News Archive
Opportunity for SEE students: RCC to provide one scholarship for College of Europe Tirana Campus as of 2024
18 Mar 2024
Sarajevo – The participants of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Board approved the Report of the RCC Secretary General, Majlinda Bregu, on the activities of the organisation in the period November 2023 – February 2024, and commended the work of RCC, confirming their full approval ...
RCC announces Western Balkans Women Entrepreneurs of the Year for 2023
12 Mar 2024
Sarajevo - Western Balkans Women Entrepreneurs of the Year for 2023 are: Rigerta Loku - Green Woman Entrepreneur; Ilda Humić - Social Star Woman Entrepreneur; Hana Qerimi - Young Woman Entrepreneur; Nikolina Kovačević - Tourism Woman Entrepreneur; Irena Chaushevska Danilovska - ICT Woman ...
Western Balkans Women Entrepreneurs of the Year to be announced at a RCC-hosted ceremony tonight
12 Mar 2024
Sarajevo – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is to present the 2023 Western Balkans Women Entrepreneurs of the Year at a ceremony to take place this evening in Sarajevo.
Women’s economic empowerment is not a luxury
08 Mar 2024
“The most dangerous phrase in the language is “We’ve always done it this way”. It’s 8 March today, and the buzzword you are getting from all around is “Women’s day”. So, the note of ours on this day is on women. Women continue to face disadvantage ...
Bregu: The time is ticking on defining the future of our region
29 Feb 2024
Tirana - In a Joint Statement issued at the Growth and Convergence for the Western Balkans Six Conference held in Tirana today the Leaders of the Western Balkans Six (WB6) commended the work of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), underscored the region's commitment to integration and ...
Bregu: Circular economy strategies can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create hundred thousands of jobs and unlock trillion dollars worth economic opportunity
08 Feb 2024
The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) launched the Western Balkans Green and Circular Economy Stakeholders Platform, consisting of government, business, donor, and CSO representatives, at a high-level meeting taking place in Pristina today.
RCC: Nominations for Western Balkans Women Entrepreneurs of the Year 2023 are open
01 Feb 2024
Sarajevo – For the third year in a row, Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is pleased to announce that the nominations for the Western Balkans Women Entrepreneurs of the Year 2023 have officially begun.
New Phase of the Common Regional Market to Be Ready for Leaders' Endorsement at the Next Berlin Process Summit
22 Jan 2024
Skopje - The Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Majlinda Bregu, took part in the Western Balkans Meets EU, a WB leaders' meeting in Skopje today. The meeting dedicated to the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans has been hosted by the Prime Minister of North Macedonia, ...
The Second EU-Western Balkan Youth Forum, hosted by the RCC, ends in Novi Sad
15 Dec 2023
The second edition of the EU Balkan Youth Forum (EUBYF), organised by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) in cooperation and with funding of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, as well as RCC’s EU-funded WB Youth Lab project (WBYL), ended in Novi ...
Bregu: Fully functional Common Regional Market can be our vessel to the EU Single Market
13 Dec 2023
Brussels - The European Union (EU) and Western Balkan (WB) leaders reiterated the shared commitment to step up the efforts to enhance integration of the Western Balkans with the EU single market, with the WB Common Regional Market (CRM) serving as a stepping stone for region’s EU integration, ...
RCC Reveals Winners of the 2023 Regional Butterfly Innovation Award
12 Dec 2023
Sofia – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) revealed the winners of the 2023 Regional Butterfly Innovation Award, at a ceremony RCC organized with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, held in Sofia today. “Congratulations - we hope the Butterfly Innovation Award supports ...
European Union-Western Balkans Cooperation in Focus This Week
11 Dec 2023
RCC to present winners of the Regional Butterfly Innovation Award 2023 in Sofia The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is to present the winners of the second edition of Regional Butterfly Innovation Award at a ceremony co-organised with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria, on ...
Bregu: Can you put a price tag on people leaving the region? In a way, yes, you can.
24 Nov 2023
Western Balkans is ranked among some of the economies most affected by brain drain, with expectations to lose around one million young people in the coming decade. People leaving the region does not only pose a risk to workforce availability but also threatens additional pressure to health ...
RCC Secretary General promotes regional cooperation at the Elcano Royal Institute in Madrid
23 Nov 2023
Madrid – The Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Majlinda Bregu, took part at the event dedicated to the discussion on the Western Balkans accession to the European Union and the role of regional cooperation and RCC, organised within the Spanish Presidency of ...
RCC Secretary General meets Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister in Chisinau
21 Nov 2023
The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretary General Majlinda Bregu was in a visit to Moldova today where she met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration, Nicu Popescu, to discuss the EU integration of the region and Moldova’s role in ...
Bregu: Brain Drain is Becoming not just Human Capital but Security Issue Too
14 Nov 2023
Rome - "Migration is becoming one of the biggest problems of today, because countries are emptying. Not just those that result in the inflow of migrants to our region, but also because of the emigration from our region further to the west. Hence, the term of security challenges is dramatically ...
RCC Board praises the work of the organisation and its Secretary General
08 Nov 2023
Sarajevo – Opening the 50th meeting of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Board in Sarajevo today, the RCC Secretary General, Majlinda Bregu, shared positive outcomes and feedback to the start of implementation of EU-WB Roaming Reductions and the results of continuing regional cooperation ...
Bregu: It is precisely in our diversity that the true potential for cooperation lies
23 Oct 2023
Bruges - “The Western Balkans is like a canvas, painted with all hues of history and diversity, a tapestry of languages, cultures, and painful conflict. Yet it is precisely in this diversity that the true potential for cooperation lies. But, Western Balkans is Europe. Since the EU enlargement ...
Imagine. Innovate. Create: RCC opens applications for Butterfly Innovation Award 2023
19 Oct 2023
Sarajevo – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is inviting creative minds to apply for the 2nd round of Regional Butterfly Innovation Award for innovative, scalable, and market-based solutions from the Western Balkans. The Butterfly Innovation Award fund is set at 30,000 EUR, where ...
Bregu: Another agreement prepared by the RCC signed today in Tirana
16 Oct 2023
Tirana – The Heads of Governments of the Western Balkans Six signed one more agreement under the Common Regional Market (CRM) Action Plan’s mobility agenda, a process facilitated by the RCC - on the recognition of professional qualifications of nurses, veterinary surgeons, pharmacists, ...
Bregu: Role of Parliaments in the Berlin Process is to transform the pledges to reality
13 Oct 2023
Tirana - "The ultimate legal responsibility in the ratification process of most of regional agreements and commitments lies with the parliaments. This once again makes evident the need for stronger engagement of Parliaments in this process, not only to formally add to its democratic legitimacy ...
Bregu: Supporting cities in accelerating their transition to environmentally-friendly & digitally advanced urban environments is imperative
12 Oct 2023
Tirana – The first Local Self-Governments Forum, organised by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) together with the Municipality of Tirana and the Network of Association of Local Authorities of South East Europe (NALAS), opened in Tirana today.
Tirana: RCC to host the first regional Local Self-Governments Forum
11 Oct 2023
Tirana - The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is inviting you to the first Local Self-Governments Forum on 12 October in the Pyramid of Tirana. The Forum: Unlocking the Future: Innovate, Eco-vate, Elevate - Western Balkans Unite for Smart Cities, is being organised by the RCC, together with ...
Bregu: Making the enlargement credible both for the region and the EU lies ahead of us, with keys in our hands
06 Oct 2023
Tirana – “A success story of EU-rules based regional cooperation and a symbolic entry ticket to EU single market saw the light of the day on 1 October – when the EU-Western Balkans roaming reductions came into effect. A demonstration of commitments made and pledges upkept. ...
Bregu: By working on digital transformation we are working on Europeanisation of our region
04 Oct 2023
Sarajevo – The sixth Western Balkans Digital Summit (WBDS), hosted by Bosnia and Herzegovina and supported by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), opened this morning in Sarajevo.
Bregu: Balkathon is a platform for development of young people's entrepreneurial skills and creating new jobs
03 Oct 2023
Sarajevo - The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) presents winners of the fourth Western Balkans online competition for the best digital solutions, BALKATHON 4.0:
Who will win 2023 Balkathon? Follow us live tomorrow and find out
02 Oct 2023
Sarajevo – The grand finale of the fourth Regional Cooperation Council (RCC)’s online competition for the best digital solutions in the Western Balkans, BALKATHON 4.0 is to take place tomorrow, Tuesday, 3 October 2023 starting at 10.00 hrs in Sarajevo. The event will be livestreamed ...
Bregu: EU-Western Balkans roaming reductions in force as of today
02 Oct 2023
TIRANA, October 2, 2023 — In a significant stride towards regional cooperation and affordable mobile communication, the EU-Western Balkans Roaming Declaration, signed at the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tirana on December 6, 2022, has officially taken effect, marking 1 October 2023, as ...
Bregu: A human-centric Europe, with Western Balkans firmly in its fold, is the best investment in peace and security for the entire continent
26 Sep 2023
Tirana – “A human-centric Europe, that is adapted, reformed, rebooted and more - with Western Balkans firmly in its fold - is the best investment in peace and security for the entire continent! The Western Balkans has made significant progress in the last two decades, but we are ...
Bregu: When global institutions and frameworks are stretched thin, regional bodies can step in to provide stability, continuity, and direction
21 Sep 2023
New York - "The Western Balkans has made significant progress in the last two decades, but the Western Balkans is not where its inhabitants or outside peacemakers hoped we would be twenty-plus years after the guns went largely quiet. Unfortunately, friction amongst economies persists, ...
Bregu: Western Balkans faces security challenges daily
15 Sep 2023
Tirana – “As a region where geopolitical and strategic interests compete, Western Balkans faces security challenges daily, and the aggression against Ukraine didn’t make it any easier on us. According to Western Balkan citizens, their perception of security has been strongly ...
Anna Gyimesi gets Heart of Sarajevo for the Best Student Film
19 Aug 2023
Sarajevo - Anna Gyimesi from Hungary won Heart of Sarajevo for the Best Student Film with a movie Falling, at the 29th Sarajevo Film Festival. This award, patroned by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), was presented at the SFF closing ceremony last night in Sarajevo. Brava Anna for ...
Support for regional cooperation among Western Balkan business people has risen from 69% last year, to 74%
25 Jul 2023
Sarajevo – Last week, the Regional Cooperation Council published the results of the annual Balkan Barometer 2023 Public Opinion Survey. To complete the picture of our region’s opinions about regional cooperation, EU integration, trust in the public institutions and media, their ...
69% of Western Balkan citizens agree that what brings them together is more important than what separates them
18 Jul 2023
Sarajevo - For the 9th time in a row, the Regional Cooperation Council is publishing the results of Balkan Barometer - the annual survey among six thousand people from the entire Western Balkans, giving an overview of their opinions on regional cooperation, EU integration, trust in the public ...
RCC’s trademark digital competition - Balkathon 4.0 - is on! Apply Now!
13 Jul 2023
Sarajevo – For the fourth year in a row, the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is launching region’s trademark online competition for the best digital ideas and solutions from the Western Balkans - Balkathon 4.0. Applications are open until 13 September.
RCC, EESC set to deepen civil society and youth engagement in region’s reform processes
12 Jul 2023
Brussels – The Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Majlinda Bregu, and the President of the European Economic and Social Committee, Oliver Röpke, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation between the two organisations, in Brussels today. The ...
Bregu: European leadership, power, and unity have never been more needed in the Western Balkans
08 Jul 2023
"The language of power is the language of leadership. By necessity, and maybe not by choice, the EU is learning every day that speaking the language of power is power itself. European leadership, power, and unity have never been more important, more needed, and more obviously in the interests ...
Bregu: 49% of Western Balkan citizens are concerned the climate change is affecting their health
05 Jul 2023
Budapest - "According to our recent Balkan Barometer, 49% of the citizens of the WB are concerned that climate change is affecting their health. Moreover, Pollution of Air (57%), Water (44%), and Soil (39%) are listed as the greatest environmental concerns in communities. All Western Balkan ...
Bregu: Crucial step to reinforcing critical digital capacities in our region is phasing in EU policies and programmes
30 Jun 2023
Brussels – “Today’s accession to the Digital Europe Programme for four economies from our region is a major development and crucial step to reinforce critical digital capacities in EU and WB. What once seemed almost utopic is now a reality since 2021 - with the regional roaming fees ...
Bregu: Regional approach to cybersecurity, in line with EU standards, is a must
29 Jun 2023
The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), in cooperation with DG NEAR, organised a two-day high-level conference on cybersecurity in the Western Balkans, on 28-29 June 2023 in Brussels.
Bregu: More cooperation crucial in addressing regional tensions
27 Jun 2023
Podgorica – Heads of State and Government of South East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) commended the work of Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and recognised its unique role and accomplishments in promoting cooperation, overall development of the region and advancing towards a ...
Kapetanovic: With already 334 victims of firearms in 2023 in our region, it is high time to reduce its supply, demand and misuse
23 Jun 2023
Tirana – “The widespread proliferation and misuse of firearms poses a great threat to our societies. Only in the first quarter of 2023, 821 firearm incidents were reported in South East Europe, resulting in 334 victims. Our 2022 SecuriMeter survey indicates that 12% of Western Balkans ...
Young People from the Region Present Their Own Visions and Plans on How to Improve Youth Mental Health
21 Jun 2023
Belgrade – Thirty young people and policy makers from the entire Western Balkans presented the outcomes and recommendations that have emerged from their diligent efforts to address youth mental health in their economies at the Final Conference on Youth Mental Health, organised by the ...
RCC wins annual Prespa Forum Dialogue 2023 award
16 Jun 2023
Struga – The Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Majlinda Bregu, took part at the annual Prespa Forum Dialogue (PFD) 2023, taking place 15-16 June 2023 in Struga, North Macedonia, where she received the PFD Award on behalf of RCC, spoke at the panel on regional ...
Bregu: Region’s special potential lies in the diversity of possible entrepreneurial engagement that has not been fully utilized just yet
12 Jun 2023
Frankfurt – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretary General Majlinda Bregu was in Frankfurt, Germany, today, taking part at the Digisustain Conference at a panel dedicated to regional competencies and green investment opportunities in the Western Balkans. Digisustain gathers ...
No Borders Orchestra is the Champion of Regional Cooperation for 2022
06 Jun 2023
Sarajevo/Vienna – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria (BMEIA) have the pleasure to announce that the winner of the Champion of Regional Cooperation Dr Erhard Busek Award for 2022 is No Borders Orchestra ...
Bregu: Our region deserves a re-energised enlargement process and membership advantages in advance of full accession
05 Jun 2023
Budva – Ministers of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of the South East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) commended the efforts of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) in fostering regional cooperation and integration of the Western Balkan economies into the European Union (EU), focusing on ...
Bregu: This year marks one of the most impactful ones for the Western Balkans when it comes to regional cooperation
04 Jun 2023
Budva - "This year marks one of the most impactful ones for the Western Balkans, marking the long-awaited turning point towards commitments taken by the economies of the region, through the Common Regional Market (CRM). With integrity, collegiality and competence - three words of tradition ...
Bregu: Half of all mental disorders begin before the age of 14. What is ‘an ounce of prevention’ when it comes to mental health, and do we take enough care of that?
