Skopje, 7 October 2021 (MIA) – Violent extremism and terrorism is not only a global but also a national threat that requires institutional efforts to be enhanced in combating the phenomenon, Interior Minister Oliver Spasovski said Thursday. He attended a closing exercise after Special Anti-Terrorist Unit members underwent a month-long training as part of a project on strengthening coordination capacities to prevent and fight against violent extremism and terrorism. Italian Ambassador Andrea Silvestri and EU Delegation officials were also in attendance. Backed by the EU, the Interior Ministry has been working to strengthen the capacities of all its units so as to establish police forces in the service of the citizens and the society all the while being recognized as a credible and important factor in bilateral and multilateral police activities. It is the first EU-funded project for prevention from violent extremism and terrorism in North Macedonia and in the Balkans implemented by the Carabinieri, Italy’s national gendarmerie, said Ambassador Silvestri. Thanking Minister Spasovski and other top officials of the Interior Ministry for the cooperation in several spheres, he said the Italian government through the Italian embassy in Skopje remains open to implementing other important project being the country’s strong supporter and partner. The project includes activities requiring inter-institutional approach, development strategy with special methods, tactics and techniques in tackling violent extremism and terrorism, especially in protecting public good, crucial infrastructure and public protection, according to Freek Janmaat of the EU Delegation to North Macedonia. Experts of the Carabinieri’s Special Intervention Unit conducted the training.