ABOUT THE PROJECT:
The ASCEND-WB6 project seeks to achieve two interconnected goals: enhancing regional security cooperation and driving the integration of the Western Balkans Six (WB6) into the European Union’s security and rule of law frameworks. These frameworks include key mechanisms such as the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) and the EU’s Annual Rule of Law Report. Through a combination of research, policy development, and targeted advocacy efforts, ASCEND-WB6 aims to: Develop a comprehensive policy blueprint to advance cooperation between ENISA and WB6 countries, with a focus on securing observer status and deepening cooperation; Provide a detailed assessment of regional approaches to foreign direct investment (FDI) screening and level of alignment with the EU’s FDI Regulation in WB6; and Advocate for the inclusion of all WB6 countries, including Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the EU’s Annual Rule of Law Report, fostering transparency and accountability. The project is led by the Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS).

LOCAL IMPACT:
The project highlights the critical importance of cybersecurity cooperation between WB6 countries. By advocating for closer ties with ENISA, the initiative seeks to empower local governments and institutions to prioritize cybersecurity and adopt international best practices. Considering that all WB6 face regular cyber attacks, working closer together on this issue, is common sense. By introducing the topic of foreign direct investment (FDI) screening to local discussions, ASCEND-WB6 aims to build awareness among policymakers, businesses, and civil society about the need for transparency and alignment with EU regulations, and build local pressure and scrutiny towards the public institutions on greater alignment with EU standards on screening FDI. Including Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina in the EU’s Annual Rule of Law Report would foster greater internal scrutiny and accountability.

REGIONAL IMPACT:
At the regional level, ASCEND-WB6 seeks to drive cooperation, both between civil society and between governments. The project galvanizes WB6 countries to form a united front on cybersecurity issues, enhancing their collective influence and advancing their shared goal of closer ties with ENISA, including securing observer status. By providing a detailed assessment of the region’s alignment with the EU’s FDI Regulation, ASCEND-WB6 fosters a harmonized approach that promotes rule of law. The project’s push to include all WB6 countries in the EU’s Annual Rule of Law Report promotes regional solidarity and greater scrutiny on rule of law performance of the WB6.

PROGRESS TO DATE:
ASCEND-WB6 has already achieved several milestones: Publication of a Study on ENISA-WB6 Relations; Dialogue with ENISA and the European Commission have been initiated, focusing on advancing WB6 integration into ENISA’s frameworks; Successful roundtables have been held in Tirana, Albania and Berlin, Germany, that received overwhelmingly positive feedback on strengthening cybersecurity cooperation between the EU and WB6, including enhanced relations with ENISA; A team of experts has been established to assess the alignment of WB6 countries with the EU’s FDI Regulation.