Ljubljana, 10–12 September 2026 – The Euro-Atlantic Council of Slovenia and its Youth Section, YATA Slovenia, successfully organised the 14th edition of the international youth security conference Balkan SAYS – Security Atlantic Youth Seminar, which took place in Ljubljana from 10 to 12 September 2026.

This year’s edition brought together 80 participants from 24 countries, including 50 young professionals, 20 speakers and other guests, for three days of discussions, workshops, networking and exchange on the future of Euro-Atlantic security.

The central theme of Balkan SAYS 2026 was “The Future of Euro-Atlantic Security in an Era of Strategic Uncertainty”. The programme addressed some of the most pressing challenges facing the Euro-Atlantic area today, including the future of Europe’s security order, transatlantic relations, NATO and EU adaptation, defence commitments and capability development, the Western Balkans, hybrid threats, resilience and the future of diplomacy.

A platform for young professionals and Euro-Atlantic dialogue

Over the past decade, Balkan SAYS has developed into an important regional and Euro-Atlantic platform for young professionals, students, diplomats, experts and practitioners working in the fields of international security, defence, diplomacy, international relations and regional cooperation.

The conference creates a space where young professionals from the Western Balkans, the wider Euro-Atlantic area and beyond can engage directly with senior decision-makers, experts and representatives of international institutions. It combines expert-led panel discussions, one-on-one conversations, interactive workshops and informal networking.

Taking place in Ljubljana, Balkan SAYS also serves as a form of youth diplomacy and international promotion of Slovenia. It connects young professionals from both sides of the Atlantic with Slovenian institutions, experts and organisations, while strengthening Slovenia’s role as a platform for dialogue on Euro-Atlantic security.

Opening and keynote speech

Balkan SAYS 2026 opened on Thursday, 10 September, with welcoming remarks by Matic Kosirnik, President of YATA Slovenia and Project Lead of Balkan SAYS 2026, and Prof. Dr Iztok Prezelj, President of the Euro-Atlantic Council of Slovenia. The opening was followed by an address by Ambassador Matjaž Longar from the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia.

The keynote speech, “What Comes Next? The Future of Euro-Atlantic Security in an Era of Strategic Uncertainty”, was delivered by Ambassador Dr Andrej Benedejčič, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Slovenia to NATO.

The keynote speech set the strategic tone for the conference by addressing the broader transformation of the Euro-Atlantic security environment, the evolving role of NATO, the need for European responsibility and the importance of maintaining unity, resilience and strategic clarity in a period of uncertainty.

Panel I: Europe’s security order in a world beyond norms and predictability

The first panel, “A Return to Power Politics? Europe’s Security Order in a World Beyond Norms and Predictability”, focused on the transformation of Europe’s security architecture and the return of power politics to the international system.

The discussion examined whether Europe is witnessing a shift towards a more traditional balance-of-power logic, or whether rules, institutions and collective security arrangements continue to provide the framework for peace and stability. Speakers also reflected on the role of NATO and the European Union, the uncertainty surrounding the future of the transatlantic relationship, and the implications of these developments for small and medium-sized European states.

The panel featured:

    • Dr Erik Kopač, State Secretary, Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia; former Permanent Representative of the Republic of Slovenia to NATO;
    • Colonel (Ret.) Tucker Mansager, former Political Adviser to the Commander, Allied LANDCOM;
    • Mr Bruce Bach, Senior International Security Policy Analyst at RAND Corporation; former Force Planner, NATO Defence Policy and Planning Division;
    • Dr Denis Mancevič, Strategic Adviser, Senior Analyst and Columnist; former Economic Adviser at the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Moscow.

The discussion was moderated by Katarina Ahčin, member of YATA Slovenia.

Workshop I: Decision-making below Article 5

Following the first panel, participants took part in the first interactive workshop, “Decision-Making Below Article 5: Managing Grey-Zone Pressure on NATO’s Eastern Flank.”

The workshop placed participants in the role of an informal North Atlantic Council advisory group responding to a coordinated grey-zone campaign against a NATO Eastern Flank Ally. The scenario included political coercion, military signalling, cyber incidents and hostile information operations, with ambiguous attribution and differing views among Allies.

