Sarajevo – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) marked 18 years since its establishment  at an annual reception held in Sarajevo last night, in the presence of partners, representatives of RCC participants, international organisations and members of the diplomatic community. The anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on nearly two decades of regional cooperation and to reaffirm the organisation’s commitment to adapting to a rapidly changing international environment.

Formally launched at the South East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) meeting held on 27 February 2008 in Sofia, as the successor to the Stability Pact for South East Europe, the RCC was conceived as a cooperation-building mechanism. Eighteen years later, it has evolved into a long-term economic, security, social and political cooperation hub, ensuring continuity of dialogue and joint action even in challenging political times. 

Over the years, its role has expanded beyond facilitation, positioning the RCC as a catalyst of the Berlin Process and a platform for translating political commitments into concrete regional action. Through initiatives such as the Common Regional Market, the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans and South East Europe 2030 Strategy, the RCC supports reform, connectivity and sustainable growth across South East Europe.

Addressing partners and guests at the reception, RCC Secretary General Amer Kapetanović placed the milestone in a broader regional context: “This year, we mark thirty years of the SEECP, eighteen years of the RCC, twenty years of CEFTA and CEI, and ten years of RYCO. These anniversaries matter because they signal continuity. The RCC comes of age in a very different world than it did 18 years ago, and we are fully aware of the challenges ahead. But we are ready to adapt—with clarity and purpose. We will sharpen our focus on people-oriented deliverables. We will safeguard trust, mutual respect, and ownership among partners. And we will fully exercise the RCC’s convening power. In times of polarization, keeping all regional actors engaged in structured and inclusive dialogue is not symbolic—it is essential. We define efficiency not by speed at any cost, but by focus, credibility, and implementation that endures. Business as usual is not an option, but neither are shortcuts that undermine long-term confidence."

As the operational secretariat of the SEECP, which brings together 13 participants from South East Europe, the RCC provides the institutional structure and political space necessary to sustain cooperation across the region. Over the past 18 years, RCC-led cooperation has contributed to tangible improvements for citizens and businesses across the region. These include the roaming-free Western Balkans regime, a dramatic reduction, of up to 99 percent, in roaming charges between the Western Balkans and the European Union, greater freedom of movement with ID cards, mutual recognition of academic and professional qualifications, and coordinated implementation of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans.

Beyond project implementation, the RCC has developed trusted regional tools that inform policymaking both in the region and in Brussels, including the annual Balkan Barometer public and business opinion survey, SecuriMeter, the first regional security perception index, and the Western Balkans Employment Observatory.

With a Board composed of 25 participants, including 14 European Union Member States and five G20 members, the RCC reflects the global relevance of South East Europe within wider European and international frameworks. Headquartered in Sarajevo, with a Liaison Office in Brussels, the organisation acts as a bridge between regional needs and international decision-making.

Marking eighteen years of existence, the RCC reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening coherence, maintaining political discipline and ensuring that regional cooperation remains a strategic choice, rooted in shared responsibility and long-term vision.

Read full speech by RCC Secretary General

More info rcc.int