What are the security challenges facing the Western Balkans and how to respond in the right way, are the questions that the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Report presented in Tirana attempted to answer.
Since security has become a priority for both the region and its partners, the aim of the research was to create an environment that will adopt recommendations and bring greater security.
The meeting in Tirana brought together representatives of the government, diplomacy, international organizations, security experts and media representatives.
“Sikurimeter 2024” provides a clearer picture of public opinion on security, governance and trust in the Western Balkans, and provides very important information for shaping the future of the region, the RCC announced.
“Today we are not just presenting a report, but we are making the voices of thousands of citizens from across the Western Balkans clearly heard. Their stories remind us that security is not just a policy priority but a shared responsibility,” said RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu.
She noted that the results of the survey call for urgent and decisive action, not hesitation.
The survey was conducted among 6,000 respondents from all parts of the region, and the results showed that 48 percent of them fear a possible war between the Western Balkan economies, reflecting existing tensions, while 59 percent of citizens feel personally safe, but insecurities at the regional level are still present.
According to the survey, 36 percent of respondents cited population loss as a major problem, while 23 percent plan or are in the process of emigrating, and 83 percent believe that corruption is widespread, highlighting the need for urgent governance reforms.
Some 66 percent of women consider domestic violence to be a major threat, while 54 percent cited sexual harassment as a real concern.
“Based on available regional statistics, an average of one woman is murdered every week in this region. These are not just statistics, this is a call to action. Women’s safety is the backbone of any just society,” Bregu noted.
The survey results provide guidance for overcoming these challenges by strengthening regional cooperation, targeted policies and intensifying trust-building initiatives, the statement added.
The 2021 “Sikjurimeter” survey has provided invaluable insights into public opinion and serves as a tool for policymakers to develop evidence-based responses to emerging challenges, BHRT writes.
