SEDM meeting in Montenegro

The ministers shared the conclusion that In view of the restricted region’s defence budgets and reduced individual response capabilities in the face of modern-day security threats and challenges, the regional initiatives of the kind provided the necessary forum to address the issues of general interest for all members.
The Croatian Minister, Ante Kotromanović in his address emphasised that the South-east Europe is not protected from such risks and threats and that SEDM, being the longest-running regional defence initiative, was identified as co-ordinator for a range of activities, including the development of defence systems, harmonised and joint operation and disaster management. The co-operation in the framework of the kind was also in support to the aspirant countries on their way to accession to the EU and NATO and facilitated the adjustment their respective defence systems with those of the two associations through participation in their activities. “We have to act in a cost-effective and focussed way and manage our respective defence budgets responsibly and therefore support any form fostering and deepening the co-operation among the countries of the region“, said the Minister.
The ministers were joined by the President of Montenegro, Milo Đukanović, who said that  „the integration to NATO and the EU was a guarantee of a better life for the South-east Europe“. 
The Montenegrin Defence Minister, Milica Pejanović Đurišić as host minister said that the co-operation of the countries in the region in the domain of defence evinced their political maturity and constituted a necessity, in view of the threats and risks possibly arising there.
The meeting included an update from the South- Eastern Europe Brigade (SEEBRIG) and endorsement of the respective implementation documents. Croatia was announced to host the next Comprehensive Regional Ministerial in 2015.