The “Individual and Regionally-Based Cyber and Hybrid Threats and Challenges in South East Europe Workshop” came to a close today in Tirana, Republic of Albania. Held from October 2nd to October 3rd , 2024, the Workshop brought together experts and participants from across the region to address the rising challenges posed by cyber and hybrid threats.
Organized by RACVIAC – Centre for Security Cooperation in partnership with the Ministry of Defence of Albania and the Military Academy “General Mihailo Apostolski” from Skopje, the Workshop provided an excellent platform for knowledge-sharing and collaborative efforts in strengthening resilience against modern security threats.
Over the course of the Workshop the attendees examined topics such as regionally-based cyber threats, hybrid warfare strategies and national resilience-building measures. The highlight of the event was the presentation of a six-month research study which analyzed both individual and regional vulnerabilities in the SEE region, providing a comprehensive foundation for future cooperative efforts.
In his closing remarks LTC Dimitar Bogatinov, PhD, Military Academy “General Mihailo Apostolski” – Skopje, praised the event’s organization and the wealth of knowledge exchanged. He emphasized the importance of continued cooperation among SEE countries in addressing cyber and hybrid threats and thanked RACVIAC for co-organizing a workshop of such importance.
In his closing address H.E. Ambassador Constantin-Mihail Grigorie, Director of RACVIAC, expressed sincere appreciation to all participants and organizers, in particular the Ministry of Defense of Albania and the Military Academy “General Mihailo Apostolski.” He highlighted the critical importance of the relationships built during the event, urging participants to apply the lessons learned in their respective countries. This Workshop has fostered not only knowledge-sharing but also a strengthened spirit of cooperation in the fight against cyber and hybrid threats.
Ambassador Grigorie concluded by encouraging attendees to remain committed to the regional strategies discussed during the event and to continue collaborating on practical solutions for enhancing cyber security in SEE.
Once the Workshop was concluded the participants were awarded certificates, marking their successful engagement in this essential field of security cooperation.
More than 30 participants (policy makers, military decision makers but also economic, legal and technical experts) from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania and Kosovo* attended the Workshop and contributed valuable insights and expertise to the discussions.
______
* This Designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo Declaration of Independence
