tion from violence or crime, others are highly specific, shaped by particular social, economic, or political contexts. From a sociological perspective, various societal structures have their own perceptions of security, which are embedded in their lifestyles, existence, and everyday activities. These perceptions serve as mechanisms for their progress and development, influencing how different groups interpret threats and respond to them. At the same time, security possesses an am­bivalent nature; it can sometimes pose challenges for analysts and policy­makers alike(Bigo, 2010; Clements, 1990). In the case of individuals, security culture may be defined as:“ the set of assumptions, attitudes, systems of rules, and behaviours that an individual adopts concerning their personal safety and security, which influence how they perceive, respond to, and manage security threats in their daily life.” (Svetlana Stanarević, personal interpretation). This includes personal prac ­tices, beliefs, and perceptions that are shaped by individual experiences, social environment, and cultural background. Security Culture as the Foundation of National and European Security: Development, Application, and Challenges When we talk about the national security culture, we are actually starting from presenting the security culture as a factor in the development of na­tional security. Security culture as a factor in the development of national security is a key aspect in shaping the stability of a state. It is formed from national culture and identity through strengthening national will, patriotic awareness, and citizens’ readiness to protect their vital values. This culture is directed towards achieving lasting national goals, which implies reliance on one’s own resources and capacities across various spheres of society. The transfer of national culture into security culture involves incorporating values such as unity, integrity, and a shared identity, which are fundamental for maintaining the stability and resilience of the state in the face of con­temporary challenges. National culture and mentality shape responses to global and transnational changes and organise collective thinking about security and identity. Al­though the importance of unity is emphasized in theory, it is often recognized that maintaining unity is difficult due to society’s diversity and complexity. Therefore, it is crucial to develop mechanisms for managing plurality and to strengthen a culture of tolerance, respect, and shared identity to prevent 50 NATIONAL SECURITY CULTURES- A VIEW FROM THE BALKANS