RCC Secretary General calls for renewed momentum on regional cooperation, faster EU integration and delivery on existing commitments

Sveti Stefan, 22 October 2026 – Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Amer Kapetanović, called for renewed political determination to accelerate regional cooperation, advance the Common Regional Market (CRM), promote reconciliation, and deliver on existing commitments at today’s Berlin Process Leaders’ Summit in Sveti Stefan, Montenegro.

Addressing the leaders of the Western Balkans Six, and European and international partners, Kapetanović stressed that the changing geopolitical environment and renewed momentum in EU enlargement require the region to move faster, pave the way for reconciliation, strengthen economic integration and overcome obstacles to practical cooperation. Reflecting on the achievements of the Berlin Process, including roaming and regional mobility agreements, Kapetanović emphasised that these results were made possible through sustained political support, regional ownership and close cooperation with the European Union and its Member States. 

“The momentum of regional cooperation is not where it needs to be. Technical progress too often moves faster than political decisions, and decisions faster than implementation,” said Kapetanović. Looking ahead to the next Berlin Process Summit, the RCC Secretary General outlined three priorities: strengthening the Berlin Process as a catalyst for EU enlargement and regional integration, through gradual access to the EU Single Market, further developing the Common Regional Market to attract investment and create jobs, and accelerating the implementation of commitments on the free movement of people, goods and services within the region, thus promoting reconciliation.

“Our credibility is being tested: we still promise more than we deliver. We must finish what we promised on the free movement of people, goods and services across the region,” he stressed. Kapetanović also underlined that regional cooperation remains essential to Europe’s wider security, stability and resilience, stressing that a stable, connected Western Balkans, firmly anchored in European rules and standards, is an integral part of a secure Europe.

Over the past year, the RCC, together with governments and regional and European partners, has worked intensively on developing practical initiatives under the Berlin Process agenda, based on the CRM Action Plan and the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, following the commitments made at the 2025 London Summit. These efforts have focused on facilitating investment, supporting start-ups and small businesses, strengthening links with European industry, advancing digital connectivity and accelerating the region’s green transition.

The RCC’s contribution to Montenegro’s 2026 Berlin Process Chairmanship also included several concrete achievements. In September, the RCC organised the Third Ministerial Meeting on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans in Žabljak, where the region endorsed the 2026 Ministerial Declaration and key regional initiatives on climate adaptation, biodiversity protection, forest restoration and reducing plastic pollution. The eighth Western Balkans Digital Summit, held in Herceg Novi on 13-14 October, organised by Montenegro’s Ministry of Public Administration, under the auspices of the Government of Montenegro, and in partnership with the Regional Cooperation Council, welcomed the RCC-developed regional Artificial Intelligence Roadmap, and concluded with priorities for digital identity, more affordable roaming with the EU, cybersecurity and stronger digital connectivity. The Roadmap was endorsed at today’s Berlin Process Leaders’ Summit. Earlier, on 30 September in Budva, the RCC facilitated the launch of the WB6–EU Industrial Parks Partnership, connecting seven industrial parks and business zones from the Western Balkans Six with six EU counterparts to strengthen industrial cooperation, investment opportunities and integration into European value chains.

The Berlin Process Leaders’ Summit marks the conclusion of Montenegro'’s 2026 Chairmanship, bringing together regional and European leaders to review progress and set priorities for the next phase of regional cooperation and European integration.) 

More info:
Full speech by RCC SG
Third Annual Ministerial Meeting on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans (GAWB)
Western Balkans Digital Summit (WBDS) 
WB6-EU Industrial Parks Partnership  
CRM