Opening Remarks by Ambassador Luigi Soreca at the Sarajevo Security Conference
Good morning everyone. Excellencies, Brigadier General Valas, Brigadier General Fako, dear guests,
It is an honour to be here today, and I would like to thank the organisers for inviting for the first time the EU Ambassador and Special Representative to open a conference that gathers some of the continent’s leading experts on security matters, and to contribute with our vision for the Europe’s rapidly evolving security architecture.
The year 2025 has marked the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration, which laid the foundations for the European Union and paved the way for an era of prosperity, peace, democracy and solidarity on our continent.
But today Europe is experiencing a grave, more dramatic reality. The rules-based international order is being challenged, shaking the very foundations on which the European security architecture is built.
With war at our doorstep and rising foreign interference, Europe is determined to defend its freedom, its values based on universal principles and its political achievements.
Too often, the term “security” is thought of as an abstract, even distant concept. Very often as a synonym for stability. On the other hand, some may limit the idea of security to our most immediate state – now, and here.
Let me be clear when I say that I think that our concept of security is much larger than that.
We live in an era shaped by global power shifts, hybrid threats, disinformation, and energy coercion, not to mention other pressing threats which affect our societies.
The past three years have been another stark reminder that the world we live in is one of constant flux. In 2022, our world changed again, after Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified military aggression against Ukraine forced us to rethink our belief of what makes us, and our countries, secure.
In light of these transformations, the European Union also had to change. It has adapted, acted, grown. Europe has embarked on the biggest move forward seen in recent history to support our defence capabilities.
The EU has allocated 2 trillion euros for additional defence spending between now and 2031. Europe’s annual capacity to produce ammunition is already six times what it was just two years ago.
At the heart of these efforts lies an unwavering European solidarity—our shared commitment to stand united, support one another, and strengthen the bonds that protect our collective future.
As High Representative and Vice President of Commission Kaja Kallas said, “For those who still doubt whether Europe should play a role on the world stage, we have always done so when the need arose. The same is true today.”
Investments in European defence capabilities need to be matched by strategic investments in our broader neighbourhood, whose security in many ways also underpins the security of the European Union.
The EU will continue to work with the Western Balkans region to further develop its defence capabilities and capacities. I am glad that Bosnia and Herzegovina already benefits from assistance measures under the European Peace Facility (EPF). This has helped modernise the demining equipment of the Armed Forces with the objective of Bosnia and Herzegovina becoming mine-free, and to strengthen the Armed Forces’ operational capabilities to counter Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) threats as well as defensive and early warning capabilities.
The EU’s contribution to security in the region is long-standing, with operations such as EUFOR Althea under the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy. EUFOR Althea continues to play a vital role in supporting domestic authorities in maintaining a safe and security environment for all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
But more broadly, I am referring to the opportunity for our neighbouring countries to join a Union brought closer by peace and shared values.
The pivotal visit of Commissioner Marta Kos to Bosnia and Herzegovina earlier this week has strongly reaffirmed that the EU enlargement agenda is a clear, shared strategic investment in long-term security and prosperity for the whole continent.
The EU is determined in pursuing this objective, and is determined to avoid any political or security escalation nearby. We must protect the enlargement process from malign interference as efforts continue to reunify Europe.
We continue to expand our partnership with Western Balkan countries, by supporting them through investments, reform programmes and gradual steps toward integration. The Growth plan for the Western Balkans launched in 2024 aims to help this process. Hence the importance that all countries in the region present their reform agendas. It is high time for Bosnia and Herzegovina to do it before the end of this month, to avoid further cuts to the 1 billion allocate to the country.
Our new seven-year budget proposal 2028-2034 reflects this ambition. It foresees 42.6 billion Euros allocated for enlargement and the Eastern neighbourhood – an increase of over one third. Separately, we are allocating 100 billion euros to support Ukraine’s recovery, resilience, and its path to EU membership.
Integrating Western Balkan countries into the European internal market for defence is another key goal of the EU. Candidate countries already have access to SAFE (Security Action for Europe), the EU’s new initiative to boost joint procurement in the defence industry.
Three candidate countries (Albania, Moldova, North Macedonia) are among the eight that have signed bilateral security and defence partnerships with the EU since May 2024. These tailored partnerships increase cooperation, from increasing defence capabilities to integrated border management, hybrid threats, fighting foreign information manipulation and interference.
Building resilience is a key issue and in this respect, the EU continues to support Western Balkan partners in building their cybersecurity capacities, in conformity with EU legislation and best practices. Let me just mention the establishment of the Western Balkan Cyber Capacity Centre in Podgorica last year. I also welcome this year’s hosting by Sarajevo of the EU-Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice and Home Affairs, which will give new impetus to the regional Joint Action Plan on Counterterrorism.
While we progress in addressing our shared security and defence interests, I want to remind that the path to joining the European Union is clear and fair – it’s based on results. Candidate countries must carry out the necessary reforms to meet our shared standards and bring real, positive change to their people. Ultimately, it is the leaders of these countries who hold the keys and must take the wheel on this journey.
Bosnia and Herzegovina has felt the heavy toll when war comes calling — the sacrifices, the loss etched deep in its fabric and soul. This means that Bosnia and Herzegovina also knows all too well its cost – and the priceless value of security. And because of the lessons of the past, we need to be strong in fighting for the future we deserve.
We may not always agree on everything, but our shared desire for peace and security must be the bridge that brings us together.
We have no choice but to stand strong – as one – and fight for the values that underpin our Union.
Thank you.
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