Events

Amid an intensive period of Franco-Montenegrin exchanges, the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) had the pleasure of welcoming a delegation of the French Assemblée nationale during their official visit to Montenegro.
The delegation was led by Mr Pieyre-Alexandre Anglade, Member of Parliament and Chair of the European Affairs Committee of the French National Assembly, and included Ms Manon Bouquin, MP and Vice-Chair of the Committee; Mr Laurent Mazaury, MP and Vice-Chair of the Committee; Mr Pascal LECAMP, MP; Mr Charles Sitzenstuhl, MP; Mr Romain L., adviser to Mr Anglade; and Mr Christophe Lescot, Head of the Secretariat of the European Affairs Committee. The delegation was accompanied by H.E. Anne-Marie Maskay, Ambassador of France to Montenegro, and Mr Théo Basely, Political Attaché.
On behalf of WB3C, Mr Naim M. GJOKAJ and Mr Gilles Schwoerer welcomed the delegation, presented the Centre’s mission and work, and guided them through WB3C’s facilities.
Mr Schwoerer recalled the recent Western Balkans ministerial visit to Paris, which included participation in the Paris Cyber Summit, a high-level round table at the French Senate , and a visit to Campus Cyber. This initiative helped place the Western Balkans more firmly within the broader European and global discussion on persistent cyber and hybrid threats, particularly at a critical moment for the region, marked by upcoming electoral cycles and Montenegro’s final phase of EU accession negotiations.
Mr Gjokaj presented the context in which WB3C was established, its regional mandate, and its strategic objectives for strengthening cyber resilience across the Western Balkans. Mr Schwoerer provided further insight into WB3C’s programme delivery model and its cooperation with beneficiaries, donors, and partners on the ground.
The visit reaffirmed the importance of the Franco-Montenegrin partnership and of parliamentary dialogue in advancing the region’s cyber resilience, European integration, and readiness to respond collectively to evolving digital and hybrid threats.

President Emmanuel Macron mentioned the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) during his speech in Cetinje, highlighting the Centre as an important part of the cooperation between Montenegro and France. 

At the same time in Podgorica, WB3C organized a graduation ceremony for the participants of the Digital Forensics Bachelor’s Degree programme, the first university-level training course organised by the Centre in partnership with the French Université de Technologie de Troyes.
Fourteen police investigators from five countries of the WB successfully defended their theses earlier this week and received their diplomas during the ceremony, marking an important milestone in strengthening digital forensic capacities in the region.
To further support their work, the WB3C also donated cybersecurity kits to their respective police units. The kits include data extraction licences, write blockers, high-performance computers and various data storage accessories, with a total value of €150,000.
This also represents the first equipment donation made by the WB3C, reinforcing our commitment to building practical, sustainable cyber capacity across the Western Balkans.

For the Western Balkans ministerial delegation, one of the most valuable moments of the Paris mission was the visit to Campus Cyber, France's flagship cybersecurity hub and one of Europe's most advanced cyber ecosystems.
Our sincere thanks to Nicolas Sastre and the Campus Cyber team for designing a rich and insightful programme, and to Campus President Joffrey Célestin-Urbain for welcoming the delegation and presenting the vision behind this unique model.
More than a building, Campus Cyber is an ecosystem. It brings together public institutions, private companies, startups, law enforcement, academia and training providers under one roof, creating an environment where innovation, operational cooperation and talent development reinforce one another.
There is a strong focus on human capital. Around twenty universities are represented within the campus, working closely with industry to develop tailored curricula, practical training opportunities and internships. An inspiring exchange was with Axel Dreyfus, co-founder of Ecole 2600, who presented a model that tightly connects education and industry from secondary to master's degree programmes designed in close partnership with employers to ensure that skills keep pace with technological change and real market needs. Students gain hands-on experience through practical training, apprenticeships and industry placements, with many securing jobs before completing their studies. For the Western Balkans, where the shortage of cyber talent remains one of the most significant challenges, this model offers valuable lessons on how education and industry can work together to build the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
The delegation also met with a range of organisations operating within the ecosystem, including Alcyconie, Sekoia.io. and GATEWATCHER, who presented its advanced Network Detection and Response platform combining network visibility, threat detection, AI-driven analysis and response orchestration to identify and mitigate sophisticated cyber threats.
Another highlight was the visit to the FAB LAB, a state-supported innovation space available free of charge to Campus members, providing opportunities to experiment with emerging technologies, prototype solutions and accelerate innovation through collaboration.
Throughout the visit, discussions focused not only on French successes, but also on the challenges our region faces: talent shortages, rapidly evolving technologies, increasing threats and the need to translate strategy into operational capabilities.
The visit reinforced a lesson that emerged repeatedly throughout the week: cyber resilience is ultimately built through people, partnerships and ecosystems. As the Western Balkans continue advancing their digital and European ambitions, experiences such as Campus Cyber provide valuable inspiration for building stronger regional cyber capacities and innovation networks.

