This week, the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) successfully concluded its first regional Certified Data Protection Officer training in Podgorica, bringing together 12 public servants, two from each of the six Western Balkans economies.

The intensive three-day workshop provided advanced, practical training in data protection governance, moving from theory to application through realistic public-sector simulations. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises, including Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) and data breach response drills, using tailored scenarios to bridge the gap between legal frameworks and daily operational challenges.

Under the leadership of Gilles Schwoerer, WB3C is committed to advancing the region's cyber resilience and EU alignment through such specialized capacity-building initiatives. This initiative directly supports the region's efforts to align with EU data protection standards and regulations (GDPR), a key step in the digital transformation and EU integration agenda. By fostering a network of certified professionals across the WB6, we are strengthening the foundational capabilities necessary for cross-border data flows and future digital market integration.

We extend our appreciation to the dedicated national coordinators, our expert trainers Stefano Leucci, Stella Manga Chesnay and Blerta Xhako, and all participants for their commitment to advancing data protection standards and regional cooperation.

The first cohort of 7 final-year and master’s students in ICT have just begun the preparatory course of our University Diploma in Cybersecurity, delivered by the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) in partnership with the Université de Technologie de Troyes (UTT), France, under the leadership of professor Reza Elgalai.

This two-week preparation helps students strengthen their foundations so they can follow the full program confidently and succeed in final exams. The second preparatory course will take place in December with another 13 students, after which UTT will select the top 10 candidates to continue with the full diploma course in February 2026.

The program itself is unique in the region. It’s an off-campus study with UTT professors, leading to a 60-ECTS diploma in cybersecurity. With UTT’s recognition of prior learning (120 ECTS from earlier studies), students can earn a parallel EU-recognized professional Bachelor’s degree - a true bridge into the European cyber workforce.

It’s also highly practical. Students learn by doing through lectures, labs, case studies and Capture-the-Flag exercises - building skills that will allow them to step directly into roles such as:
🔹 Security Administrator
🔹 SOC Analyst
🔹 Junior Penetration Tester
🔹 Digital Forensics Technician
🔹 Cybersecurity Auditor

At the same time, WB3C is in discussions with the University of Montenegro exploring how we call collaborate on our cybersecurity initiatives and provide a sustainable academic pathway for the next generation of cyber professionals. The momentum is here. These two programs mark a turning point for Montenegro’s cybersecurity education landscape - building a talent pipeline for the region’s most in-demand cyber roles.

Talent is not an issue - we need more opportunity, visibility and structured support.

Seeing a room full of 70 ambitious young women - many already studying or working in ICT - taking on cybersecurity challenges with confidence and creativity is a reminder of the immense potential that exists right here in the Western Balkans.
Their presentations following the hands-on exercises made one thing clear: talent is not the issue - visibility and opportunity are.

Across the region, women remain one of the most under-utilized resources for innovation, growth and a balanced digital economy.
While global figures show women make up only around 22–24% of the cybersecurity workforce, the gap grows wider at the top - far fewer women reach leadership or C-level roles. Many still face a glass ceiling, subtle bias or the weight of imposter syndrome in male-dominated environments. Supporting young women in developing confidence, assertiveness, and leadership skills is therefore as essential as technical training itself.

Cybersecurity, at its core, is about resilience and adaptability. To build that resilience, our teams must reflect the diversity of the societies they defend. Investing in women in cyber is not a matter of fairness alone - it’s a matter of strategic foresight for the region’s stability and competitiveness.

As these young women step forward, they challenge old assumptions, redefine expertise and show that the future of cybersecurity in the Western Balkans can be both strong and inclusive.

We deeply appreciate our partnership with DCAF and FCDO for enabling WB3C to be part of such an important initiative.