This year’s gathering was particularly significant as it marked the 30th anniversary of the initiative, which was launched by Bulgaria in 1996. The President of Bulgaria – Iliana lotova – extended her sincere appreciation to all attendees for their presence and engagement. Among the participants were Jakov Milatović, Nataša Pirc Musar, Serbian Prime Minister Đuro Macut, Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman, as well as representatives from Greece, Türkiye, Romania, Moldova and Kosovo*.
Discussions focused on strengthening regional cooperation, improving transport, energy and digital connectivity, enhancing security coordination and advancing the European aspirations of Southeast European countries. Participants also addressed economic resilience, sustainable development and joint responses to regional and global challenges. The summit was held under the slogan “A Shared Compass for a Stable, Secure and Sustainable Region – 30 Years of Regional Commitment and European Aspiration.”
For many Western Balkan participants, the summit came only days after the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat, providing another opportunity to underline their commitment to European integration. Speakers repeatedly stressed that regional cooperation and good-neighbourly relations remain essential for accelerating accession processes and attracting investment. Connectivity projects, energy security and infrastructure development featured prominently on the agenda.
The forum concluded with Bulgaria formally handing over the SEECP chairmanship to Romania for the coming year. While no major breakthrough agreements were announced, the gathering reinforced SEECP’s role as the region’s most comprehensive political dialogue platform and highlighted a shared commitment to stability, cooperation and a European future for Southeast Europe.
