The SEDM-CC/PMSC Chairmanship Handover and the 26th Anniversary of SEEBRIG

Since its inception, the South-Eastern Europe Defence Ministerial (SEDM) process has functioned as a pivotal platform for promoting regional stability through structured political and military dialogue. Its strategic orientation has been defined by three overarching goals: (1) the promotion of good-neighborly relations; (2) the enhancement of collective defense capabilities; and (3) the development of multilateral mechanisms fostering trust and mutual understanding.

Previous Chairperson Miss Simona Cojocaru’s remarks during the Chairmanship ceremony encapsulated these objectives succinctly: “Guided by the spirit of partnership and collective responsibility, we have advanced the core objectives of SEDM: promoting good-neighborly relations, mutual understanding, trust, confidence-building, and cooperation among its member states.” These guiding principles underscore SEDM’s unique value proposition as an instrument of cooperative security that privileges inclusivity and transparency over unilateralism.

Central to the day’s commemorative proceedings was the celebration of the 26th Anniversary of SEEBRIG. Established under the auspices of the Multinational Peace Force South-Eastern Europe (MPFSEE) Agreement, signed in Skopje on 26 September 1998, SEEBRIG has come to symbolize the operational realization of SEDM’s cooperative ethos. As a standing multinational military formation, it has significantly contributed to the capacity-building of member states, while simultaneously promoting interoperability and shared strategic culture.

Mr. Vlado Misajlovski, the Minister of Defence of Republic of North Macedonia, highlighted the enduring utility of SEEBRIG: “Today, as we reflect on 26 years of SEEBRIG — one of the most successful initiatives under the SEDM process — it’s [a] vital role in building mutual understanding and enhancing the capacities of member states.” This affirmation positions SEEBRIG not merely as a military unit, but as an evolving instrument of peace support operations, crisis response, and regional defense resilience.

Further reinforcing this view, BG Bilbil Bitri, Commander of SEEBRIG, stated: “SEEBRIG, as the military instrument of SEDM process, stands — on this 26th Anniversary — as a testament to the enduring strength of collaboration.” His remarks underscore the Brigade’s role as both a symbol and a mechanism of sustained multilateral engagement.

Previous Chairperson Miss Simona Cojocaru’s remarks during the Chairmanship ceremony encapsulated these objectives succinctly: “Guided by the spirit of partnership and collective responsibility, we have advanced the core objectives of SEDM: promoting good-neighborly relations, mutual understanding, trust, confidence-building, and cooperation among its member states.” These guiding principles underscore SEDM’s unique value proposition as an instrument of cooperative security that privileges inclusivity and transparency over unilateralism.