The seminar focused on enhancing female leadership in international security and EU enlargement. We aimed to address the underrepresentation of women in security roles by providing discussions, hands-on exercises, and networking opportunities. Key objectives included deepening understanding of female participation in the security sector, strengthening professional networks, creating actionable strategies, and encouraging community impact through follow-up events. The seminar featured the input by influential voices in the field from Western Europe to the MENA region who addressed topics such as evolution of women’s roles in foreign affairs and international security, integrating UN resolutions 1325 and 1820 into EU policies, and the opportunities and challenges for women in security within the context of EU enlargement. The agenda featured practical sessions on translating international security agendas to local contexts, designing human-centric security solutions, and addressing gender gaps in cybersecurity. The event concluded with the introduction and planning of a regional chapter for Women in International Security (WIIS) aimed at fostering long-term collaboration among women security professionals in the SEE region.

Parties involved: Albania: Democratic Party of Albania (DPA); Lebanon: Lebanese Forces Party (LFP); Morocco: National Rally of Independents (RNI); North Macedonia: VMRO-DPMNE; Hungary: MeOut