A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) serves as a formal agreement between two or more parties to establish a partnership and outline the principles of cooperation. In the context of higher education and research, such agreements play a crucial role in promoting collaboration, enhancing academic exchange, and addressing global challenges through joint efforts. One such important agreement is the MoU between the New University, located at Delpinova 18b, 5000 Nova Gorica, Slovenia, and the Institute for National and International Security (INIS), headquartered at Vojvode Supljikca 31b, Belgrade, Serbia.

Purpose and Objectives

The primary purpose of this MoU is to foster academic, scientific, and professional cooperation between the two institutions. The agreement reflects a mutual understanding to share knowledge, engage in joint research activities, and promote educational development in the fields of national and international security, security studies, intelligence and defense studies, law, political science, and related disciplines.

Key objectives include:

• Exchange of Expertise: Encouraging the exchange of faculty members, researchers, and experts for academic purposes.
• Joint Research: Facilitating joint research projects on issues of mutual interest, particularly those relevant to security studies, international relations, and legal frameworks.
• Educational Collaboration: Offering collaborative academic programs, seminars, workshops, and conferences.
• Student Mobility: Promoting the mobility of students for internships, study visits, and academic training.
• Publication and Dissemination: Jointly publishing scientific and academic papers, and sharing results with broader academic and policy-making communities.

Significance of the Agreement

This MoU represents a strategic partnership between a Slovenian academic institution with a strong reputation in European legal and political studies and a Serbian think tank dedicated to security and geopolitical analysis. The collaboration is particularly significant in the current geopolitical climate, where regional and global security concerns require multi-disciplinary and cross-border approaches.

By uniting their efforts, New University and INIS aim to:

• Strengthen regional academic cooperation in the Western Balkans and Central Europe.
• Provide scholarly insight and policy recommendations to governments and international bodies.
• Create opportunities for young scholars and students to gain hands-on experience in international security.

Broader Impact

Beyond the immediate academic and institutional benefits, this MoU symbolizes a commitment to transnational dialogue and cooperation. As institutions operating in countries with complex historical and political backgrounds, both New University and INIS serve as bridges for peace, dialogue, and shared understanding in Southeastern Europe.

Moreover, the collaboration can contribute to shaping new security paradigms, advancing the rule of law, and fostering democratic governance—goals that align with broader European Union values and global peace efforts.

The Memorandum of Understanding between New University and the Institute for National and International Security is a forward-looking initiative that leverages the strengths of both institutions. It promotes not only academic excellence but also regional cooperation and policy-relevant research in an increasingly interconnected and volatile world. Through this partnership, both institutions reaffirm their roles as centers of knowledge and as active contributors to a more secure and cooperative international environment.