Sarajevo – The 16th meeting of the Regional Network of National Counter-Terrorism and Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism Coordinators (RNNC) was held on 15 October 2024 in Sarajevo, bringing together representatives of the Western Balkans Six, the European Union (EU), regional organisations and international partners.

Participants reviewed progress in implementing the Joint Action Plan (JAP), assessed evolving security threats and exchanged updates on counter-terrorism and preventing and countering violent extremism (CT-P/CVE) initiatives. Discussions highlighted the growing challenges posed by online radicalisation, disinformation and emerging forms of violent extremism, as well as the need for stronger prevention measures and regional cooperation.

The meeting reaffirmed the JAP as an important framework for cooperation between the EU and the Western Balkans Six and opened discussions on a future framework addressing emerging challenges, including digital radicalisation and hybrid threats.

International organisations and regional partners presented ongoing initiatives supporting capacity building, strategic communication, rehabilitation and reintegration, and local prevention programmes. Particular attention was devoted to the role of municipalities and community-based approaches in identifying and addressing early signs of radicalisation.

Participants highlighted continued political commitment, stronger information sharing and targeted capacity building as essential to effectively addressing terrorism and violent extremism. The RNNC continues to provide a regional platform for dialogue, coordination and the exchange of good practices among Western Balkans Six partners and international stakeholders.