Safety Concerns in the Western Balkans

The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) recently presented the findings of the SecuriMeter 2024 survey in Tirana, revealing alarming safety concerns among citizens in the Western Balkans. The survey, which included responses from 6,000 individuals across the region, highlights a significant lack of confidence in regional security and governance, prompting urgent calls for action.

Key Takeaways

• Only 39% of citizens consider the Western Balkans a safe place to live.
• 48% fear the possibility of war between regional economies.
• 59% feel personally safe, but broader regional insecurity persists.
• 83% believe corruption is widespread, indicating a need for governance reforms.
• Significant gendered concerns: 66% of women see domestic violence as a major threat.

Overview Of The Survey Findings

The SecuriMeter 2024 survey results paint a complex picture of public perception regarding safety and governance in the Western Balkans. The RCC’s General Secretary, Majlinda Bregu, emphasized that the survey not only presents data but also amplifies the voices of citizens who are increasingly concerned about their safety and the stability of the region.

Among the key findings:

1. Safety Perception: Only 39% of respondents believe the Western Balkans is a safe place to live, reflecting ongoing security challenges.
2. Fear of Conflict: Nearly half (48%) of the respondents fear that war could erupt between the economies of the Western Balkans, a sentiment that underscores existing tensions, particularly between Serbia and Kosovo.
3. Personal Safety: While 59% of citizens feel safe in their immediate surroundings, the overarching sense of insecurity at the regional level remains a significant concern.
4. Depopulation Issues: 36% of respondents identified population loss as a critical issue, with 23% either planning to emigrate or already in the process of doing so.
5. Corruption Concerns: A staggering 83% of citizens perceive corruption as widespread, highlighting the urgent need for governance reforms.

Gendered Security Concerns

The survey also revealed troubling gender-specific safety issues. A significant 66% of women identified domestic violence as a serious threat, while 54% expressed concern over sexual harassment. The statistics are stark, with an average of one woman murdered every week in the region, emphasizing the need for immediate action to protect women’s safety.

Call to Action

Bregu’s remarks during the presentation underscored the necessity for decisive action in response to these findings. She called for:

• Visible Progress: Only 31% of citizens believe the region will be safer in the next year, indicating a lack of public confidence.
• Effective Interventions: Addressing corruption, organized crime, and institutional weaknesses is crucial for restoring trust.
• Comprehensive Policies: Strategies must be developed to tackle depopulation, gender security issues, and economic challenges.
• Deeper Integration: Strengthening ties with the EU and NATO is essential, as 31% of citizens recognize NATO’s role in regional stability.

Conclusion

The SecuriMeter 2024 survey serves as a critical tool for policymakers, providing insights into public perceptions and the urgent need for reforms in governance and security. The findings highlight the interconnected nature of security issues in the Western Balkans and the necessity for collaborative solutions to foster a safer and more stable region.

Sources

• Only 39 Percent of Citizens consider the Western Balkans safe – Sarajevo Times, Sarajevo Times.
• Only 39% of citizens consider the Western Balkans a safe place to live, Majlinda Bregu presents SecuriMeter 2024 – Ballkani, A2 CNN.
• RCC: Only 39% of citizens consider the Western Balkans a safe place to live – KOHA.net, KOHA.net.
• Research by RCC: Almost half of the citizens of the Western Balkans believe that war in the region is a real possibility, Vijesti.me.
• "SecuriMeter 2024": In the Balkans, 48% of citizens are afraid of conflicts – Monitor Magazine, Revista Monitor.