29 May 2023
Our region was recently shocked with an event that happened in Serbia when a young teenage boy killed ten people at school, including nine classmates. A horrible tragedy that rendered all of us silenced for days. In a matter of 24 hours after the school tragedy, another mass murdered happened ...
RCC Board approves organisation’s Annual Report 2022/23, and adopts Financial Report 2022
25 May 2023
Sarajevo – The participants of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Board approved the organisation’s Annual Report 2022/23 and adopted the Financial Report 2022 at their 49th meeting held in Sarajevo today. The Annual Report 2022/23 is expected to be endorsed at the RCC Annual ...
Moderate progress of the Western Balkan economies regarding the European Pillar of Social Rights
04 May 2023
(Sarajevo/Skopje) - The Employment and Social Affairs Platform 2 (ESAP 2) project of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) presented the 2022 edition of individual economy and regional overview reports on performance of the Western Balkan (WB) economies regarding the European Pillar of Social ...
European Union launches the third phase of its Roma Integration programme in partnership with the Council of Europe
04 May 2023
The European Union is launching the third phase of the Roma Integration programme in partnership with the Council of Europe. It will contribute to the socio-economic integration of the Roma population in the Western Balkans and Türkiye. The programme will work with the governments in the ...
BREGU: There is a price to pay for speaking the truth - how much are we willing to spend in “killing the fake news”?
29 Apr 2023
Disinformation is false information deliberately and often covertly spread, such as through the planting of rumors, in order to influence public opinion or obscure the truth. Fake news spreads six times faster than true news.
WBYL supported dialogue between Members of Parliament and civil society from Western Balkans in Brussels
28 Apr 2023
From 25 to 27 April 2023, the Bridging the Gap initiative promoted dialogue between civil society and elected representatives from the region and from the European Union. The event was co-organized by the European Parliament's Mediation and Dialogue Support Unit and the European Commission's ...
RCC gathers key Western Balkan stakeholders for a workshop on media literacy and countering hybrid threats and disinformation
20 Apr 2023
Helsinki - The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), in partnership with the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats (Hybrid CoE) and with support from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, gathered 20 key Western Balkan stakeholders - ...
Who is, in your opinion, Champion of Regional Cooperation in South East Europe? Nominate one by 17 May 2023!
18 Apr 2023
Sarajevo/Vienna – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria (BMEIA) have the pleasure to invite you to nominate your favourite for the Champion of Regional Cooperation Dr Erhard Busek Award.
Bregu: Economic importance of tourism can make or break any region
04 Apr 2023
Tirana – “Western Balkans pre-pandemic tourism showed positive trends. More than 12 million people visited the region, which brought a profit of 7.2 billion EUR. Tourism made 10.2% of the region’s GDP and accounted for more than 25% of exports. While one can go figure digging ...
Bregu: CRM will bring the Western Balkans closer to EU Single Market
03 Apr 2023
RCC Secretary General spoke before Albanian Parliament of the RCC’s co-oganisation of the upcoming Berlin Process Summit in Tirana this fall Tirana – The Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Majlinda Bregu spoke before the Albanian Parliament’s ...
Bregu: Region should remain steadfast on sustainable, green transition and decarbonisation path
30 Mar 2023
“The Green Agenda for the Western Balkans is a dynamic and evolving initiative that, like a living organism, requires collective efforts of both the governmental and non-governmental sectors to nurture, grow and shape towards a sustainable plan for the future. In a developing region, ...
Bregu: Digitalisation momentum in Western Balkans calls for improvement e-service accessibility improvement and reduction of digital divide
28 Mar 2023
Sarajevo – Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and European Investment Bank (EIB) gathered region’s ministers and other high ranking government officials, local and international experts in digital projects, key donors and ...
RCC, EBRD, EIB organising Investing in Digitalisation in the Western Balkans Conference tomorrow in Sarajevo
27 Mar 2023
Sarajevo – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) Global are organising Investing in Digitalisation in the Western Balkans Conference, that is to take place on Tuesday, on 28 March 2023 in ...
Bregu: Continued all-inclusive regional cooperation remains key in strengthening economic resilience of Western Balkans
15 Mar 2023
Sarajevo – “External risks arising from the current geopolitical crisis and the rise in commodity prices reinforce the purpose of the Common Regional Market agenda. Continued all-inclusive regional cooperation remains the key towards strengthening economic resilience of the Western ...
UN Women and RCC join forces to advance women’s empowerment in the Western Balkans
10 Mar 2023
UN Women Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia (ECA) and Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) will join forces to advance the digital transformation in the Western Balkans to promote cooperation in the region, as well as advance women’s economic empowerment, and the green agenda.
RCC presents Western Balkans Women Entrepreneurs of 2022
09 Mar 2023
Tirana - Dhurata Thanasi Daneri, Snjezana Köpruner, Elki Shehu, Mirjana Babic, Zagorka Blazevska, Marijana Gligoric are Western Balkans Women Entrepreneurs of the Year 2022, as presented at a ceremony organised by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) in Tirana today.
RCC to present Western Balkans Women Entrepreneurs of the Year 2022
08 Mar 2023
Sarajevo/Tirana – On the International Women’s Day, the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is to present the Western Balkans Women Entrepreneurs of the Year 2022, at a ceremony to be held on 9 March in Tirana.
Bregu: Wellbeing, health and thriving population should be foundation of every growth policy
02 Mar 2023
Copenhagen – “Economic growth cannot be the only and ultimate policy objective. Collective wellbeing, healthy and thriving population where no one is left behind should be the foundation of every growth policy. The ambitious post-pandemic recovery aspirations are crushed against ...
Bregu: Western Balkans is an important piece of the European security and stability puzzle
17 Feb 2023
The annual 59th Munich Security Conference (MSC) started in Munich today gathering world leaders to discuss topics of global security, defence, technology, and sustainability while keeping the focus on the still ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. Alongside many world and European leaders, ...
United Group Joins the EU-WB Roaming Declaration
07 Feb 2023
Brussels/Sarajevo - United Group, one of the largest telecommunications and media operators in the South East Europe including Nova, Total TV, Telemach, SBB and more regional telecommunication platforms, signed the European Union (EU)-Western Balkans (WB) Roaming Declaration at a meeting of ...
RCC: Nominations for Western Balkans Women Entrepreneurs of the Year 2022 open
03 Feb 2023
Sarajevo – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is happy to announce that the nomination process for the Western Balkans Women Entrepreneurs of the Year 2022 has begun! The RCC launched this initiative last year in the framework of the Common Regional Market Action Plan 2021-2024 and ...
Bregu: Hundreds of stories of citizens being unable to meet relatives due to visas are soon to be in the past
23 Jan 2023
Sarajevo – The long, cumbersome procedures and high visa refusal rate have significantly declined the number of Kosovan and Bosnian and Herzegovinian citizens visiting each other over the course of the last few years.
Bregu: To have wider choices, earn more, and live better - Choose STEM Future
18 Jan 2023
Sarajevo – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is launching a campaign dubbed “Choose STEM future” to encourage young women and girls to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) by bringing forth inspiring role models of successful women in STEM ...
RCC hosts the Second Butterfly Innovation & Business Forum in Sarajevo
08 Dec 2022
Sarajevo – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), in partnership with the EU4DigitalSME - Innovation and Digitalisation in SMEs in BiH project implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), hosted the Second ...
Reduction of data roaming prices between WB and EU to start as of 1 October 2023
06 Dec 2022
At the EU-Western Balkans Summit held in Tirana today, the telecommunications operators from the European Union (EU) and the Western Balkans signed a Roaming Declaration enabling the reduction of the roaming charges between the EU and the Western Balkans as of 1 October 2023.
RCC, WB6CIF gather European investors, present opportunities and advantages of doing business in the Western Balkans
22 Nov 2022
Ljubljana – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and the Western Balkans 6 Chamber Investment Forum (WBCIF) gathered European investors from Austria, Croatia, Italy and Slovenia, WB investment promotion agencies, ministries responsible for investment policy and promotion, regional organisations ...
Bregu: 82.9% of Western Balkan citizens agree that regional cooperation can help in improving economic resilience
18 Nov 2022
Rome/Sarajevo – “The EU and the Western Balkans share many evolving, borderless security threats, from radicalisation, violent extremism, and return of Foreign Terrorist Fighters to irregular migration, organised crime, corruption, disinformation and cyber-attacks. Such joint priorities ...
WB Youth Lab: Youth working on mental health policies to build the region as an environment of care
15 Nov 2022
Pristina – “Deteriorating mental health among youth during pandemic led to multiplied negative effects in the long run, which was an alarm to act. We have made first steps towards bridging the gap between the mental health needs and the policy solutions. Cooperation, innovative ...
RCC Board participants praise the organisation, congratulate its Secretary General on the excellent, for our region extremely important job done
09 Nov 2022
Sarajevo – Opening the 47th meeting of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Board in Sarajevo today, the RCC Secretary General, Majlinda Bregu, shared very positive outcomes of regional cooperation presented in the last couple of weeks during the Berlin Process Summit and related meetings.
Bregu: It’s done - the three RCC-coordinated centrepiece mobility agreements finally see the light of day
03 Nov 2022
Berlin – The Heads of Governments of the Western Balkans Six signed the three mobility agreements under the Common Regional Market (CRM) Action Plan’s mobility agendas - on Freedom of Movement with Identity Cards, on Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications, and on Recognition ...
Bregu: Keeping the Green Agenda implementation torch lit is difficult, but there are no U-turns in a climate change-vulnerable region like ours
24 Oct 2022
Berlin/Sarajevo – “Keeping the torch lit on the implementation of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans that was developed in times of stability was a hellishly difficult task in these times of adversity. It is clearly overshadowed by the impact of the war and the pan-European ...
All-inclusive regional cooperation and Common Regional Market deliver results
21 Oct 2022
Berlin/Sarajevo – The Western Balkans (WB) Foreign Ministers approved three regional agreements - on Freedom of Movement with Identity Cards, on Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications, and on Recognition of Professional Qualifications for Doctors of Medicine, Dentists and Architects ...
RCC to ascertain the rationale behind defamation and insinuations against the organisation and its Secretary General
21 Oct 2022
The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is well known for being a serious and responsible organisation therefore does not comment on either hearsay speculations or fabrications.
European Union and Western Balkans mobile operators to work together on steps, ought to start EU-WB roaming charges reduction soon
19 Oct 2022
Sarajevo/Brussels – The European Union (EU) and the Western Balkans (WB) mobile operators met today to discuss the Roadmap on lowering the roaming charges between the EU and our region, at the meeting organised by the European Commission. Olivér Várhelyi, EU Neighborhood ...
RCC co-organises SEECP foreign ministers' meeting in New York
24 Sep 2022
New York – "Entire South East Europe finds itself facing similar challenges and similar opportunities, from energy security to food crisis, and regional cooperation is the key for them in the period to follow," said Majlinda Bregu, Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation ...
Bregu: Digitalisation necessitates an intergenerational approach
21 Sep 2022
Pristina – “Today is a great day for Pristina. It is the centre of gravity of one of the greatest Berlin Process initiatives – the Western Balkans Digital Summit. Pristina today bursts and radiates with the dynamism of so many start-ups, companies, experts and policy ...
Bregu: Balkathon is the image and positive narrative of our thriving region in this exceptionally uncertain outlook
06 Sep 2022
Pristina - The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) presents winners of the third Western Balkans online competition for the best digital solutions, BALKATHON 3.0:
Bregu: 12 teams consisting of region’s youngsters to present their products at Balkathon finale
04 Sep 2022
Sarajevo – The finale of the third Western Balkans’ online competition for the best digital solutions, BALKATHON 3.0 is to take place on Tuesday, 6 September 2022, at the event starting at 10.00 hrs in Pristina, and live on the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) YouTube channel ...
Croatians Klara Sovagovic and Josip Lukic gets Heart of Sarajevo for the Best Student Film
20 Aug 2022
Sarajevo - Klara Sovagovic and Josip Lukic, young Croatian directors, won Heart of Sarajevo for the Best Student Film with a movie It's Not Cold for Mosquitoes, at the 28th Sarajevo Film Festival. This award, whose patron is the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), has been presented at ...
RCC's Instagram account under attack
03 Aug 2022
RCC’s official Instagram account was attacked yesterday and is inactive until further notice. If u notice any activity from our account please do not interact. Cyberattacks are very much real, especially on social media. Be careful and mindful.
Bregu: Having an environment that supports innovation and creativity helps our democracies to be stronger
28 Jun 2022
Tirana – “There is a political decision on when our economies will become full EU member states, but there is also a responsibility all of us carry on how to make our economies closer to the European standards present here in this region. So, for all of us who share a sense of discomfort ...
Bregu: We hope Butterfly Innovation Award will shine a light on the regional innovation community and its undiscovered potential
28 Jun 2022
Tirana – “This spring we launched the first Regional Butterfly Innovation Award. ‘What is now proved was once only imagination’- this Blake’s quote fits perfectly the 154 ideas in six competing categories - largely exceeded our boldest expectations. Women led almost ...
RCC to award six best innovative solutions from the Western Balkans
26 Jun 2022
Sarajevo/Tirana – The winners of the first Butterfly Innovation Award competition the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) launched in April this year are to be presented on Monday, 27 June 2022 in Tirana, Albania, on the side-lines of the Ministerial Meeting of the Western Balkans Steering ...
Bregu: Support of Western Balkan citizens to regional cooperation remains stable at 76%
24 Jun 2022
Brussels – “While many things change, our public and business perceptions surveys remain a truthful source of sentiments across the region. At times, the results surprise us, sometimes they serve as a wake-up call, while on other occasions they confirm that our efforts are not in ...
RCC to Present 2022 Balkan Barometer & SecuriMeter in Brussels on Friday
22 Jun 2022
Brussels/Sarajevo – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is to present the 2022 editions of Balkan Barometer and SecuriMeter, on Friday, 24 June 2022, starting at 10:00, in Brussels. This is the 8th edition of Balkan Barometer, and the second one for Western Balkans SecuriMeter. The ...
Bregu: Establishing one single market should stay the ultimate goal of Western Balkans
17 Jun 2022
Ohrid – “Rome is not built in one day, and building a single market is easier said than done. The process of Western Balkans economic integration and its EU integration is not an easy one, but I hope it will not take us 35 years to get there, as it took the European Union to build ...
RCC Youth Lab Project hosts the final conference on youth employment in the Western Balkans
14 Jun 2022
Budva/Sarajevo – “Inadequate employment opportunities are one of the biggest problem young people face. One in 3 young persons are unemployed, which means the Western Balkans youth unemployment rate is almost double the EU rate of 17%. According to Balkan Barometer 2022 – ...
Dr. Erhard Busek Champion of Regional Cooperation
11 Jun 2022
Sarajevo/Thessaloniki – “In one of his last conveys he said: “Equating the EU with the Europe means leaving out a quarter of the continent – and a rather important part, as Eastern and Southeastern Europe border on world powers and vital regions.” Busek was gentle, ...
Bregu: We defined and put forward the leading regional cooperation & integration frameworks, now one market is the ultimate goal of Western Balkans
10 Jun 2022
Thessaloniki - The Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Majlinda Bregu took part at the South East Europe Cooperation Process events - the meeting of SEECP Ministers of Foreign Affairs and the Summit of SEECP leaders - in Thessaloniki today. The meetings’ participants ...
