Only 39% of Citizens Consider Western Balkans a Safe Place to Live

16.12.2024

Panel discussion “From Perceptions to Policies: Addressing Security, Governance, and Trust in the Western Balkans” at the SecuriMeter 2024 data presentation, on 16 December 2024 in Tirana (Photo: RCC/Henri Koci)

RCC Secretary General Unveils SecuriMeter 2024

Tirana, 16 December 2024—Today the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) presented the findings of SecuriMeter 2024 survey at an event held in Tirana, bringing together government representatives, diplomats, international organisations, security practitioners, and media. 

The SecuriMeter 2024 sheds light on public perceptions of security, governance, and trust across the Western Balkans, offering critical insights for shaping the region’s future. 

“Today, we are not merely presenting a report; we are amplifying the voices of thousands of citizens across the Western Balkans. Their stories remind us that security is not just a policy priority—it is a shared responsibility. These findings compel us to act, not with hesitation, but with urgency and determination,” said RCC Secretary General, Majlinda Bregu, at the event opening. 

The survey, conducted among 6,000 respondents across the region, paints a complex picture: 

• Only 39% of citizens agree that the Western Balkans is a safe place to live, highlighting persistent security concerns; 
• 48% fear a war between Western Balkan economies is likely, reflecting ongoing tensions; 
• 59% of citizens feel personally secure, but broader regional insecurities linger; 
• 36% identify depopulation as a major issue, with 23% planning or in the process of emigrating; 
• 83% believe corruption is widespread, emphasizing a critical need for governance reforms. 

The findings also spotlight pressing gendered security issues, with 66% of women identifying domestic violence as a significant threat and 54% citing sexual harassment as a real concern. Based on the available statistics in the region, on average, a woman is killed in the region every week. Majlinda Bregu emphasized. “These are not just statistics; they are calls to action. Women’s safety is a cornerstone of any secure and just society.”

The SecuriMeter 2024 findings offer a roadmap for addressing these challenges through strengthened regional cooperation, targeted policies, and enhanced trust-building initiatives. 

The RCC Secretary General emphasized the need for: 
·  Visible progress to restore public confidence, with only 31% of citizens believing the region will be more secure in the next 12 months;
·  Effective interventions addressing corruption, organised crime, and institutional weaknesses;
·  Comprehensive policies to address depopulation, gendered security issues, and economic challenges;
·  Deeper EU and NATO integration, as 31% of citizens recognise NATO’s role in regional stability.

Majlinda Bregu also reflected on RCC’s achievements during her tenure, highlighting progress in cybersecurity, firearms control, and regional cooperation. “By working together, we are not just enhancing security for the Western Balkans but contributing to a more stable and united Europe.”

The presentation included a dynamic panel discussion moderated by prominent journalist Lutfi Dervishi. The panel featured: Zhidas Daskalovski, Director of the School of Political Studies Mother Teresa; Alida Vračić, Executive Director of Populari; and Agon Maliqi, Policy Analyst and Co-founder of Sbunker.net. The panel explored practical steps to translate the report’s findings into actionable policies, focusing on governance, trust, and regional security. 

Since its inception in 2021, SecuriMeter has provided invaluable insights into public perceptions, serving as a tool for policymakers to craft evidence-based responses to emerging challenges. This year’s survey underscores the interconnected nature of security issues in the Western Balkans and the critical need for collective solutions. Funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, SecuriMeter is among the RCC’s flagship efforts to bridge the gap between perceptions and policies. 

More information on the findings and the full report is available at www.rcc.int/securimeter.