On 21 and 22 September 2026, Slovenia hosted the Ministerial Meeting of the Central European Defence Cooperation (CEDC) and Western Balkan partners at Brdo pri Kranju, one of the key events of the Slovenian CEDC Presidency 2026.
Hosted and chaired by Slovenian Minister of Defence Valentin Hajdinjak, the meeting brought together defence ministers and representatives from CEDC countries and the Western Balkans to discuss the European security environment, defence readiness, European defence initiatives, military mobility, regional security and opportunities for further practical regional cooperation.
Under the motto “From Policy to Practice – Building a Stronger Central Europe,” the Slovenian Presidency has focused on translating political dialogue into concrete cooperation, joint projects and capability development.
Strengthening European defence readiness
On the first day, CEDC Defence Ministers discussed the evolving European security environment and the need to strengthen European defence readiness. Particular attention was devoted to enhancing defence capabilities, strengthening the European defence technological and industrial base and ensuring the effective implementation of European defence initiatives.
The discussions focused on areas where regional cooperation within the CEDC framework can provide concrete added value and contribute to common defence readiness.
BMTF – a concrete example of regional cooperation
The second day began with the first ministerial-level meeting dedicated to the Balkan Medical Task Force (BMTF), bringing together Slovenia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.
Over the past decade, the participating countries have jointly developed capabilities to provide medical support during natural disasters, emergencies and other crises. Ministers adopted a joint statement confirming their political commitment to further cooperation and the operationalisation of the BMTF.
The meeting highlighted the BMTF as a tangible example of successful regional cooperation and of the transition from political commitments to practical capabilities.
Central European and Western Balkan security are closely interconnected
Later that day, CEDC Ministers were joined by representatives of the Western Balkan partners for a joint session.
Discussions focused on closer involvement of Western Balkan partners in European defence cooperation, European defence initiatives, military mobility and the wider regional security situation. Ministers also exchanged views on practical projects and initiatives that could further strengthen cooperation between Central Europe and the Western Balkans.
Particular attention was devoted to military mobility and practical solutions for ensuring the rapid, coordinated and secure cross-border movement of military personnel and equipment, including the identification of infrastructure bottlenecks and the development of critical and dual-use infrastructure.
The participants also discussed continued support for Ukraine and the importance of incorporating Ukrainian experience, innovation and defence industry expertise into the broader European defence technological and industrial base. NATO remains the cornerstone of collective defence, while European defence initiatives should remain complementary to the Alliance.
Delivering concrete results
The Ministerial Meeting also provided an opportunity to present tangible results achieved during the Slovenian CEDC Presidency.
Two products developed within the CEDC Language Platform were presented: a Multilingual Glossary covering Medium Forces, Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Equipment and Operations, and an overview of STANAG 6001 language testing across CEDC countries. Both products were developed under the leadership of the Slovenian Armed Forces School of Foreign Languages and contribute to greater interoperability among CEDC armed forces.
At the conclusion of the meeting, CEDC and Western Balkan participants adopted a Joint Statement, reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening security, defence readiness and practical regional cooperation.
The Ministerial Meeting marked another important milestone of the Slovenian CEDC Presidency, following the Defence Policy Directors Meeting and the first-ever CEDC Chiefs of Defence Meeting.
Slovenia will continue its work on concrete projects until the end of 2026, including the meeting of National Armaments Directors in November, before handing over the CEDC Presidency to Croatia.
From Policy to Practice – Building a Stronger Central Europe.