Bregu: As long as we continue to subscribe to dialogue, compromise and cooperation, we invest in long-term stability, security and prosperity
09 Jun 2022
Thessaloniki – “Under the political guidance of SEECP and in consultations with all relevant actors and stakeholders, RCC identified those gaps in which the region should invest with technical as well as political capital. These all fall under the category of sustainable development, ...
Champion of Regional Cooperation to round off 14th RCC Annual Meeting
08 Jun 2022
Sarajevo/Thessaloniki – Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is to hold its 14th Annual Meeting on Thursday, 9 June in Thessaloniki. RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu will present the RCC Annual Report and major accomplishments and results of the organisation in the past year while putting ...
Kapetanovic: Disinformation is neither an overnight phenomenon nor can it have an overnight solution
01 Jun 2022
Sarajevo - The Western Balkans has unfortunately always been susceptible to divisive narratives that always bring along hatred and violence. As the events unravel it is our constant responsibility to cultivate understanding and awareness of this phenomenon in our region. Good news is that the ...
Bregu: Regional cooperation is complex and hard hitting, but it’s the way forward
31 May 2022
Rotterdam – “Our realities today are drastically different, with the war in Ukraine sending shockwaves and exacerbating two trends that were already in the making: slowed growth and inflation. For an illustration, food and beverage prices increased between 7% in Albania and 13% ...
Balkathon 3.0 info session set for Friday, 27 May 2022
23 May 2022
Sarajevo - If you're interested in participating in the Balkathon 3.0 but aren't sure where to start, join us for a brief event this Friday, 27 May at 13:00 CET! During info session we will briefly explain all details about Balkathon registration process and answer on all your questions. ...
Bregu: With slowed growth & inflation, higher energy & food prices, Western Balkans will have to amp-up regional cooperation
18 May 2022
Sarajevo - It is very difficult to sugar-coat the severity of economic effects of the war on the Western Balkans. It is equally difficult to accurately predict the true and longer-term impact, or to identify the opportunities for the region along the way. Our realities today are drastically ...
Bregu: Removing barriers is the first step in positioning Western Balkans at the world tourism map
12 May 2022
Tirana – “Tourism has a vast potential as a major catalyst for job creation and a driving force for economic growth and development especially for tourism dependent regions like ours. In 2019 more than 12 million people visited Western Balkans, which brought us a profit of 7.2 billion ...
RCC to host Western Balkans Ministerial Conference on Tourism Development
11 May 2022
Tourism has a great potential to accelerate progress and transform threats into opportunities
Balkathon 3.0 is on: RCC supports the best digital solutions in the Western Balkans
06 May 2022
Sarajevo – For the third time in a row, the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is launching an online competition for the best digital ideas and solutions from the Western Balkans - Balkathon 3.0. Applications are open until 16 June.
Bregu: Enhanced regional cooperation and clear enlargement prospect for the region are vital to overcome challenges
20 Apr 2022
Brussels/Sarajevo – “The war in Ukraine will affect economic growth in the region. Although share of economic output directly tied to Russia and Ukraine is relatively small for the Western Balkans as a whole, the economic ties on essential sectors such as energy and agriculture ...
Regional Cooperation Council and Roma Integration project Celebrate International Roma Day
08 Apr 2022
Belgrade – 8 of April is International Roma Day, a time to celebrate the culture, heritage, and accomplishments of Roma. The journey of Roma is one marked by injustice, but it is also a story of happiness, pride and satisfaction. Despite the challenges they face, Roma continue to move ...
WBYL: Giving Western Balkans’ youth an insight into the best EU practices and standards is a base for future regional transformative policies
07 Apr 2022
Ljubljana/Zagreb – “The best way to exchange knowledge and practice and to hear and see first-hand what it makes for successful and strong youth cooperation is to bring youth from the Western Balkans’ National Youth Councils or Youth Umbrella Organisations to the EU to witness ...
Imagine. Innovate. Create: RCC Launches Western Balkans Butterfly Innovation Award
31 Mar 2022
Sarajevo – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is launching a Regional Butterfly Innovation Award seeking innovative, scalable and market-based solutions from the Western Balkans. The Butterfly Innovation Award fund is set at 30,000 EUR, where the best solution in each of the 6 categories ...
Bregu: European perspective important for socio-economic progress, but also for security and stability
16 Mar 2022
Sarajevo/Tirana – “The times we are living in are not glamorous, on the contrary these are dark moments. We are all heartened and deeply saddened by the unjust war Ukrainian people are going through. The economic impact of the war stretches beyond Ukraine's borders. Concern ...
Bregu: When women engage, take responsibilities, grow and help each other they can be a rising tide that lifts all boats
11 Mar 2022
Tirana – “The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is launching today the first Regional Women in Entrepreneurship Network in the Western Balkans. We will not boil the sea right away. But sometimes the smallest act can lead to the biggest impact. We will engage ourselves not only ...
Western Balkans: RCC to present ‘Women Who Launch – Regional Network of Women in Entrepreneurship’
08 Mar 2022
Sarajevo/Tirana – Instead of happy 8th of March, the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is announcing the launching of the Western Balkans (WB) Regional Network of Women in Entrepreneurship, at an event taking place this Friday (11 March) in Tirana. The Launch will gather a number of ...
Miscevic: Emigration is a major challenge to the Western Balkans, but it could also be a great opportunity
24 Feb 2022
Belgrade – “War risks scrambling the logic of our common endeavour to make the Western Balkans a better region. But let me start with the information that by 2020 more than 4.6 million people have left the Western Balkans. People leave the region for various reasons, mainly because ...
Bregu: Western Balkans’ growth potential can be unlocked only through regional economic integration
20 Feb 2022
Munich – “European integration and transatlantic cooperation should not look decoupled in the Western Balkans (WB). It’s high time to put the process of EU accession of the WB into the spotlight before too late becomes a lifetime. This is the centre of gravity for the future ...
RCC to recognise Western Balkans Women Entrepreneurs of the Year
12 Feb 2022
Sarajevo – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) has a pleasure to announce that we are launching the Western Balkans Women Entrepreneurs of the Year initiative, one that will hopefully become a tradition, to recognise women who have started and developed their own business and contributed ...
Bregu: In January 2022 RCC will launch the first regional Butterfly Innovation Award to encourage young innovators around the region
16 Dec 2021
Bregu: In January 2022 RCC will launch the first regional Butterfly Innovation Award to encourage young innovators around the region RCC hosts the first Western Balkans Butterfly Innovation & Business Forum Skopje/Sarajevo – “On average, only 1 or 2 out of 100 caterpillars ...
Bregu: It will take 257 years to close the current gender gap worldwide
14 Dec 2021
Sarajevo – “Women in the Western Balkans account for only 27.5% of business owners and just 14.2% of companies’ top managers are females. Despite an evolving ecosystem of start-ups and innovation hubs in the Western Balkans, the number of women start-up entrepreneurs remains ...
Usein: The school dropout rate of Roma children increased by 11%, while every second Roma reported reduced income due to the impact of Covid-19
13 Dec 2021
Belgrade (13/12/2021) – “The regional analyses on the impact of Covid-19 on Roma in the region confirmed that the highest (negative) consequences for Roma are detected in the areas of employment and education. Three out of four Roma children did not receive any help during online ...
Bregu: By risking the youth potential we are risking the engine of a sustainable regional future
10 Dec 2021
Tirana/Sarajevo – “Statistics tell us that two thirds of young people would be willing to emigrate; that the total education costs of people who leave the region in one year vary from 840 million to 2.46 billion EUR; and that about one fifth are unemployed and nearly a quarter are ...
RCC: Western Balkans Youth Lab on Mental Help kicks off in Tirana
09 Dec 2021
Tirana – The Youth Lab on Mental Health, organised by the Regional Cooperation Council’s (RCC) Western Balkans Youth Lab Project (WBYL), has kicked off in Tirana today.
Bregu: EU and Balkans security challenges are becoming ever more interrelated amidst new global threats
06 Dec 2021
Paris/Sarajevo – “The European Union and the Western Balkans security challenges are becoming ever more interrelated and connected to a set of a new global threats. We have to face that we are at an inflection point. We might soon be facing a crisis—a humanitarian and security ...
Bregu: Being Europeans is not written in DNA but what you believe and fight for
25 Nov 2021
“It’s not breaking news any longer that our youth is leaving the region. One out of 3 youngsters, age 18-24, in the Western Balkans confirms that they are ready to leave their homeland. We should understand the message – their choice of destination shows what’s missing ...
Bregu: The antidote to slowing down EU enlargement process is more ambitious integration of Western Balkans in the EU single market policies
15 Nov 2021
Brussels/Sarajevo: “European perspective of the Western Balkans is the drive that makes the process of cooperation beneficial to all in the long-term. I believe EU has all the leverage needed to keep the EU perspective in WB alive. Without a credible path to EU membership, the WB could ...
Bregu: RCC takes pride in achieving more tangible results for Western Balkan citizens
26 Oct 2021
Belgrade – Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) has been awarded by the European Western Balkans for its unwavering commitment to the European future of the region, continued strengthening of regional cooperation and connecting the region by facilitating the Roam-Free-Western-Balkans, as ...
Youth-Tailored Solutions Require Youth Participation
26 Oct 2021
Sarajevo/Online – “Cooperation, innovative solutions, equality, participation - these are the things we need today more than ever, as we establish an environment in which youth and policy makers sit together to constructively explore the ways in which youth priorities and needs ...
Bregu: European perspective of Western Balkans is the drive that makes the process of cooperation beneficial
15 Oct 2021
Sarajevo – “European perspective of Western Balkans is the drive that makes the process of cooperation beneficial to all in long-term. It is of highest importance that both the region and the EU deliver on the respective commitments – particularly when we take into account ...
Bregu proposes creation of ‘Digital Identity’ system for Western Balkan citizens, modelled on the EU one
13 Oct 2021
Podgorica – “We are racing to reach high standards of EU MS. Despite trying to run with the same speed as EU MS, we started our race later and hence we can never reach EU unless “phasing in” in EU policies is duly implemented,” said Majlinda Bregu, Secretary General ...
Digital Solutions: Six new ‘made in Western Balkans’ products presented at the 4th Digital Summit
12 Oct 2021
Sarajevo/Podgorica – Six new ‘made in Western Balkans’ digital products have been presented at the 4th WB Digital Summit in Podgorica today. Authors of the products connecting digital with organic food, agriculture, sales, health, transportation services, small businesses, ...
Western Balkans Digital Summit opens in Podgorica tomorrow
10 Oct 2021
Sarajevo/Podgorica - The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is once again supporting the biggest digital event in the region - the Western Balkans Digital Summit (WBDS) - the forth in a row annual event on digital cooperation in the region. This year, WBDS will be hosted by the Montenegrin ...
Bregu: It is crunch time to deliver on reducing roaming costs between the EU and Western Balkans
06 Oct 2021
Brdo pri Kranju/Sarajevo – “As the agendas of regional cooperation build in intensity and challenges get bigger, we witness daily that the process of cooperation among Western Balkan Six cannot afford a stalemate,” said Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretary General, ...
Bregu, Escobar discuss regional economic integration
18 Sep 2021
Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Majlinda Bregu met with US State Department officials, including newly appointed US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Gabriel Escobar in Washington yesterday to discuss regional cooperation, single market in the region, security ...
Italy to host EU-Balkan Youth Forum in November
17 Sep 2021
Rome/Sarajevo – The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in partnership with the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), is going to host the EU-Balkan Youth Forum on 22-26 November 2021 in Rome. The Forum is to gather students from all over Europe to talk about ...
Bregu: It is time for youth to be louder and play smarter
07 Sep 2021
Skopje – “I would highly encourage you to leave the region. Yes, go abroad and see other cultures, but come back. Only by learning from others we can make our region better place for all of us and make a change. That is why we do not want to invent algorithm, but to make youth voices ...
Bregu: RCC to launch regional coalition on jobs and skills to keep youth in the region
06 Sep 2021
Skopje – “There is still high interest of youngsters to stay in the region. And this is our advantage. They are our greatest asset. They are the engine driving regional cooperation and EU accession because they see the opportunities and they do not carry the historic baggage of ...
Romanian Alexandru Mironescu gets Heart of Sarajevo for the Best Student Film
20 Aug 2021
Sarajevo - Young Romanian Director, Alexandru Mironescu, with his movie Summer Planning, got a Heart of Sarajevo for the Best Student Film, at an award ceremony of the 27th Sarajevo Film Festival held last night. The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is a patron of this award since its inception ...
Bregu: Cooperation between youth is crucial for the future of the region
13 Aug 2021
Sarajevo - For the 5th time in a row the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is the patron of the 'Heart of Sarajevo' award for the Best Student Film at the 27th Sarajevo Film Festival (SFF), opening today and lasting until 20 August.
Bregu: Kinship, solidarity and political pragmatism give sense to regional cooperation, benefits of which have been proven time and time again
10 Jul 2021
Dubrovnik/Sarajevo – “It is not bureaucracy and business as usual agenda that gives a sense to regional cooperation. It’s kinship, solidarity and political pragmatism. That’s what we are trying to do. To give a face to valued cooperation in a process where people are ...
Bregu: Let the Roaming Free be the turning point for the regional cooperation - “Borderless Connectivity” benefits everyone
05 Jul 2021
RCC Secretary General Bregu takes part in the Berlin Process Summit hosted by German Chancellor Merkel Tirana/Berlin/Sarajevo – “We know regional cooperation will prevail on the strength of its ideas and ideals, not on the disputes and the name of documents. We know economies ...
Regional Roaming Agreement is clear: Roaming charges in the Western Balkans are now ZERO
02 Jul 2021
The Regional Cooperation Council is pleased and happy that the roam like at home has entered into force in the Western Balkans as of 1 July. We take pride and are happy that this successful process we facilitated in eliminating barriers, borders, and tariff related to mobile traffic in the ...
Bregu: 71% of young people from Western Balkans would go live and work abroad – this is an alarm bell for us all
02 Jul 2021
Ohrid – “The prospect of potential EU membership has been a driving force during all these years, for all Western Balkan economies. According to the Balkan Barometer data, the support of Western Balkans citizens of the EU membership is steadily increasing. Compared to 2016, when ...
Bregu: Discrimination against Roma remains very high, and we have to take actions to reduce and prevent it
28 Jun 2021
Sarajevo – “According to the Balkan Barometer 2021, around 40% of the businesses in the Western Balkans are still reluctant to hire Roma even when they meet the criteria. 63% of Western Balkan citizens do not want their children to share the classroom with Roma children. So, while ...
As of 1 July roaming in the Western Balkans will be 0 - Stay Charged, Roam Free
27 Jun 2021
Sarajevo – As of 1 July 2021 the entire Western Balkans will be a roaming free zone. Roaming costs between Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia will be zero.
Bregu: People want and need to be connected in many ways and Roaming Free region is one of the ways enabling it
25 Jun 2021
Podgorica – “People want and need to be connected in many ways and Roaming Free region is one of the ways enabling it. Looking back three years ago, when the Western Balkan Leaders decided to lower the roaming prices within the region, no one had thought that we would have region ...
