News
6-7.11.2025.
Director of the Security Innovation Center of the Faculty of Security Studies participated in the 84th EUR-OPA Meeting of the Council of Europe in Paris
The Director of the Security Innovation Center of the Faculty of Security Studies, University of Belgrade, participated in the 84th Annual Meeting of the EUR-OPA Major Hazards Agreement network of specialized centers of the Council of Europe, held in Paris.
On this occasion, he presented the Center’s ongoing activities and achievements, as well as plans for future projects in the fields of risk management, security, and cultural heritage protection. Particular attention was given to the presentation of results from an international project exploring the impact of seismic activity on Byzantine churches, conducted in collaboration with partners from Greece – European Centre on Prevention and Forecasting of Earthquakes (ECPFE) and North Macedonia – European Centre for Vulnerability of Industrial and lifeline Systems (ECILS).
In addition to representatives of the EUR-OPA network, the meeting was attended by representatives of UNESCO and the Union for the Mediterranean, who emphasized the importance of joint efforts in protecting cultural heritage and strengthening community resilience to natural disasters.
Speaking at the meeting, the Director highlighted that shared understanding of risks and knowledge exchange are essential for preserving the cultural and historical heritage of the region, and that collaboration among institutions from the fields of science, culture, and security plays a crucial role in building more resilient societies.
By taking part in this event, the Security Innovation Center of the Faculty of Security Studies continues to strengthen international cooperation and contribute to the development of innovative approaches in the fields of security, risk management, and cultural heritage protection.
14.10.2025.
Panel Discussion on the Impact of Seismic Hazards on Byzantine Churches Held in Belgrade
A panel discussion “Seismic Behavior of Characteristic Types of Byzantine Churches in the Balkan Region” was held on 14 October 2025 at the Moxy Hotel in Belgrade.
The event was organized by the Innovation Center of the Faculty of Security Studies, University of Belgrade, in cooperation with partners from Greece – the European Centre on Prevention and Forecasting of Earthquakes (ECPFE) and from North Macedonia – the European Centre for Vulnerability of Industrial and Lifeline Systems (ECILS), with the support of the Council of Europe and the EUR-OPA Major Hazards Agreement, as part of the project implemented under the same framework.
The discussion gathered representatives of national institutions – the Sector for Emergency Management of the Ministry of Interior and the Republic Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments, as well as members of the academic community – the Faculty of Architecture, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Mining and Geology, and the Institute of Architecture and Urban Planning of Serbia, alongside experts from Greece and North Macedonia.
Opening remarks were delivered by Aris Chatzidakis, Vice President of OASP and ECPFE, Krzysztof Zyman, Executive Secretary of the EUR-OPA Major Hazards Agreement, and Filip Stojanović, Director of The Security Innovation Center, who also moderated the discussion. Throughout three sessions, participants discussed institutional approaches to risk management, interdisciplinary research, and regional initiatives in the field of protecting cultural heritage from seismic hazards.
Filip Stojanović, Director of the Innovation Center of the Faculty of Security Studies, expressed his gratitude to all panelists for their valuable contributions, emphasizing that today’s discussion demonstrated the importance of linking science, practice, and international cooperation in protecting cultural heritage from seismic risks.
He underlined that preserving cultural heritage is not merely a technical or academic task, but a shared responsibility that connects people, institutions, and countries.
“These monuments are part of our identity, and through joint efforts we help ensure they remain standing for generations to come,” Stojanović said, thanking the Council of Europe and the EUR- OPA Major Hazards Agreement for their continued support in strengthening regional cooperation. On the second day of the program, participants visited the Žiča Monastery, where they were welcomed by nun Nektarija, who introduced the guests from Greece and North Macedonia to the history of the monastery, the effects of past earthquakes, and the challenges of restoration following natural disasters.
The visit to Žiča Monastery was presented as an example of good practice in protecting and preserving sacred heritage from seismic impacts, given that the monastery was affected by two earthquakes – in 1987 and 2010.
2-24.11.2024.
The Director of the Innovation Center of the Faculty of Security Participated in the 82nd Joint Meeting of EUR-OPA in Paris
The Director of the Innovation Center of the Faculty of Security, University of Belgrade, participated in the 82nd Joint Meeting of the EUR-OPA Committee of Permanent Correspondents and the Directors of Specialized Centres, held in Paris on November 21 and 22, 2024. Representing the Innovation Center, he contributed to discussions on the implementation of the Medium-Term Plan 2021–2024, as well as the review of ongoing and proposed projects within the network of specialized centres. One of the key topics was EUR-OPA’s contribution to the work of the Council of Europe’s Multidisciplinary Group on the Environment (GME), with a special focus on the adoption of the Strategy on Environment. Additionally, participants reviewed the working paper titled “State Obligations and People’s Right to be Protected from the Serious Effects of Global Warming”, presented by Professor Elisabeth Lambert, a legal expert and research director at the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS). The Innovation Center of the Faculty of Security will continue to monitor and contribute to international initiatives in the fields of security, environmental protection, and risk management, in line with the current strategic directions of EUR-OPA.
16.8.2024.
The Innovation Center of the Faculty of Security Joins the EUR-OPA Network
The Innovation Center of the Faculty of Security, University of Belgrade, has officially become a member of the EUR-OPA network of Specialized centres, marking significant recognition of its work in security, risk management, and emergency response at the European level.
During the recent EUR-OPA network meeting, the Center’s work was presented, highlighting its role in developing innovative security solutions, data analysis, and bridging the gap between scientific research, industry, and institutions. In accordance with the EUR-OPA Agreement’s procedures, the Center has been recognized and supported by the Government of the Republic of Serbia, fulfilling all formal requirements for admission to the network.
Filip Stojanović presented the Center’s expertise in disaster risk management and reduction. By joining this prestigious international network, the Innovation Center of the Faculty of Security strengthens its commitment to enhancing security and societal resilience to global challenges.
24.3.2023.
Strengthening Cooperation in the Fight Against Corruption – Agreement Signed with the Agency
The Director of the Security Innovation Center at the Faculty of Security Studies, University of Belgrade, Professor Mladen Milošević, and the Director of the Agency for the Prevention of Corruption, Dejan Damnjanović, signed a Cooperation Agreement today.
This agreement establishes scientific and professional collaboration in researching and combating corruption. The Innovation Center will provide support to the Agency through the analysis of research findings and the development of innovative solutions, methods, techniques, software, products, and services in the field of security.
The joint efforts will include organizing research projects, developing new research methodologies, exchanging lecturers, and other activities of mutual interest. The goal of this collaboration is to contribute to more effective anti-corruption efforts and to strengthen integrity in society.
