Pristina – The Integrative Internal Security Governance (IISG) held thematic consultations in Pristina, bringing together representatives from its three pillars: the Western Balkan Counter-Terrorism initiative (WBCTi), the Western Balkan Countering Serious Crime initiative (WBCSCi) and the Western Balkan Border Security initiative (WBBSi).

IISG met with Agron Metolli and Mehdi Shabani from the Counter-Terrorism Department; Albion Restelica from the Police Investigation Department; Veli Pronaj from the Border Police; and Albert Avdiu, Acting Head of the Division for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Interior.

The consultations focused on finalising the 2023 Annual Response Mapping Report and completing the second needs mapping across all three pillars.

Representatives of Kosovo* reaffirmed their commitment to completing both processes and highlighted the importance of including cybersecurity in the IISG agenda and future regional discussions. The consultations underscored the importance of continued coordination and joint action in strengthening security cooperation across the Western Balkans Six.

* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.