Bregu: Balkan Barometer reveals human uncertainty and vulnerability are main concerns followed by some goodish news on benefits of regional cooperation
24 Jun 2021
Tirana – “This, seventh in a row, Balkan Barometer shows human uncertainty and vulnerability are the main concerns followed by some goodish news which is the consciousness about the benefits of regional cooperation. For 49% of Western Balkan citizens, unemployment is the biggest ...
RCC to Present Balkan Barometer 2021 - Public and Business Viewpoints on Situation in our Region
22 Jun 2021
Tirana – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is to present the 2021 edition of Balkan Barometer on Thursday, 24 June 2021, starting at 10:00, in Tirana. This is the 7th edition of annual public and business opinion survey commissioned by the RCC which examines Western Balkan citizens ...
Bregu: Voice, concerns, hopes & expectations of the people from the region are core of the RCC work
17 Jun 2021
Antalya – Leaders of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) approved the RCC-developed strategy for socio-economic development of South East Europe (SEE) in the next decade – SEE2030 Strategy, at their Summit held in Antalya, Turkey today.
Bregu: 2020 was difficult, but a real progress and achievements have been made for development of our region
16 Jun 2021
Antalya – “Last year, ruled by the pandemic has definitely showcased the extent of our interconnectivity and interdependency and demonstrated that in cooperating, we boost our strengths and resilience. It is clear that regional socio-economic integration is crucial for regional ...
Bregu: The distance between the vision & plan for Common Regional Market calls for more resolute actions
10 Jun 2021
Tirana – “EU integration support in the Western Balkans continues to increase: this year it is backed up by 62% of citizens compared to 59% of last year. The support of our citizens and businesses of regional cooperation is even higher - 77% of citizens believe regional cooperation ...
Bregu: Common Regional Market is a rule of thumb, not a law of nature
08 Jun 2021
Sarajevo/Tirana – “Common Regional Market (CRM) is a rule of thumb, not a law of nature. It doesn’t apply to every single national vision a government or economy in the region has, nor to every kind of good or bad bilateral relations. It is a broaden-and-build plan, endorsed ...
Bregu: With regional youth unemployment rate at 35.1% the need to act is clear, as youth is our most precious asset
31 May 2021
Sarajevo/Online – “Youth and jobs has not been a good combination in the Western Balkans for some time. The average regional youth unemployment rate in 2020 was 35.1%, which is more than double the European Union (EU) rate of 16.9%. Some of it can be blamed on the COVID 19 ...
Bregu: Congratulations to all Balkathon winners who showed young people of our region are innovative and creative
28 May 2021
Sarajevo/ Podgorica/Tirana – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) presents winners of the second Western Balkans online competition for the best digital solutions, BALKATHON 2.0:
BALKHATHON 2.0 award ceremony: Six Best Teams to be Awarded for their Digital Solutions
27 May 2021
Sarajevo/Podgorica – Winners of the second Western Balkans’ online competition for the best digital solutions, BALKATHON 2.0 are to receive their awards tomorrow, 28 May 2021, at the final event starting at 10.00 hrs live on the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) YouTube channel ...
Bregu: 70% of Western Balkans citizens are afraid their children or young relatives might be radicalised online
24 May 2021
Sarajevo – “The current global pandemic made it clear that security threats are not taking any time off. The region finds it very important to work on addressing the security challenges in the Western Balkans. It is quite interesting that 55% of those 82% who point out organised ...
RCC to present Western Balkans SecuriMeter - the first-ever regional Public Opinion Survey on Security
23 May 2021
Sarajevo - The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) with support of Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation will present the first-ever regional Public Opinion Survey on Security issues – Western Balkans SecuriMeter on Monday, 24 May 2021, starting at 10:00 CET. ...
Balkathon 2.0 Info Session Set for Friday, 14 May
11 May 2021
Sarajevo – With Balkathon 2.0 in motion for almost a week now, the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is organizing Info session day on Friday, 14 May 2021 at 13.00 for all interested participants. During the Info session the RCC staff will explain all details about Balkathon registration ...
Bregu: 93% of young people in the Western Balkans believe public administrations should involve young people in decision-making
19 Apr 2021
Sarajevo, Tirana – “According to Balkan Barometer 2021, 93% of young people in the Western Balkans age 18-24 believe that public administrations should strengthen mechanisms for consulting and involving young people in decision-making. This clearly shows the path for all our further ...
Bregu: Men outnumber women in the region’s labour force by more than a million
15 Apr 2021
Sarajevo/New York – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched today the Regional Network of Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) as part of a RCC-UNDP joint initiative on Women Economic Empowerment ...
Bregu, Grlic-Radman discuss South East Europe Strategy 2030 and Green Lanes between EU and WB
14 Apr 2021
Sarajevo – The Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Majlinda Bregu, welcomed the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia, Gordan Grlić-Radman, at the organisation’s headquarters in Sarajevo today.
Western Balkans endorses Tirana Declaration to Support Tourism in the Region
08 Apr 2021
Sarajevo/Tirana – Ministers and representatives of the six Western Balkans (WB) governments endorsed the Tirana Declaration on supporting sustainable tourism recovery and growth in the region, at the high-level regional conference marking the finalisation of the Regional Cooperation Council ...
Message on the occasion of 8 April, the International Roma Day
08 Apr 2021
Today we mark one of the most important days for all Roma: the jubilee 50th Anniversary of the First World Romani Congress held back in 1971 in London.
Tirana Declaration endorsement to mark the finalisation of RCC’s Tourism Development and Promotion project
06 Apr 2021
Sarajevo, Tirana – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and its Triple P Tourism Project are organising a 2-day Regional Conference - Tourism as a Key to Sustainable Development which will kick off on 7 April marking the finalisation of the RCC’s EU funded Triple P Tourism Development ...
Bregu: 69% of Western Balkans businesses believe quality of regional cooperation is important for quality of their business
17 Mar 2021
Sarajevo – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) hosted the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Nikola Selaković, in its Sarajevo headquarters today, where he met with the RCC delegation led by the organisation’s Secretary General, Majlinda Bregu, discussing the regional cooperation ...
Bregu: 77% of Western Balkans citizens agree that the relations in the region are better than a year ago
11 Mar 2021
Sarajevo/Tirana – “The months since our last meeting in October have been difficult with the onset of new Covid-19 waves and new variants of the virus turning things topsy-turvy with a downward spiralling. In terms of regional cooperation, the big good news was the success of the ...
RCC’s “WE’’ Campaign Continues: Only once you are authentic, can you truly bring your best into the business!
08 Mar 2021
Sarajevo/Tirana/Belgrade – “Business world is harsh for young people, especially women in Western Balkans, where they account for only 27.5% of business owners, and just 14.2% of companies’ top managers are female. Gender prejudices are not vanished yet, but there are always ...
Bregu: Futourismo is a new hope to help our region recover its tourism
02 Mar 2021
Tirana/Sarajevo – Seven teams from the Western Balkans: • Guidi for app Veni, Vidi, Guidi • BIB for 'Be in Balkan' Mobile Application, • Digital Clinic for e-Health Tourism • ...
Six Western Balkans projects aimed at helping region’s tourism to be awarded 15.000 EUR each, at a ceremony tomorrow
01 Mar 2021
Sarajevo/Tirana – On 3 February 2021, the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and its Triple P Tourism Project launched the 1st regional FUTOURISMO competition, seeking innovative digital solutions that will help mitigate the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the heavily affected ...
RCC, CEF reinforce cooperation to support region’s European Integration
25 Feb 2021
Secretary General Bregu and Director Repansek sign Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations Ljubljana/Tirana/Sarajevo – Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Majlinda Bregu,and Director of the Center of Excellence in Finance (CEF), Jana ...
Roaming free Western Balkans as of 1 July 2021 brings the region one step closer to the WB-EU roaming charges reduction
23 Feb 2021
Sarajevo – “The signing of the Western Balkans Regional Roaming Agreement in April 2019 was a historic accomplishment and one of the key deliverables of the Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans, producing tangible benefits for citizens while testing our commitment and confidence ...
RCC launches FUTOURISMO, regional competition to boost tourism in the Western Balkans
03 Feb 2021
Sarajevo - The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and its EU funded Tourism Project are organising the first Western Balkans FUTOURISMO competition, seeking innovative digital solutions that will help mitigate the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the heavily affected sector of tourism.
Integrative Internal Security Governance (IISG) holds its 5th Board meeting for the first time under the RCC umbrella
02 Feb 2021
Sarajevo – The Western Balkan interior ministers adopted the annual work plan and the two methodologies of the Integrative Internal Security Governance (IISG), and also approved the membership of seven new IISG partners at the fifth meeting of the IISG Board held for the first time under ...
RCC: Supporting Western Balkans tourism through art
05 Jan 2021
Sarajevo - The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) nurtures a beautiful blossom in its midst, with a substance more resilient than any form we try to give to our incentives, the project that promotes tourism, the natural beauties and unique art of our blessed countries.
Bregu: We must change in order to provide healthier environment, cleaner air, to preserve fresh and drinking water, to survive
18 Dec 2020
Sarajevo/Tirana - "The overwhelming 74% of Western Balkans (WB) citizens see pollution as a problem, which is not surprising, considering that this region holds the most polluted cities in the world, because 70% of our electricity is produced by burning coal. Not only this, 16 thermal ...
Bregu: Instead of creating policies FOR youth we believe in co-creating policies WITH youth
14 Dec 2020
Sarajevo/Tirana/Brussels - “Youth makes 21% of Western Balkans population. If we know that youth unemployment in the Western Balkans is over 35%; that it takes around 2 years for a young person to land the job after the school; that 25% of youth are not in employment, education and training; ...
Bregu: Hire women, promote women and invest in women - that is our future
11 Dec 2020
Sarajevo/Tirana/New York - "What we are launching today is a platform which will allow us all to strategise on how to best contribute to unlocking women power in the region. The reasons are obvious. Prior to pandemic, almost two-thirds of working-age women in the Western Balkans were either ...
RCC, UNDP to launch ‘Women’s Economic Empowerment: Areas for joint actions in the Western Balkans’ initiative
10 Dec 2020
Tirana/Sarajevo - The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will be launching an initiative, 'Women’s Economic Empowerment: Areas for joint actions in the Western Balkans', aiming to enhance collaboration among different stakeholders ...
‘Regional cooperation’ and ‘regional integration’ are the two sides of the same coin
07 Dec 2020
Brussels/Sarajevo - "‘Regional cooperation’ and ‘regional integration’ are the two sides of the same coin. Integrating markets might be more of a process of EU integration. But regional cooperation is more than integrating markets. It is a political process. That ...
Over-securitisation of illegal immigration can be dangerous, but neglecting its detrimental potential can be equally dangerous too
20 Nov 2020
Sarajevo – “Illegal immigration is a complex, multifaceted phenomenon which no single country can fix alone. We should take into account the opinion of 63% of Western Balkan citizens who perceive it as a direct security threat. Over-securitisation of this issue can be dangerous, ...
Addressing livelihood topics of social rights - jobs, wages, access to education, health care – more important than ever
19 Nov 2020
Sarajevo/Brussels/Tirana – “It is no longer news that Western Balkan societies fall short in many socio-economic aspects. We, together with our partners – governments in the region, European Union (EU) and many others, work to reduce this gap between the region and the EU. ...
Tackling undeclared work in times of COVID 19 pandemic focuses on prevention of declared work sliding back into the undeclared zone
17 Nov 2020
Online – “Main aim of our work being promotion of regional cooperation in transforming the undeclared into declared work in the Western Balkans has so far resulted in gathering of the relevant region’s institutions around the regional Network. Today, at its 2nd plenary meeting ...
Miscevic: We must work together on developing a culture of critical media literacy in our societies and build disinformation resilience
12 Nov 2020
Sarajevo - “We must immediately begin to work together on developing a culture of critical media literacy in our societies and build disinformation resilience. Developing resistance to fake news should be viewed almost like a key component of the overall security policy of any Western ...
Transformation will not happen overnight but setting bold goals will accelerate the change if we can work together
10 Nov 2020
Sofia - A new phase of regional economic integration started today with the Western Balkans Six leaders endorsing the Common Regional Market Action Plan, and the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, both facilitated by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), at the Berlin Process Summit held ...
Western Balkan governments will have to shoulder responsibility to implement Common Regional Market
09 Nov 2020
Sofia - “Tomorrow the six Western Balkan leaders will endorse the new Action Plan for this region - Common Regional Market. Common Regional Market is not a novelty from the scratch: It is a great plan based on four freedoms, the same as EU Single Market, strengthened with investment, ...
While EU and the world are advancing to fit to the Digital Age, we need to run twice as fast to close the discrepancies
02 Nov 2020
Tirana/Sarajevo – “At the last years' Digital Summit in Belgrade we witnessed a success story when the ministers of the Western Balkans (WB) six in charge of information and communication technologies signed the new Regional Roaming Agreement, paving a way for roaming free WB ...
We now pay between 83% and 96% less roaming charges in the entire Western Balkans, and as of July 2021 roaming costs will be 0
26 Oct 2020
Tirana/Sarajevo – The Third Western Balkans Digital Summit (WBDS) has been opened in Tirana today, continuing its legacy, which started at the WBDS Skopje in 2018 – the first ever WB DS that initiated digital policy dialogue on WB digital transformation at the highest prime ministers ...
Tirana to host Ministerial Meeting on Roma Integration: housing, civil registration, data collection & budgeting in focus
25 Oct 2020
Tirana - The Ministers responsible for integration of Roma in the Western Balkans economies will meet in Tirana on Tuesday to discuss the progress achieved in the first year of implementation of the Declaration on Roma Integration endorsed at the Poznan Summit last year. The Roma Integration ...
Tirana to host the 3rd Western Balkans Digital Summit
23 Oct 2020
Tirana/Sarajevo – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is once again supporting the biggest digital event in the region - the Western Balkans Digital Summit (WBDS) - the third in a row annual event taking the digital cooperation to the next level. This year WBDS will be hosted by the ...
CRM is a stepping stone for the WB to align with EU single market rules
22 Oct 2020
Belgrade/Sarajevo – “Some estimates say that regional economic integration in the Western Balkans could generate up to 2.5% of GDP growth should the level of integration reach the level of EFTA, and should it reach the EU level of integration, it could generate 6.7% of GDP growth. ...
Bregu: The region needs common market to ensure free movement of business people, drivers and citizens in the Western Balkans
16 Oct 2020
Sarajevo/Tirana/Skopje - “We are not a perfect region, but we want to make the best out of an imperfect picture. As a first step from today the Regional Cooperation Council is proud to facilitate an all-inclusive regional agreement on movement with ID cards. Our commercial and trade relations ...
Bregu: Common Regional Market is the way forward
15 Oct 2020
Sarajevo, Tirana - “Multi Annual Action Plan for Regional Economic Area (MAP REA) is in its final stage of implementation. Now it’s clear that the region has benefited from this regional frame but is also ready for an upgrade. We have the Regional Roaming Agreement, Regional Investment ...
Economic integration among the Western Balkans 6, and with the EU, is the most important in this moment
01 Oct 2020
Tirana/Sarajevo – “I believe that closer relations in the process of European integration of the region, especially economic integration among the Western Balkans (WB) 6, and with the EU, are the most important in this moment. Because regional economic integration of the WB is not ...
