Safeguarding Digital Systems in the Western Balkans

Digitalization is rapidly transforming democratic processes. Ensuring digital security, as a consequence, has become paramount for safeguarding free and fair elections. Countries in the Western Balkans have recognized the critical role of cybersecurity in preserving the integrity of democratic systems, but at what cost?

Repeated high-profile cyberattacks over the past year have underscored the urgency of adopting a well-structured approach to cybersecurity. The European Union (EU) has stepped in with its " Cybersecurity Rapid Response for Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia " project, implemented by the e-Governance Academy, to bolster cyber resilience in the region.

At the Tallinn Digital Summit , stakeholders and representatives involved in the project explored challenges and pillars in making the Western Balkan cyberspace more secure. Moderated by Merle Maigre, Head of eGA’s Competence Centre on Cybersecurity, we hear from Dušan Polović, the Head of Cybersecurity Department of Montenegro, Igli Tafa, General Director of the National Authority for Electronic Certification and Cyber Security of Albania as well as Priit Vinkel, former Head of the Estonian State Electoral Office and e-Governance Academy Senior Expert about what it takes to learn, and bounce back, from cyber attacks.