The Civil Society Forum in Tirana discussed strategies for rationalising regional security cooperation initiatives and building greater confidence for exchange and collaboration among security institutions in the region. Participants expressed their views on the current state of regional security cooperation, cybersecurity, organised crime, and corruption threats. Albanian Interior Minister Taulant Balla highlighted the Berlin Process meeting as part of the region’s focus on security, focusing on integrated border control, the fight against organised crime, and cyber security. He also emphasised the need for a common approach and pooling of expertise from the entire region, with the assistance of the United States, the EU, and other Western partners.
Deputy Foreign Minister of BiH Josip Brkić reminded the Western Balkans that it is not less European because it is still not part of the EU. He believes that changing the narrative and focusing on positive achievements within the countries could be helpful. He expressed hope that BiH will open accession talks in December.
Kosovar Minister of Internal Affairs Xhelal Sveçla emphasised the importance of democracy and institutions, stating that Kosovo is fully committed to building capacities and participation in regional initiatives. However, there is no progress in cooperation with Serbia in terms of security, as Serbia has been linked to the attack in Banjska.
Dan Ilazi, Head of Research at Kosovar Centre For Security Studies, shared recommendations for enhancing regional cooperation in the field of security and geopolitics, including the establishment of a financial facility dedicated to reconciliation projects in the Western Balkans, establishing a screening mechanism for Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), and deepening cooperation in the fight against disinformation and fact-checking.
Sonja Stojanović Gajić, Independent Consultant, underlined the importance of integrating the Western Balkans in EU standards when it comes to the rule of law area. She stressed that the whole region can become fully integrated without true democracy and dealing with everyday concerns, safety, and rights of citizens.