Gender equality does not concern only women, but the whole society and gender mainstreaming benefits men just as it does women
30 Sep 2020
Sarajevo – “The good news is that the percentage of women in armed forces in Western Balkans is increasing. According to regional ministries of defence, the share of women soldiers is 13% in Albania, 8,46% in BiH, 5% in North Macedonia, 8,17% in Montenegro and 15,68% Serbia. NATO ...
Moving Away from “Reducing Undeclared Work” Approach to “Transforming It into Declared Work” in the Western Balkans
30 Sep 2020
Sarajevo – “Informal economy is a chronic problem of many economies, Western Balkans’ in particular, as estimates show that up to 30% of the employed persons in the region work undeclared. Today’s meeting is about to explore ways on how all institutions in charge of ...
Bregu: With joint border crossing points Western Balkans could save 800 mil euro a year – we should set them among WB but also with EU
22 Sep 2020
Sarajevo/Skopje/Belgrade – “If we would have more joint border crossing points and if those would be working 24/7, with all the regulation in place, phytosanitary proc
Growing number of internet users is potential for blossom of cybercrime, we need to step up protection
02 Sep 2020
Sarajevo – “The world we live in has never been more connected. The number of Internet users has exceeded 4.5 billion, so 60% of world population is already online, and more than a half will be using social media by the end of 2020. Western Balkans is not legging behind these numbers; the ...
What would we expect from a more geopolitical EU?
28 Aug 2020
Bratislava/Tirana/Sarajevo – “What would we expect from a more geopolitical EU? Simple: Clear and bold decisions to acknowledge the good of having Western Balkans in the EU as well as the damage associated with long prolong EU membership. Western Balkans citizens would expect more resilient ...
Heart of Sarajevo for the Best Student Film 2020 goes to Zeynep Dilan Süren for “The Great Istanbul Depression”
20 Aug 2020
Sarajevo – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is delighted to confirm that the young director Ms Zeynep Dilan Süren from Turkey with the movie “The Great Istanbul Depression” won the Heart of Sarajevo for the Best Student Film, an award Powered by RCC since the inception of this ...
Miscevic: We need to focus on helping resolving issues young people are facing in order to keep them in our region
16 Aug 2020
Sarajevo – “I am happy the RCC put youth and resolving issues they are facing, especially related to their career developments, and jobs in focus, with our EU-funded Youth Lab project that was launched beginning this year, but also through a series other activities, including our support ...
Bregu: We’ve got your back, it’s youth time!
13 Aug 2020
Sarajevo – For the 4th time in a row the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is the patron of the 'Heart of Sarajevo' award for the Best Student Film at the 26th Sarajevo Film Festival (SFF), which this year, due to the corona virus pandemic, goes fully online.
Bregu: Balkathon – Smarten up for the future is not only regional response to pandemic outbreak but also a mind-setter for the changing, digital world
16 Jul 2020
Sarajevo – Miron Lukač on behalf of Portal World Team from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albana Mucaj on behalf of the Kallz Training Center Team from Albania, and Dritan Mollanji on behalf of Symmetric Team from Albania were awarded for their best innovative solutions for Smart Tourism, Digital ...
BALKATHON FINALS: Best Digital Solutions from the Western Balkans to be Awarded at the Final Session of the 1st Regional Online Competition
15 Jul 2020
Sarajevo - 1st Regional BALKATHON ends tomorrow, 16 July 2020, with selection of the 3 best innovative digital solutions out of 88 applicants from the Western Balkans, at the final online session.
Youth Unemployment in the Western Balkans: Youth is Crucial in Designing of Employment Policies
03 Jul 2020
RCC’s Western Balkans Youth Lab and Employment and Social Affairs Platform Projects organized webinar tackling policymaking and youth unemployment in the region Sarajevo – “Numerous stories of unemployed young people across the region who want the leave in pursuit of a job and better ...
1st Western Balkans Balkathon is ON: Apply and RCC will support best ideas for innovative digital solutions development with 10,000 EUR
02 Jul 2020
Sarajevo - Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is organising the first online Western Balkans’ Balkathon competition to trigger digital innovative and practical business solutions. The regional online Balkathon aims to help the Western Balkans citizens and businesses to recover from effects ...
Bregu: Regional Roaming Agreement was a regional success story
01 Jul 2020
Sarajevo/Tirana – “On this date a year ago we started paying less money for our phone bills, as the Regional Roaming Agreement entered into force reducing roaming costs across the region (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia), as much ...
Bregu: It is up to the region to retain commitment to cooperation and bring forth tangible progress to citizens
25 Jun 2020
Tirana/Sarajevo/Prishtina – The two meetings have been held today within the South East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) - the meeting of the SEECP Ministers of Foreign Affairs and the RCC Annual Meeting, which RCC co-organised with the outgoing Kosovo SEECP Chairmanship-in-Office ...
Bregu: Cooperation is the only blueprint that holds the promise of ‘Stronger Together’
24 Jun 2020
Sarajevo – “The regional cooperation continues to grow in prominence with an overwhelming majority of citizens supportive of its role in improving the political, economic and security situation in their home economies - 77%, and 65% of them believes that what brings WB citizens ...
The Shape of the Things to Come - Presentation of Balkan Barometer 2020
23 Jun 2020
Sarajevo – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) will present 2020 edition of Balkan Barometer on Wednesday 24 June 2020. This annual public and business opinion survey of the RCC examines the perception and expectations on life and work, prevalent socio-economic and political trends & ...
Minister Cakaj visits RCC, meets Secretary General Bregu and expresses Albania’s support to RCC and regional cooperation
16 Jun 2020
Sarajevo – Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Albania, Gent Cakaj, visited the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) office in Sarajevo today on the sidelines of his official visit to Sarajevo and meetings with highest Bosnia and Herzegovina’s officials. Minister Cakaj said that ...
ESAP 2: Undeclared work in the Western Balkans needs to be formalized, to increase both public revenues and social security
12 Jun 2020
Sarajevo – “The global pandemic caused by the COVID 19 virus has had a profound impact on businesses and workers, as well as economies across the Western Balkans. The undeclared workers, however, have been disproportionately affected since they generally work in low productivity jobs ...
WBIF awards €8.3 million worth of grants financed by the EU for Western Balkans’ Digital, Environment and Social projects
10 Jun 2020
Sarajevo/Brussels – Good news for the region come from the Brussels today as Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) Steering Committee approved eight grant applications for technical assistance from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo* and Serbia, at its session held online today. ...
Balkan Barometer: 80% of Western Balkans managers consider digital skills very important for doing businesses
01 Jun 2020
Sarajevo/Belgrade/Zurich – “Benefits of digital technologies are multi-fold. Not only they can generate greater benefits from macroeconomic perspective but could also ease procedures and make borders less visible, processes less heavy, supply of new services to customers simpler and businesses ...
Bregu: Western Balkans needs to switch its development trajectory from physical capital accumulation to knowledge accumulation
26 May 2020
Sarajevo/Tirana/Geneva - “Still unpublished latest edition of the RCC’s annual public and business survey for the Wester Balkans - Balkan Barometer 2020 shows that, as expected, internet was extensively used for communication purposes with the proliferation of social media (69%), ...
Green Agenda and Biological Biodiversity for the Western Balkans as important as all other Development Agendas
22 May 2020
Sarajevo/Belgrade – “All economic and social development agendas, crucial for the development of our region and its EU-accession journey have to be accompanied by the equal efforts of environment protection and climate change responses. Biodiversity, in that context, is high on ...
RCC presents its new “Western Balkans Youth Lab” Project: It’s time to change– young people should take the lead
19 May 2020
Sarajevo – The Western Balkans not rarely offers shocking facts about youth. From brain drain to labour migration, from mismatch of diplomas with labour market, prejudices or steep unemployment figures. We have decided to act by example. About 20% of all employees in the Regional Cooperation ...
Western Balkans: Amazing virtual museum tours
18 May 2020
18th May is International Museum Day and today we are coming together to celebrate the history, art and cultural heritage throughout the museums in the Western Balkans. Museums around the world have closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19, meanwhile their virtual tours are still open and ...
Bregu: Pandemic created a common awareness that at least for now humankind takes precedence over politics and disputes
14 May 2020
Sarajevo – “For all its aggressiveness, the COVID-19 crisis also offers glimmers of hope. It has connected Western Balkans even more, this time in a fight against an invisible enemy. It has persuaded us that cooperation should be resilient. It has created a common awareness that ...
Italian operational protocols for treatment of COVID-19 patients shared with Western Balkans
08 May 2020
Sarajevo/Tirana – “Italy has once again given a helping hand to the Western Balkans, and for that we are very grateful. Our Italian friends so generously shared with us their experience and operational protocols for treatment of patients infected with COVID 19. We, the RCC, had this modest ...
Bregu: No brilliant regional plan can succeed without strong political leadership and fully synchronized EU- WB trajectories
06 May 2020
Sarajevo/Tirana/Zagreb - Now, almost 4 years after we initiated the work on Regional Economic Area (REA) the region is ready to embark on the next phase of deepening regional economic cooperation assure the WB6 economies to have ownership first, and bringing the region closer to the EU internal ...
RCC Initiates Regional Working Group on Digital Upskilling in the Western Balkans
30 Apr 2020
Sarajevo – In an attempt to address high digital skills gap present in the Western Balkans and especially obvious in the current situation of economies’ lockdown when many jobs have moved from onsite to online, the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) initiated and hosted the first meeting ...
Regional innovation fund could trigger economic recovery of the Western Balkans
23 Apr 2020
Sarajevo – In an attempt to address high digital skills gap present in the Western Balkans and especially obvious in the current situation of economies’ lockdown when many jobs have moved from onsite to online, the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) initiated and hosted the first ...
Bregu: Tourism in the Western Balkans already feels the pinch of COVID-19 pandemic
18 Apr 2020
Sarajevo – “As this pandemic keeps billions of people at home, one sector is already feeling the pinch - tourism. One in five booked trips to Western Balkans planned for 2020 is cancelled. And this makes situation notoriously difficult, knowing that tourism contributes to 10.2% of ...
Roma, as all other citizens, are respecting the imposed measures, understanding that when one is in danger, the whole region is in danger
08 Apr 2020
Belgrade/Sarajevo – “To all my fellow Roma, I would like to congratulate 8th of April, the International Roma Day, which marks Roma history, culture, language and heritage. Unfortunately, this year the celebration must take place under extraordinary circumstances, due to the COVID-19 ...
COVID - 19 pandemic causes by far the largest-ever cyber security threat to the region and world
07 Apr 2020
Sarajevo - On 6 April, Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) hosted an online consultative meeting of South East Europe National Security Authorities (SEENSA) participants, in order to set the course for the implementation of planned activities in light of the restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, ...
Statement by RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu on EU Member States’ decision to open negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia
24 Mar 2020
Tirana/Sarajevo – “Good news for us today as the EU Member States reached a long overdue political agreement to open the accession talks with Albania and North Macedonia, confirming that the future of the Western Balkans is in Europe. I wholeheartedly congratulate both Albania and North ...
On its way - Green Corridor enabling easy supply of goods within the Western Balkans and between the region and the European Union
23 Mar 2020
Sarajevo – On the initiative of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), representatives of the Governments from South East Europe, European Union (EU) and regional stakeholders are working on the establishment of the Green Corridor within the region and between the Western Balkans (WB) ...
Bregu: The only way to prevent shortages of medical equipment or food in WB is to simplify and harmonize sanitary controls – a Green Corridor
20 Mar 2020
Tirana/Sarajevo – The Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Majlinda Bregu, spoke last night at the Tirana based RTV Klan’s Opinion show, about the major distress in the region after the European Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/402, which imposes ...
RCC WE campaign continues with young Western Balkans’ women studying science, technology, engineering, mathematics
19 Mar 2020
Sarajevo – Ivana Todorovska is a smart hard-working young woman, a student of Analytical Biochemistry at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics in Skopje. Ivana’s message to all of us, young women and girls in particular, is that although it is very hard to become a scientist, ...
Bregu: Cooperation is crucial in having effective response to fight the pandemic
18 Mar 2020
Sarajevo – “These are days of rapid developments by a minute, both at the level of EU and our region and timing, information sharing and coordination is of essence. Cooperation is crucial in having the effective response to fight the pandemic.
RCC’s ‘’WE’’ campaign: Don’t be afraid to dream and to make your dreams come true!
08 Mar 2020
Sarajevo – “We are in the 3rd decade of 21st century and yet the tales of successful business women are not frequent but rather breaking news. In the Western Balkans even more so as only 1 in 5 women owns a business. And not only that – employment rate of women in the region in 2018 was ...
Society should provide young people with knowledge and skills to resist negative influence and propaganda of extremists and radicalized groups
05 Mar 2020
Tirana – “Numbers speak louder than words on the scope of vulnerability of youth to online radicalisation and violent extremism, often leading to terrorism. The World Bank finds that 23% of youngsters in the Western Balkans, aged between 16-24, are neither in school, job, nor in training, ...
Kapetanovic: Responsible journalism is about consequences it causes to a society rather than about number of clicks or likes
03 Mar 2020
Skopje – “Security challenges of our times are indeed very many - from an outbreak of deadly viruses to outbreak of violent extremism, often leading to terrorist attacks, and fake news not meant to inform, but to mislead. And on top of that journalism is confronted with yet another ...
Bregu: Without strategic innovation Western Balkans will not turn inventions into investments – we need to think bigger
21 Feb 2020
Tirana – “Without a strategic innovation function that can enhance the capacities to incubate and accelerate new technologies, companies in the Western Balkans will continue to stockpiling undeveloped inventions and this will not return in an investment. We risk falling into the trap of ...
Bregu: Affinity, empathy and kinship give sense of cooperation and solidarity, not bureaucracy and “business as usual”
17 Feb 2020
Brussels – “As an Albanian, I’m overwhelmed and most emotional by the immense support shown here today. The November earthquake was maybe the longest minute of my life so far. It is heartbreaking to hear testimonies of those who lost their dearest ones and face the uncertainty of the ...
Kapetanovic: The art of diplomacy is finding functional solutions for real-life issues
10 Feb 2020
Pristina – “There are achievements, success stories, but there are also bilateral disputes in our region as well as a lot of mistrust and suspicion. Bilateralism sometimes threatens to diminish regionalism. But what is the art of diplomacy if not finding a way to work around disputes ...
Bregu: We are committed to enable the region to be an exporter of security
31 Jan 2020
Berlin – “Nearly half of all respondents of the RCC’s Balkan Barometer are unhappy with the security situation in their economy - with estimates that five out of the six surveyed economies, Albania excluded, make the world’s top 20 list for civilian gun ownership. However we are happy ...
Bregu: This is much needed opportunity to work together on transformation of our countries into the future EU member states
31 Jan 2020
Berlin – The Republic of France has decide to re-join the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), announced French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Yves Le Drian, at the high-level meeting of the Franco-German Coordination Initiative on Small Arms and Light Weapons Control in the ...
