As cybercrime continues to evolve and pose a growing threat, it is crucial that local-level law enforcement be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively combat these digital threats. For this purpose, Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) developed a specialized training program for prosecutors and investigators in the Western Balkans administrations with a view to building capacity at the local level. This week, 60 participants from Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina (Federation of BiH and Republika Srpska) attended a second round of intensive 4 day training, following a week of theoretical training .

This comprehensive training, led by experts from the WB3C and regional institutional experts, will equip 30 prosecutors and 30 investigators with the latest tools and techniques to  tackle a range of cybercrime challenges. From darkweb, #cryptocurrency-based crimes and ransomware attacks to open-source intelligence gathering (OSINT) and mutual legal assistance (MLA), participants will engage in hands-on exercises to enhance their investigative capabilities.

This initiative represents a significant step forward in strengthening the capacity of local authorities to combat the growing threat of cybercrime. Through this collaborative effort, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina will be better equipped to protect their citizens and businesses from the devastating impacts of digital attacks.

As technology continues to advance and cybersecurity becomes a crucial topic in international and regional discussions, cyber diplomacy emerges as a cornerstone of modern foreign policy. Collaboration among governments, the private sector and civil society is essential to address the evolving cyber threats and shape a secure and prosperous cyberspace. With the rise in malicious cyber activities, the role of cyber diplomacy has evolved to address the current threat landscape and engage in global cyber policy discussions.

Panel 4 of the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) Regional Conference on 11 June, led by Tadej Rupel, Cyber and Digital Ambassador of Slovenia, discussed some of the critical aspects of international collaboration in the field of cybersecurity such as:

• EU's digital diplomacy efforts and their correlation with cyber diplomacy
• Private sector contributions to cyber diplomacy in the Western Balkans
• Civil society's role in promoting collaboration in cyber diplomacy
• European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA)'s utilization of digital diplomacy in capacity-building in the Western Balkans

Key takeaways provided by our distinguished panelists are:

• Multistakeholders such as DiploFoundation, Geneva, support global cyber diplomacy by providing training and capacity-building for diplomats, conducting policy research, facilitating multistakeholder dialogues, and developing resources.
• AI can provide valuable assistance to diplomats, especially smaller countries with less resources available, in processing datasets to produce high quality reports.
• Private companies like Microsoft play a vital role in cyber diplomacy through public-private partnerships and threat intelligence sharing.
• Higher education must incorporate social sciences to align with evolving technologyneeds.
• The EU has implemented legislation and legal frameworks to address the changing security landscape and protect the open, free, and stable cyberspace.
• ENISA supplements national authorities and agencies through capacity-building and skill development initiatives in both tactical and technical domains.
• The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs is actively involved in cyber diplomacy by engaging in bilateral and multilateral dialogues to establish norms and transparency, supporting EU-wide cybersecurity efforts, and promoting international cooperation and responsible state behaviour in cyberspace\u200B.

Panelists of this session were: Demosthenes Ikonomou Nikolas Ott Erna Catic Vladimir Radunovic Andreja Mihailovic, PhD Mahé Dersoir

On June 11-12 June, Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) hosted its first regional conference, a landmark event drawing over 100 professionals from the region's public administrations, international bodies, and local stakeholders. The conference, which featured four thematic panels, offered a platform to address the dynamic and pressing challenges in cybersecurity and cyber diplomacy.

Panel Overview:

Panel 1: Cyber Resilience and Critical Infrastructure

Chaired by Lt. Col. Yannick Ragonneau, the first panel set the tone for the conference, focusing on cyber resilience and the protection of critical infrastructure. Representatives from both government and private sectors, including experts from the French Ministry of Interiorand ArcelorMittal, discussed collaborative approaches and best practices for defending essential services and assets.

Panel 2: Evolution of Cybercrime Phenomena and International Criminal Assistance

Colonel Laurent Baille moderated a critical discussion on evolving cyber threats and the necessity of robust international cooperation. The panel highlighted effective strategies for international criminal assistance and the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach to create a safer digital environment.

Panel 3: Artificial Intelligence and Ethics in Cybersecurity

Cyber Ambassador Vladimir Vucinic led the third panel, which delved into the impact of AI on global security, responsible usage, and the intertwined challenges of rapid technological advancement and privacy concerns. The dialogue underscored the importance of good data governance and strategic AI adoption in law enforcement and policymaking.

Panel 4: Navigating the Cyber Landscape Through Cyber Diplomacy

The final panel, guided by Tadej Rupel, Slovenia's Cyber and Digital Ambassador, explored the critical aspects of cyber diplomacy. Discussions focused on the EU's role, private sector engagement, and civil society’s contributions to fostering international cyber policy dialogues. This panel highlighted the essential role of entities like ENISA in capacity building and the increasing reliance on AI to support diplomatic efforts, especially for resource-constrained environments.

On Day 2, we focused on the application of the pre-diagnostic tool Diagonal, which was

donated to the Western Balkans administrations. The tool is designed to help administrations:

• Assess cyber maturity: Understand the current level of cybersecurity within the administration.
• Identify improvements: Suggest both human and technical areas for enhancement.
• Collect data: Gather statistical information on prevalent cyber threats.

On 12 June, WB3C instructors provided a workshop to the representatives of the WB6 on the effective use of the tool and its features.

Summary:

The WB3C Regional Conference mapped out the landscape of cybersecurity challenges and opportunities in the Western Balkans. By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, the conference both provided valuable insights and proposed solutions to certain challenges, and it reinforced the necessity for continued dialogue and cooperation in the cyber domain underpinned by full commitment of governments towards creating a future proof cyber environment.