Krapović: Regional Cooperation and Trust Are Key to Addressing Contemporary Security Challenges

The 18th Conference of the Heads of Military Intelligence Services of Southeast Europe, co-chaired this year by Montenegro’s Ministry of Defence and the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), opened today in Budva. It brought together the heads of military intelligence services from Southeast Europe to discuss security cooperation and common security challenges, with a particular focus on energy security. The conference was opened by Minister of Defence Dragan Krapović and RCC Secretary General Amer Kapetanović, who highlighted the importance of professional dialogue, trust among these institutions, and regional cooperation in addressing shared security challenges. Minister Krapović emphasized Montenegro’s role in co-chairing SEEMIC 2026 and the need for regional partnership and continuous dialogue. He noted that, in today’s security environment, this issue extends beyond the energy sector and could have much broader social and economic consequences in the event of a crisis. Speaking about energy security, Kapetanović stated that energy dependence and disruptions to supply chains affect institutions, businesses, and households, with consequences for both military and civilian security. SEEMIC supports the development of these connections through the continuous exchange of data and experience, bringing regional partners together around common interests to help achieve a secure and stable Southeast Europe.