We are thrilled to unveil the Thematic Agenda for the BSC 2025!

The Belgrade Centre for Security Policy’s flagship annual event, Belgrade Security Conference (BSC): “Pathways to Freedom” will take place on 17–19 November 2025 at the Sava Center in Belgrade, Serbia.

In the shadow of renewed authoritarianism, protracted wars, and deepening political polarisation, the struggle for freedom—of individuals, nations and societies—has once again become the defining question of our age.

Across Europe and beyond, citizens face shrinking civic space, democratic backsliding and the erosion of the very principles that once guaranteed progress and stability. Yet, amid this uncertainty, a new generation of movements, leaders, and ideas is emerging to reclaim democracy and justice as pathways to freedom.

This year’s conference will bring together high-level policymakers, diplomats, scholars, and civil society leaders from across Europe and from around the world to debate the most pressing questions of our time:

• How can Serbia overcome its political crisis and embark on a path of democratic renewal?
• What is the future of the transatlantic partnership as a pillar of international order?
• How will U.S.–China rivalry reshape global security and the Indo-Pacific region?
• What lessons can Europe draw from its struggle to defend democracy against internal and external threats?
• How can EU enlargement remain a credible process amid geopolitical uncertainty and populist resurgence?

Over three days, the BSC 2025 will feature plenary sessions, parallel discussions and special roundtables addressing issues such as hybrid threats, democratic resilience, European security architecture and the future of EU enlargement.

The BSC 2025 is dedicated to Ksenija Atanasijević (1894 -1981), Serbian philosopher and the first female professor at the University of Belgrade.

By convening leaders, thinkers and advocates at this critical juncture, the Belgrade Security Conference 2025 seeks to illuminate the pathways toward freedom—through justice, democracy and peace.

We look forward to welcoming you to Belgrade this November for another edition of the region’s leading platform for open dialogue and bold ideas.

Download the BSC 2025 Thematic Agenda HERE.

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The Belgrade Centre for Security Policy (BCSP) is pleased to announce the open call for participants for the third edition of the BSC Young Leaders Program, which will take place from 16 to 19 November 2025 in Belgrade, Serbia, alongside the Belgrade Security Conference – the largest regional platform for high-level dialogue on foreign and security policy.

About the Program

The BSC Young Leaders program creates a unique space for 30 young people from the Western Balkans – to come together, reflect on shared challenges, and contribute to building a democratic and inclusive future based on European values.

This year’s program, titled “Clearing the Pathways to Freedom”, will include:

• Networking and trust-building activities
• Guided visits and critical reflections on remembrance and reconciliation
• Interactive sessions with experts, policymakers, and civil society representatives
• Active participation in the Belgrade Security Conference (including priority in Q&A sessions and closed-door meetings)
• Youth-led sessions where participants will present their own perspectives on the future of democracy and cooperation in the region

Who Can Apply?

We are looking for motivated young people who:

• Are between 18 and 30 years old
• Come from one of the Western Balkans
• Have demonstrated interest in democracy, peace-building, European integration, security, or related fields
• Are ready to actively participate in all four days of the program!
• The working language of the program is English and participants are expected to be comfortable using English.

Important: Participants of BSC Young Leaders 2023 and 2024 are not eligible to apply.

Other Information

• Number of participants: 30 in total (20 selected through this open call + 10 alumni from previous BSC Young Leaders editions and related BCSP programs
• Costs: Accommodation, meals, and travel expenses will be fully covered by the organisers.
• Dates: 16–19 November 2025
• Location: Belgrade, Serbia

How to Apply?

Interested candidates should apply by 15 October 2025 by filling out the application form.

Special Opportunity

Our long-standing partners in the BSC Young Leaders program implementation– the International Institute for Peace (IIP) – together with BCSP will reward three participants of BSC Young Leaders 2025 with the opportunity to attend the conference organised by IIP in Vienna, on 2–3 December 2025. The conference, titled 30 Years After Dayton, will focus on the legacy of the Dayton Peace Agreement and its implications for the present and future of the Western Balkans.

To be considered, you will need to submit an essay by October 20. The three best essays will be selected, and the winners will be announced during the BSC Young Leaders program in Belgrade. For more details and to access the application, please see the link below.

https://form.jotform.com/252662051973055

Please note: Submitting an essay for the Vienna opportunity is optional and not required for participation in BSC Young Leaders 2025. However, to be eligible for the Vienna competition, you must first apply and be selected for BSC Young Leaders 2025.

Contact

For questions, please contact us at gorana.pebic@bezbednost.org

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The Belgrade Security Conference (BSC) is pleased to invite civil society organisations and think tanks from the Western Balkans to submit proposals for side sessions to be held as part of this year’s conference, taking place from 17 to 19 November 2025 at the Sava Centre in Belgrade, Serbia.

