South Eastern Defence Ministerial Process Public Portal

SEDM Ministerial Meeting 2025

2026-01-13T08:55:29Z

The annual South-Eastern Europe Defence Ministerial (SEDM) meeting was held in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on 27 November 2025, chaired by SEDM Chairman, Ambassador a.h. Eleftherios Anghelopoulos.

This year's Ministerial, under the Chairmanship of the Hellenic Republic, placed particular emphasis on the progress of the SEDM projects. Nations welcomed the activities of the new Resilience project, designed to strengthen the ability of SEDM countries to withstand emerging challenges.

Participants also highlighted the ongoing work of IMIHO (Interconnection of Military Hospitals), a long-standing project that facilitates military-medical cooperation and the exchange of expertise among participating nations. The Ministers further acknowledged the relevance of the FLSD (Female Leaders in Security and Defence) project, which promotes the development, empowerment and networking of female leaders in the field of security and defence.

The Ministers were also briefed on the South-Eastern Europe Brigade (SEEBRIG).

During the meeting the Ministers presented national views on the evolving security environment and reiterated that the SEDM Process continues to serve as a platform for dialogue, confidence-building, and practical defence cooperation, enabling the nations of South-Eastern Europe to work together for the security and stability of the region.

54th PMSC & 53rd SEDM-CC Meetings

2025-10-29T10:17:45Z

From 23 to 25 September 2025, the 54th PMSC Meeting and the 53rd SEDM-CC Meeting were held in Athens, under the South-Eastern Europe Defence Ministerial (SEDM) Chairmanship of the Hellenic Republic.

During the meetings, issues related to the strengthening of regional cooperation were discussed, in line with the principles and objectives of the SEDM Process,

with particular emphasis on the implementation of cooperation Projects and on enhancing the effectiveness of SEEBRIG.

SEDM Chairmanship Handover – Takeover & SEEBRIG 26th Anniversary

2025-10-02T11:20:59Z

The Ceremony of Handover-Takeover (HO-TO) of the South-Eastern Europe Defence Ministerial Coordination Committee (SEDM-CC) and the Politico-Military Steering Committee (PMSC) Chairmanship and SEEBRIG 26th Anniversary took place in Kumanovo, Republic of North Macedonia, on the 3rd of September 2025.

Romania handed over the rotating SEDM Chairmanship to the Hellenic Republic.

The event was held in the presence of distinguished representatives from the SEDM member nations, international organizations and local authorities .

Official HO-TO Coordination Meeting of SEDM Secretariat in Athens

2025-10-02T11:19:49Z

As of 1 July 2025, the Hellenic Republic has assumed the Chairmaship and the Secretariat of the SEDM from Romania for the forthcoming two-year period (1 July 2025 – 30 June 2027). The official handover took place on 3 July 2025 at a meeting held at the Hellenic Armed Forces Officers Club in Athens.

The delegation of Romania was headed by the outgoing Chairperson of SEDM Chairmanship Simona COJOCARU and the delegation of Hellenic Republic by the Chairman of the incoming Chairmanship Ambassador a.h. Eleftherios ANGHELOPOULOS.

The Secretariat of Romania handed over to the Secretariat of Hellenic Republic the electronic and printed archives of the Process, as well as the official seals of the SEDM-CC and PMSC. Furthermore, presentations were delivered on the overall organization of the work, the current status of the Process and related projects, and the results achieved during the Romanian Chairmanship. Experts from both sides engaged in detailed discussions on practical aspects concerning the specifics and organization of the Secretariat’s work.

At the conclusion of the meeting, an official protocol was signed by both parties formalizing the handing over and taking over of the SEDM archive.

52nd SEDM-CC and 53rd PMSC

2025-05-14T05:52:09Z

Between March 25-26^th, 2025, took place the 53^rd PMSC and 52^nd SEDM-CC Meetings, in Bucharest, Romania.

This last round of meetings conducted under the Chairmanship of Romania brought fruitful discussions, particularly those focused on strengthening the relevance of SEEBRIG, but also those for the implementing the new SEDM project in the resilience field.

In this regard, the first Roundtable event took place – “The resilience of SEDM states to developments that undermine democratic processes, and to the rising trends of populism”, organized by the Euro-Atlantic Resilience Center.