Participants were asked to define thresholds for collective response, recommend signalling measures, manage internal Alliance disagreement and propose improvements to NATO’s readiness and decision-making in similar situations. The exercise encouraged them to move beyond theoretical discussion and engage with the political, operational and communication challenges that decision-makers face in real-world grey-zone crises.

Panel II: From pledges to capability

The second day of the conference opened with Panel II, “From Pledges to Capability: Are We Delivering on Defence Commitments?”

The panel addressed one of the most important questions for the future credibility of NATO’s deterrence and defence posture: how to translate political commitments and increased defence spending into concrete military capabilities.

Speakers discussed the implementation of NATO capability targets and defence investment commitments, the development of Europe’s defence industrial base, NATO–EU cooperation in capability development and the role of smaller Allies in generating meaningful contributions to collective defence.

The panel featured:

    • Mr Mateo Osterhagen-Zalles, Deputy Director, Defence Planning Directorate, NATO Defence Policy and Planning Division;
    • Mr Uroš Lampret, Defence Counselor, Permanent Delegation of Slovenia to NATO; former State Secretary at the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Slovenia;
    • Mr Boštjan Skalar, Director of the Slovenian Defence Industry Cluster.

The discussion was moderated by Maša Omahen, member of YATA Slovenia.

The panel highlighted that NATO’s future credibility depends not only on financial commitments, but on the ability of Allies to develop deployable forces, modern equipment, sufficient stockpiles, resilient infrastructure, sustainable logistics and capabilities required for large-scale and protracted defence.

Workshop II: Managing a security crisis in the Western Balkans

The second workshop, “Managing a Security Crisis in the Western Balkans,” focused on a scenario of a developing political and security crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Participants assumed the role of advisers to the European Union’s Political and Security Committee. They were asked to define the EU’s primary objective, recommend priority measures, manage escalation risks and propose indicators of success within a 60–90 day timeframe.

The scenario addressed challenges related to institutional fragility, unilateral actions by political actors, external influence, information campaigns, the role of EUFOR Althea and the limits of existing international instruments. The workshop allowed participants to examine the Western Balkans not only as a regional issue, but as a wider European security concern requiring strategic attention, institutional coordination and political clarity.

One-on-One Discussion: The future of diplomacy

The programme also included two one-on-one discussions with distinguished guests. The first discussion, “The Future of Diplomacy in an Evolving and Fragmented World Order,” featured Prof. Dr Dimitrij Rupel, Slovenia’s first Minister of Foreign Affairs, former Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to the United States and one of the central figures in the development of Slovenian foreign policy.

The discussion reflected on how diplomacy is changing in a more fragmented, contested and unpredictable international environment. It addressed the role of smaller states, the pressure on multilateral institutions, the changing nature of diplomatic practice and the lessons that younger generations of foreign policy professionals can draw from Slovenia’s diplomatic experience.

The conversation was moderated by Joshua W. Moolman, member of YATA Slovenia.

Panel III: The Western Balkans as a security stress test

Panel III, “The Western Balkans as a Security Stress Test: EU Enlargement Credibility and Regional Stability,” examined the Western Balkans as a region where questions of democratic reform, institutional resilience, external influence and EU credibility intersect.

The discussion focused on whether developments in the region can generate wider European security risks, how institutional weaknesses shape the region’s trajectory, what role external actors play, and how the credibility of EU enlargement policy affects long-term stability.

The panel featured:

    • Ambassador Damjan Bergant, Foreign Policy Adviser to the President of the Republic of Slovenia; former Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia to Serbia;
    • Ms Sanja Radulović, First Counsellor, Embassy of Montenegro in the Republic of Slovenia;
    • Prof. Dr Dejan Jović, Professor of International Relations and Security Studies, University of Zagreb;
    • Mr Boštjan Anžin, Head of News Programme Integration, RTV Slovenija; former Balkan Correspondent and Bureau Chief.

The discussion was moderated by Azra Kerić, member of YATA Slovenia.

The panel underlined that the Western Balkans remain a strategically important part of the Euro-Atlantic area. The credibility of enlargement, the resilience of institutions and the ability of Europe to respond consistently to regional challenges will continue to shape both regional stability and the wider European security environment.

Panel IV: Hybrid threats and external influence

The final panel, “Are We Resilient Enough? Hybrid Threats and External Influence in the Euro-Atlantic Space,” addressed the growing sophistication of hybrid threats and foreign influence operations.

