Policy Roundtable on WB6 Integration into EU Cybersecurity Frameworks Held in Berlin

Berli, September 18, 2024: A policy roundtable, jointly organized by the Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS) and the Aspen Institute Germany, took place today in Berlin as part of the "Advancing Regional Security Cooperation in the Western Balkans" (ASCEND-WB6) project. Supported by the Open Society Foundations - Western Balkans (OSF-WB), the ASCEND project focuses on strengthening the integration of the Western Balkan Six (WB6) into the European Union's security and rule of law frameworks.  
 

The roundtable featured a discussion on the integration of the WB6 into the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) and related EU cybersecurity policies. Moderated by Dr. Stormy-Annika Mildner, executive director of Aspen Institute Germany, the event included contributions from Maria Adebahr, Cyber Ambassador in the German Federal Foreign Office and Dr. Ramadan Ilazi, head of research at KCSS, who provided insights into the current state of WB6 alignment with EU cybersecurity standards and the necessary steps for further integration. The event is part of a series, with additional roundtables planned in Brussels in October.
 

The discussions emphasized the importance of integrating the WB6 into the EU's cybersecurity mechanisms as part of their broader EU accession efforts. This integration is seen as essential for enhancing the cybersecurity posture of the WB6 and supporting their participation in the EU’s Digital Single Market. The roundtable also built upon recommendations from last year’s Civil Society Forum, held during the Berlin Process Summit in Tirana, which called for deeper cooperation in cybersecurity and foreign direct investment screening across the region.
 

A policy paper prepared by KCSS on gradual integration of WB6 in EU’s cybersecurity frameworks, outlines a phased approach for the WB6 to join ENISA, starting with observer status and gradually progressing toward full membership as their national cybersecurity laws align with EU standards. This approach would ensure that WB6 countries can meet the necessary criteria while continuing to reform their cybersecurity frameworks.
 

The roundtable underscored the EU’s commitment to supporting the WB6 in strengthening their cybersecurity capacities, contributing to regional stability and resilience. The ASCEND-WB6 project will continue to advocate for these efforts in upcoming discussions and assessments, in the framework of the IGNITA initiative, funded by Open Society Foundations—Western Balkans.