The Western Balkans Forum will explore the region’s role in European-led deterrence and defense, bringing together defense and security professionals from Southeast Europe to provide insights, foster meaningful engagement, and enrich dialogue on critical regional issues. 

Amid the growing recognition that Europe must enhance its own security capabilities, the forum will emphasize the urgent need for stronger regional cooperation, reconciliation, and revitalization of defense capacities and capabilities. A key focus will be assessing the region's readiness to shoulder a greater share of the collective defense burden.

• Strengthen collaboration with NATO allies and partners.
• Deepen security and defense partnerships of Western Balkan countries with the EU.
• Identify challenges and opportunities in regional defense cooperation.

Formerly the Ohrid Regional Security Alumni Forum, the Western Balkans Forum builds on its legacy as a platform for advancing regional security cooperation with a renewed focus on European-led deterrence and defense.