The Romanian Chairmanship wants to thank everyone for their contribution and dedication during this two-year mandate

2024 SEDM Ministerial Meeting

2025-05-14T05:53:46Z

The annual South-Eastern Europe Defence Ministerial (SEDM) meeting was held on the 6th of November in Tirana, the Republic of Albania. Ministers of Defence and highly-ranked representatives from all SEDM nations participated in the workings. The meeting was presided by the SEDM Chairperson, Ms. Simona Cojocaru, State Secretary and Chief of the Department for defence policy, planning and international relations.

The most important points of the ministerial meeting were the approval of a new SEDM project for enhancing the resilience of its member states, as well as the ministers taking note of PMSC endorsing the Concept Paper for strengthening the relevance of SEEBRIG.

Following the update on the latest developments on SEDM-CC projects and PMSC activities, the Commander of the South-Eastern Europe Brigade (SEEBRIG) Brigadier General Bilbil Bitri, reviewed the Brigade’s activities since the last SEDM Ministerial meeting in 2023.

During the meeting, the SEDM nations’ Ministers and their representatives expressed their national views in regards to the SEDM Process, further consolidating their commitment and determination to continue contributing to the importance of the Initiative as a crucial format for regional cooperation.

51st SEDM-CC and 52nd PMSC meetings

2024-10-02T07:46:24Z

Between 25-26th of September, 2024, the 51st SEDM-CC and 52nd SEDM-PMSC meetings took place,

hosted in the wonderful city of Constanța, under Romania's SEDM Chairmanship.

The two days brought a number of interesting discussions and decisions

that will be submitted for the approval of the SEDM defence ministers during the November 2024 ministerial in Tirana.

The Bucharest Chairmanship extended its thanks to all the participants for their continuous dedication

and constant support.

2024 DCHOD meeting

2024-07-30T12:00:20Z

The annual meeting of the Deputy Chiefs of Defence of SEDM was held on June 26th, in Istanbul, the Republic of Turkiye.

The forum was attended by Deputy Chiefs of Defence and their representatives from SEDM member states, the Commander of South East Europe Brigade (SEEBRIG), as well as representatives of the Centre for Security Cooperation (RACVIAC), the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP/SEESAC). Representatives from Ukraine participated in an online format.

The participants in the meeting, chaired by the acting Chairperson and director of the SEDM Secretariat, Ms. Violeta Nicolescu, discussed the progress made and opportunities for further development of the SEDM process, as well as other topical issues for regional security and defence cooperation. SEEBRIG Commander, Brigadier General Bitri, provided information on the activities that have occurred since the last Deputy Chiefs of Defence Meeting held in June 2023.

At the end of the meeting, a Joint statement of the Deputy Chiefs of Defence was adopted.

The meetings of the Deputy Chiefs of Defence of the Southeast European countries are an important part of the SEDM process and are held annually in one of the member states on a rotational basis. They are an effective mechanism for enhancing regional security and are one of the most important forums for regional security and defence cooperation

50th SEDM-CC/ 51st PMSC Meetings

2024-07-30T12:02:38Z

On March 27-28, 2024, took place the 50th SEDM-CC and 51st PMSC meetings, held in Romania,in the beautiful city of Iaşi.

All SEDM nations took part in the reunion, alongside international organizations like RCC, RACVIAC and UNDP SEESAC, the last one in an online format.

In the opening speech, the SEDM Chairperson, Ms. Simona Cojocaru, State Secretary and Chief of the Department for defence policy, planning and international relations, outlined Bucharest's continous efforts to increase the visibility of SEDM and SEEBRIG's capacities and interoperability.

The talks included the best ways to keep SEDM relevant as a regional security provider, the potential of including resilience on the organization's agenda, as well as administrative details about the upcoming DCHOD meeting

2023 SEDM Ministerial Meeting

2024-07-30T11:41:00Z

The annual South-Eastern Europe Defence Ministerial (SEDM) meeting was held on the 22nd of November in Ankara, the Republic of Turkiye. Ministers of Defence and highly-ranked representatives from all SEDM nations participed in the works. The meeting was presided by the SEDM Chairperson, Ms. Simona Cojocaru, State Secretary and Chief of the Departament for defence policy, planning and international relations.