RCC Secretary General Bregu meets Commissioners Varhelyi and Gabriel in Brussels: RCC remains reliable EU partner in the region
30 Jan 2020
Brussels – “2020 is a critical year for the region and mutual relations between the EU and the Western Balkans but also for unhindered economic growth. RCC remains a reliable partner of the EU in the region but also a reliable partner of the region in the EU. We all have high hopes and ...
Bregu: Brain drain the biggest challenge of this decade - Western Balkans working age population declined by more than 400,000 in past 5 years
28 Jan 2020
Sarajevo – “More than 700 000 jobs have been added to the workforce during the past seven years and unemployment has moved for almost a quarter (23%) to around 16%, across the region. They say a tide lifts all boats, large and small. However, not everybody benefited from these economic and ...
Bregu: Parliamentary dialogue and cooperation remain a steady beacon in the ongoing struggle for democracy
17 Jan 2020
Tirana – “In times when politics is in critical condition, Parliamentary dialogue between the Western Balkans and EU on the future of the region is much needed. Therefore I would propose to start an institutionalised dialogue In this regard, and the regional Cooperation Council (RCC) ...
RCC: Listen to Women as no challenge can keep them from fulfilling their dreams
08 Jan 2020
RCC’s Women Empowerment - WE- campaign continues featuring remarkable women from the Western Balkans and brings you Uta Ibrahimi - “At the beginning they told me climbing was for men and I did a lot of work to prove them wrong and change that mentality. You can do the same, just listen ...
Bregu: I am gratified that during the leaving year regional cooperation delivered, even under stress
27 Dec 2019
Sarajevo - At the end of 2019, it is time to wrap up the year, summing up activities of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and announcing our future plans: Here is the statement of our Secretary General, Majlinda Bregu on this occasion:
RCC fully committed to regional cooperation
25 Dec 2019
Sarajevo – There have been many discrepancies and a lack of clear information on the role of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) in the so called “Mini-Schengen” initiative meetings. Regional Cooperation Council is invited to “Mini-Schengen” meetings together with EU, ...
Bregu: Pleased to see that Western Balkans regional initiative focuses on people and clearly outlines EU integration as its final goal
21 Dec 2019
Tirana – “We at the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) are pleased to see that this regional initiative places primary focus on people, particularly that it clearly outlines our ultimate destination – the European Union (EU). We also welcome ambitious list for the next meeting already ...
Housing is essential to one's sense of dignity, safety, and inclusion
13 Dec 2019
Belgrade - The RCC’s Roma Integration 2020 project held its fourth Task Force meeting in Belgrade on 12 and 13 December 2019. The key stakeholders of the project reviewed the status of activities in the seven participating economies, discussed the status of implementation of the Declaration ...
EU boosts support for regional cooperation in the Western Balkans
11 Dec 2019
Brussels - In the margins of the Western Balkan Sherpas meeting, which took place in Brussels today in the run-up to the EU-Western Balkans Summit in May 2020, the European Commission reinforced its support to regional cooperation in the Western Balkans. The signed contract for continued cooperation ...
RCC: We need dynamic regional responses to modern security challenges
05 Dec 2019
Trieste – “83% of Europeans agree that fake news is a threat to democracy, yet it has become a new normalcy, sitting between a freedom of speech and freedom to hate. Fake news is vastly contributing to hate speech which adds fuel to the fire of nationalism and violent extremism, especially ...
Bregu: It’s time to come with a clear stand on the accession process of the Western Balkans
03 Dec 2019
Brussels – “Time to end pretence! EU should honour its Treaty and come with a clear stand on the accession process of the Western Balkans. Thanks to the new EU Commission president Ursula von der for clearly articulating the vision of Europe as a continent. We hope ...
Bregu: It’s high time for the Western Balkans to address challenges and sensitivities with a clearer and ambitious vision
02 Dec 2019
Brussels – “The region is at a different landscape. It is high time to address challenges and sensitivities with a clearer and ambitious vision. We are initiating the process of the new economic vision beyond 2020 in close consultation with all six Western Balkan (WB) economies and ...
RCC continues developing tourism in the Western Balkans: 3rd call for proposals for tourism development grants published
02 Dec 2019
SARAJEVO – As the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) implemented and EU funded Tourism Development and Promotion Project enters its final stage, the RCC published the 3rd Call for Proposals for the award of tourism development grants in the Western Balkans. The total value of the call is ...
16 New Grants for Tourism Development and Promotion in Western Balkans Awarded by RCC, EU
22 Nov 2019
Durres – “Today, with presenting the results of the completed 12 and awarding 16 new grants for the tourism development and promotion in the Western Balkans, we are showing you a part of the success story from this region, and it is not a success of policy-making or GDP but of the people. ...
Bregu: Demographic trends in the Western Balkans and the EU are the best illustration of the real aspirations and needs of the citizens
21 Nov 2019
Zagreb – “Both Europe and Western Balkans are changing demographically, frequently as a model of ‘sending’ and ‘receiving’ countries, as most of around 230,000 citizens have legally migrated from the region to the EU in 2018 alone, while more than 5 million (or 1/4 of the actual ...
Bregu: The region vests high hopes in the upcoming Croatian Presidency of the EU Council in 2020
19 Nov 2019
Zagreb – “Priorities of the Croatian 6-month Presidency of the European Union (EU) Council beginning in January 2020 stressing the usage of full potential of infrastructure and human resources, connectivity and networking of the economies, mesh well with the regional cooperation goals ...
RCC takes IISG – Western Balkans’ internal security governance platform under its wing
18 Nov 2019
Skopje – “We will be bigger. As of next year the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) will coordinate one of the most important agendas of the region: security. Security threats do not need any visa or border checks”, said the RCC's Secretary General, Majlinda Bregu after today’s 4th ...
Bregu: For us at RCC, the Regional Cooperation is a Developing Story
12 Nov 2019
Sarajevo – “We have been asked and received a lot of questions on Novi Sad and Ohrid meetings, the so called “mini-Schengen” and our role in this.
Bregu: RCC supports all initiatives contributing towards EU ‘single market’-like agenda for Western Balkans
10 Nov 2019
Ohrid – “The Regional Cooperation Council supports all initiatives that contribute towards an EU ‘single market’-like agenda for our region, based on the four freedoms. The initiatives should fully mirror the EU models and in such a way represent a stepping stone to our full EU integration”, ...
Via Dinarica expands its regional coordination structure throughout Western Balkans
08 Nov 2019
Non-governmental organisations from Albania, Kosovo* and Serbia joined today Via Dinarica regional coordination structure during a meeting organised by the RCC implemented and EU funded Tourism Development and Promotion Project in Tirana.
Via Dinarica just keeps getting better
07 Nov 2019
It is 11 o’clock on an idle Monday and about to start raining in a tiny village of Rekë e Allagës in Rugova Mountain, all green with pine trees. Fetije Nikiqi is well under way to prepare cheese pie in a wooden stove while Hozefa Indorewala looks to the sky from the porch thinking just how ...
Gender mainstreaming and the role of women in armed forces for the first time focus of the SEEMIC meeting
07 Nov 2019
Ljubljana - “The role of women in armed forces is an important topic and I am pleased we are discussing it today in Ljubljana in particular, as Slovenia sets a remarkable example for the region with the ratio of over 70% of women making up its Armed Forces. Especially when we know that nowhere ...
Roma housing situation: Better legalize than bulldoze!
06 Nov 2019
Sarajevo – “I am pleased to announce that the new methodology we proposed for mapping of illegal settlements in which Roma live will be applied, as pilot projects, in two municipalities per each of the Western Balkans six (plus Turkey?) aiming to replicate it later across the region," ...
Low women employment and labour market skills mismatch in Western Balkans call for stronger cooperation
05 Nov 2019
Istanbul – “The women unemployment in the Western Balkans is 60%. Analyses show a big mismatch in the labour market(s) between the demands and offered sets of skills and knowledge. Almost half of the students in the region enrol into the Humanities, Social Sciences and Business study ...
RCC: Listen to Women - Meet Aida, an opera singer from Sarajevo who won the fight against breast cancer
23 Oct 2019
Sarajevo – “They say what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger. This is what happened to me, literally. I discovered the bump entirely by accident, by self-examination. Soon after that I went through tests, and the rest is history. Self-exam is important, but it is also important ...
Bregu: Air pollution biggest environmental threat to health in WB – EU should consider this as ‘Fundamentals First’- air pollution knows no borders
18 Oct 2019
Belgrade – „Six cities in the Western Balkans (WB) are among the top 20 cities with the highest air pollution in the world, and air pollution is the single biggest environmental threat to human health. Cancer and tumor, the most serious health concerns in the region, are linked ...
Bregu: Western Balkans citizens need incentive from the EU
17 Oct 2019
Sarajevo – “While awaiting the European Union’s Summit’s official decision on the opening accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia today, for us in the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and for the entire region as well, it is quite important to reiterate ...
Bregu: Whenever there is a political will, things in the region move forward
07 Oct 2019
Salzburg – “Keeping the regional cooperation alive is a task that is easier said than done. For example, we had a very good, successful, story in the digital component of the Regional Economic Area in the Western Balkans – Regional Roaming Agreement, which confirmed that whenever there ...
Bregu: There Is No Other Way to Build the Common European Future of the Region than the consolidation of Rule of Law - It’s All about Justice
04 Oct 2019
Tirana – “Albania and Northern Macedonia are eagerly awaiting mid-October's decision on opening of the EU negotiations, which reflects on the entire region, as a necessity to maintain the reforms under way and take the next step in the European integration process. So, it is not a coincidence ...
Bregu at SEECP meeting in New York: A free travel agreement - the new challenge for the region
25 Sep 2019
New York/Sarajevo - “Two months ago in Poznan, we launched a challenge for the region: a free travel agreement - based on the spirit and the word of already existing set of bilateral agreements which allow free travel with ID cards. This regional agreement should be facilitated by RCC as ...
Bregu: It’s the right moment for Western Balkans to show its strengths and ownership on region’s EU future
24 Sep 2019
New York/Sarajevo – “It’s beyond Poznan time, which makes it the right moment for the Western Balkans to show its strengths and ownership on the EU future of the region. We should address shortcomings of the Regional Economic Area and adjust it to fit our realities – include social ...
RCC: Listen to women – they are the key to unlocking the economic potential of this region
15 Sep 2019
Sarajevo – Statistics show that more than 700.000 new jobs were created in the past 7 years in the Western Balkans, but only 4.3% of these were taken up by youth under 24 years of age. For a young person it takes about 2 years to get a job.
European Union will always be an unfinished business without the Western Balkans
03 Sep 2019
Bled – „European Union will always be an unfinished business without the Western Balkans. The price for stagnation and postponing further the decision on the opening of accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia is, in short, a risk. The non opening would bread instability, ...
Heart of Sarajevo for the Best Student Film 2019 goes to Nikola Stojanovic for “Sherbet”
23 Aug 2019
Sarajevo – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is delighted to confirm that the young director Nikola Stojanovic from Serbia with the movie “Sherbet” won the Heart of Sarajevo for the Best Student Film, an award Powered by RCC since the inception of this competition category, at the ...
RCC championing young filmmakers at the Sarajevo Film Festival
20 Aug 2019
Sarajevo – For the 3rd time in a row the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is the patron of the 'Heart of Sarajevo' award for the Best Student Film at the 25th Sarajevo Film Festival (SFF). We continue to support creative young filmmakers in pursuit of their own path and professional development, ...
SEECP leaders praise RCC, entrust it to pursue connectivity agenda of the region and prepare region’s strategy beyond 2020
09 Jul 2019
Sarajevo – “By thanking Bosnia and Herzegovina for excellent cooperation in the past year of their Chairmanship-in-Office (C-i-O) of the South East European Cooperation Process (SEECP), their contribution in leading and advancing regional cooperation through the SEECP framework, I would ...
Bregu: RCC keen to embark on any challenges with full support of regional and EU partners - we don’t need to loose time in order to find it again
08 Jul 2019
Sarajevo – „A year behind us was a dynamic one and we are prepared to continue just as dynamic in the next one. We, at the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) are ready and keen to embark on any challenges ahead of us but we cannot do it without the full support of our regional and European ...
RCC to Present Balkan Barometer 2019 at the Annual meeting of the organisation in Sarajevo
07 Jul 2019
Sarajevo - The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is to present the 5th, 2019 edition of its public and businesses viewpoints survey – Balkan Barometer (BB) at the Annual meeting of the organisation that is taking place on 8 July 2019 in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Bregu: Western Balkan should embark on serious, wide-ranging facilitation agenda, including movement of people, goods, services and capital
05 Jul 2019
Poznan – “Two years after the Western Balkans’ (WB) Prime Ministers endorsed the Multi-annual Action Plan for the Regional Economic Area (MAP REA) in Trieste the region has not fully embraced the opportunities offered by the Regional Economic Area. Flows of goods, services, ...
Bregu: Western Balkans needs to fully embrace and capitalize on the Regional Economic Area
04 Jul 2019
Poznan – “Two years since the endorsement of Multi-annual Action plan on Regional Economic Area (MAP REA) in Trieste and one year since London our region can show only a mixed track record at best. Western Balkans (WB) did not fully embrace Regional Economic Area (REA) and as a result ...
Bregu: Balkan Barometer 2019 clearly shows public and business appreciation of regional cooperation and need to strengthen it
04 Jul 2019
Poznan – “There's no better way to stress the need for stepping up the regional cooperation than quoting the citizens and businesses of the Western Balkans (WB) who overwhelmingly, with 74% and 67% respectively, believe in regional cooperation. The recent success with dropping of roaming ...
Roaming Prices Drastically Drop across Western Balkans: Speak more, surf more – pay less!
01 Jul 2019
Sarajevo – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is happy to announce that as of today, roaming prices across the entire Western Balkans (WB) have dropped drastically. Citizens of the WB will be able to speak, surf, SMS much more and pay much less.
RCC’s #EU2U video/photo contest to take creative young people from South East Europe to Sarajevo Film Festival
28 Jun 2019
Sarajevo - #EU2U-EUrope in my eyes video/photo Contest that the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) launches today aims to encourage video/photo creativity of young people who would, through their video or photo creations, show what they like about European Union (EU) and Europe in general.
Bregu: Western Balkans can punch way above its weight if given a chance
18 Jun 2019
London – “Share of the European Union (EU) in both Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) and exports in the region is well over 70%. For all the talk about the growing Russian and Chinese economic clout in the Western Balkans six (WB6), only 3% of exports in 2018 went to Russia, and less than ...
Economic growth goes hand in hand with human capital development – investment in education must increase
14 Jun 2019
Luxemburg – “Years in a row our opinion survey Balkan Barometer shows that unemployment is the biggest concern for 67% of the citizens in the Western Balkans (WB), and our alarms should have already gone off, triggering adequate reactions. This region has talent everywhere but their skills ...
Bregu: Progress achieved by Western Balkans’ EU aspirants now calls for the European Union’s concrete and fast action
13 Jun 2019
Berlin – “It is not just about enlargement any longer but rather about unification of Europe because the European Union (EU) without Western Balkans (WB) is incomplete. This region is Unions geostrategic interest zone. On the other hand, coming from the region, I would like to see the Western ...
RCC launches the next grant call: 750,000 EUR for developing tourism in the Western Balkans
10 Jun 2019
SARAJEVO – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), under its Tourism Development and Promotion EU funded project, launched today the second in a row grant call for projects developing the tourism offer in the Western Balkans. While the grants scheme totals EUR 1.62 million, this second tranche ...
