Core Contribution to the Regional Cooperation Council

For many years and determined by subsequent governments, the priority of foreign policy of the six Western Balkan countries has been their accession to the European Union. In recent years, this process has slowed down. Despite the renewed commitment by the EU to the region, concrete accession perspectives remain uncertain.

Given the continued political tensions in the Western Balkan, the promotion of regional cooperation is of outmost importance. 

Direct beneficiary is the Secretariat of the Regional Cooperation Council in Sarajevo.

Intermediary beneficiaries are the participating States from the South Eastern Europe region.

End beneficiaries are the citizens of the Western Balkan countries who benefit from the easing of travel and business barriers in the region, regionally aligned public policies and tangible steps towards EU accession. 

Outcome 1: The RCC, as a respected regional actor, contributes to the political cooperation and regional security and fosters the dialogue and cooperation among the member countries.

Outcome 2: Joint regional interventions contribute to the alignment of the member countries with the EU standards and regulations and enhance the regional economic integration.

Expected results:  

The South Eastern Europe 2030 Strategy is a joint call for action by all participating economies. It seeks to promote the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals within the region.

The Western Balkan countries have committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, by endorsing the Green Agenda for the Western Balkan. It also aims to unlock circular economy, combat pollution and promotes green energy transition.

The Western Balkan economies are expected to participate more in EU frameworks and initiatives in the area of digital skills and strengthen their cyber security.

The overall competitiveness of the region is to improve, via investment, policy reforms and the development of industrial alliances and partnerships in different domains such as tourism or creative industry. The Regional Cooperation Council will also support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises by enhancing networking, information exchange and financing tools.

The Regional Cooperation Council will support institutions with the aim to promote equality and reduce discrimination towards vulnerable groups. 

Results from previous phases:  

In recent years the Regional Cooperation Council contributed to the signing of a regional roaming agreement, which removed additional roaming charges for citizens in the Western Balkans.

The agreement on freedom of movement signed in 2022 (and currently in ratification phase) shall allow citizens of the Western Balkan to travel with only identity cards which will facilitate administrative procedures and reduce waiting time at borders.

Another important milestone is the recognition of higher education qualifications for doctors of medicine, dentists and architects in the Western Balkan, that is also in ratification process.