Conference of Chiefs of Defence of U.S.-Adriatic Charter Member States Held in Zadar

The Conference of Chiefs of Defence of the armed forces of the U.S.-Adriatic Charter member states was held in Zadar on Wednesday, 16 September 2026.

Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces General Staff Lieutenant General Tihomir Kundid chaired the conference, which was co-chaired by Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) and Commander of U.S. European Command, General Alexus G. Grynkewich.

During the conference, the Chiefs of Defence of the armed forces of the U.S.-Adriatic Charter member states and General Alexus G. Grynkewich, Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) and Commander of U.S. European Command, signed a joint statement.

The Chiefs of Defence and representatives of the member and observer countries discussed enhancing interoperability in the context of strengthening defence cooperation and developing common capabilities and resilience to military threats and humanitarian crises.

A5 members committed to Euro-Atlantic integration and cooperation, regional stability and collective security

Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces General Staff Lieutenant General Tihomir Kundid said: “Following the conclusion of the 29th Conference of Chiefs of Defence held within the framework of the U.S.-Adriatic Charter (A5), I am pleased to say that, as stated in the statement we have just signed, the members of the initiative remain committed to Euro-Atlantic integration and cooperation, regional stability and collective security.”

“The main theme of the conference, ‘Strengthening Regional Cooperation’, reflects our shared intention that military cooperation aimed at developing and enhancing capabilities, primarily through training and exercises, makes a significant contribution to the security and stability of Southeast Europe. The security of the countries of the Adriatic region is indivisible and constitutes the foundation of broader European stability,” Lieutenant General Kundid said.

Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) and Commander of U.S. European Command General Alexus G. Grynkewich said: “We must continue to improve interoperability across international borders, between civilian and military institutions, and across all operational domains. The United States remains fully committed to preserving regional stability and proudly stands with Allies and partners who are actively modernising their forces and increasing investment in our shared security.”

The panel discussions covered strengthening regional cooperation, countering transnational criminal organisations, and military mobility and investment in dual-use infrastructure.

In addition to the host, Chief of the Croatian Armed Forces General Staff Lieutenant General Tihomir Kundid, and Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) and Commander of U.S. European Command General Alexus G. Grynkewich, the conference was attended by the Chiefs of Defence of the armed forces of the U.S.-Adriatic Charter member states: Chief of the General Staff of the Albanian Armed Forces Lieutenant General Arben Kingji; Chief of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina Lieutenant General Gojko Knežević; Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Montenegro Brigadier General Miodrag Vuksanović; Chief of the General Staff of the Army of the Republic of North Macedonia Major General Sashko Lafchiski; Commander of the Kosovo Security Force Lieutenant General Bashkim Jashari; and Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Slovenian Armed Forces Brigadier General Anže Rode.

The conference was also attended by Deputy Commander of Allied Joint Force Command Naples Lieutenant General Peter K. Scott and Major General Samuel Keener, Director J5 of the National Guard Bureau.