The most important point of the ministerial meeting was the Republic of Moldova becoming a fully-fledged SEDM member state once the Note of Accession was signed by representantives of all SEDM nations.

Following the update on the latest developments on SEDM-CC projects and PMSC activities,, the Commander of the South-Eastern Europe Brigade (SEEBRIG) Brigadier General Bitri, reviewed the Brigade’s activities since the last SEDM Ministerial meeting in 2022.

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 a crucial format for regional cooperation.

COMSEEBRIG visit to Chair Nation

2024-07-30T10:10:06Z

During the 1st and 2nd of November, 2023, the new COMSEEBRIG, Brigadier-General Bilbil Bitri, carried out a working visit to the new Chair Nation.

The SEEBRIG Commander engaged in office calls with the leadership of the Romanian Ministry of National Defence, visited structures of the Romanian Naval Forces and also took part in the celebration ceremony regarding 145 years of existence of the 9th Mechanized "Mărăşeşti" Brigade.

The visit was a wonderful opportunity to ensure pragmatism and coherence between Bucharest's Chairmanship objectives and COMSEEBRIG's vision for the Brigade.

49th SEDM-CC/ 50th PMSC Meetings

2024-07-30T08:29:59Z

Between September 13-14, 2023, in the beautiful city of Timişoara, took place the 49th SEDM-CC and 50th SEDM-PMSC meetings.

The first SEDM-CC/PMSC reunions held under the new Chairmanship of Bucharest were a productive and successful event, with many projects and efforts undertaken to bolster security in South-Eastern Europe.

All SEDM nations were represented at the meetings, and also the Commander of SEEBRIG. Delegates from international organizations, such as RACVIAC and UNDP/SEESAC, were also present.

In the opening speech, Bucharest's acting Chairperson outlined the priorities of the Romanian SEDM-CC/PMSC Chairmanship and expressed Bucharest's commitment to reinvigorate and consolidate the partnership between the SEDM nations and the potential of SEEBRIG.

Great to see everyone actively participating in discussions that will further our common security goals!

Handover – Takeover of SEDM Chairmanship

2023-07-18T16:00:07Z

The rotational chairmanship of the South-Eastern Europe Defence Ministerial Process (SEDM) was officially handed over from Sofia to Bucharest at a meeting held at the Romanian Ministry of Defence on 28 June 2023. For two years, from 1 July 2021 to 1 July 2023, Sofia was chairing the Process. During this period Sofia SEDM Secretariat, organized two meetings of the SEDM Ministers of Defence (in Skopje in 2021 and in Sofia in 2022), two meetings of the Deputy Chiefs of Defence (In Ljubljana, 2022 and in Rome, 2023), eight expert meetings of the SEDM Coordination Council (SEDM-CC) and of the Political Military Steering Committee (PMSC), which were held in Sofia, as well as a number of meetings, working groups and other Process related events.

Sofia Secretariat handed over to Bucharest Secretariat the electronic and printed archive of the Process and the official seals of the SEDM-CC and PMSC. Moreover, comprehensive presentations were made on the overall organization of the work, the current status of the Process and related projects, as well as on the results achieved during the two-year period of Sofia Chairmanship. The experts from both sides discussed a number of practical aspects related to the specifics and organization of the Secretariat's work and the state of the Process as a whole.

At the end of the meeting, an official protocol was signed between the two sides on the handing over and taking over of the SEDM archive.

2023 DCHOD Meeting

2023-07-02T19:10:16Z

The annual meeting of the Deputy Chiefs of Defence of SEDM was held on June 21st, in Rome, Italy. The event was hosted by the Deputy Chief of Defence of Italy, Lieutenant General Carmine MASIELLO.

The meeting was opened with a statement of the Italian Undersecretary of State for Defence Mr. Matteo PEREGO di CREMNAGO, followed by a video address by the Deputy Minister of Defence of the Republic of Bulgaria and Chairperson of the SEDM Process Atanas ZAPRYANOV.

The forum was attended by Deputy Chiefs of Defence and their representatives from SEDM member states, the Commander of South East Europe Brigade (SEEBRIG), representatives of the Centre for Security Cooperation (RACVIAC) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP/SEESAC).

