Yesterday, the Sarajevo Security Conference concluded, which in three days gathered more than 200 participants from 20 different countries. Among those present were diplomats, military officials, international security experts, NATO representatives, academics, civil society leaders, and strategic analysts.
The conference was officially opened by NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Sekerinska, who warned that Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is faced with serious security challenges.
“We are witnessing the rise of dangerous rhetoric and political conflicts. There are constant threats of secession, inflammatory actions, and attempts to undermine the constitutional order and the rule of law. These are dangerous moves that risk undermining the hard-won peace, slowing reform progress, and returning the country to a divided past. Who would that benefit? Only those who want to destroy our freedom and security through destabilization. The citizens of BiH do not want that – they want functional institutions, rule of law equal for all, stable jobs, and a peaceful future. That requires political will and courage to move forward, even when the path is difficult. Leaders must choose peace and prosperity, instead of disputes and divisions,” said Sekerinska.
During the three days of the conference, discussions were held on critical raw materials and energy risks, foreign influences in the region, transitional justice, the future of transatlantic relations, security dilemmas between East and West, and the accelerated development of new technologies, including AI and cyber threats.
Admiral Sir Keith Blount, Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe (DSACEUR), said that the lesson from the war in Ukraine is clear – NATO must change as quickly as threats change.
“We stand with you now, and we will stand with you in the future. A stable and peaceful Western Balkans means better security for the entire Euro-Atlantic area,” said Blount.
General Aurelio Colagrande, Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (DSACT), emphasized the Alliance’s focus on modernization and adaptation to new security challenges.
“NATO continues to strengthen capacities, to develop logistical and technological resources so that we remain ready for future challenges.”
Dave Pitts, a former senior CIA intelligence officer, warned that modern conflicts no longer follow traditional front lines. He referred to the recent entry of Russian drones into Polish airspace and other activities in the “grey zone,” emphasizing how states are being tested daily through a combination of AI, cyberattacks, narratives, and psychological influence.
“The goal is clear – to deceive, to change how we see the world, to divide societies, to destroy trust in institutions and alliances, to undermine decision-making. It is precisely in this space, at the intersection of AI, cyber-operations, and narratives, that the most urgent battles are being fought today,” said Pitts.
At the closing of the conference, Major General Matthew Van Wagenen, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, NATO SHAPE, also spoke, stressing that the greatest danger is that enemies use cheap and fast solutions, while the West remains tied to slow and expensive systems.
“War has returned to Europe, and Russia remains the greatest threat. But we no longer speak only of tanks and missiles – we speak of ‘grey zone’ techniques, of cyberattacks, information manipulation, and foreign malign influences that are misused daily. That is why we must turn to efficiency, integration, and new models of cooperation. Especially in the Western Balkans, that means greater readiness and joint action. NATO remains committed to that goal,” said Van Wagenen.
In recognition of his long-standing contribution to European security, Van Wagenen is this year’s recipient of the “Flame of Freedom” award, which was established for the first time precisely at the Sarajevo Security Conference. This award will henceforth be given to individuals who have made the greatest contribution to stability and security.
The conference was concluded by Dr. Hikmet Karcic, director of the Sarajevo Security Conference, emphasizing that Sarajevo has once again shown that it can be a place of strategic debate on security.
“The messages of the past three days are clear – proactive security, regional cooperation, and readiness for rapid responses. Sarajevo has proven that it can be a regional center of serious security discussion, open and connected with global trends. Our task is not to remain only observers of change, but to be among those who shape the answers. See you next year, ready for new challenges and new solutions,” concluded Karcic.
The conference was organized by the New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy (Western Balkans Center) with the support of partners: Friedrich Ebert Foundation Dialogue Southeast Europe (FES SOE), NATO ACT (Allied Command Transformation), NATO SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe), NATO Mission in BiH, European Union Institute for Security Studies (EUISS), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of BiH, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Embassy of Norway. Among the sponsors are renowned companies and representatives of the business community, Regulus Global, Strider, and Macrodyne Technologies, N1 writes.
