Slovenia assumes presidency of the Central European Defence Cooperation Initiative

Ljubljana – On 1 January Slovenia assumed the presidency of the Central European Defence Cooperation (CEDC), which aims to strengthen regional cooperation within the EU and NATO. The main goals of the one-year presidency include strengthening regional security cooperation, increasing operational readiness and developing joint capabilities, the Slovenian Ministry of Defence announced.

Slovenia’s one-year presidency under the slogan “From Practice to Policy – Building a Stronger Central Europe” is taking place at a time of increased interest by member states in enhanced regional cooperation, strengthening resilience and synergy within the EU, the Ministry of Defence said.

The main goals of the presidency include, among other things, strengthening regional security cooperation, exchanging best practices, increasing operational readiness, developing joint capabilities, cooperating with partners from the Western Balkans, supporting digital and cyber resilience, and strengthening cooperation in the military field.

The Central European Defence Cooperation, whose fundamental goal is to contribute to strengthening regional security within the EU and NATO, was established in 2010. In addition to Slovenia, Austria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia participate in it, while Poland takes part in the meetings as an observer. (12 January)