The participants in the meeting, chaired by the Director of the SEDM Secretariat, Daniela GRIGOROVA, discussed the progress made and opportunities for further development of the SEDM process, as well as other topical issues for regional security and defence cooperation. The Director of the Secretariat and SEEBRIG Commander Brigadier General MITROUTSIKOS provided information on the activities that have occurred since the last Deputy Chiefs of Defence Meeting held in June 2022.

At the end of the meeting, a Joint statement of the Deputy Chiefs of Defence was adopted. It was agreed to hold the next meeting in this format in mid-2024, hosted by Ankara.

The Joint statement is available by clicking here.

48th SEDM-CC/ 49th PMSC Meetings

2023-05-28T08:53:59Z

On March 29th, the 48th SEDM Coordination Committee (CC) and the 49th Political-Military Steering Committee (PMSC) meetings took place in Sofia, Bulgaria. This marked the fourth and final time Sofia hosted the meetings under Sofia SEDM Chairmanship 2021-2023, led by the Chairperson and Deputy Minister of Defence, Teodora Genchovska.

Fourteen SEDM member states were represented at the meetings, including the Commander of SEEBRIG. Delegates from international organizations, such as RACVIAC and UNDP/SEESAC, were also present. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence participated in the meetings through virtual means.

During the meeting, Deputy Minister Genchovska emphasized the significance of vigilance against destabilizing factors and the necessity for ongoing cooperation to maintain regional stability and prosperity. The discussions addressed the activities carried out since the previous expert meetings in September 2022, as presented by the SEDM Secretariat and the Commander of the SEEBRIG Multinational Brigade. Additionally, participants discussed the program and agenda for the forthcoming meeting of the Deputy Chiefs of Defence of South East Europe in June, the transfer of SEEBRIG command from Greece to Albania, and the handover of SEDM Chairmanship from Sofia to Bucharest.

2022 SEDM Ministerial Meeting

2023-05-28T08:54:23Z

The annual South-Eastern Europe Defence Ministerial (SEDM) meeting was held on the 17th of November in Sofia, Bulgaria. Ministers STOYANOV (Bulgaria), BURCHULADZE (Georgia), TÎLVĂR (Romania), NOSATÎI (Moldova), representatives from SEDM Nations, SEEBRIG HQ, UNDP/SEESAC, and RACVIAC participated. The meeting was presided by the SEDM Chairperson Ms. Teodora Genchovska, Deputy Minister of Defence of the Republic of Bulgaria.

In her opening remarks, the Chairperson stressed the security challenges and emerging threats that the modern world is facing and that the SEDM initiative will continue strengthening the cooperation in the upcoming years. Moreover, the Chairperson condemned the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine and saluted the courage of the Ukrainian people in overcoming the tremendous difficulties they are currently facing.

H.E Dimitar Stoyanov, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Bulgaria, reaffirmed the regional cooperation as of one of the key priorities for Bulgaria, as a way to enhance the security and stability in the region. The Minister condemned the Russian aggression and stated that the SEDM countries follow the current developments in and around Ukraine with great concern.

Following the update on the latest developments on SEDM-CC projects and PMSC activities, given by Ms. Teodora Genchovska, the Commander of the South-Eastern Europe Brigade (SEEBRIG) Brigadier General Mitroutsikos reviewed the Brigade’s activities since the last SEDM Ministerial meeting in 2021 and presented the documents to be approved by the MPFSEE Nations.

The full joint statement is available here.

SEVEN STARS 22

2022-10-10T10:56:06Z

On Thursday 6th of October 2022,the Distinguished Visitors Day (DV-DAY) of exercise “SEVEN STARS 22” was held in Veles (Na-5).

The DV-Day was attended by the SEDM Chairperson Ms. Teodora Genchovska, Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Bulgaria, Ms. Slavjanka Petrovska Minister of Defense of the Republic of North Macedonia and high-ranking officers from the participating nations.

The biannual exercise “SEVEN STARS“is the main training activity of SEEBRIG for 2022, focusing on tactical level processes, procedures and capabilities. It is the right platform to reaffirm the Brigade’s capability to operate as a multinational force in a Peace Support Operation.

