Security cooperation in the Western Balkans works best when people and programmes are in the room together.
That was very much the case on 17 March, when Gilles Schwoerer, Head of Centre and Programme Director, joined the Seminar of Internal Security Attachés in the Western Balkans to present the Centre’s work and current programming.
The discussion brought together French internal security representatives covering the region, alongside EU-supported project leaders active across the six WB countries. It was a useful opportunity to show where WB3C fits into the wider regional picture: building cyber capacity through practical training, trusted partnerships and programmes designed around real institutional needs.
It was equally valuable to hear presentations from EU supported projects WB-CIPS and EU4FAST, and to look at where stronger links can be made between technical cooperation on the ground and broader regional efforts in areas of shared concern.
Thank you to Ambassador Fabien Fieschi for hosting the seminar at the French Residence and opening the discussion.
 

As part of the Balkan Cybersecurity Days 2026, 17-18 March in Shkodra, WB3C co-organised a dedicated policy workshop on Cyber Diplomacy in Action, together with DCAF - Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance — bringing together a wider community of public institutions, experts and practitioners working at the intersection of cybersecurity and policy.
The workshop was opened by Franziska Klopfer (DCAF) and Maja Miranovic on behalf of WB3C. In her remarks, Maja welcomed participants and reflected on an important institutional milestone — WB3C’s transition into an international organization, the first headquartered in Montenegro.

The policy workshop focused on the practical side of cyber diplomacy — the tools needed to better understand the evolving threat landscape, the role of different actors in cyberspace, and the increasing need for coordinated national positions.
Through a combination of expert-led sessions and hands-on exercises, participants explored:
the technical and strategic foundations of cyberspace,
➡️ the role and responsibilities of cyber diplomats,
➡️ coordination within government and engagement in international processes,
➡️ the application of the EU Cyber Diplomacy Toolbox in a crisis simulation setting. 
The discussions reinforced a simple point: for the Western Balkans, effective cyber diplomacy depends on cooperation, trust and the ability to act together in an increasingly complex digital environment.

Disinformation is taking an increasingly central place in the security agenda. It is a real and growing challenge that can weaken trust, influence democratic processes such as elections and exploit societal vulnerabilities through digital channels with massive reach. That is why WB3C is integrating this topic into its programme portfolio and launching a new training series for law enforcement agencies in the Western Balkans.

Yesterday, we launched Investigating Disinformation Training for Law Enforcement, bringing together practitioners from across the Western Balkans for a two-day operational training focused on detecting, assessing and responding to disinformation as a security threat.
Delivered with the support of Ronan Mouchoux from XRATOR, the training combines practical exercises, case-based learning and regional scenarios to help connect analysis with lawful and proportionate action.

At the same time, disinformation and FIMI cannot be addressed by one institution alone. While law enforcement has an important role, resilience depends on a whole-of-society approach — with cooperation across public institutions, the judiciary, media, civil society and education systems.
Strengthening this ecosystem is essential for protecting democratic processes, public trust and security across our region.