WB3C - a powerful symbol of what can be achieved when countries unite to tackle shared challenges

Yesterday marked a significant milestone in the cybersecurity landscape of the Western Balkans with the official inauguration of the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) in Podgorica. The event celebrated a shared commitment of our founding partners to strengthening regional cyber resilience, advancing cooperation and aligning with European standards.

The inauguration was attended by over 100 distinguished guests, including government officials, diplomats, representatives of international organizations and academia. Among the key speakers were the Prime Minister of Montenegro, Mr. Spajić, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović, Minister of Public Administration Dukaj, Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Tanja Fajon, and French Special Envoy for the Western Balkans René Troccaz. Their remarks highlighted the shared belief in the importance of collective action to address evolving cyber threats.

Prime Minister Spajić said: "Our Centre, recognized within the Berlin Process, plays a crucial role in enhancing cybersecurity capacities in the region. With the expertise of France and Slovenia, and the inclusion of all Western Balkan countries, I firmly believe we can significantly advance our regional cybersecurity capabilities."​ 

Minister Ibrahimović emphasized the symbolic and practical value of the Centre: “The WB3C is a unique project with special symbolism—it demonstrates our commitment to creating a secure digital environment and addressing modern challenges. It also reflects the importance of aligning with European standards while fostering regional cooperation, which is critical for our shared future.”

Slovenian Deputy Prime Minister Tanja Fajon highlighted WB3C’s role in fostering unity: “This Centre represents a cornerstone of our efforts to strengthen cooperation within the Western Balkans and build a safer, more secure digital environment for all. By bringing together expertise, resources, and a shared vision, WB3C exemplifies how we can overcome challenges and seize opportunities together.”

French Special Envoy René Troccaz underscored the role of solidarity in building resilience: “Cyber resilience through solidarity is the best way to protect our economies, societies, and institutions from destabilizing threats. WB3C is a testament to the power of collaboration, and I am confident that its work will continue to strengthen the region’s capabilities.”

Minister Dukaj pointed to the practical outcomes of WB3C’s initiatives: “Through its training programs, WB3C ensures that our region is equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to address the rapidly evolving threats in cyberspace. This Centre will not only enhance individual expertise but also foster regional unity and cooperation in the face of shared challenges.”

WB3C’s Director, Yannick Casse expressed his pride in the team and the collaborative spirit driving the Centre’s mission: “With our friends from Slovenia, France, and Montenegro, and the dedicated team here in Podgorica, we are more than a team; we are the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre. Together, we are building a legacy of resilience and innovation.”

A Year of Impact and Ambitious Plans Ahead

Over the past year, WB3C has already demonstrated its value to the region, providing training to over 400 professionals across cybersecurity, cybercrime and cyber diplomacy. These programs are not just about building technical skills—they aim to create connections, foster trust, and prepare the region to face the complex cyber threats of tomorrow.

Looking ahead, WB3C has set ambitious goals for 2025-2027. The Centre plans to train up to 1,500 professionals and is collaborating with the University of Technology of Troyes to establish a university qualification program in Digital Forensics. This program will empower cybercrime investigators to deepen their expertise, ensuring that the region remains at the forefront of addressing modern cybercrime challenges.

Symbolizing a New Phase

The formal unveiling of the WB3C plaque symbolized the beginning of a new chapter in the region’s efforts to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities, deepen cooperation and align with European standards.

By advancing regional resilience and fostering alignment with EU priorities, WB3C plays a pivotal role in supporting the Western Balkans’ integration into the European Union. As the Centre continues its work, it stands as a testament to what can be achieved through commitment, collaboration and a shared vision for a secure digital future.

The Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) will host a training program on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Applied to Law Enforcement Agencies from November 13th to 15th, 2024, at its premises in Podgorica. This training is designed for leaders in law enforcement, the judiciary, and data protection agencies, focusing on the potential applications and implications of AI within the field of internal security.

Across three days, participants will engage with six modules, covering topics such as the role of AI in the private sector, generative AI, ethics and regulatory considerations, and specific applications of AI for law enforcement. Attendees will gain insights into how AI can enhance investigative processes while addressing relevant ethical and regulatory challenges. 

This course meets a strategic challenge defined by the AI Act to ensure that artificial intelligence systems (AIS) are used in a controlled and responsible manner.

