From 28 May to 4 June 2025, the city of Lyon, France, hosted the latest activity under the European project “Enhancing the Protection of Public Spaces and Critical Infrastructure in the Western Balkans,” funded by the European Commission. As part of the project’s implementation phase and under the component “Protection of Public Spaces,” the activity was designed as a hybrid format combining a seminar and practical/demonstrative exercises. The event brought together around 40 participants from the six beneficiary countries in the Western Balkans: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.

Under the leadership of Civipol, experts from the four implementing countries – France, Italy, Croatia, and Greece – shared EU best practices in the protection of public spaces during major public events, especially sporting events. Topics included the roles of state agencies, relevant EU legislation, and operational approaches to improving public space security.

Albania was represented by Ms. Lejdi Dervishi, National Coordinator for Countering and Preventing Violent Extremism, along with senior officials and experts from the General Directorate of State Police. The overall objective of the activity was to strengthen the operational capacities of competent national authorities, foster regional cooperation, and improve preparedness and response to threats and attacks in public spaces. The workshop was conducted in a highly collaborative and engaging atmosphere, reinforcing the shared commitment of participating countries to enhancing public safety and resilience.