Ohrid, 29 August 2022 (MIA) – Despite being the most recent NATO member, North Macedonia has proven it can serve as model that actively contributes to the region’s stability and security, Defense Minister Slavjanka Petrovska told the closing of the 10th Marshall Center Alumni Security Forum in Ohrid on Monday. Referring to the war in Ukraine, Minister Petrovska said it affects the security of Europe, including the Western Balkans, where open issues can still threaten security and stability, along with the rising malignant foreign meddling, hybrid threats, cyber attacks and disinformation, the Ministry of Defense said in a press release. “NATO and EU should continue to cooperate closely and be more active in the region. NATO allies and EU members should find innovative ways to help close the remaining open issues between countries in this part of Europe. Now more than ever, Euro-Atlantic and European integration of the area should be seen as a tool for improvement of security and consolidation of stability in this region and beyond. A fully integrated Western Balkans will made Europe stronger,” said Petrovska. At the forum sidelines, Minister Petrovska and Marshall Center director, retired General Barre Seguin referred to the importance of integrating the Western Balkans in the EU and thus strengthening European stability, but also the joint fight against security challenges arising from disinformation, hybrid threats and cyber attacks by third parties, reads the press release.