As part of the National Thematic meetings, the IISG Secretariat held a meeting in Podgorica on the 19^th of April 2024, focusing on the Western Balkan Countering Serious Crime Initiative (WBCSCi) and the Western Balkan Border Security Initiative (WBBSi).

Key objectives of the meeting included the completion of the 2023 annual response mapping report and of the second needs mapping, including the new needs for the second phase of the IISG. Additionally, the meeting introduced new projects within the IISG database and discussed the integration of a new cybersecurity component into IISG’s strategy.

The representatives of Montenegro police for Pillar 2 Western Balkan Countering Serious Crime initiative (WBCSCi) and Pillar 3 Western Balkan Border Security initiative (WBBSi), supported by the National Coordinator at the Ministry of Interior, confirmed the readiness of their departments to engage in the new needs mapping and finalise the 2023 response report, and underlined the importance of the new cybersecurity dimension in the IISG process, pointing out that it will form a crucial part of their upcoming discussions.

This strategic meeting underscores the IISG’s commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and enhancing security measures across the Western Balkans, with a keen focus on addressing emerging challenges in Serious Crime and Border Security.