OSCE Secretary General highlights importance of regional co-operation at Berlin Process Summit in Montenegro

BUDVA, 23 October 2026 – OSCE Secretary General Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu participated in the Berlin Process Leaders’ Summit in Budva, Montenegro, joining leaders from across Europe, including South-Eastern Europe to discuss regional co-operation and shared challenges.

“South-Eastern Europe is at a crossroad. With an important electoral season under way, ongoing social tensions testing institutions’ resilience, and old scars still leaving their enduring mark, we are at a defining moment for the region as a whole. The OSCE remains committed to security and stability in the region. We support national authorities on their reform path, facilitate dialogue and reconciliation, promote confidence-building measures and tackle transnational threats like organized crimes or the proliferation of small arms and light weapons,” said Secretary General Sinirlioğlu.

The Secretary General underscored the importance of strong, resilient democratic institutions and public trust in building peaceful and stable societies. Drawing on the OSCE’s long-standing engagement in the region, he highlighted the importance of building on progress achieved, strengthening regional co-operation and preventing new crises.

During the visit, Sinirlioğlu met with leaders from across the region. He reaffirmed the OSCE’s readiness to work with partners from across South-Eastern Europe to strengthen resilience, advance regional co-operation and support lasting peace and security.