News

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 14th Interconnection of Military Hospitals (IMIHO) Users’ Meeting took place virtually on 25 May 2021, organized by Athens.

Mr. Petro KOÇI, SEDM-CC/PMSC Chairman 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.

The IMIHO Chairman, LtCol Theodoros Valsamidis expressed his appreciation for the invaluable support of SEDM-CC/PMSC Chairman and Secretariat . He also thanked all the Participants for their presence.

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 was executed via the IMIHO dedicated teleconference platform, that focused on Intensive Care, moderated by the IMIHO Chairman, composed of diverse and informational presentations. During the session, Nations presented their infrastructure and capabilities, as well as sharing their experiences and contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants from six Nations, as well as the SEDM Secretariat had the opportunity to exchange their expert opinions, views and experiences, as well as elaborate on lessons learned and way-ahead. Presentation recordings and slides will be published to the IMIHO Portal.

The 32nd IMIHO Technical Working Group Meeting took place virtually on 24 May 2021. 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 new version of the IMIHO website will be deployed in September 2021, based on best practices, lessons learned and user feedback.

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 the IMIHO Portal soon.

The 44th SEDM-CC and 45th PMSC Meetings of the SEDM Initiative were held under the Albanian Chairmanship, via Videoconference,on 17th March 2021, due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

Representatives from 14 SEDM Member Nations, SEEBRIG’s Commander and representatives from international and regional organizations such as UNDP SEESAC and RACVIAC participated in the meetings, chaired by the Director of the SEDM-CC/PMSC Secretariat, Mr. Gjergji METHOXHA.

The Director of the SEDM-CC/PMSC Secretariat underlined in his speech that SEDM processis a successful story and continues to be a real proof of consolidated bridges of friendship and cooperation between our nations.Through the SEDM Process, we have achieved a lot during all these years by working together, honoring our commitments and further strengthening the political-military cooperation in our region. He outlined important matters finalized during the SEDM Albanian Chairmanship.    

The 44th SEDM-CC Meeting was focused on the developments of the SEDM projects as well on the achievements obtained within the SEDM process. The SEDM-CC participants has been informed by Athens representative about the “Interconnection of Military Hospital (IMIHO)” Project, which has further enhanced the cooperation between military hospitals among health care personnel on areas of common interest and benefits, with special focus on COVID-19 pandemic; about the developments of Female Leaders in Security and Defence Project (FLSD) by Rome representative, as well as regarding the further development of the SEDM Permanent Portal (SEDM Portal project)by Bucharest and Athens representatives.

The Director of SEDM-CC/PMSC Secretariat of the SEDM-CC/PMSC Secretariat updated the participants regarding the future Hand-Over Take-Over of the SEDM Secretariat from Tirana to Sofia. He outlined that in the beginning of this year it has started an exchange of information from the SEDM Secretariat to the next Secretariat. The SEDM Secretariat has delivered to Sofia an executive report of all our experience in chairing the SEDM Secretariat. Moreover, a meeting between the SEDM Secretariat and Sofia has been performed virtually on 12 February 2021. In June 2021, another Coordination Meeting between two Secretariats is planned to be performed.

During the 45th PMSC Meeting, SEEBRIG’s Commander Brigadier Aristeidis ILIOPOULOS presented a detailed update about SEEBRIG’s main activities since the last PMSC meeting. He highlighted the Annual Report 2020 activities, the implications of COVID-19 pandemic on SEEBRIG activities, the future activities, as well as the financial and personnel issues and about SEEBRIG’s future perspectives. He outlined SEEBRIG’srequest for the cancellation of the Exercise “Seven Stars 2021”.

Based on the feedback of the member Nations, the PMSC endorsedthe cancellation of SEEBRIG’s Exercise “Seven Stars 2021”.

Concerning the Hand Over-Take Over of SEDM-CC/PMSC Chairmanship and the Celebration of 22th SEEBRIG’s Anniversary, SEEBRIG’s Chief of Staff, Colonel Zlatko GJORGJIOVSKI briefed the PMSC about these two important events, which will take place at Camp “BoroMenkov”, on 26 August 2021, in Kumanovo, North Macedonia.

At the end, the Director emphasized the fact that the experience gained so far is significant in order to maintain the efficiency of the regional cooperation while increasing SEEBRIG’s potentials and extended his full cooperation to the incoming SEDM Bulgarian Chairmanship

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

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.

