CEDC and WB Defence Ministerial Meeting in Slovenia confirms our region's common security priorities

Regional security, defence industrial cooperation, and a strengthening of partnerships were main themes at the top of the agenda for the Central European Defence Cooperation (CEDC) and Western Balkans (WB) Defence Ministerial Meeting that took place on 21 - 22 September 2026 in Brdo pri Kranju, Slovenia. Representing Slovakia was Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Robert Kaliňák.

The official Defence Ministerial meetings and informal conversations provided a space for an open exchange of views, explored options for cooperation, and forged ahead with preparations for strategic agreements. The in-person gathering gave the defence ministers a better understanding of their partners' needs and helped identify the areas where they could join forces.

The CEDC and WB Defence Ministerial Meeting confirmed our region's shared security priorities and interest in working together to deliver on them, whilst demonstrating the significance of such regular meetings in terms of building mutual confidence, facilitating coordination in addressing joint challenges, augmenting defence capabilities, and assuring the security of our region.