For the Western Balkans ministerial delegation, one of the most valuable moments of the Paris mission was the visit to Campus Cyber, France's flagship cybersecurity hub and one of Europe's most advanced cyber ecosystems.
Our sincere thanks to Nicolas Sastre and the Campus Cyber team for designing a rich and insightful programme, and to Campus President Joffrey Célestin-Urbain for welcoming the delegation and presenting the vision behind this unique model.
More than a building, Campus Cyber is an ecosystem. It brings together public institutions, private companies, startups, law enforcement, academia and training providers under one roof, creating an environment where innovation, operational cooperation and talent development reinforce one another.
There is a strong focus on human capital. Around twenty universities are represented within the campus, working closely with industry to develop tailored curricula, practical training opportunities and internships. An inspiring exchange was with Axel Dreyfus, co-founder of Ecole 2600, who presented a model that tightly connects education and industry from secondary to master's degree programmes designed in close partnership with employers to ensure that skills keep pace with technological change and real market needs. Students gain hands-on experience through practical training, apprenticeships and industry placements, with many securing jobs before completing their studies. For the Western Balkans, where the shortage of cyber talent remains one of the most significant challenges, this model offers valuable lessons on how education and industry can work together to build the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
The delegation also met with a range of organisations operating within the ecosystem, including Alcyconie, Sekoia.io. and GATEWATCHER, who presented its advanced Network Detection and Response platform combining network visibility, threat detection, AI-driven analysis and response orchestration to identify and mitigate sophisticated cyber threats.
Another highlight was the visit to the FAB LAB, a state-supported innovation space available free of charge to Campus members, providing opportunities to experiment with emerging technologies, prototype solutions and accelerate innovation through collaboration.
Throughout the visit, discussions focused not only on French successes, but also on the challenges our region faces: talent shortages, rapidly evolving technologies, increasing threats and the need to translate strategy into operational capabilities.
The visit reinforced a lesson that emerged repeatedly throughout the week: cyber resilience is ultimately built through people, partnerships and ecosystems. As the Western Balkans continue advancing their digital and European ambitions, experiences such as Campus Cyber provide valuable inspiration for building stronger regional cyber capacities and innovation networks.

This week, a regional ministerial delegation from the Western Balkans, brought together by the Ministry of Public Administration of Montenegro and Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C), joined global leaders at the Paris Cyber Summit 2026 to discuss the future of cybersecurity, digital transformation and international cooperation. The theme of this year's summit was The Transatlantic Reset: Rebuilding Trust and Strategic Alignment in the Digital Age — reflecting one of the defining questions of our time: how do we make sovereignties interoperable through trusted architectures, shared standards and common frameworks for innovation, security and market access?
Bringing together around 300 policymakers, industry leaders and cybersecurity experts from across the world, the Summit explored topics ranging from digital sovereignty and strategic regulation to the rise of Agentic AI and how the evolution of generative AI, automation and AI autonomy is redefining not only cybersecurity, but human agency itself.
Alongside the main programme, participants also engaged in the Provocative Lane, a Chatham House platform designed for closed-door discussions on some of today's most sensitive strategic and security challenges.
For the first time, a Western Balkans ministerial delegation participated in both tracks of the Summit. Minister of Public Administration of Montenegro Marash Dukaj delivered a keynote address highlighting the importance of regional cooperation in an era of growing hybrid threats that seek to undermine democratic institutions, societal resilience and the region's European path.
Minister of Digitalization and Public Administration of Kosovo Lulezon Jagxhiu, Minister of Digital Transformation of North Macedonia Stefan Andonovski and WB3C's programme director Gilles Schwoerer joined a NATO-led Chatham House discussion examining how cyber capabilities are increasingly shaping modern warfare and security policy.
Beyond the substance of the discussions, the Summit provided an important opportunity to bring the Western Balkans into the broader European and transatlantic conversation. At a critical moment in the EU accession process, the region's message was clear: the Western Balkans are not only seeking integration into European structures, but are ready to contribute actively to Europe's collective security. A secure Western Balkans means a more secure Europe.
Our sincere thanks to Sébastien Garnault, founder and president of the Paris Cyber Summit, and the chief of staff Marine Plasson whose support enabled meaningful engagement for the regional delegation throughout the week — from the Summit programme itself to strategic networking opportunities and the high-level round table hosted at the French Senate and the Campus Cyber.

