OSCE Mission to Serbia supports discussion on military education reform
BELGRADE, 8 April 2009 - Senior representatives from the Czech University of Defence in Brno and the Serbian Military Academy discussed reforming higher military education in Serbia at a conference co-organized by the OSCE Mission today.
"Reforming military education is a strategic part of overall security sector reform in Serbia, and the OSCE Mission is pleased to support these efforts," said Hannelore Valier, the Head of Democratization Department at the OSCE Mission to Serbia.
"A very important aspect of this process is exchanging experience with counterparts from abroad, and the Defence University of Brno was identified as a compatible institution for this purpose."
Rudolf Urban of the Defence University added: "A pro-active approach, mobility and personal contacts are crucial for both students and teachers to gain and strengthen their experiences in working in a multinational military environment."
At the meeting it was agreed that lecturers from the Defence University would deliver a series of seminars from May to October this year in Belgrade.
"Due to the unconditional support from the Defence University and the OSCE, the Military Academy has successfully adjusted its curriculum in line with the highest European education standards," said Major General Vidosav Kovacevic, the Head of the Military Academy in Belgrade. "We expect to be accredited within the national system of higher education of Serbia this year."
The event was organized by the OSCE Mission and the Military Academy, with financial support from the Czech government.