Slovenia Takes Over Presidency of Central European Defence Cooperation Initiative

Ljubljana has taken over the chairmanship of the Central European Defence Cooperation (CEDC) initiative for 2026, marking Slovenia’s leadership role in a regional defence cooperation framework that brings together Austria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia, with Poland participating as an observer. 

Established in 2010 to support defence collaboration and regional security coordination among its members, the CEDC operates within the broader context of European Union and NATO policy frameworks. The presidency rotates annually and coordinates joint activities, defence policy dialogues, and capability development initiatives among member states. 

Slovenia’s 2026 presidency, operating under the slogan “From Policy to Practice – Building a Stronger Central Europe,” places emphasis on translating strategic intentions into concrete cooperation. The defence ministry’s programme outlines objectives such as strengthening regional security cooperation, exchanging best practices, increasing operational readiness, and supporting the development of joint capabilities. These aims extend to boosting digital and cyber resilience and enhancing military cooperation structures among participating states. 

The programme also reinforces cooperation with partners from the Western Balkans under the so-called CEDC+ format, reflecting the initiative’s recognition that stability and security in neighbouring regions contribute directly to the security environment of Central Europe. 

Under the Slovenian presidency, the initiative’s agenda will include ministerial meetings, defence policy directors’ conferences, and specialised working sessions aimed at interoperability and capability coordination. This comes at a time of continuing interest among Central European nations in enhancing resilience and synergy within both EU and NATO defence planning and operational environments.