Bregu: Integration into Regional Economic Area is a win-win for everyone
08 Jun 2019
Bratislava – The Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council, Majlinda Bregu, met with Minister of foreign Affairs of the Slovak Republic, Miroslav Lajcak, in Bratislava today. The two officials discussed the upcoming Western Balkans’ Berlin Process Summit in Poznan in July, in ...
Via Dinarica connectivity in the Accursed Mountain gets an upgrade
08 Jun 2019
PEJE/PEČ - Community Development Fund, beneficiary of the RCC implemented and EU funded tourism development grant scheme, organize today a FAM trip for tour operators and media to inaugurate 6 newly developed sections of Via Dinarica trail in Kosovo* connecting it with the trail portions ...
Bregu: EU will never be complete without Western Balkans - let’s move from “geopoetics” to geopolitics
07 Jun 2019
Bratislava – “The EU without the Western Balkans will never be complete. But it cannot assume that business as usual will provide stability in the Western Balkans. It should take a much more political and strategic approach in the region. Let’s move from “geopoetics” to geopolitics. ...
New circuit trail and tales of river log-driving enrich Via Dinarica
07 Jun 2019
PODGORICA - A new attraction for hikers of Via Dinarica’s White Trail passing through Tara River Canyon in Montenegro was presented today in Podgorica.
New regional hiking trail comes to life: Mokra Gora Mt., Beauty of the Balkans
07 Jun 2019
ZUBIN POTOK - A brand new regional hiking trail running across Mokra Gora Mountain from Montenegro, across Kosovo* to Serbia was inaugurated today in Zubin Potok. The trail was developed by the Institute for Territorial Economic Development – InTER through an RCC implemented and EU funded ...
Powered by RCC, Accursed Mountains show their cultural edge
06 Jun 2019
TIRANA – Stunningly beautiful nature of the Accursed Mountains settled between Albania, Kosovo* and Montenegro just got its cultural edge. From now on, colourful legends, verbal history, songs, dances, crafts and cuisine of local communities living in remote mountainous villages are going ...
The Tales of 4 Fortresses - Creative History Balkans Tour enriches regional tourism offer
05 Jun 2019
NOVI SAD – With the summer at our door, the Western Balkans cultural tourism offers just got richer. EXIT Foundation, a beneficiary of the RCC implemented and EU funded tourism development grant scheme and a winner of the RCC’s champion of regional cooperation award, launched today in Novi ...
Legends of fortresses get new interpretation
05 Jun 2019
DANILOVGRAD - Danilovgrad Municipality, through an RCC provided and EU funded tourism development grant, has revived three fortresses in three Western Balkans economies.
Funds should be invested where it is most needed
05 Jun 2019
The way regional budget programs are designed in their current financial systems, seem to be rigid and lack flexibility of intervention either to introduce a new product related directly to Roma budgeting, or to measure its efficiency.
New horseback riding route connects Western Balkans
30 May 2019
Subotica – The latest Western Balkans tourism attraction – a 500 kilometres long horseback riding route running from Vojvodina in the north to Hercegovina in the south – was inaugurated today in Subotica.
Kapetanovic: Cyber security one of the RCC’s top priorities
29 May 2019
Ljubljana – “The issue of cyber security in general but also in the context of fight against terrorism and online radicalization has become a new security hot spot and challenge at national, regional and global level. This is why cyber security is one of the priorities of the Regional ...
Bregu: Investing in human capital paves the way towards economic development of the region
27 May 2019
Istanbul – “Much needed sustainable transformation of the region into a knowledge-based economy with equal opportunities for all citizens is a comprehensive agenda. It combines innovation, research and development, education, employment and social inclusion policies. We cannot continue ...
Kapetanovic: Dislocation of youth from socio-economic trends makes them vulnerable to radicalization
22 May 2019
Pristina – “The youth are extremely exposed group to various forms of emerging challenges in our region, as more than 20% of them between 16 and 25 years of age have no job, are not involved in training education, and 1 out of 2 want to leave their homeland not believing in betterment of ...
Hidden Gems of Skopje Old Town surface up with new cool mobile app
18 May 2019
Skopje - Starting today, visitors of the Skopje Old Town, Čaršija, will be able to experience it in a completely new way. Coming to their service is the mobile application – Skopje Gems - that provides seven guided cultural tours through Čaršija and takes visitors to the doorsteps of ...
RCC Board meets: RCC stands ready to firmly push the integrative agenda and the European narrative forward
16 May 2019
Sarajevo – “It is stock-taking time, to see what the RCC has been doing, both the accomplishments and the effects of the regional cooperation process on the people in the region, with many of the most pressing issues in the Western Balkans embedded in our work”, said Secretary General ...
Futuristic World War II monuments making comeback as Balkan’s tourism attraction
14 May 2019
SARAJEVO - Among the Western Balkans cultural tourism routes that the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC)’s Tourism Development and Promotion project is currently developing, is the so called Balkan Monumental Trail that encompasses region’s iconic World War II (WWII) monuments.
Region works to implement “Speak more, pay less” principle the Western Balkans committed to
13 May 2019
Brussels – “One month after the signing of the new Regional Roaming Agreement (RRA2) for the Western Balkans (WB) at the Digital Summit on 4 April 2019 in Belgrade, the focus is on steps needed to ensure its smooth, uniform and efficient implementation. WB citizens and all our partners ...
The region has spoken – the hottest summer spots in South East Europe selected
10 May 2019
Sarajevo – The time has come for the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) to announce the winners of its #looking4summer photo/video contest featuring summer beauties of the South East Europe (SEE), which were selected in a joined excercise of Instagram and Facebook users and the RCC crew. ...
Bregu: Divided we fall, united we stand
09 May 2019
Sarajevo – “Western Balkan economies are united by need and a sense of emergency and awareness that there is a clear reason why regions come together in the world. Divided we cannot stand, because we are small economies, each one with its own problems. But all together we could be an interesting ...
Cultural diversity connects Sarajevo, Kotor and Novi Sad
07 May 2019
SARAJEVO - Sarajevo Meeting of Cultures (SMOC), beneficiary of the RCC implemented and EU funded Tourism Development and Promotion Grant Scheme, presented today in Sarajevo a new regional tourism route based on cultural diversity of the Western Balkans.
Balkan Trafik! Festival: Promoting the best of the Western Balkans in the European Union
29 Apr 2019
Brussels – For the past few days Brussels replaced its political foretoken as a European political centre and became a hub for Western Balkan art and culture. The 13th edition of Balkan Trafik! Festival (BTF), which took place 24-28 April, promoted the best of the Western Balkans (WB) and ...
RCC’s ESAP: Share of informal employment in Western Balkans ranges from 18 to 33% - holistic approach necessary to tackle this issue
26 Apr 2019
Sarajevo – “Share of informal/undeclared employment in the region varies from 18,1% in Republic of North Macedonia to 33% in Montenegro1 ,”said Nand Shani, Team Leader of the Regional Cooperation (RCC)’s Employment and Social Affairs Platform (ESAP). Tackling this widespread ...
RCC powers Balkan Trafik! Festival, promotes cultural tourism
26 Apr 2019
SARAJEVO – 13th edition of the Balkan Trafik! Festival which promotes cultures of the South East Europe through theatre, literature, cinema, music, graphic arts, gastronomy, street art, and workshops is taking place in Brussels from 24 to 28 April 2019.
Tourism industry accounts for 14 percent of employment in the Western Balkans
25 Apr 2019
Belgrade – Planning of most viable itineraries along the two new Western Balkans cultural routes that are currently under development was the main topic discussed by the representatives of tourism agencies and tour operators from the region, at the meeting organized by the Regional Cooperation ...
Bregu: Exercising real elements of mutual interests and good relations day by day of utmost importance for presenting the other face of this region
24 Apr 2019
Sarajevo – Majlinda Bregu, Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) took part in the coordination meeting of the Berlin Process focusing on the preparations for the July 2019 Western Balkans summit in Poznan, in Sarajevo today.
Kapetanovic: We have to focus on tangible actions and results in countering & prevention of terrorism & violent extremism in the region
23 Apr 2019
Tirana – The seventh meeting of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC)’s Group of National Focal Points (NFP Group) for Prevention and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) in South East Europe (SEE) is held in Tirana today.
Bregu: Majority of online harassment of WOMEN happens on social media and we need to STOP it #DigitalRespect4Her
19 Apr 2019
Sarajevo - The European Commission recently launched the #DigitalRespect4Her Campaign to raise awareness about online violence against women and promote good practices to tackle this issue.
RCC grant recipient introduces new regional cultural tourism product: The Illyricum Trail
19 Apr 2019
BELGRADE - Danube Competence Center (DCC), beneficiary of the RCC Tourism Development and Promotion Project’s grant scheme, funded by the European Union, introduced yesterday in Belgrade the new and upcoming Western Balkans branch of the Roman Emperors and Danube Wine Route’s called the ...
RCC Bregu: Connecting within the region and with the EU of utmost importance for the Western Balkans
18 Apr 2019
Zagreb – Majlinda Bregu, Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) paid an official visit to Zagreb today within the series of political consultations in the South East Europe (SEE). During the visit she met with Marija Burić Pejčinović, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister ...
Bregu: Western Balkans citizens believe civil society is key correctional factor, to hold governments accountable for their actions
16 Apr 2019
Tirana – „The level of civic trust in governments and politics in general in the Western Balkans (WB) is alarming, as 60% of citizens do not trust neither the governments, parliaments nor the judicial systems, according to findings of new edition of the Balkan Barometer, based on the data ...
RCC’s Amer Kapetanovic: Security cooperation in the region has enormous potential that needs to be up-scaled
10 Apr 2019
Tirana –The South East European National Security Authorities’ (SEENSA) met in Tirana today, at the meeting co-organized and co-chaired by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and the National security agency (NSA) of Albania.
Bregu: If we want to move forward a new approach to education, promoting skills and supporting creativity is a must
09 Apr 2019
Ulcinj – “If we want to move forward a new approach to education, promoting skills and supporting creativity is a must, said Majlinda Bregu, Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) addressing the participants of the 1st Forum “Science and Innovation 2030 for the Western ...
Western Balkans agrees to create regional database of research infrastructure
09 Apr 2019
Ulcinj – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) together with the Ministry of Science of Montenegro organised a Regional Workshop on Mapping Research Infrastructure, that took place on 8 April in Ulcinj. The workshop aimed to support the Western Balkan economies in the process of mapping ...
Marking the International Roma Day: Meet Roma and let them meet you!
08 Apr 2019
Sarajevo/Belgrade – Today is the day we celebrate Romani culture, history, language, heritage and experiences. But it is also an opportunity to continue voicing the necessity of improving the lives and welfare of Roma as equal citizens of our societies, which is the mission of the Regional ...
RCC’s Roma Integration 2020 project continues its work on improving the lives and welfare of Roma as equal citizens in EU Enlargement region
05 Apr 2019
Belgrade – Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Majlinda Bregu and Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia and Minister of Construction, Traffic and Infrastructure, Zorana Mihajlović, signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Belgrade today, extending Serbian hospitality to ...
Region seals the deal – 2021 roaming free Western Balkans
04 Apr 2019
Belgrade – “A deal is a destination! Today’s signature of the Roaming Free Agreement is a step that makes a difference in the region. Amid all scepticism let us say loudly: Europe delivers”, said Majlinda Bregu, Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) upon signing ...
RoamLike@Home in the Western Balkans: People see it as important as free movement; businesses believe it will spur trade
01 Apr 2019
Sarajevo – The people of the Western Balkans (WB), businessman/woman, travellers, students, youngsters, everybody, are in unison when it comes to bringing down the roaming charges in the region – they are looking forward to it and see it as a great benefit to them personally and their businesses. ...
Bregu: Western Balkans Digital Summit and Poznan Summit are our chances to showcase we can deliver together as a region
26 Mar 2019
Brussels – “Upcoming second WB Digital Summit in Belgrade, as well as the Poznan Summit are our chances to showcase that we can deliver together as a region,” said Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Majlinda Bregu, at the meeting of the Multi-Annual Action Plan ...
Bregu: Western Balkans should be EU’s geopolitical priority, but WB must outdo itself to become quality EU integration partner
22 Mar 2019
Sarajevo – The Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Majlinda Bregu took part in the informal meeting of the Working Party on the Western Balkans Region (COWEB) in Sarajevo today, convened by the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), in cooperation ...
RCC Secretary General Bregu calls for more efficient future action and better communication with the citizens
21 Mar 2019
Sarajevo – Coordination Board of the Regional Cooperation Council’s (RCC) South East Europe’s growth Strategy (SEE 2020) has met in Sarajevo today, to reflect on the implementation results, identify potential action synergies for further cooperation as well as post-2020 regional priorities ...
Turdiu: Our task is to translate political will and commitments into concrete actions and results
20 Mar 2019
Tirana – The Western Balkan Six (WB6) Component Contact Points (CCPs) in charge for implementation and monitoring of the Multi-Annual Action Plan for Regional Economic Area (MAP REA) reflected on the results of MAP REA implementation during the period July-December 2018, at their third meeting, ...
Bregu: Challenges in front of us in enhancing regional cooperation in time of uncertainty, will be even bigger
15 Mar 2019
Sarajevo – Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council, Majlinda Bregu, for the first time since the inception of the duty, chaired the meeting of the organisation’s Board at the RCC Secretariat offices in Sarajevo, yesterday.
Bregu: Politics should act to the citizens’ concerns and deliver fast
14 Mar 2019
Sarajevo – Majlinda Bregu, Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) paid an official visit to Milorad Dodik, Chairman of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency, in Sarajevo today.
Bregu: Spreading the spirit of solidarity and tolerance beyond borders teaches young generations what really matters
13 Mar 2019
Sarajevo – Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Majlinda Bregu presented the award of the Champion of Regional Cooperation for 2018 to the Founder and Chair of You are a Sunflower Foundation, Albana Osmani at the reception marking the 11th anniversary of the RCC ...
You are a sunflower - Champion of Regional Cooperation in South East Europe in 2018
12 Mar 2019
Sarajevo – Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) has selected You are a sunflower as the Champion of Regional Cooperation in South East Europe in 2018. The award will be officially presented to Ms Albana Osmani, Head of You are a sunflower, by Majlinda Bregu, RCC Secretary General, at the ...
Listen to women – they are the key to unlocking the economic potential of this region
08 Mar 2019
Sarajevo - Instead of happy 8th of March, the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is introducing the idea of the “WE”, starting with Nada Markovic, a pioneer of the first female cooperative in Bosnia and Hercegovina.
RCC Bregu: Cooperation in attracting investments, upskilling youth and women and connecting people priorities for the Western Balkans
07 Mar 2019
Trieste – Majlinda Bregu, Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) visited the seat of the Western Balkans Six Chamber Investment Forum (WB6 CIF) in Trieste today, where she met with Safet Gerxhaliu, Secretary General, Marko Čadež, President of the Governing Board of ...
RCC’s Photo/video Contest ‘LOOKING FOR THE SUMMER’ in South East Europe starts today!