Speakers discussed the exploitation of the information environment, deterrence below the threshold of conventional conflict, vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and the role of emerging technologies in shaping the grey zone.

The panel featured:

    • Ambassador Vladimir Vučinić, Head of the NATO Political Engagement Support Cell in Bosnia and Herzegovina; former Director General for NATO and Security Policy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro;
    • Ms Katja Geršak, Head of the Trivelis Institute for Defence, Security and Resilience; Co-Founder of Regional Dialogue;
    • Dr Uroš Svete, Associate Professor at the University of Ljubljana; former Director of the Government Information Security Office of the Republic of Slovenia;
    • Mr Igor Zidarič, Secretary General of the Euro-Atlantic Council of Slovenia.

The discussion was moderated by Tara Miler, member of YATA Slovenia.

The panel concluded that resilience must be understood as a whole-of-society effort, involving institutions, civil society, media, infrastructure, technology and citizens. Hybrid threats operate across sectors and below traditional thresholds, which makes strategic awareness, coordination and preparedness essential.

One-on-One Discussion: Europe’s strategic role in the Western Balkans

The programme concluded with a one-on-one discussion titled “Europe’s Strategic Role in the Western Balkans in a Changing World Order”. We hosted Mr Borut Pahor, former President of the Republic of Slovenia, Prime Minister, President of the National Assembly and Founder and Director of the Friends of the Western Balkans Institute.

The discussion explored Europe’s role in the Western Balkans at a time when enlargement, democratic reform, geopolitical competition and regional stability are becoming increasingly interconnected. The conversation addressed the credibility of the EU enlargement process, the influence of external actors, the strategic importance of the region for Europe, and Slovenia’s role as a country with strong historical, political and human ties to the Western Balkans.

The discussion was moderated by Miriam Medved, member of YATA Slovenia.

Strengthening networks and youth engagement

Beyond the formal programme, Balkan SAYS 2026 provided participants with opportunities for networking, informal exchange and long-term cooperation.

Participants came from Slovenia, the Western Balkans, Europe, North America and the wider Euro-Atlantic area. Their backgrounds included security studies, defence, diplomacy, international relations, European affairs, public policy, journalism, civil society and research.

The international and interdisciplinary nature of the group contributed to the quality of discussions and created a strong sense of shared purpose. For many participants, Balkan SAYS was not only an academic or professional event, but also an opportunity to build friendships, exchange perspectives and become part of a wider Euro-Atlantic youth network.

The conference also demonstrated the importance of youth engagement in discussions on security and foreign policy. Young professionals are not only future leaders; they are already active contributors to public debate, policy thinking and international cooperation.

A successful edition and a strong foundation for the future

Balkan SAYS 2026 confirmed the continued relevance of the conference as a platform for Euro-Atlantic dialogue, youth engagement and regional cooperation.

This year’s edition successfully combined high-level representation with substantive expertise. It brought together senior speakers and young professionals in a format that encouraged open discussion, critical thinking and direct engagement.

The organisers are especially grateful to all speakers, participants, partners, supporters and members of the organising team who contributed to the success of the conference.

The 14th edition of Balkan SAYS also laid an important foundation for the future. Preparations for the 15th, jubilee edition of Balkan SAYS will begin soon, with the ambition to further strengthen the conference, expand its reach and open a new chapter in the Balkan SAYS story.

About Balkan SAYS and YATA Slovenia

Balkan SAYS – Security Atlantic Youth Seminar is an international youth security conference organised by the Euro-Atlantic Council of Slovenia and YATA Slovenia. It brings together young professionals from the Western Balkans, the Euro-Atlantic area and beyond to discuss key security, defence, diplomatic and societal challenges.

Through panels, workshops, keynote speeches, one-on-one discussions and networking, Balkan SAYS aims to strengthen informed dialogue, youth engagement and Euro-Atlantic cooperation.

YATA Slovenia is the Youth Section of the Euro-Atlantic Council of Slovenia and part of the international network of Youth Atlantic Treaty Association chapters. Its mission is to promote dialogue, education and youth engagement in the fields of Euro-Atlantic security, NATO, transatlantic relations, international cooperation and democratic resilience.

Photo: Polona Zavrtanik | Euro-Atlantic Council of Slovenia