Sarajevo – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) has officially launched the South East European (SEE) Regional Network on Disaster Risk Insurance and Risk Sharing, marking a significant step in enhancing disaster resilience across SEE. The decision, adopted today by the RCC Board, reflects a strong regional commitment to developing effective risk-sharing mechanisms, in line with the SEE 2030 Strategy.

"This is a major milestone for our region," said RCC Secretary General Amer Kapetanovic. "Strengthening disaster risk insurance and sharing mechanisms will help our economies and citizens better prepare for and recover from natural disasters. This initiative, initially proposed by the RCC last year in Istanbul, has now become a reality with full regional support." 

The RCC Secretary General also informed the Board about key developments when it comes to regional cooperation, and presented his Regular Report on activities from 1 October 2024 to 28 February 2025. RCC Board participants praised the efforts of the organisation in advancing key regional priorities, strongly reconfirmed their support for RCC’s work and future plans and unanimously adopted the Report. Additionally, the Third Annual Interim Implementation Report of the SEE2030 Strategy was submitted, outlining key progress and challenges in regional sustainable development.

The Board also had the opportunity to hear about the impact of SEESAC (South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons), a joint initiative of UNDP and RCC. 
"SEESAC’s success in tackling illicit arms trafficking in the Western Balkans has now led to its solutions being replicated globally, including in Central America and the Caribbean," noted Kapetanovic. "This is a clear example of how our region is becoming an exporter of security solutions." 

Ahead of the Board meeting, the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) Troika, the RCC Secretariat, and the European Union held a Coordination Meeting to align regional activities and priorities, followed by the meeting between the RCC and the representatives of Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Western Balkans Six who were briefed on the implementation and 2025 plans of the Common Regional Market (CRM) 2 Action Plan. 

"Through transparent dialogue and strategic cooperation, we continue to drive meaningful progress for South East Europe," concluded Kapetanovic. "Our commitment to regional cooperation remains stronger than ever."

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About RCC Board

Chaired by the Secretary General, the RCC Board convenes three times annually, with preparations organised by the Secretary General in collaboration with the SEECP CiO. The RCC Board provides operational guidance and supervision of the organisation in-between its Annual Meetings.

About the SEE Regional Network on Disaster Risk Insurance and Risk Sharing

The SEE Regional Network on Disaster Risk Insurance and Risk Sharing serves as a regional networking mechanism for representatives of insurance sector regulatory authorities, as well as insurance and reinsurance sector associations of the SEECP Participants. This Network will facilitate discussions on expanding and deepening regional cooperation, exchanging experiences, and enhancing information-sharing efforts in disaster risk insurance schemes and risk-sharing. Its establishment aligns with the SEE2030 Strategy, reinforcing regional resilience and preparedness against natural disasters.