Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Amer Kapetanović, spoke at the Tirana Connectivity Forum 2025 today, addressing leaders, officials, and experts from across Europe and the Western Balkans. 

In his remarks, Kapetanović highlighted the importance of cooperation, trust, and timing in advancing the region’s European integration agenda, drawing on findings from the RCC’s flagship surveys - the Balkan Barometer and the SecuriMeter - which reflect both optimism and impatience among citizens. 

“Our citizens are telling us two things at once: they are optimistic about what Europe can bring, but they are anxious about whether it will really happen in time. That is why the Regional Cooperation Council focuses on turning optimism into delivery - reducing roaming charges, easing trade, strengthening mobility, advancing digital skills. These are tangible results that build trust, credibility, and resilience,” said Kapetanović. 

The RCC Secretary General underlined the Council’s role as a regional bridge, connecting EU members and aspirants through initiatives such as the Common Regional Market 2025 - 2028 and the Green Agenda, while preparing the region for future challenges like digital transformation and artificial intelligence. 

Kapetanović added: “Cautious optimism is not naïve. It means being realistic about the risks but refusing paralysis. Enlargement should not be remembered as fatigue, but as Europe’s renewal - with South East Europe at its heart”.  

On the margins of the Forum, Secretary General Kapetanović met with the Minister-designate for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, Elisa Spiropalli. They discussed Albania’s European integration path, regional cooperation priorities, and the importance of maintaining momentum in delivering concrete benefits to citizens.