The objectives of this course are

• understanding how AI systems work
• understanding the geopolitical and legal issues
• defining an AI strategy dedicated to the LEA
• AI applications for the protection of citizens
• future prospects and challenges

The workshop will be led by two distinguished experts on artificial intelligence and robotics applied in homeland security, Dr. Ysens de France and Brigadier General Patrick Perrot. Their expertise will provide invaluable insights into the intersection of AI, law enforcement and national security, guiding discussions on the application of technology in homeland security and the fight against cybercrime.

This three-day training is organized for security officers and police investigators from the Western Balkans, highlighting the importance of continuous education and training of law enforcement officers in emerging technologies in order to keep up with the evolving threats in the digital space.

Dr. Ysens de France is a distinguished legal scholar specializing in artificial intelligence (AI) and military robotics, particularly in the realm of Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS). She earned her doctorate in public law with a focus on the legal implications of autonomous military systems on the battlefield. Her research offers a forward-looking and interdisciplinary perspective on the challenges posed by technological advancements in defense.

In her professional career, Dr. de France has held several notable positions:

• Professor of AI and Law: Since September 2020, she has been teaching at aivancity School for Technology, Business & Society in Paris-Cachan, where she imparts knowledge on AI and robotics law.
• AI Mission Officer: Beginning in January 2022, she has served as an AI mission officer for the French National Gendarmerie, advising on the development and deployment of AI tools within the organization.
• Lecturer in Digital Law: Since January 2022, she has been teaching digital law and AI law at the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne.

Dr. de France is also an expert member on AI and ethics at Hub FranceIA and serves as the Director of Prospective at the Institut Sapiens. Her extensive experience and research make her a leading authority on the intersection of law, AI, and military applications.

Brigadier General Patrick Perrot serves as the Coordinator for Artificial Intelligence and Data Strategy within the French Gendarmerie Nationale and as the AI Advisor to the Cyber Command at the Ministry of the Interior. Combining a strong academic background (PhD in AI) with extensive field experience, General Perrot has pioneered the application of AI in law enforcement, particularly in speaker and facial recognition and decision analysis, to enhance security and operational effectiveness. He is one of the architects of the AI strategy within the Gendarmerie Nationale, and his work continues to shape the integration of advanced technologies in national security.

 In addition to his role in the Gendarmerie, General Perrot is:

• An associate researcher at the Artificial and Natural Intelligence Toulouse Institute (ANITI), where he contributes to the Chair of Law, Accountability and Social Trust in AI, as well as to the Center for the Studies and Treatment of Radicalization.
• The founder of the "AI and Security" Chair, which fosters cooperation between the Ministry of the Interior and universities and contributes to research on emerging security issues to prepare for the future.
• A member of the EU AI Board Expert Committee, where he contributes to the application of the AI Act.
• Co-chair of the EU Strategic Group on AI, which gathers 16 law enforcement agencies.

Additionally, General Perrot is active in several think tanks, serving as a member of the administration council of Hub France IA and as a security expert at the EUROP IA Institute.

The Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C), in partnership with the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF), will be hosting a three-day workshop titled "Responsible State Behavior in Cyberspace: International Norms and the Role of the EU in Cyberdiplomacy" from 12 to 14 November. This event brings together experts from across the region and the EU to explore critical aspects of cyberdiplomacy, focusing on international norms, the role of international law in cyberspace, and the European Union's efforts in fostering cyber cooperation.

Workshop Highlights:

• Day 1: An in-depth exploration of the UN Framework on Responsible State Behavior in Cyberspace, including key components such as UN norms, international law, capacity building, and confidence-building measures.
• Day 2: A detailed examination of the EU’s cyber ecosystem and its collaborative efforts with the Western Balkans to enhance regional cybersecurity cooperation.
• Day 3: A hands-on tabletop exercise simulating international cooperation and national coordination in response to a cyber incident.

Why Cyberdiplomacy Matters

As cyber threats continue to evolve, the importance of diplomatic engagement to establish rules of behavior in cyberspace has never been more crucial. Cyberdiplomacy plays a key role in preventing cyber conflicts, promoting trust between nations and ensuring a stable and secure digital environment. The European Union, with its robust cyber ecosystem and diplomatic efforts, is at the forefront of shaping these international norms.

WB3C is actively contributing to these efforts by providing a platform for regional and international cooperation, training and capacity-building. By hosting workshops such as this, WB3C strengthens the ability of Western Balkans countries to engage in global cyberdiplomacy and contribute to the development of a secure and resilient cyberspace.