The International Conference entitled “The Role of the Western Balkans in the New Security Architecture”, organised by the General Directorate for National Defence Policy and International Relations (GDNDPIR) of the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence, successfully concluded on Tuesday, 10 November 2026, at the Armed Forces Officers’ Club in Athens.
The Conference provided a substantive forum for strategic dialogue among representatives of political and military institutions, diplomatic missions and experts, focusing on the geopolitical significance of the Western Balkans and their place in shaping the European and Euro-Atlantic security environment.
The Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, officially opened the proceedings of the Conference, which was attended by the Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, General Dimitrios Choupis; representatives of the Chiefs of the Hellenic Armed Forces General Staffs; the Secretary- General for National Security and Advisor to the Prime Minister on National Security Affairs, Thanos Dokos; the Secretary-
General of the Federal Ministry of Defence of Austria, Arnold Kammel; the Director General for Defence Policy of the Ministry of Defence of Montenegro, Radmila Perović; the Director General for International Cooperation of the Ministry of Justice of Montenegro, Blagoje Gledovic; the French Republic’s Special Envoy for the Western Balkans at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ambassador René Troccaz; as
well as Ambassadors and representatives of diplomatic missions in Greece, Defence Attachés of foreign countries, Ambassadors Emeriti, and senior and high-ranking military officers.
Discussions focused on the complex challenges arising from the contemporary geopolitical landscape, including regional instability, hybrid threats and revisionist ambitions. Particular emphasis was placed on strengthening regional cooperation and resilience, advancing the European perspective of the countries in the region, and enhancing the complementary contributions of the European Union and NATO to the consolidation of lasting stability and security.
In his opening remarks, the Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, underscored the strategic importance of the Western Balkans for Greece and Europe, highlighting the need for timely awareness of geopolitical developments, sustained vigilance and an active Greek presence in the region. In this context, stability in the Western Balkans constitutes an essential prerequisite for the security, cohesion and prosperity
of the wider European continent.
In his closing remarks, the Director General of the GDNDPIR, Ambassador a.h. Michael Spinellis, outlined the key strategic priorities for the way ahead. He emphasised the importance of the meaningful European integration of the Western Balkans, the transition from reactive crisis management to a culture of prevention and collective resilience, and the development of strategic connectivity networks in the fields of energy, transport and digital technology. He also stressed the need for closer EU–NATO cooperation and complementarity, alongside greater regional ownership and responsibility in shaping the common security architecture. Particular reference was made to Greece’s strategic role as a factor of stability and connectivity linking the Western Balkans, the Eastern Mediterranean and Europe.
The Conference reaffirmed a central strategic principle: the security of the Western Balkans is an integral part of European security. Stability in the region cannot be taken for granted; it requires sustained political commitment, strategic consistency, substantive cooperation and shared responsibility. The countries of the Western Balkans must play an active role in shaping European and Euro-Atlantic security, as partners and contributors to a common future.
