Slovenia officially became the 23rd member of Hybrid CoE on 10 July when Slovenian Minister of Defence Karl Erjavec and Director of Hybrid CoE Matti Saarelainen exchanged Letters of Notification in Bled. The Steering Board of Hybrid CoE unanimously adopted the decision on the country’s membership on 14 May.
“Slovenia is taking commitments to enhance national resilience and preparedness very seriously; we have already taken important steps to raise awareness and increase cooperation among relevant national actors to counter hybrid threats. I am confident that through Slovenia’s membership of the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats, we will be able to deepen our understanding of hybrid threats, benefit from the exchange of best practices among participating states, as well as proactively contribute to the joint efforts of the Centre,” said Mr. Karl Erjavec.
Director Matti Saarelainen was delighted about Slovenia’s decision to join Hybrid CoE. “It is great to gain more members representing South Eastern Europe and bringing in knowledge of hybrid influencing taking place in the region. We are looking forward to cooperating with Slovenian practitioners and welcome their participation in the different work strands that Hybrid CoE coordinates,” added Mr. Saarelainen.
Hybrid CoE is a network-based hub for practitioners and experts, building the capabilities of member states to counter hybrid threats via sharing best practices, testing new ideas and approaches, and providing training and exercises. Membership is open to all EU member states and NATO allies.