On 26 August 2020, SEEBRIG HQ supported by Host Nation, North Macedonia, organized a triple ceremony in order to celebrate the activation of SEEBRIG, HO-TO of the Command and the 21 Anniversary of SEEBRIG in Kumanovo.

The ceremony was attended by the President of the Republic of North Macedonia, H.E. Mr. Stevo PENDAROVSKI, the Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Oliver SPAVOSKI, the Defense Minister Madame Radmila ŠEKERINSKA, SEDM-CC/PMSC Chairperson/Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Albania, H.E. Mr. Petro KOÇI, the Chief of General Staff of North Macedonia, Lieutenant General Vasko GJURCHINOVSKI, Deputy Ministers of Defense and Deputy Chiefs of Defense from MPFSEE Nations, Ambassadors and Defense Attachés accredited in North Macedonia, local authorities’ representatives, SEEBRIG HQ personnel and their families where present at the event.

Host Nation Representative, Defense Minister Madame Radmila ŠEKERINSKA, SEDM-CC/PMSC Chairperson H.E. Mr. Petro KOÇI, the current COMSEEBRIG Brigadier General Tudorica PETRACHE and the new COMSEEBRIG Brigadier General Aristeidis ILIOPOULOS delivered their speeches underlining the importance of the moment.

On this occasion, the SEDM-CC/PMSC Chairman expressed his gratitude to Greece for the strong support given by the Greek civilian and military authorities to SEEBRIG HQ since 2011, which contributed greatly to the success of SEEBRIG achievements. In the same time, he conveyed his deep appreciation for the outstanding efforts made by the Republic of North Macedonia in hosting SEEBRIG Headquarters in Kumanovo, which will be the “home” of the Command of SEEBRIG for the next 6 years.

SEDM-CC/PMSC Chairman noted that after 21 years of existence SEEBRIG is a successful story, as since its establishment, proved to be an effective and important tool for promoting regional security, stability, cooperation and fostering good neighborly relations among countries in the region.

He expressed deepest appreciation to COMSEEBRIG, Brigadier General Tudorica PETRACHE and his team for their tireless efforts to provide the most qualified and professional standards of all their activities and for their outstanding work to further ensure the success story of SEEBRIG. He also expressed his confidence that the new COMSEEBRIG, Brigadier General Aristeidis ILIOPOULOS and his staff will also continue the efforts to reach great achievements and wished him success in the future for SEEBRIG activities.

During the ceremony, the Commander of SEEBRIG, Brigadier General Tudorica PETRACHE was awarded by the Chairman of SEDM-CC/PMSC H.E. Mr. Petro KOÇI, with “SEEBRIG Accomplishment Medal” for his outstanding performance during his Tour of Duty.

In accordance with MPFSEE Agreement, SEEBRIG was established and activated by seven participating Nations, on 31st of August 1999 in Plovdiv, Bulgaria (1999-2003) and was then hosted in Constanta, Romania (2003-2007), later in Istanbul, Turkey (2007-2011) and afterwards in Tyrnavos Larissa, Greece (2011-2020) and now is currently located in Kumanovo, North Macedonia (2020-2026).

On 07 August 2020, SEEBRIG HQ supported by Host Nation, Greece, organized the Farewell Ceremony in order to celebrate completing of nine years Tour of Duty in Tyrnavos/Larissa, Greece.

SEDM-CC/PMSC Chairperson/Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Albania, H.E. Mr. Petro KOÇI, Deputy Minister of the Hellenic Ministry of National Defense, H.E. Mr.  Alkiviadis STEFANIS, delegations from MPFSEE Nations, high ranking military officials from Host Nation, local authorities’ representatives, SEEBRIG HQ personnel and their families where present at the event.

Host Nation Representative, SEDM-CC/PMSC Chairperson and COMSEEBRIG delivered their speeches underlining the importance of the moment. On this occasion, the SEDM-CC/PMSC Chairman expressed his deep appreciation for the outstanding efforts made by Greece in hosting SEEBRIG Headquarters since 2011. He expressed deep gratitude to the Greek civilian and military authorities for the excellent infrastructure and working conditions, cooperation and strong support to SEEBRIG HQ during the past nine years. 

During the ceremony, SEEBRIG personnel were awarded with “SEEBRIG Accomplishment Medal” for their performance during their Tour of Duty.