SEEBRIG and member nations personnel , observers from NATO entities and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) as well as the Lithuanian Polish Ukrainian Brigade (LITPOLUKRBRIG) took part in the exercise.

47th SEDM-CC/ 48th PMSC Meetings

2022-09-21T09:58:53Z

On the 20th of September 2022, the 47^th SEDM Coordination Committee (CC) and the 48^th Political-Military Steering Committee (PMSC) meetings took place in Sofia, Bulgaria. The events were hosted by Sofia for the third time within the framework of the Sofia SEDM Chairmanship for the period 2021-2023.

Representatives of 13 of the SEDM member-states, the Commander of SEEBRIG and other officers from SEEBRIG HQ, and delegates from international organizations, such as RACVIAC and UNDP/ SEESAC participated in the events. The representatives of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence and NATO Building integrity participated in the meetings virtually.

Within the framework of the working sessions the attendees discussed the progress achieved so far and the way ahead. The SEDM Secretariat and COMSEEBRIG presented an update of the activities and results achieved since the last CC/PMSC meeting in March 2022. Advance information on the upcoming Ministerial meeting in Sofia was also provided.

2022 DCHODs Meeting

2022-06-18T20:33:09Z

The SEDM Deputy Chiefs of Defence Annual Meeting was held on 14th of June 2022, at Brdo Gongress Centre near Kran, Slovenia. The organization and hosting activities were carried out by the General Staff of the Slovenian Armed Forces in close cooperation with Sofia SEDM Secretariat.

Deputy Chiefs of Defence and their representatives from the SEDM Process, the South East Europe Multinational Brigade Headquarters (SEEBRIG), the Centre for Security Cooperation (RACVIAC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP/SEESAC) participated.

The Meeting was opened with a video-address by the Deputy Minister of Defence of the Republic of Bulgaria and the Chair of PMSC/SEDM-CC Mr Yordan BOZHILOV, after which the meeting was chaired by the Director of the SEDM Secretariat Ms Daniela Grigorova.

The participants discussed the progress achieved and the possibilities for further development of the SEDM, as well as other issues of regional cooperation in the field of security and defence. The SEDM Secretariat and the South East Europe Multinational Brigade (SEEBRIG) made presentations on the activities implemented since the previous meeting of the Deputy Chiefs of Defence of the SEDM Process.

At the end of the meeting, the participants adopted a Joint statement. It was agreed that the next meeting in this format, will take place in mid-2023 in Rome, Italy.

The Joint statement is available by clicking here.

34th IMIHO TWG - 16th Users Meetings

2022-05-20T12:36:46Z

The 16th Interconnection of Military Hospitals (IMIHO) Users’ Meeting took place virtually on 18th May 2022, organized by Athens and executed via VTC, chaired by IMIHO Chairman, LtCol Theodoros Valsamidis.

Mrs Daniela GRIGOROVA, SEDM Director opened the Meeting by emphasizing the importance of the Project and expressed his appreciation for tangible results and outputs, achieved so far, at no cost to nations.
An IMIHO Awards Ceremony took place to honor individuals who distinguished themselves by providing valuable support and assistance to the activities of the Project.

A Webinar on “IMIHO as a Platform for Military Humanitarian Medical Applications”, featuring an extensive program, composed of diverse and informational presentations on topics of common interest, moderated by the IMIHO Chairman. During the session, Nations presented information pertaining to the contribution and outcomes of Military Health Care Personnel during peace-keeping and humanitarian missions. Information will be included in the Military Medical Archive. Presentation recordings and slides will be published to the IMIHO Portal.

The 34th IMIHO Technical Working Group (TWG) Meeting took place virtually on 17 May 202. During the event, the IMIHO Chairman elaborated on the significant progress and tangible outcomes achieved, 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 first version "Online Medical Services" portal was presented, based on the proposal authorized by the SEDM Ministers. A proof of concept implementation focuses on psychological support of active and retired personnel, as well as their families, by utilizing open source software and video-teleconferece technologies. The services will be developed and provided at no cost to nations and eligible personnel.

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.

The Chairman expressed his appreciation for the invaluable support of SEDM-CC/PMSC Director and Secretariat, as well as all Presenters and Participants for their attendance.

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