SOUTH EAST EUROPEAN COOPERATION PROCESS - SEECP 2025-2026
SOFIA CHAIRMANSHIP-IN-OFFICE (CiO)
About Sofia SEECP Chairmanship-in-Office 2025-2026
PRIORITIES OF THE SOFIA SEECP CHAIRMANSHIP IN OFFICE
The motto of Sofia SEECP Chairmanship in Office 2025-2026 will be “Compass towards stability, security and sustainability”.
Sofia SEECP Chairmanship will continue to promote inclusive regional cooperation in support of the European integration processes, focusing on human capital development, connectivity, innovation, digitalization, sustainable growth and enhancing security. In this way, Bulgaria will work to strengthen regional connectivity, promote sustainable development and ensure the competitiveness and security of regional economies.
EUROPEAN INTEGRATION OF THE SEECP PARTICIPANTS
Horizontal priority in support of the EU's merit-based enlargement policy, as the most reliable investment in the prosperity and stability of the region and in the reform process of the EU-aspiring SEECP participants.
Promoting mechanisms for inclusive regional cooperation, good neighborliness, the respect of fundamental human rights and the rule of law as a prerequisite for accelerating the European integration process. Supporting the process of gradual integration as a tool to prepare for the adoption of European standards.
COMPETITIVENESS AND HUMAN CAPITAL
Encourage training and upskilling of the workforce, attract and retain talent in the region, promote youth cooperation. Invest in research infrastructure and deepen cooperation between universities, academia and business.
Enhancing competitiveness and human capital development, in the context of digital transformation and innovation, through research, digitalization, innovation and new technologies.
REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY, ENERGY SUSTAINABILITY AND SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH
Active participation in the process of finalizing transport infrastructure projects of regional importance and implementing sustainable infrastructure solutions for the development of the transport, energy and digital sectors in the region.
Improve the conditions for economic growth and sustainability in the SEECP region by focusing on a well-developed transport and modernized energy network, with the construction of missing infrastructure and the implementation of joint energy projects, as well as with continued automation and innovation. Support for initiatives and projects aimed at creating green, energy efficient and environmentally friendly industries.
STRENGTHENING RESILIENCE AND COUNTERING HYBRID THREATS
Strengthen regional cooperation and support public-private partnerships in the field of resilience, in the context of global security challenges, climate change and the digital transition. Promote the strengthening of regional capacities to counter hybrid and cyber threats, foreign manipulation of information and interference, combat disinformation and strengthen public resilience.
SEECP Draft Calendar of Events (1 July 2025 – 30 June 2026)
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Date: 17 July 2025
Event: Meeting of Political Directors of SEECP
- Presentation of the priorities of the Chairmanship
- Presentation of the Chairmanship Calendar
Place: Sofia
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Date: (TBC)
Event: Regional meetings, organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sport
Place: –
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Date: (TBC)
Event: Consultative Youth Forum, organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sport
Place: –
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Date: 11–12 September 2025
Event: High-level conference on "EU Enlargement: Reliable and Comparable Statistics as a Precondition for a Successful Accession Process", organized by the Statistical Institute
Place: Nessebar
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Date: 24 September 2025
Event: First informal meeting of the SEECP Foreign Ministers
Place: New York
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Date: 15–16 October 2025
Event: Roundtable/Conference of the Ministers of Transport of SEECP participants on "Developing Transport Connectivity in the SEECP Region" (organized by the Ministry of Transport and Communications)
Place: Sofia
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Date: November 2025
Event: Meeting of the SEECP Troika, RCC Board
Place: Sarajevo
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Date: November 2025
Event: Meeting of Political Directors of SEECP
Place: Sofia
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Date: November 2025
Event: SEECP Expert’s Forum (organized by the Diplomatic Institute, Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Place: Sofia
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Date: December 2025
Event: SEECP PA Standing Committee
Place: Sofia​
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Date: February/March 2026
Event: Meeting of Ministers of Economy and Industry (Ministry of Economy and Industry
Place: Sofia
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Date: February/March 2026
Event: Exhibition, collaborative projects by artists from the SEE region
Place: Sofia
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Date: February/March 2026
Event: Sofia C-i-O Award ceremony for the "Balkan Cinema" competition program at the 30th Sofia Film Fest
Place: Sofia
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Date: February/March 2026
Event: SEE Business Forum (organized by the Ministry of Economy and Industry, the Ministry of Innovation and Growth, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Place: Sofia
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Date: February 2026
Event: Roundtable for Exchange of Experience and Good Practices in the Field of Environmental Protection and the Fight against Climate Change, organized by Sofia Municipality, Association of Municipalities in Bulgaria, and Ministry of Environment and Water
Place: Sofia
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Date: March 2026
Event: Meetings of the SEECP Troika and RCC Board
Place: Sarajevo
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Date: March 2026
Event: Meeting of Political Directors of SEECP
Place: Sofia
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Date: March 2026
Event: Winter Diplomacy School & Forum with RCC
Place: Sandanski
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Date: April 2026
Event: SEE Forum: "Work-based learning - a successful investment for a competitive economy", organized by the Ministry of Education and Science
Place: Sofia
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Date: April 2026
Event: Conference “Digital Revolution and its Impact on Society and Humanity” (organized by the Ministry of Electronic Governance)
Subtopics:
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Emerging technologies and artificial intelligence – between approval and fear
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Human capital and the role of science
Place: Sofia
Date: May 2026
Event: SEECP PA Conference: Digital Governance and Human Capital Advancement for a Competitive SEE
Place: Sofia
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Date: May 2026
Event: SEECP PA Energy and Economy Committees meetings
Place: Sofia
Date: May 2026
Event: Meetings of the SEECP Troika and RCC Board
Place: Sarajevo
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Date: May 2026
Event: Meeting of Political Directors of SEECP
Place: Sofia
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Date: 13–14 May 2026
Event: Meeting of SEE Ministers of Environment and Water
Place: Sofia
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Date: June 2026
Event: Plenary session of the PA of SEECP
Place: Sofia
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Date: May/June 2026
Event: Plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of SEECP
Place: Sofia
Date: June 2026
Event: Meeting of Political Directors of SEECP
Place: Sofia
Date: June 2026
Event: Annual meeting of the RCC Board
Place: Sofia
Date: June 2026
Event: Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs
Place: Sofia
Date: June 2026
Event: Summit of SEECP Heads of State and Government
Place: Sofia
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