About BSC

The BSC has become the leading regional platform for dialogue on foreign and security policy in the Western Balkans. Held by-invitation-only and on a not-for-profit basis, the conference brings together more than 500 influential participants, including regional and international officials, diplomats, representatives of international organisations, researchers, journalists, civil society representatives, activists, and young professionals. It offers a unique opportunity for bold ideas, inclusive debate, and strategic thinking on the most pressing issues facing Europe and the region.

Call For Proposals

We invite proposals for side sessions that align with the overarching themes of this year’s BSC. This call is only for organisations from the Western Balkan region, with the aim to have country-specific discussions that address important issues in your respective countries, related to the BSC’s overarching topics, which include:

• Regional security dynamics
• Foreign policy and the role of external actors
• State capture and the rule of law
• The role of civil society amid ongoing rise of authoritarianism
• European integration

To ensure interactive and dynamic exchange, this year’s side sessions should be organised in the form of a roundtable discussion or a fishbowl discussion. Both formats are designed to encourage open dialogue, active participation, and meaningful engagement between panelists and the audience.

All costs associated with the organisation of a selected side session (including logistic arrangements, travel, and accommodation for speakers) will be covered by the BSC. Selected session will take place on the third day of the conference, 19 November 2025.

Why Apply

Hosting a side session offers organisations from the region the opportunity to:

• Showcase their expertise and visibility on a prominent regional platform
• Influence key discussions among international policymakers and experts
• Engage with high-level professionals in foreign and security policy, media, and fellow think tanks

Eligibility

This call is open to civil society organisations and think tanks from the Western Balkans: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. Partnerships with organisations from outside the region are welcome, but the lead applicant must be from the Western Balkans.

Proposal Requirements

Proposals must be submitted via the online submission form and should include:

1. Session Title

A clear and engaging title that reflects the core theme of the discussion.

2. Session Description (max. 300 words)

A concise summary of the key issues to be explored, relevance to the country’s security or foreign policy context, and expected insights.

3. Participants

A list of proposed speakers and a moderator, including names, institutional affiliations, and short biographies. The proposed format should include 3 to 4 discussants and a moderator, with expected audience involvement as per the discussion format. Please note that the final list of speakers and the exact focus of the session will be agreed upon with the BSC team, which retains the right to propose speakers for the selected panels.

4. Objectives and intended outcomes

A brief explanation of the session’s goals and how it contributes to the overall conference themes.

Submission Guidelines

Deadline for submission: 15 August 2025

Event date: 19 November 2025 (only in-person participation is accepted)

Submit your proposal: Use the online application form to submit your proposal.

Selection Criteria

• The proposed topic’s relevance to current foreign and security policy issues in your country
• Alignment with the BSC overarching themes
• Quality and expertise of the proposed speakers, with attention to diversity and gender balance
• Original, innovative and thought-provoking approach to the proposed topic
• Country specificity (side session should focus on domestic challenges in your respective country)
• Feasibility (availability of proposed speakers and logistical preparedness)

We look forward to receiving your proposals and to working together to ensure a dynamic and thought-provoking Belgrade Security Conference 2025.

For any questions or technical issues regarding the submission process, please contact us at info@belgradesecurityconference.org.

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“Sweden is a strong and long-term supporter of EU enlargement. This could be the beginning of the end of the negotiations for Montenegro,” stated Jessica Rosencrantz, the Minister for EU Affairs of Sweden, at the fourth in a series of BSC Leaders Meetings held in Podgorica on 12th March 2025.

Besides the Swedish Minister for EU affairs, the panel discussion under the title “Montenegro’s European Dream: A Success Story for the Region?” featured prominent speakers, including Todor Goranović, Adviser to the Prime Minister of Montenegro for Security and Defence; Vanja Ćalović, Executive Director of MANS; and Nikola Dimitrov, President and Co-Founder of Solucija, who also served as the former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia. The discussion was moderated by Igor Bandović, Director of the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy.

During his opening remarks, Igor Bandović emphasised the critical role of the Western Balkans in Europe’s security landscape. He stated, “As Europe faces growing instability and geopolitical challenges, the Western Balkans remain a key test for the continent’s security and democratic resilience.” Bandović acknowledged Montenegro’s European integration as a notable success but cautioned that ongoing political and security issues necessitate renewed commitment from both regional leaders and the European Union. He highlighted the urgent need for democratic reforms, enhanced regional cooperation, and a clear EU commitment to stability in the region. “Our role is to foster dialogue, provide expertise, and advocate for policies that ensure lasting stability in the Balkans,” he concluded, underscoring BCSP’s dedication to supporting these objectives through informed advocacy and collaboration.

