Skopje – The Integrative Internal Security Governance (IISG) held thematic consultations with institutions from North Macedonia on 27 May 2024 to advance the third annual response mapping, initiate the second needs mapping process and discuss further development of the IISG Database.

IISG met with Marija Ancevska, Head of the Department for European Union and International Cooperation at the Ministry of Interior; Imran Jonuzi from the same department; Jovan Prodić and Dragana Kolevska from the National Committee for Countering Violent Extremism and Counter-Terrorism; and Dejan Nikolovski from the Countering Organised and Serious Crime Department.

Participants reviewed response mapping across the IISG pillars, agreed on next steps and timelines for the submission of updated security needs, and discussed the role of the IISG Database in connecting Western Balkans Six partners, donors and other stakeholders. 

The visit continued on 28 May with a regional meeting of the Working Group on Cybersecurity, bringing together representatives of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), the European Commission, Western Balkans Six partners, IISG and technical experts.

The RCC was represented by Pranvera Kastrati, Acting Head of the Programme Department, and Tanja Maras, Expert on Digital Connectivity. Discussions focused on recent cybersecurity developments, opportunities for stronger regional dialogue, the mapping of cybersecurity needs and responses, and the development of the proposed cybersecurity component of the IISG Database.

The meetings reaffirmed participants’ commitment to strengthening cybersecurity cooperation through continued dialogue, coordinated planning and joint action, with the RCC and IISG supporting the process through the IISG Database.