Western Balkan cybersecurity project marks milestones in Tallinn

On May 27, the partners of the EU-funded initiative “Cybersecurity Rapid Response for Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia” convened at the historic Kadriorg Museum in Tallinn to celebrate the project’s remarkable milestones and collaborative achievements. The event brought together government representatives, private sector partners, civil society leaders, and journalists from the Western Balkans, all united in their commitment to building more secure and open digital societies.

The evening was formally opened by Hannes Astok, Executive Director of the e-Governance Academy (eGA), who welcomed the guests with a message of purpose and continuity. “Thanks to the support of generous donors—most notably the Government of Estonia and the European Union—we’ve been able to contribute to societies where digital transformation enhances prosperity and openness,” he said. “This project may be nearing its end, but our mission continues. We will not stop, because building cybersecure digital societies is more vital than ever.”

Merle Maigre, who led the project at eGA, emphasized that its success rested on strong partnerships and a shared commitment to cybersecurity. “What made this work was the collaboration between public and private actors—and above all, the dedication of those who believe in digital resilience,” she noted.

The European Commission’s Ave Schank reaffirmed the EU’s enduring support for the Western Balkans, underlining the strategic importance of cooperation in cybersecurity. “Cybersecurity knows no borders. That’s why the European Union stands firmly behind efforts to build secure digital futures in the Western Balkans,” she stated.

Delivering the keynote address, former President of Estonia Toomas Hendrik Ilves reflected on Estonia’s own journey to becoming a global leader in cybersecurity. “It took vision, technological courage, and trust—trust between governments and citizens—to seize the opportunities brought by the internet,” he remarked.

The evening concluded in a spirit of celebration and forward-looking optimism, highlighting not only what has been accomplished, but also the collective resolve to continue strengthening digital resilience across borders. With representatives from Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia in attendance, the gathering served as a powerful testament to regional cooperation and the shared pursuit of a secure digital future.