Sweden’s Minister for EU Affairs, Jessica Rosencrantz, emphasised her country’s unwavering support for EU enlargement. She noted that the current security landscape has invigorated the EU accession process, stating, “Sweden is a strong and long-term supporter of EU enlargement. The current security environment has brought new momentum to the EU process, and by keeping up the pace on the necessary reform work, Montenegro is not only inspiring other candidate countries to follow, but also contributing to the security and stability on our entire continent.” Rosencrantz highlighted that this momentum could signify a pivotal moment in Montenegro’s negotiations, suggesting that it might be “the beginning of the end of the negotiations for Montenegro.” Her remarks underline Sweden’s commitment to fostering stability and cooperation within Europe through the enlargement process.

The discussion focused on several critical themes, such as opportunities and challenges Montenegro faces on its path to EU membership, remaining hurdles to conclude accession negotiations by 2028 and lessons other Western Balkan nations can learn from Montenegro’s progress.

Todor Goranović, Adviser to the Prime Minister of Montenegro for Security and Defence, highlighted Montenegro’s progress in its EU integration process, describing it as a source of encouragement for the country, but also for the Western Balkans. He pointed out that the recent closure of negotiation chapters, after years of delay, represents a positive step forward. Goranović also emphasised Montenegro’s role as an example for the region, particularly in supporting Ukraine and advancing NATO accession efforts. “We strive to be a credible partner,” he stated.

Executive Director of MANS, Vanja Ćalović, expressed concerns regarding Montenegro’s EU accession process, stating that “substantial reforms are now being sacrificed for larger geopolitical needs,” with politicians doing only the bare minimum to maintain a facade of progress, as “everyone needs a success story.” She emphasised that the discussions around the EU’s incentives have lost their effectiveness, noting that “Montenegro is only required to meet minimal conditions for EU integration,” which she believes is a consequence of the ongoing Ukrainian war. This situation has led to a decline in standards, with politicians in the Balkans aware that they can evade accountability amidst current geopolitical dynamics. Ćalović highlighted Montenegro’s significant issues with corruption and organised crime, underscoring the urgent need for EU assistance to advance necessary rule of law reforms.

Nikola Dimitrov, the former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia, underscored the urgent need for geopolitical progress in Europe, particularly considering the ongoing challenges related to EU enlargement. He noted that bilateral disputes often obstruct this progress, which has shifted public focus from enhancing the rule of law to constitutional amendments following the Prespa Agreement. Dimitrov emphasised the necessity of protecting the EU integration process, describing it as a significant challenge for the bloc. He pointed out that the region requires a success story, highlighting Montenegro’s potential as a candidate likely to achieve EU membership by 2028. However, he stressed that this goal must involve genuine collaboration with civil society organisations to ensure effective reforms are implemented rather than being treated as a mere formality.

Discussions also touched on whether the EU itself would be ready to welcome new members by 2028-2030. With 2025 expected to be a decisive year for EU enlargement policy, participants expressed cautious optimism about the prospects for further integration of Western Balkan countries into the EU.

Organised by the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy (BCSP) in partnership with the Balkan Center for Constructive Policies – Solution (North Macedonia) and the Embassy of Sweden, this event brought together key figures in the discussion on Montenegro’s EU aspirations.

The BSC Leaders Meetings events, with the distinguished panel of international and domestic speakers, are planned to continue in the coming months in other capitals of the Western Balkans.

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In partnership with the Balkan Center for Constructive Policies – Solution (North Macedonia) and the Embassy of Sweden, the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy (BCSP) is hosting the fourth edition of the BSC Leaders Meetings event that will take place on 12 March 2025 in Podgorica, Montenegro.

The BSC Leaders Meetings present a series of half-day events organised throughout the Western Balkans. They are part of the Belgrade Security Conference (BSC) – a high-level international policy event organised by the BCSP each year in the third week of November in Belgrade.

The BSC Leaders Meetings aim to gather policy-makers and experts who will discuss major foreign and security challenges facing the region, geopolitical events and trends affecting it and to assess the future of democratic reforms, regional cooperation and the place of the Western Balkans in global politics.

Panel discussion “Montenegro’s European Dream: A Success Story for the Region?”

