Skopje, 11 November 2025 (MIA) – Security in Europe cannot be complete without security in the Western Balkans. Our security cannot be sustainable without full integration into NATO and the EU, Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi said Tuesday opening the 10th Annual Regional Security Coordination Conference (“Jumbo”), titled “WB-EU: Shared Security, Shared Future.”

Skopje is hosting Tuesday and Wednesday the milestone edition of the annual conference on security coordination in the Western Balkans, organized the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) with the support of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Italian Ministry of Interior, in partnership with the Government of North Macedonia.

According to Gashi, the partnership with the EU should be enhanced in areas directly affecting the citizens’ everyday lives, including rule of law, economy, education, healthcare, social policies and joint security policies.

“The Western Balkans has only one alternative, which is the EU. Having in mind this geopolitical orientation, we have to be active participants in European policies, not only spectators. Political courage and unwavering commitment to this joint vision is expected of us,” stated Gashi.

Arben Fetai, the deputy prime minister in charge of good governance, addressing the event said security “isn’t born out of fear, it is born out of trust.” When institutions are transparent and responsible, he said, there is no room for abuse, corruption and arbitrariness. According to the Deputy PM, trust is the defining word of our time.

“It is the new currency of modern management, more valuable than any other, because without it there is no economic progress, political stability or institutional reforms.”

“We, the government, have organized the annual conference dedicated to peace and security. This year marks a milestone. The topics that will be discussed these couple of days involve security, organized crime and corruption, border security,” said Fetai noting that Macedonia is committed to regional security. 

Over these ten years, the Jumbo has become much more than a conference, said RCC Secretary General Amer Kapetanović in his opening address. “It’s a living network of trust. Together, we have built the region’s most reliable platform for dialogue on security and resilience. Today, our citizens face new threats, from organised crime and corruption to cyber and hybrid risks, but one truth remains unchanged: no one can face them alone. Cooperation is not just a strategic option; it is our only path to safety and stability. Because real security is not measured by weapons or walls, but by the trust and confidence our people place in their institutions,” he said.

Paolo Palminteri, Ambassador of Italy to North Macedonia, said Italy’s support and commitment to the Regional Cooperation Council is part of its strategy – full-fledged EU membership of all Western Balkan countries. He expressed hopes that Macedonia will be in the leading group.

On Wednesday, the event will include parallel working groups on migration, organized crime and cyber threats, tasked with preparing concrete recommendations on future steps.

Marking its 10th anniversary, the conference continues to serve as a cornerstone of the region’s collective efforts to enhance coordination, exchange best practices, and strengthen the Western Balkans’ contribution to a safer and more stable Europe, the RCC said in a press release. 

Photos: Deputy PM Fetai's office and RCC