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 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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