Cybersecurity poses threats and opportunities in the Western Balkans

Key findings and outcomes: 

Increased cybersecurity awareness:  

• There’s a recognised and growing awareness of cybersecurity threats within the Western Balkans. 

• Cyberattacks are acknowledged as a significant foreign policy instrument.
• A substantial increase in ransomware attacks has been observed. 

EU support and collaboration:  

• The EU plays a crucial role in providing political and financial support for cybersecurity enhancement in the region. 

• Increased collaboration between the Western Balkans and the EU is occurring, including security and defence partnerships. 

• EU support is seen as vital for aligning regional cybersecurity practices with EU directives. 

Digital transformation and governance:  

• The summit highlighted the importance of integrating digital technologies into public sector reforms and economic development. 

• There’s a focus on improving digital governance and increasing the availability of e-governance services. 

• The need for institutional strengthening, supportive legislation, and capacity building was emphasised. 

Talent development:  

•  Cybersecurity is recognised as an opportunity for young talent in the region. 

• Training and capacity building are considered essential for developing a skilled cybersecurity workforce. 

Political will:  

• There is a growing political will to deal with cybersecurity threats. 

• Cybersecurity failures can have political consequences. 

• Enhanced regional cyber resilience: The discussions and collaborations initiated at the summit contribute to strengthening the cybersecurity resilience of the Western Balkans. 

This is crucial for protecting critical infrastructure and data from cyber threats. 

• Alignment with EU standards: The summit facilitated the alignment of regional cybersecurity practices with EU standards, which is essential for EU accession. 

• Economic development: Improved cybersecurity and digital governance create a more secure and stable environment for economic development and investment. 

• Increased international cooperation: The summit promoted greater international cooperation in cybersecurity, particularly between the Western Balkans and the European Union. 

• Promoting digital transformation: The event promoted the digital transformation of the Western Balkans, a vital step for the region to stay competitive in the modern world. 

In his opening keynote, Mr. Michael Docherty, Head of Sector for the Rule of Law, Reconciliation and Security Team in DG NEAR, European Commission, emphasised that the EU supports the Western Balkan region politically and financially in bolstering cybersecurity. “Cyberattacks have become a foreign policy instrument. It is evident that in recent years cyber awareness and resilience have increased in the region and that cybersecurity has become a prominent element of EU succession,” Docherty noted. 

The first session, moderated by Milan Sekulosi, Senior Expert at e-Governance Academy and Project Manager of “Cyber Balkans” discussed trends and lessons learned in applying new digital technologies for public sector reforms and economic development. The esteemed panellists included Stefan Andonovski, Minister for Digital Transformation of North Macedonia, Enkelejda Mucai, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Energy of Albania, Mladen Mrkaja, Assistant Minister of Security, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Nikola Bićanin, Assistant Minister for Information Society and Information Security, Serbia. 

Stefan Andonovski, Minister for Digital Transformation of North Macedonia, said that there has been a paradigm shift in cybersecurity. “Far too long, cybersecurity was seen as something in parallel or distant, but after recent cyberattacks, this has changed.” He emphasised that North Macedonia recently signed a Security and Defence Partnership with the EU to increase collaboration in areas such as countering hybrid threats, cybersecurity and capability building  

Panellists agreed that EU support in cybersecurity is crucial in the region. “EU is the key partner for building digital and cyber in Serbia and projects like this help to align with EU Directives,” noted Nikola Bićanin, Assistant Minister for Information Society and Information Security, Serbia. He added that ICT is the fastest-growing field in Serbia, and there has been rapid development in e-governance, with over 2.5 million registered users and more than 100 services.  

In the second session, moderated by Merle Maigre, Head of Cybersecurity Competence Centre at eGA, panellists discussed how cybersecurity works as an enabler for development. The esteemed panellists were Xhelal Sveçla, Minister of the Interior, Kosovo, Dragisa Janjusevic, State Secretary, Ministry of Public Administration, Montenegro, and Floreta Faber, Deputy Director of the National Cybersecurity Authority, Albania. 

Minister of Interior in Kosovo, Xhelal Sveçla, emphasised the intensity of cyberattacks: “There has been a 200% increase in ransomware attacks in the region.” Minister Sveçla noted that cybersecurity is, however, not only a threat but also an opportunity, especially for young talents. He noted that cybersecurity doesn´t have to be a brake in the digitalisation process but rather a crucial component. “Cybersecurity failure loses votes,” he answered the moderator´s question about the lack of sufficient political will.  

The region has seen a rapid increase in cyber resilience, and there is undoubtedly a political will. The panellists agreed that institutional strengthening, supportive legislation, capacity building to implement new technology and training of talent are crucial elements of making cybersecurity a success story in the region.  

The panel was organised through the EU-financed cybersecurity capacity building project “Cyber Balkans”, aiming to enhance cyber resilience of the Western Balkans in compliance with EU acquis and best practices, by improving cybersecurity prevention, preparedness and response of relevant public and private stakeholders. 

In an era defined by rapid technological advancement and increasing geopolitical complexity, the Tallinn Digital Summit has emerged as a critical forum for global dialogue on the future of digital innovation. Hosted annually by the Estonian Prime Minister, this summit convenes a diverse and influential group of leaders from digitally advanced nations, international organisations, academic institutions, and the private sector. These stakeholders are united by a shared commitment to navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age. 

The summit’s core mission is to foster a secure, prosperous, and sustainable digital environment for all. Recognising the profound impact of evolving geopolitical landscapes and accelerating technological shifts, the Tallinn Digital Summit builds on the momentum of previous gatherings to address the urgent need for collaborative solutions. The event’s focus in 2024 was “Securing the Digital Tomorrow,” underscoring the imperative to proactively safeguard digital infrastructure and promote responsible innovation in a world facing unprecedented uncertainty. The summit serves as a platform for strategic discussions, knowledge sharing, and developing actionable strategies to ensure a resilient and equitable digital future. 

Session 1: Digital technology and Governance in the Western Balkans  

Western Balkan governments are working hard to harvest the advantages of digitalisation and new technologies, such as AI. This presents both opportunities and challenges, and requires new regulatory frameworks to be implemented in line with EU best practices. This panel will discuss trends and lessons learned from applying new digital technologies to public sector reforms and economic development. 

Session 2: Cybersecurity as an Enabler for Development  

Investments in cybersecurity capacity building can offer positive opportunities. Adopting EU-aligned laws is anticipated to foster more effective and inclusive governance models, enhancing cooperation across the public and private sectors. The increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals could create numerous opportunities for young people. Additionally, it paves the way for new service and product innovations.

https://ega.ee/western-balkan-at-tds/

Video: Cybersecurity in the Western Balkans Panel overview 

Session recordings: 

1. Welcoming by eGA Director Hannes Astok: TDS2024 Cyber Resilience and Partnerships with Western Balkans: Welcoming Remarks 

1. Opening by Estonian Minister Liisa-Ly Pakosta: TDS2024 Cyber Resilience and Partnerships with Western Balkans: Opening remarks 

1. Keynote by EC’s Michael Docherty: TDS2024 Keynote: Cyber Resilience and Partnerships with Western Balkans 

1. Session 1: TDS2024 Cyber Resilience and Partnerships with Western Balkans. Session 1 

1. Session 2: TDS2024 Cyber Resilience and Partnerships with Western Balkans. Session 2 – YouTube