This project aims to increase the capacity of Western Balkan countries, especially Kosovo, to withstand hybrid threats, drawing from Ukraine's experience. The primary objective is to identify shared and long-term hybrid threats faced by both European sub-regions, utilizing the lessons learned from Ukraine and Western Balkan countries. The project will also foster partnerships between civil society organizations in the region and promote the sharing of best practices to counter Russian subversive activities. Additionally, the project will strengthen the preparedness and resilience of both EU member states and EU accession countries against hybrid threats, contributing to the EU's collective security under the Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP).
KCSS, in partnership with its Ukrainian partner CENSS, will carry out several key activities to achieve the project objectives: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of vulnerabilities and hybrid threats posed by external actors in selected Western Balkan countries. Organize a joint conference (working title: Kosovo-Ukraine Security Conference) in Prishtina, Kosovo, in collaboration with Ukrainian partners. This event will focus on regional security, hybrid threats, and countermeasures. Facilitate workshops in Prishtina, Kosovo, focused on identifying and countering hybrid threats. These workshops will be co-implemented with Ukrainian experts and aim to enhance local capacity for dealing with such threats. Prepare an in-depth analytical study on countering hybrid threats, incorporating lessons learned from Ukraine and the Western Balkans, with particular emphasis on Kosovo’s experiences. Organize a knowledge-sharing visit to Ukraine, bringing together stakeholders from Kosovo and Ukraine to exchange experiences and strengthen cooperation in countering hybrid threats. Launch an advocacy campaign to share the key findings and recommendations with decision-makers and relevant institutions in Kosovo and other Western Balkan countries. The campaign will aim to raise awareness and promote policy recommendations to strengthen resilience to hybrid threats.
This project is funded by the Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans.
