Budva, 20 October 2026 – The 18th Conference of South East European Military Intelligence Chiefs (SEEMIC) jointly organised by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and the Ministry of Defence of Montenegro, which holds the 2026 SEEMIC Chairmanship-in-Office, opened today in Budva, bringing together heads of military intelligence institutions from across South East Europe to discuss regional security cooperation and shared security challenges, with a particular focus this year on energy security.

The Conference was opened by RCC Secretary General Amer Kapetanović and the Minister of Defence of Montenegro Dragan Krapović who both highlighted the importance of sustained professional dialogue, trust between institutions and regional cooperation in addressing common security challenges.

“Trust between institutions grows through regular dialogue and cooperation. SEEMIC provides a setting in which those relationships can develop through regular professional exchange, bringing regional partners together around a shared interest in a secure and stable South East Europe. For the RCC, supporting this cooperation means investing in relationships that matter when our region faces common challenges,” said Kapetanović.

As SEEMIC permanent co-chair, the RCC supports the priorities agreed by its participants and facilitates their implementation. Addressing this year’s focus on energy security, Kapetanović noted that energy dependence and supply disruptions affect institutions, businesses, and households, with consequences for both military and civilian security.

Minister Krapović highlighted Montenegro’s role as the 2026 SEEMIC Chairmanship-in-Office and the importance of regional partnerships and continuous dialogue. 

“Montenegro values cooperation with its neighbours and regional partners. Our 2026 Chairmanship-in-Office provides an additional opportunity to strengthen ties and constructive dialogue on such an important issue as energy security. We are witnessing, in today’s security environment, how this issue extends beyond energy sector, with potential crisis having far-reaching social and economic consequences. We also welcome the RCC’s longstanding contribution to the development of regional cooperation,” said Krapović.

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South East Europe Military Intelligence Chiefs’ forum – SEEMIC is a specialised regional security cooperation format co-organised and co-chaired by the RCC. SEEMIC provides a platform for exchange of views and good practices among high-level military intelligence officials with the purpose to promote security cooperation and advance the European and Euro-Atlantic integration of region.

This cooperation began in 2009 with a meeting of military intelligence chiefs in Bucharest, organised at the RCC’s initiative. Through regular professional dialogue, the platform helps participating institutions build mutual understanding and sustain relationships that support regional security and stability. The RCC continues to support the platform as part of its work to strengthen regional security cooperation.

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