In December 2024, Montenegro reached a significant milestone in its European Union membership negotiations by provisionally closing three negotiation chapters during the Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels. This signaled a renewed momentum in its EU integration process. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described Montenegro’s ambition to become the EU’s 28th member by 2028 as achievable. Compared to other EU candidate countries, Montenegro’s small size and lack of major bilateral disputes with its neighbors position it as a clear frontrunner in the EU enlargement process. The aim of this high-level panel of the BSC Leaders Meetings is to take stock of the opportunities and obstacles standing between Montenegro and other Western Balkan countries’ EU membership. What are the remaining challenges Montenegro must address to be able to end the EU accession negotiations by 2028? What lessons can other Western Balkans countries take from Montenegro’s EU accession strategy? Could Montenegro’s progress catalyze renewed momentum in the EU integration of other Western Balkans nations? While 2025 promises to be a decisive year for EU enlargement, the question remains will the EU and its member states be ready to receive new members from 2028-2030?

Agenda

11:00 – 11:05 Opening remarks:

• Igor Bandović, Director of the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy

11:05 – 12:05 Panel Discussion:

• Jessica Rosencrantz, Minister for EU Affairs of Sweden
• Todor Goranović, Adviser to the Prime Minister of Montenegro for Security and Defence
• Nikola Dimitrov, President and co-founder of the Balkan Center for Constructive Policies – Solucija, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia
• Vanja Ćalović, Executive Director of MANS

Moderator: Igor Bandović, Director of the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy

11:45 – 12:00 Q&A

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Mr. Bandović started his closing speech by taking a moment to reflect on what was achieved over the past three days. He stressed that this was a space where challenging conversations and important dialogues were held, on important topics of great importance for security.

He noted that those were not theoretical debates but discussions on real and impactful issues. He shared with pride that the conference gathered more than 500 participants, bringing their energy and perspectives, making the event vibrant and impactful, adding that there were many important things heard, including both good and bad news.

He thanked all the donors and partners, and then congratulated Radmila Šekerinska on her appointment as Deputy General Secretary of NATO, which he considered important for the region. He then thanked the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy team for making the conference possible, highlighting their hard work, dedication and team spirit, as well as their commitment to excellence. Mr. Bandović then took a moment to thank the interns and volunteers for their tireless energy, and the European Western Balkans team, as well as partners that helped the conference to run smoothly.

He encapsulated his speech by saying that the conference is proof that a small but dedicated team can make miracles when backed by strong values and a single vision. He stated that organising the conference was no small task, especially in such a challenging political situation. In that context, he perceived it as an act of defiance and hope that is creating change in the Balkans.

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The Ambassador reflected on the European Union enlargement as thus far being too slow and too long, and without enough results, which led to decreasing enthusiasm for the accession process. However, he highlighted that there is a new political momentum, with a clear window of opportunity for Western Balkans states to join. Enlargement has a geostrategic imperative now, and it is prioritised by the new European Commission, promising that there is a clear decision to complete the EU through the process.

The Ambassador stressed that the enlargement is in the interest of both the region and of the EU itself, noting the progress on negotiations with various candidate states. He put this in the context of the necessity to accelerate progress and deliver reforms, while embracing common values that define Europe. He touched on the topic of the green transition as well, emphasising that there is a need for Europe to become more competitive, for which it requires access to critical raw materials.

He described Serbia as a country that has historically been at the frontier of empires and between two worlds, but that it clearly belongs to the European family and has common destiny with it. To help push the region further towards alignment with the EU, a new tool was created and rather quickly taken from an idea to reality. This tool is the Growth Plan, which is meant to integrate the region into the single market, and to support the progress on fundamental reforms. He noted that it was also meant to support the economies of the region which are lagging behind the EU, allowing them to feel the benefits of economic integration even before accession.

He listed some of the expected moves towards further integration of the region into the EU that would bring tangible effects for citizens, such as integration into the Single European Payment Area (SEPA), green lanes to abolish long queues at the border and reducing roaming costs between the region and the EU.

He touched on the importance of the advancement of human capital and the socio-economic development of the candidate countries. Regarding the fundamentals, he stressed that there need to be reforms on the rule of law, electoral conditions and media freedom, calling on the candidates in the region to fully focus on reform and to communicate their importance with the citizens.

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The final panel of the conference analysed the effects of the European Union’s Growth Plan on the accession process of the Western Balkans region. The panellists agreed that it is a good tool for economic integration, which is a key element of the process, especially as the region lags a lot behind Europe in this aspect. However, it must not be decoupled from fundamental values.

They noted that, while there is a renewed interest in enlargement, it is mostly based on security and defence needs. Likewise, they agreed that the amount promised to the region is not very big and not easy to access, but that nonetheless it is an important step forward. The message they agreed on is that the EU needs to give more positive signals to the region, and to show more clear support for the integration of the region in practice.

