Empowering the Next Generation of Cybersecurity Leaders
The fourth edition of the Western Balkans Cyber Camp took place from May 16 to 18 in Durrës, Albania, uniting 60 young cybersecurity enthusiasts from all six Western Balkan economies for an intensive, immersive three-day program. Organised by the National Cybersecurity Authority (AKSK), the event focused on strengthening regional cooperation while equipping participants with the technical and strategic skills necessary to confront today’s evolving cyber threats.
Supported by experts from academia, national Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs), and cybersecurity professionals, the program combined hands-on exercises, real-world cyberattack simulations, gamified challenges, and expert panel discussions.
Participants explored a broad range of topics, including cyber hygiene, online safety, current threat landscapes, crisis management, cybersecurity policy, and the critical role of human factors in digital security. These activities provided practical experience and fostered teamwork and problem-solving under pressure, enhancing their readiness to respond effectively to cyber incidents.
The success Western Balkans Cyber Camp Albania 2025 of the camp was made possible through close collaboration with key regional and international partners, including OSCE Presence in Albania, the Cyber Balkans project (an EU funded project implemented by the e-Governance Academy), the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C), and the EU4Digital project co funded by the EU and German Gov implemented by (GIZ), reaffirming a shared commitment to digital resilience and youth leadership.
A standout moment of the event was a high-level panel discussion addressing the challenges of creating a sustainable cybersecurity ecosystem in the Western Balkans. Panellists emphasised the urgent need for skilled cybersecurity professionals, specialised training programs, and enhanced cross-border academic cooperation.
Feedback from participants underscored the camp’s positive impact, with over 91% rating this experience as excellent and expressing a willingness to recommend the camp to their peers.
Similarly, 91.67% showed strong interest in joining the camp’s alumni network, signalling the initiative’s success in fostering a lasting community of future cybersecurity leaders.
Beyond technical knowledge, the camp encouraged participants and stakeholders to reflect on the broader implications of cybersecurity in a digitally transforming region.
What role will the Western Balkans play in shaping the cybersecurity architecture of Europe? How can regional collaboration be translated into long-term resilience?
Will today’s young innovators become tomorrow’s policy-shapers and defenders of democratic digital spaces? These are the questions that now echo beyond the camp itself, prompting collective vision and action toward a more secure and interconnected future.
As cyber threats evolve, so must the defenders. This year’s camp proved once again that by investing in young minds, nurturing regional ties, and sharing knowledge, we are building not just capacity but a sustainable, secure digital future for the Western Balkans.
