Regional Perspectives on Arms Control and Security: South-Eastern Europe “, addressed the region’s efforts to reduce risks related to Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and explored the implications of the emerging outer space arms race. Panel III, “Artificial Intelligence in Warfare and Arms Control: Emerging Challenges”, examined the use of Artificial Intelligence in conflict and its implications for arms control. In Panel IV, “Arms Control: New Perspectives”, discussions focused on national verification systems and emerging challenges in new arms control domains, and, finally, Panel V, “Emerging Technologies and New Domains in Arms Control: Military Innovation and Cyberspace”, explored the impact of advanced technologies on arms control frameworks.
The Symposium was officially wrapped up with the Closing remarks by Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie, Director of RACVIAC, followed by the delivering of certificates to participants.
In his address Ambassador Grigorie expressed his gratitude to all participants for their active engagement throughout the Symposium and to the Federal Republic of Germany for its generous financial support, reiterating the importance of sustained dialogue, expert cooperation, and mutual trust in addressing the complex challenges of arms control and regional stability. He emphasized that this year’s discussions reflected the realities of the international security landscape: the erosion of traditional arms control frameworks, the rapid emergence of new technologies, and the pressing need to adapt existing instruments and approaches to a changing world.
He underlined that participants’ reflections and contributions throughout the event reaffirmed that arms control is not merely about restrictions, but about responsibility, a shared commitment to transparency, predictability, and the prevention of conflict.
Ambassador Grigorie also highlighted the significance of welcoming representatives from more than ten countries and several international organizations, all united by a common vision to strengthen cooperative security and preserve peace in South-Eastern Europe and beyond. The diversity of perspectives and experiences, he noted, greatly enriched the dialogue and reaffirmed the value of multilateral engagement in addressing challenges that transcend borders.
RACVIAC Director placed special emphasis on the connection between this year’s symposium and RACVIAC 25th Anniversary, marking a quarter of a century of regional cooperation, dialogue, and confidence-building, an enduring mission that remains as vital today as it was 25 years ago.