Tanja Mišćević, Minister of European Integration of Serbia, opened by explaining that there was a very short period of time to create the reform agenda, which is why the public was not included. She added that the Ministry has been preparing the legal instruments and working on reforms. Simonida Kacarska, Director of the European Policy Institute in Skopje, asked about the price tag of these reforms, which are directly connected to EU funds. The minister answered that most of the money will be loaned, meaning that the countries will be borrowing money to conduct reforms, but added that the plan is a tool by which the countries can show their credibility and commitment to the process.

Dritan Abazović, Former Prime Minister of Montenegro, expressed support for the EU Growth Plan as a good idea, after a lot of time passed without new ideas. He shared his view that the states of the region rely on the enlargement process, and that it is important to get rid of the geographical hole in the middle of the EU in this way. He stressed that the region needs to have invisible borders, which is impossible without EU support, calling on more EU support for infrastructure projects because when it is not present, other actors like China appear. He warned that the EU shouldn’t constantly change the rules of accession, and that it should provide a real opportunity for states to join in order to motivate the population. In relation to this, he added that the rule of law is an inescapable part of this process. He lamented that people in the region have lost the passion for the accession process as they don’t see direct benefits to their lives, even though they support joining the EU. He stressed the need for strong leaders ready to make politically hard decisions in the short term to achieve the historical goal of EU integration of the region.

Milica Delević, Director for Competitiveness, Governance and Political Affairs at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, agreed that the Growth Plan is an important idea, and that it is a potential game changer, accepting that the logic of conditionality drives the accession process. She expressed some scepticism about the amount as the region is lagging behind economically, hoping that the amount would grow with the help of further financial institutions, adding that it is nonetheless a good signal to the region. She also mentioned the need for political will, which is necessary to sustain the process, and the understanding of the population that the process is in their own benefit and that it is positively transformative.

Tullio Ambrosone, Chief of Staff to the EU Rapporteur on the Future of the Single Market, focused on the current approach to enlargement, explaining that economic integration will not automatically create political integration, which has to go alongside it. He noted that the process impacts both member states and candidates, suggesting establishment of a solidarity facility as a funding mechanism that could address negative effects of the accession process. He emphasised the importance of the EU being competitive in order to have strategic autonomy, and that enlargement is a part of that process, which will improve the future of the single market and the EU.

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The panel reached a disheartening agreement, which is that the right to protest is being threatened around the world, especially in the region. They spoke of the further deterioration of civic rights, and the intimidation of activists which we are witnessing in the region.

The situation was characterised as a crisis which threatens to lead to lead to dangerous consequences to democracy Serbia, referencing the recent protests and the repressive response to them by the government. The panel also noted the rise of sexism on the internet, and the narrowing of public space for women human rights defenders especially.

Clément Voule, Former United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Peaceful Assembly and Association, began the discussion by stressing the importance of basic political rights of free speech, association and assembly for any society. He connected any limitation of these rights to democratic backsliding and the exclusion of citizens from governance. He added that the right to protest is fundamental to democracy. He stressed that there needs to be a tolerant negotiation between law enforcement and the organisers of peaceful protests in order to prevent the use of force, and to create deescalation that would benefit both sides.

Jelena Sesar, Researcher, Amnesty International, shared the results of a major project she worked on, which give a dire picture of the region, where political rights are violated and activists are repressed. She added that recently there has been an increase of restrictive measures and harsh rhetoric by the regional governments, which are labelling protesters and calling them traitors. She highlighted that the right to protest is now seen as a privilege that can be taken away, and that protests are seen as a threat by repressive authorities, who are using more violence against them.  She also warned of the emerging threat of electronic surveillance of protesting citizens, undermining their right to privacy alongside the other threatened rights. Likewise she warns against the emerging environment of misogyny and anti-gender sentiment.

Milena Vasić, Lawyer and Programme Director, Lawyers’ Committee for Human Rights YUCOM, spoke of the introduction of new legislature that restricts the right to protest even more, and the change of the approach of the government towards protesters, which are re-qualified as anti-constitutional elements. She explained that government interprets laws in a way that contributes to the repression of citizens, and referenced a recent threat by the Serbian minister of internal affairs that violence will be used. She assessed all this as not being in line with international standards.

Sofija Todorović, Programme Director, Youth Initiative for Human Rights, shared her experience of testing the right to protest, which gave negative results. She considers this an indicator for the state of society, explaining that the Initiative’s gatherings are constantly stopped by the government. She stressed that in order to solve a problem it is necessary to first accept, it and to name it, assessing the state institutions as repressive. She expressed a fear that the state will continue to repress protesters and that the process of fighting for civic rights is an ongoing process.

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