Tirana – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), in partnership with the Ministry for European and International Affairs of Austria (BMEIA), presented the winner of the Champion of Regional Cooperation Dr Erhard Busek Award for 2024 – Agelast Podcast, for its outstanding contribution to fostering dialogue, understanding, and cultural exchange across South East Europe, at the ceremony held in Tirana on 15 June 2025. 

“This award is a reminder that regional cooperation is built not only in meeting rooms or through official agreements, but also in the minds of people. Agelast Podcast has succeeded in building a space where voices from across the region are heard with respect and curiosity. In doing so, it strengthens the fabric of understanding we all need. I warmly congratulate Galeb Nikačević and his team of Agelast Podcast,” said Amer Kapetanović, RCC Secretary General.

This year’s laureate, Agelast Podcast, was selected by an independent jury, consisting of Ms Bojana Balon, Director of SEESAC; Dr Klaus Wölfer, former Austrian Ambassador and current Board member of the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe; and Mr Shenasi Iseni, RCC Senior Political Advisor; for creating a unique platform of open, thoughtful, and inclusive conversations that transcend borders and foster a culture of dialogue across the Western Balkans. The winner receives a financial award of EUR 10,000 sponsored by BMEIA. 

“We are proud to support this award, which honours the human dimension of cooperation in South East Europe. Agelast Podcast demonstrates how dialogue and creativity can overcome divisions and connect people, a vision very much in line with the values that Dr Erhard Busek championed throughout his life,” said Austrian Ambassador to Albania, Monika Zach, speaking on behalf of the Austrian Ministry for European and International Affairs. 

The award, established by the RCC in 2013 and renamed in 2022 to honour the late Dr Erhard Busek, former Special Coordinator of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe, celebrates individuals and organisations that advance regional cooperation guided by European values and principles.

"This recognition is not just an honour and a privilege - it goes much deeper than that. Coming from a background that allowed me to see potential where others may see division, I’ve always believed in the power of connection. Agelast Podcast was a conscious decision - a platform to connect people, to be the change or inspire one in others. Being named a Champion of Regional Cooperation is deeply meaningful because it speaks to the very core of our mission and identity. We see this not as a destination, but as a baton - one we proudly carry today and hope to pass on to others in the years to come,"said Galeb Nikačević, creator and host of Agelast Podcast, accepting the award. 

Previous laureates of the Champion of Regional Cooperation Award include the Sarajevo Film Festival, EXIT Festival, Youth Sports Games, No Borders Orchestra, You are a Sunflower Foundation and others who have made a lasting impact on promoting regional dialogue and understanding.

The RCC and its partners remain committed to supporting initiatives that bring the people of South East Europe closer together and foster the region’s European future.

The award ceremony took place on the margins of the RCC Annual Meeting, alongside the SEECP Summit and the Meeting of SEECP Foreign Ministers, bringing together key regional stakeholders.