North Macedonia strengthens counter-terrorism resilience through prevention-focused training

Fighting terrorism remains a top priority for the European Union as well as for the Western Balkans (WB) region.  Findings from the 2022 Regional Operational Training Needs Analysis (OTNA) identify counter-terrorism prevention as a top priority for law enforcement in North Macedonia, with particular focus on detecting radicalisation in prisons and identifying radical content online. In response to these challenges, CEPOL, through the WB PaCT project in partnership with Europol, implemented a counter-terrorism prevent training in Skopje from 9 to 13 June 2025, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior of North Macedonia.

The training gathered North Macedonian law enforcement to explore key aspects of a prevention-based counter-terrorism approach, including OSINT techniques, protection of soft targets, and critical infrastructure. It also emphasized coordination with local communities to strengthen resilience against extremism.

The programme benefited from the expertise of professionals representing CEPOL, Europol, the Ministry of Interior of North Macedonia, the Belgian Federal Police, the Faculty of Political Sciences in Sarajevo (FPN), the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), and the Strong Cities Network. Their contributions ensured a rich exchange of knowledge, good practices, and operational perspectives, tailored to the specific needs and challenges faced by national stakeholders.

“The activity’s structure provided an ideal platform to share practical insights and foster meaningful discussions. It was a valuable opportunity to deepen the understanding of how prevention strategies can be implemented effectively,” said Denis Janev, Chief Counsellor for International Training.

This training initiative reflects CEPOL’s ongoing commitment to supporting long-term capacity building in the Western Balkans and promoting a coordinated response to terrorism. By investing in national expertise and cross-institutional cooperation, the WB PaCT project contributes to addressing key security gaps and enhancing operational coordination in line with EU priorities.