NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Šekerinska has warned that Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is facing serious security challenges, stressing the risks posed by rising political tensions and destabilizing actions.
Speaking at the Sarajevo Security Conference, Šekerinska noted a surge in dangerous rhetoric, political conflicts, secessionist threats, incendiary actions, and attempts to undermine the constitutional order and the rule of law.
“These are dangerous moves that risk undermining hard-won peace, slowing reform progress, and dragging the country back into a divided past,” she cautioned.
Šekerinska underlined that such destabilization would only benefit those seeking to weaken freedom and security in the region. She added:
“The citizens of BiH do not want this – they want functional institutions, equal rule of law, stable jobs, and a peaceful future.”
She emphasized that this path forward requires political will and courage, urging leaders to choose peace and prosperity over conflict and division.
NATO Officials on Regional and Global Threats
The three-day conference gathered over 200 participants from 20 countries, including diplomats, military officials, NATO representatives, academics, civil society leaders, and security experts. Discussions covered critical raw materials, energy risks, foreign influence in the region, transitional justice, transatlantic relations, and emerging technologies such as AI and cybersecurity threats.
- Admiral Keith Blount, NATO’s Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe (DSACEUR), said lessons from the war in Ukraine show NATO must adapt as quickly as threats evolve. “We stand with you now, and we will stand with you in the future. A stable and peaceful Western Balkans means greater security for the entire Euro-Atlantic area,” he stated.
- General Aurelio Colagrande, NATO Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (DSACT), stressed the importance of modernization and adaptation to new security challenges. “NATO continues to strengthen its capabilities, logistics, and technological resources to remain ready for future challenges.”
- Major General Matthew Van Wagenen, NATO SHAPE Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, warned that adversaries increasingly use cheap and rapid solutions, while the West often relies on slower and more expensive systems. “War has returned to Europe, and Russia remains the greatest threat. But today, the threats are not only tanks and missiles – they are also cyberattacks, disinformation, and malign foreign influence,” he said.
Van Wagenen emphasized the need for efficiency, integration, and new models of cooperation, especially in the Western Balkans, to strengthen preparedness and joint action.
Recognition of Leadership
At the conference’s closing, Van Wagenen received the inaugural ‘Flame of Freedom’ award, honoring his long-standing contribution to European security. The award will now be presented annually to individuals who make significant contributions to stability and safety.
The event was organized by the New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy (Western Balkans Center), with support from the Friedrich Ebert Foundation Dialogue for Southeast Europe (FES SOE), NATO ACT, NATO SHAPE, the NATO Mission in BiH, the EU Institute for Security Studies (EUISS), the BiH Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as the embassies of the Netherlands and Norway.