How do we build cyber resilience in a region facing accelerating digital transformation, growing geopolitical pressures and an increasingly complex threat landscape?
This was the central question of the high-level round table hosted at the French Senate as part of the Western Balkans Ministerial Visit to the Paris Cyber Summit organized jointly by WB3C and the Ministry of Public Administration of Montenegro.
Bringing together ministers and senior government representatives from across the Western Balkans, the discussion highlighted a new reality: besides protecting networks and critical infrastructure, cybersecurity is critical for protecting our democracy and society as a whole, our institutions, economic development, public trust and our European future.
Opening the discussion, Senator Olivier Cadic framed cybersecurity as a challenge of "permanent threat", ranging from cyberattacks and ransomware to foreign information manipulation and interference. He also reaffirmed France's strong support for the European future of the Western Balkans.
Gilles Schwoerer presented WB3C's role in strengthening regional cyber capacities, operational cooperation and interoperability, while Vanja Madzgalj MBE, as the moderator of the discussion, set the strategic context around digitalisation, geopolitics and EU accession.
While each country brought its own perspective, several common themes emerged. Minister Marash Dukaj stressed the importance of turning legislative alignment into operational readiness. Minister Lulezon Jagxhiu highlighted secure digitalisation and regional cooperation. Minister Stefan Andonovski emphasised implementation and stronger integration into European digital initiatives, while Deputy Minister Enkelejda Muçaj shared lessons learned from Albania's experience following the 2022 cyberattacks.
The strongest takeaway was clear: alignment with European standards remains essential, but resilience ultimately depends on operational preparedness, trusted partnerships and the ability to act together when incidents occur.
Equally clear was the message that the Western Balkans are ready not only to receive support, but to contribute actively to Europe's collective security. A secure Western Balkans means a more secure Europe. The round table was attended by 50 policy makers and industry leaders from around the world.

Our sincere thanks to Senators Olivier Cadic and Ludovic HAYE, Sébastien Garnault and the Paris Cyber Summit team and to the Ministry of Public Administration of Montenegro for joining WB3C in the initiative to convene and lead this important regional engagement ahead of the EU–Western Balkans Summit tomorrow. We also thank DG ENEST and Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) for joining us in Paris.

Last week, WB3C in Podgorica had the honour of welcoming Benjamin Haddad, Minister Delegate for Europe of the French Republic, Gunther Krichbaum, Minister of State for Europe at the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, and Maida Gorcevic, Minister of European Affairs of Montenegro. The delegation was met by H.E. Anne-Marie Maskay, French Ambassador to Montenegro and Naim M. GJOKAJ, Director General Elect together with the WB3C cybercrime trainers Cyril CORRIAS and Yannick CASSE. 
Their visit sends a strong message of support for WB3C’s role as a regional platform for cooperation, knowledge exchange, and capacity building in the field of cybersecurity and the fight against cybercrime.
It is especially meaningful to see Podgorica increasingly recognised as a regional hub for cyber expertise, bringing together institutions, experts, and international partners committed to strengthening the cyber resilience of the Western Balkans.  This visits coincides with the Western Balkans Ministerial Visit to Paris which WB3C (Gilles Schwoerer and Vanja Madzgalj MBE) jointly with the Ministry of Public Administration (Marash Dukaj, Dusan Polovic, Lek Lucgjonaj) organized on 1-2 June for the regional delegation. During this visit, ministers had the opportunity to engage at the high-level with global policy makers and industry leaders in the cyber area, participate in a dedicated round table at the French Senate and in the Paris Cyber Summit, as well as to visit the Campus Cyber, the leading cyber ecosystem in Europe. These simultaneous engagements with our European partners are a strong recognition of the role WB3C plays in strengthening the collective cyber resilience of the region because resilient region means a safer Europe. 

