RACVIAC – Centre for Security Cooperation, represented by its Director, Ambassador Constantin Mihail Grigorie, took part in the Annual South-Eastern Europe Defense Ministerial (SEDM) Meeting, held in Tirana from 5th to 6th November 2024. This high-level event gathered defense ministers and senior officials from across the region to discuss critical security issues and enhance regional cooperation in the face of evolving global and regional challenges.
A key focus of this year’s SEDM Ministerial Meeting was the approval of a new SEDM project, the “SEDM – Platform for Enhancing Member States’ Resilience.” This project, aimed at improving resilience among Members, was welcomed by all participants, with Romania committing to lead the initiative over the next two years, in cooperation with the Euro-Atlantic Center for Resilience (E-ARC). All participants emphasized the importance of this initiative, encouraging Members to take advantage of the extensive opportunities it offers through direct participation, tailored to their national needs and availability.
In his address to the SEDM Ambassador Grigorie expressed RACVIAC deep gratitude to the Republic of Albania for hosting the event and commended Romania for its exemplary leadership during its Chairmanship of the SEDM process. He highlighted Romania’s guidance through a period marked by significant global security shifts, emphasizing the value of regional unity in addressing these challenges.
He reaffirmed RACVIAC steadfast commitment to fostering dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding on security matters across South-Eastern Europe. He noted RACVIAC success in implementing 19 out of 26 planned activities for 2024, with increased participation compared to previous years, underscoring the region’s collective dedication to advancing stability and capacity-building efforts.
Director of RACVIAC underscored the impact of the ongoing war of aggression waged by Russia against Ukraine, noting that it has dramatically altered the European security landscape. He stressed that strengthened regional cooperation through initiatives like SEDM is crucial in preventing further conflict escalation and promoting stability.
Highlighting RACVIAC focus on key security priorities Ambassador Grigorie outlined RACVIAC efforts in Arms Control Regimes, Countering Terrorism, Energy Security, Crisis Management, Border Security, and the promotion of Gender Perspectives and Human Rights. These practical and action-oriented initiatives are central to addressing the serious security challenges faced by South-Eastern Europe.
He also reflected on the Centre’s close collaboration with the South-Eastern Europe Brigade (SEEBRIG), noting its participation in SEEBRIG’s 25th anniversary and the successful gender awareness course RACVIAC conducted for SEEBRIG HQ last year. He emphasized that such partnerships demonstrate the tangible outcomes of regional cooperation efforts.
In conclusion, Ambassador Grigorie reaffirmed RACVIAC readiness to support all SEDM members in the years ahead, expressing confidence that the discussions held during the meeting will further solidify the collective commitment to security and stability in South-Eastern Europe as SEDM continues to adapt to the challenges to stability in an increasingly uncertain world.
At the end of debates the Ministerial Meeting acknowledged in the Joint Statement the significant role played by regional cooperation frameworks, with SEDM welcoming collaboration with organizations such as RACVIAC, the South-Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SEESAC), and the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC).
During the SEDM Ministerial meeting the Director of RACVIAC held bilateral meetings with Defence Ministers of Slovenia and Republic of Moldova, the Assistant Minister of Defence of Serbia, and the Undersecretary of State for Defence of the Italian Republic.