On October 15, 2024, the 16th meeting of the Regional Network of National Coordinators for Counterterrorism and Violent Extremism for the Western Balkans was held in Sarajevo, organized by IISG with the support of the regional coordinator for EU Counterterrorism and Security.

The purpose of the meeting was to assess the current situation regarding terrorist and extremist threats, as well as to discuss the progress of the 2018 Joint Action Plan. Participants, including high-level officials from Western Balkan countries, the EU, and international organizations, discussed the review of the existing plan and preparations for a new one, sharing insights on upcoming challenges.

Ms. Lejdi Dervishi, National Coordinator for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism from Albania, emphasized the importance of the National Referral Mechanism and psychosocial support for individuals in the process of “disengagement” from radicalization. Albania’s positive experience at the national level, under the coordination of the Ministry of Internal Affairs regarding the implementation of the Joint Action Plan, was acknowledged by regional counterparts. The meeting concluded with commitments to continue efforts in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism in the region, while EU representatives confirmed their support for the enlargement process in the Balkans.