Collaboration in Central Europe Leads to Development of ABV Sensor Drones
Defense Ministers from Central European Countries Meet in Budapest
Defense Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky recently held a meeting with the defense ministers of the Central European Defense Cooperation (CEDC) in Budapest. The meeting, which took place on Thursday, April 25, saw the participation of defense ministers from 11 countries, including the six founding countries of the CEDC and Western Balkan countries.
During a press conference following the meeting, Szalay-Bobrovniczky emphasized the importance of open and honest dialogue among the participating countries, highlighting their shared history, roots, and geography. He expressed Hungary’s commitment to maintaining this dialogue and ensuring that the region continues to play a key role in shaping its own destiny.
Established in 2010, the CEDC aims to enhance regional security and cooperation. The organization, initiated by Austria, consists of Austria, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, and Slovenia, with Hungary currently holding the rotating presidency.
Szalay-Bobrovniczky also underscored the importance of supporting the European integration efforts of Western Balkan countries, citing Hungary’s own experiences as a member of the European Union and NATO. He emphasized the need to promote stability and security in the Western Balkans, pointing to ongoing military missions in the region.
Austrian Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner reinforced the message of supporting Western Balkan countries in their European aspirations, noting that the EU’s completeness is intertwined with the inclusion of Southeastern European nations. She underlined the significance of regional cooperation and dialogue for Austria’s defense strategy and called for a strong EU partnership with the Western Balkans for peace in Europe.
Next year, Slovakia will assume the rotating presidency of the CEDC. Slovak Deputy Defense Minister Martin Vojtašovič expressed Slovakia’s appreciation for the cooperation within the Visegrad Group (V4) and the CEDC, emphasizing the collective efforts and shared opportunities that these partnerships provide.
Vojtašovič also reiterated Slovakia’s support for the European integration of the Western Balkan countries, highlighting the importance of security cooperation in addressing multifaceted security challenges. The exchange of information and coordination facilitated by the CEDC are vital in addressing security risks on various fronts.
Overall, the meeting marked a significant step in strengthening regional security and cooperation among Central European countries, with a focus on supporting the European integration of Western Balkan nations. Continued collaboration within the CEDC and similar regional initiatives is essential for promoting stability and prosperity in the region.
Via honvedelem.hu, Featured image: MTI/Róbert Hegedüs