Following the meeting with WB3C, the ministers were joined by the Konrad-Adenauer Stiftung for an informal gathering with their alumni, which was also attended by Biljana Papović, state Secretary at the Ministry for European Affairs of Montenegro.  

As cyber threats continue to evolve, coordinated action, trusted partnerships and alignment with EU standards remain essential for protecting the stability, security, and digital future of our societies.

This week, 26-28 May 2026, we organized the Certified Data Protection Officer training, a three-day regional programme for public servants involved in the implementation, supervision and monitoring of data protection measures across governmental and public sector institutions.

Data protection is a key part of digital trust. As public services become more digital and interconnected, institutions need the capacity to protect personal data, strengthen compliance, and ensure that citizens’ rights are respected in practice.

For the Western Balkans, this training is especially relevant. Strong data protection frameworks support better public administration, safer digital services, responsible data use and closer alignment with European standards. They also help institutions move beyond formal compliance and towards a more practical, people-centred approach to privacy and accountability.

Over the next three days, participants will work through the key pillars of data protection practice:

• Organisational governance — understanding roles, responsibilities and internal accountability
• Customer-centric compliance — applying data protection principles in services and institutional processes
• People-focused rights and responsibilities — strengthening the protection of individuals and supporting responsible decision-making

The course combines theory with practical exercises, peer exchange, group work and interactive simulations. Participants will work in small groups using a mock organisation aligned with their institutional context, allowing them to apply lessons to realistic public-sector scenarios.

The training is also designed as a certification programme, with short daily quizzes and final certification based on the average score across all three days.

By investing in Data Protection Officer capacities, WB3C is supporting the development of a stronger regional professional network — one that can help institutions protect personal data, build public trust and embed data protection into everyday governance. Big thank you to our trainers Blerta Xhako, Stella Manga Chesnay and Stefano Leucci.

WB3C pleased to welcome a delegation of the Kingdom of Norway for a courtesy visit and exchange on possible areas of future cooperation.
The visit was an opportunity to present WB3C’s work as a regional platform for cybersecurity, cybercrime and cyber diplomacy, and to discuss how practical capacity-building can support resilience, institutional cooperation and the European path of the Western Balkans.
We were honoured to receive Mr Eirik Nestås Mathisen, Special Envoy for the Western Balkans at the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with Ms Anita Krokan, Special Adviser at the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Colonel Dag-Magne Lunde, Defence Attaché of the Kingdom of Norway, Mrs. Ingrid Vik from the Norwegian NGO UTSYN and Mr Rajko Radevic, Adviser at the Norwegian Ministry of Defence, who were welcome by our programme lead Gilles Schwoerer.
Norway has long been a valued partner to the region, with a strong understanding of security, governance and resilience challenges in the Western Balkans. We look forward to continuing the dialogue and exploring concrete ways to work together in the period ahead.

Today, we are launching a four-day regional training on Enhancing Cyber Resilience Across Critical Sectors through NIS2 Alignment, organised in cooperation with the The World Bank Group.
The training brings together regional representatives working across government, regulation, cybersecurity, critical infrastructure and policy. Over the next four days, participants will explore what NIS2 alignment means in practice for the Western Balkans, and how stronger cyber governance can help protect the critical services our societies rely on, from energy and telecommunications to transport, water, health and public administration.
This is especially relevant for our region. Cyber incidents do not stop at borders, and neither do the systems, services and supply chains that connect us. Building resilience requires clear institutional roles, practical incident reporting mechanisms, proportionate supervision, stronger risk management and better regional coordination.
The training will focus on practical policy choices and implementation challenges, including:
• identifying essential and important entities
• strengthening governance and accountability
• designing incident reporting and coordination pathways
• understanding supervision and enforcement approaches
• addressing supply-chain risk
• developing realistic implementation roadmaps
By the end of the training, participants will work towards concrete outputs, including national choices maps, incident coordination diagrams, supervisory capability gap lists and 24-month roadmaps for priority technical assistance and investment needs.
Through this cooperation, WB3C and the World Bank Group are supporting regional efforts to move from awareness to implementation, helping institutions make informed decisions, align with European cybersecurity standards and strengthen resilience across critical sectors.
The training is led by Mladen Bukilic, SOC Manager and CISO at Čikom, Montenegro and Vincent Desroches of EU4CYBER.