06.08.2026 19:30
The Ministry of National Defense announced that the Headquarters of the Southeastern Europe Brigade (SEEBRIG) has been moved from North Macedonia to Istanbul. While the headquarters is planned to officially become active on August 31, Turkey will host SEEBRIG for the second time between 2026 and 2032.
Ministry of National Defense Press and Public Relations Advisor and Ministry Spokesperson Rear Admiral Zeki Aktürk made statements regarding current developments at the weekly press briefing.
Following Aktürk's speech, the Ministry announced that the Headquarters of the South-Eastern Europe Brigade (SEEBRIG) has been relocated to Istanbul.
ALL EQUIPMENT AND HEADQUARTERS PERSONNEL ARRIVED IN ISTANBUL
According to the Ministry's statement, all vehicles, tools, and materials belonging to the SEEBRIG Headquarters in Kumanovo, North Macedonia, were transported to Istanbul between July 19-21. Headquarters personnel also arrived in Istanbul gradually on the same dates. The Headquarters reached full operational capability in Istanbul on August 3.
28 CORE PERSONNEL FROM 6 COUNTRIES SERVE
At the SEEBRIG Headquarters, 28 core personnel from Turkey, Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, and North Macedonia serve. Of the personnel, 12 are Turkish soldiers, and 16 are foreign soldiers.
WILL OFFICIALLY BECOME ACTIVE ON AUGUST 31
The activation, command handover, and 27th anniversary ceremonies of the SEEBRIG Headquarters will be held in Istanbul on August 27. The Headquarters is planned to officially become active on August 31.
TURKEY HOSTS FOR THE SECOND TIME
The South-Eastern Europe Brigade was established in 1999 to contribute to ensuring stability in the region and developing cooperation and good neighborly relations. Turkey previously hosted the SEEBRIG Headquarters between 2007-2011. The Headquarters will operate for a second time between 2026-2032 at the 3rd Corps Command General Muharrem Mazlum İskora Barracks in Istanbul.