Skopje, 2 December 2023 (MIA) – Interior Minister Oliver Spasovski spoke Saturday at the regional conference “Utilizing the momentum for enlargement in the changed European security environment.” He highlighted that the security situation is currently stable, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs is closely monitoring all developments.

The event is organized by the Progress Institute for Social Democracy and the Kalevi Sorsa Foundation from Finland.

Spasovski, as reported by his office, stated that examples of security risks to our country, the Western Balkans region, and the entire European continent are numerous and interlinked.

“In accordance with strategic documents and assessments in the current era of peace, the probability of armed aggression as a direct threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state is considered minimal. In the era of globalization and demographic change, states are currently vulnerable to threats such as asymmetric, hybrid, and cyber threats, as well as threats from non-state actors of non-military nature, natural disasters, technological catastrophes, and epidemics. Regarding the identified security challenges, threats, and risks, it is imperative for North Macedonia to consistently develop resilience, capacities, and capabilities to address them,” Spasovski said.

“Hybrid attacks use manipulations to achieve specific influence in favor of a particular center of power. The objective of hybrid attacks is to affect the public (spreading insecurity, fear, panic, and distrust towards institutions) or processes significant for making key decisions,” Spasovski noted.

Referring to threats of this nature, Spasovski, as reported by his office, emphasized that North Macedonia faced challenges during its NATO membership process amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Russian aggression against Ukraine, and the EU membership accession processes.

He also added that NATO consistently coordinates with its allies, shares information, and publicly refutes false claims by exposing the main narratives of disinformation about NATO, involving the media.

“In line with the recommendations of the EU, the government adopted the Strategy for Building Resilience and Dealing with Hybrid Threats (2021-2025) in December 2021. This strategy encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at tackling the challenges posed by disinformation and hybrid threats. Last year, more than 720 locations were targeted by 964 false reports that we received, sent from over 60 different email addresses. The Ministry of Internal Affairs worked at full capacity, actively identifying and locating potential perpetrators whose goal was to spread panic among the citizens,” Spasovski said.

Spasovski also highlighted that a top priority is combating organized crime and corruption, along with enhancing capacities for conducting financial investigations.

In the context of combating terrorism and violent extremism, Spasovski mentioned that by enhancing the coordinating structures, including the appointment of a National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Prevention of Violent Extremism, along with his two deputies, and the establishment of the National Committee for the Prevention of Violent Extremism and Counterterrorism, they have created a structure that provides support and continuously monitors and analyzes the situation with violent extremism, radicalization, and counterterrorism.

In conclusion, as reported, Spasovski highlighted that as a country partnering with the EU and a candidate for EU membership, we share the responsibility and commitment of the EU in managing migration flows and suppressing illegal migration and transnational crime.

"In this context, I must highlight the agreement with Frontex, whose entry into force allows, at the request of our country, the deployment of Frontex police officers at critical points on the border, in collaboration with our police officers. This contributes to an increased level of cooperation, exchange of experiences and knowledge, as well as the ability to utilize all of Frontex's equipment. In this context, I would like to note that on April 19, 2023, the Frontex ‘Joint Operation in North Macedonia’ was launched, serving as a true example of effective operational collaboration," Spasovski said.

He expressed confidence that we will soon obtain new benchmarks as a result of EU accession negotiations, contributing to ongoing reforms, progress, and eventual alignment with European standards. The goal is to ensure increased security, thereby fostering a better and higher-quality life for all.

Photo: Interior Ministry