Greek Defense Minister Opens Conference on Western Balkans Security Role

Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias opened an international conference on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the Officers' Club of the Armed Forces. The event focuses on the role of the Western Balkans in the new European security architecture.

The General Directorate of Defense Policy and International Relations of the Ministry of National Defense organized the conference. Its goal is to serve as a platform for constructive dialogue and substantive exchange of views.

“We must lead to an awakening regarding the Western Balkans and not allow existing war hotspots to distract us from a huge potential problem located in our neighborhood.”

Dendias stressed that integrating the Western Balkans into the European family is a necessary precondition for their stabilization and prosperity. He highlighted the region's geopolitical importance and the role of European integration as a cornerstone of regional stability.

The minister warned that hybrid threats and revisionist ambitions pose challenges to the area. He also noted that the international environment is changing at an unlimited speed and is characterized by instability and complete uncertainty.

Dendias listed non-conventional means that threaten stability, including cyberattacks, disinformation, unmanned systems, terrorism, organized crime, human smuggling, and war in Europe.

Attendees included the Chief of the General Staff, Dimitrios Houpis, the General Secretary of National Security Thanos Dokos, and ambassadors from Austria, Montenegro, and France. Defense attaches from foreign countries and diplomatic representatives in Greece also participated.

The conference aims to reassess how deterrence is perceived amid recent developments and armed conflicts.