On 1 January 2026, the Republic of Slovenia assumed the Presidency of the Central European Defence Cooperation (CEDC). Established in 2010, CEDC currently brings together the Ministries of Defence of six countries: Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia, with Poland participating as an observer.
An integral part of CEDC is the CEDC Language Platform, established in Vienna in 2019. The Platform serves as a forum for discussion, fostering a shared understanding of language policy and strengthening multilateral cooperation among CEDC member states in the field of language training and testing.
The key areas of cooperation within the CEDC Language Platform include:
- Mutual support in the development, standardisation and validation of language testing
- Exchange of language testers, teachers, interpreters, translators, terminologists and other experts
- Cooperation in digitalisation, particularly in the development of learning and testing methods and procedures
- Professional development of linguists
- Cooperation and mutual support in terminology management
- Cooperation in quality assurance, effectiveness of language learning, and resilience in leadership and management of language-related activities
The Steering Committee Meeting was organised by the Foreign Languages School of the Slovenian Armed Forces and took place at Hotel Rose in Bled from 9 to 11 February 2026. The meeting brought together commanders and heads of CEDC language centres. Serbia, participating in the extended CEDC format, also attended.
During the meeting, participants agreed on the full calendar of activities for 2026 and endorsed two key projects:
- A multilingual terminology dictionary focusing on:
- medium forces
- unmanned aerial systems, loitering munitions, and counter-UAS operations
- A review of English language testing in line with STANAG 6001 criteria across CEDC.
The outcomes of the CEDC Language Platform’s work in 2026 will be presented at the CEDC Ministerial Meeting, scheduled for 21 September 2026.
