From May 26 to 29, WB3C organized a specialized training course for Kosovo* prosecutors and law enforcement officials, as part of the Home Affairs Programme of the EU in Kosovo (HAPE).

This training, delivered by the two WB3C trainers, supported Kosovo's* efforts to strengthen institutional capacity to investigate and prosecute serious cybercrime, particularly in the areas of organized crime, corruption, cyber threats, and counterterrorism.

This initiative is part of a broader EU-supported effort to improve operational readiness in key areas, including financial crime, cybercrime, and border management, and to foster regional and cross-border cooperation in accordance with European standards. As the region's central training platform, WB3C was pleased to be able to contribute to regional cyber capacity building initiatives in support of European integration and the rule of law.

*References to Kosovo shall be understood in the context of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999).

Last week in Durres, Albania, 60 students from across the Western Balkans came together for the Western Balkan Cyber Camp 2025 - a dynamic, hands-on learning experience focused on building practical skills and regional collaboration in cybersecurity. The camp featured expert-led sessions, live cyber drills and exchanges with professionals from national CSIRTs, giving participants the chance to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios and deepen their understanding of today’s digital threats.
Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) was proud to support this important regional initiative, alongside Autoriteti Kombëtar për Sigurinë Kibernetike / National Cyber Security Authority, OSCE Presence in Albania, e-Governance Academy and GIZ Albania HR.

The WB3C delegation was led by Gilles Schwoerer, Head of WB3C, who emphasized our ongoing commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and investing in the next generation of cyber talent.

At WB3C, we see events like this as essential to creating a resilient digital future - by connecting people, sharing knowledge and empowering the cyber professionals of tomorrow.

We are excited to share a significant milestone in the journey of the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre initiative. On 22 May 2025, the French Parliament ratified an international agreement that officially recognizes WB3C as an international organization. With this ratification, WB3C joins Slovenia and Montenegro in formalizing its status as a regional organization dedicated to strengthening cyber resilience of institutions and fostering cooperation across the Western Balkans.

This achievement marks a significant step forward in our mission to support the institutions of the Western Balkans through capacity-building and regional cooperation. It also makes WB3C the first international organization headquartered in Montenegro, underscoring the country's strategic importance in regional integration.

While the formal ratification is a major breakthrough, the journey continues as we work towards establishing the full operational framework of the organization. We remain committed to advancing our work and look forward to the next chapters of this exciting evolution.

We are deeply grateful to our partner governments, stakeholders and supporters whose dedication has brought us to this pivotal moment. Together, we are building a more stable, prosperous and interconnected Western Balkans.