01 Mar 2019
Sarajevo – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) launches photo/video contest titled ‘LOOKING FOR THE SUMMER’ (#looking4summer) aimed at promoting the most desirable tourism destinations in South East Europe.
Turdiu: Young diplomats are the leaders of tomorrow and promoters of our region to the EU and the world
28 Feb 2019
Sarajevo – The Regional Cooperation Council, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, organized training for the region’s young diplomats from South East Europe, in Sarajevo today.
RCC Bregu: We will keep pushing the region for concrete deliverables by Poznan summit
22 Feb 2019
Podgorica – On the second day of her visit to Montenegro, Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Majlinda Bregu met with the Speaker of the Parliament, Ivan Brajović, Prime Minister, Duško Marković, Minister of Foreign Affairs Srđan Darmanović, ...
RCC Bregu: Western Balkans is on the move, to step up reforms and strengthen regional cooperation
21 Feb 2019
Podgorica - Majlinda Bregu, Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) started her consultations in Podgorica today by meeting Milo Đukanović, President of Montenegro.
Preparations for the 2nd Western Balkans' Digital Summit enter its final stage
19 Feb 2019
Belgrade – The preparations for the upcoming 2nd edition of the Western Balkans' Digital Summit entered its final stage.
Once Western Balkans reach new roaming agreement among itself, EU ready for reduction of roaming tariffs between WB and EU, as of July 2019
18 Feb 2019
Skopje – The Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Majlinda Bregu is in Skopje today, where she met with the EU Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society, Mariya Gabriel.
‘Roam Like at Home’ speak more, pay less: Western Balkans agrees on text of new Regional Roaming Agreement
08 Feb 2019
Brussels – Representatives of the ICT Ministries and Regulators from Western Balkans Six (WB6) economies agreed on the text and the next steps leading towards signing of the new Regional Roaming Agreement (RRA2), at the third negotiations organized by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) ...
Bregu: Practical and effective discussion on the need for credible regional cooperation
05 Feb 2019
Belgrade - Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Majlinda Bregu met with the Prime Minister of Serbia, Ana Brnabić, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ivica Dačić, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications, Rasim ...
Bregu: Mutual interests to lead the way on the Western Balkans’ European path
04 Feb 2019
Belgrade – At the beginning of the two-day official visit to Belgrade, the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Majlinda Bregu met with the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, today.
Bregu: 2019 is “a year of delivery” - citizens of the Western Balkans expect more
03 Feb 2019
Tirana – The Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Majlinda Bregu, was in an official visit to Tirana where she met with the President of Albania, Illir Meta, Minister of Finance and Economy, Anila Denaj, Minister of Education, Sport and Youth, Besa Shahini, Minister ...
30 million EUR earmarked for Western Balkans in Broadband connectivity under Western Balkan Investment Framework (WBIF)
01 Feb 2019
30 million EUR are earmarked for the investment projects in digital infrastructure (fixed broadband connectivity) for the Western Balkans, through the Western Balkan Investment Framework (WBIF).
Open Science concept would contribute to Western Balkan societies’ higher return on investment
31 Jan 2019
Brussels – The Western Balkan (WB) economies presented current situation and actions undertaken in the development of Open Science and Open Access policies for research data at the meeting of the Working Group on Open Science, held under the auspices of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) ...
Domestic reforms and regional cooperation - the two preconditions for economic development of the region
31 Jan 2019
Brussels – Sustainable economic growth and development of the Western Balkans (WB) was in the focus of gathering of representatives of EU institutions, diplomatic missions, think tanks, non-governmental and business organizations, organized by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) in cooperation ...
RCC SG Bregu: European integration of Western Balkans is not a territorial, but transformational agenda
29 Jan 2019
Vienna – “European integration of Western Balkans is not a territorial agenda. It is a transformational agenda, which in the broader orientation towards fundamental European values has worked. The EU has been the single most important leverage in the region to promote democracy, rule of ...
RCC: ‘Roam Like at Home’ speak more, pay less
24 Jan 2019
Brussels – The second round of negotiations on the new Regional Roaming Agreement (RRA2) for the Western Balkans (WB), organized by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), is being held in Brussels today.
RCC’s Majlinda Bregu: Skopje gives a tailwind for the entire region
22 Jan 2019
Skopje – The Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Majlinda Bregu, was in an official visit to Skopje in the past two days where she met with the President of the Assembly, Talat Dzaferi; Prime Minister, Zoran Zaev; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for European Affairs, ...
RCC Secretary General: Each negotiation is a story of impact and dialogue for individuals, communities and economies
21 Jan 2019
The 2nd round of negotiations on mutual recognition of professional qualifications in the Western Balkans (WB) for Doctors of Medicine, Dentists, Architects and Civil Engineers started in Skopje today.
Secretary General Bregu: Inter-connected, we will push each other forward
18 Jan 2019
Pristina – Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Majlinda Bregu, visited Pristina today and met with the Speaker of the Parliament Kadri Veseli, Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Behgjet Pacolli, and Minister of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, ...
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu pays the first official visit to Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina
09 Jan 2019
Sarajevo – Majlinda Bregu, the new Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), met with Sefik Dzaferovic, one of the three members of Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in Sarajevo today. This is the first meeting organised of envisaged tour of visits that RCC Secretary ...
Statement of the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council Majlinda Bregu
04 Jan 2019
Beyond differences and geographical boundaries there lies a common interest! Jean Monnet was firm in his conviction that the “European nations had to unite in order to survive”. The same holds true for Western Balkan’s. To maintain weight in a world that is changing fast, ...
Majlinda Bregu takes office as the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council
04 Jan 2019
Sarajevo – Mrs. Majlinda Bregu assumed her duties of the new Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) today, following the appointment by the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) Foreign Ministers in Brdo pri Kranju, Slovenia on 23 April 2018.
SEE 2020 Strategy’s Monitoring Committee kicks off new Strategy’s monitoring cycle
19 Dec 2018
Vienna - 7the meeting of the Regional Cooperation Council’s (RCC) South East Europe 2020 (SEE 2020) Strategy’s Monitoring Committee took place in Vienna today marking the beginning of the new SEE 2020 monitoring cycle.
Preparations for the next WB6 Prime Ministers Summit continue at the 4th Meeting of Working Group on Recognition of Academic Qualifications in the Western Balkans
13 Dec 2018
Sarajevo - The 4th meeting of the Joint Education Reform Initiative of South Eastern Europe (ERI SEE) and Regional Cooperation Council’s (RCC) Working Group on Recognition of Academic Qualifications (WG RAQ) took place in Sarajevo today.
More jobs and changed approach to employment of Roma community in the enlargement region necessary to combat poverty and social dependence
10 Dec 2018
Budapest - Regional conference on innovative approaches to employment of Roma, jointly organized by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC)’s projects Roma Integration 2020 and Employment and Social Affairs Platform (EASP), and Roma Education Fund (REF) started in Budapest today.
Svilanovic: Cyber security became new hotspot and serious challenge at global, regional and local level
06 Dec 2018
Istanbul – The Third Regional Coordination Conference for Counter-Terrorism (CT) and Prevention and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) in South East Europe (SEE), organized by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) in cooperation with the Government and the Ministry of Interior of Turkey, ...
Enlargement process, integration, transformation challenges - main topics of 19th edition of EU-Western Balkans Summit in Brussels
04 Dec 2018
Brussels – For the third year in a row the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) partnered with the Brussels-based think-tank Friends of Europe (FoE), with the support of the European Commission, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United States European ...
Svilanovic: Western Balkans should work on preserving its environment and address climate change, regardless of its EU accession process
21 Nov 2018
Skopje – Western Balkans ministers in charge of the environment called for further strengthening of synergies and regional cooperation for the implementation of the environment and climate change priorities in the region, in line with the EU acquis, as well as supported mainstreaming of environment, ...
Skopje to host 3rd Ministerial Panel on Environment and Climate Action in the Western Balkans
20 Nov 2018
Skopje – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is organising the 3rd in row Ministerial Panel on Environment and Climate Action in the Western Balkans, which is to take place in Skopje tomorrow. The event is organized together with the host Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning.
Svilanovic: Region’s economies need to improve legislation on capital markets, focusing on protection of investors
15 Nov 2018
Belgrade – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) hosted the panel: The Future of Regional Capital Markets as a partner of the 17th Conference of the Belgrade Stock Exchange ‘Upgrade in Belgrade 2018’ being held in Belgrade today.
548.000 EUR worth grants awarded for improvement of Western Balkans cultural and adventure tourism
09 Nov 2018
Sarajevo - The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC)’s EU-funded Tourism Development and Promotion Project has awarded the first twelve, out of 30 + grants in total value of EUR 548,000, in Sarajevo today. These grants are awarded to the best project proposals received through the public call ...
RCC to award first twelve grants for Western Balkans tourism development and promotion
08 Nov 2018
Sarajevo – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) will award the first twelve grants in total worth of EUR 550,000 for the development and promotion of tourism in the Six Western Balkans economies, at a ceremony in Sarajevo tomorrow.
Region’s Military Intelligence Chiefs discuss cyber security challenges in the Western Balkans
07 Nov 2018
Tirana – The South East European Military Intelligence Chiefs (SEEMIC) adopted the Open-source intelligence (OSINT) assessment dedicated to ‘Challenges to critical infrastructure cyber security in South East Europe ' at their 10th Conference held on 7 November 2018 in Tirana, Albania. The ...
Svilanovic: Romani women are the most vulnerable group and region desperately needs to ensure their economic independence
31 Oct 2018
Belgrade – The regional conference on economic situation of Romani women in the European Union enlargement region, organized by the Regional Cooperation Council’s (RCC) Roma Integration 2020 (RI2020) in cooperation with the Government of Serbia and CARE International Balkans, has started ...
RCC hosts workshop for Western Balkans journalists on media coverage of terrorism and violent extremism topics
25 Oct 2018
Budva - The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) hosts a Regional Workshop on media coverage of violent extremism-related topics for journalists from the Western Balkans, in Budva, Montenegro, today.
Western Balkans promotes its adventure tourism offer at Adventure Travel World Summit – Powered by RCC.int
22 Oct 2018
Sarajevo – Regional Cooperation Council’s (RCC) Tourism Development and Promotion Project took the tour operators from the six Western Balkans economies to the annual Adventure Travel World Summit (ATWS), which was held in Montecatini, Italy last week, to promote their offers and ...
RCC organises regional workshop for journalists from the Western Balkans on media coverage of terrorism and violent extremism topics
19 Oct 2018
Budva - The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is organising a Regional Workshop on media coverage of violent extremism-related topics for journalists from the Western Balkans, on 25 October 2018, in Budva, Montenegro.
RCC Board meets for the 35th time
18 Oct 2018
Sarajevo – The Board of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) met for the 35th time at the organisations’ Secretariat in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina today.
RCC begins operationalisation of Regional Investment Reform Agenda - RIRA
11 Oct 2018
Sarajevo – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) began operationalisation of the Regional Investment Reform Agenda (RIRA), with a series of consultations with Western Balkans Six (WB6) economies, on the development of their individual-economy Investment Policy Reform Action Plans (IRAPs), ...
RCC’s Roma Integration 2020 at 2018 EU Platform on Roma Inclusion in Brussels
10 Oct 2018
Brussels – The Regional Cooperation Council’s (RCC) Roma Integration 2020 (RI2020) Action Team prepared a set of recommendations intended to resolve the housing situation of Roma in a sustainable way and contribute to the progress of full realisation of the fundamental rights of Roma, ...
RCC hosts the third meeting of MAP REA Coordinators from Western Balkan Six
09 Oct 2018
Brussels – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) hosted the 3rd meeting of Coordinators of Multi-Annual Action Plan (MAP) on Regional Economic Area (REA) in Western Balkan Six (WB6), discussing the implementation results, next milestones, the most pressing challenges and reiterating commitments, ...
Western Balkan Six open negotiations on mutual recognition of professional qualifications of doctors of medicine, dentists, architects and civil engineers
08 Oct 2018
Brussels – The Western Balkans began the negotiations on mutual recognition of professional qualifications of doctors of medicine, dentists, architects and civil engineers at the 1st meeting of Lead Negotiators convened by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) in Brussels today.
Svilanovic: Trained security practitioners are invaluable in prevention and countering of violent extremism and radicalization in Western Balkans
03 Oct 2018
Skopje - A seminar on prevention and countering of violent extremism (P/CVE) in the Western Balkans (WB) gathering security practitioners from the region and distinguished regional and international lecturers is being held in Skopje today. The seminar has been organised by the Regional Cooperation ...
Third National Platform on Roma Integration in Bosnia and Herzegovina held in Sarajevo
28 Sep 2018
Sarajevo – The third National Platform on Roma Integration in Bosnia and Herzegovina, organized by the Regional Cooperation Council’s (RCC) Roma Integration 2020 in cooperation with the Ministry for Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina, was held in Sarajevo today. It gathered ...
Svilanovic: This might be ‘a make or break’ year for Regional Economic Area in the Western Balkans
25 Sep 2018
New York – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) hosted a working breakfast of the Western Balkans Foreign Ministers and the Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes Hahn, in New York today. This informal gathering was organised in the framework ...
Pristina hosts third National Platform on Roma Integration
21 Sep 2018
Pristina - Under the framework of the Regional Cooperation Council’s (RCC) Roma Integration 2020 (RI2020), the third National Platform on Roma Integration in Kosovo*, jointly organized by the RI2020 Action Team and the Office of the Prime Minister was held in Pristina today.
Sarajevo: Students from BiH universities discuss early signs of radicalisation among youth and its prevention
18 Sep 2018
Sarajevo – Close to 50 students from various Universities across Bosnia and Herzegovina gathered in BiH capital today at the one-day Workshop, organised by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) at Faculty for Criminalistics, Criminology and Security Studies of University of Sarajevo, ...
RCC supports Western Balkans tour of No Borders Orchestra
23 Aug 2018
Sarajevo – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) supported the Western Balkans tour of the No Borders Orchestra (NBO) that ended last night with a concert in Belgrade after earlier performances in Budva, Prizren and Sarajevo.
Film „Last call“ directed by Hajni Kis winner of the Heart of Sarajevo for the Best Student Film at 2018 Sarajevo Film Festival
17 Aug 2018
Sarajevo – Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is proud to confirm that the young director Hajni Kis with her film „Last call” won the Heart of Sarajevo for the Best Student Film, under RCC's patronage, at the 24th edition Sarajevo Film Festival (SFF) that is to close tonight.
RCC continues fuelling regional cooperation in the field of youth creativity and tourism
09 Aug 2018
Sarajevo – For the second year in a row, the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is the international partner of the Sarajevo Film Festival (SFF), as a patron of the 'Heart of Sarajevo' award for the Best Student Film. The festival kicks-off tomorrow, 10 August 2018, and includes filmmakers ...
RCC Secretary General takes part at the Western Balkans London Summit
11 Jul 2018
The Secretary General of the regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Goran Svilanovic, took part at the Western Balkans (WB) Summit on 10 July in London.
RCC’s Balkan Barometer 2018: Satisfaction of people and businesses on overall situation in the region is steadily improving
06 Jul 2018
Brussels – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) revealed results of 2018 edition of the Balkan Barometer (BB), an annual survey of citizens and business communities’ opinion on the situation in the region, in Brussels today. The main findings of the survey show that satisfaction of ...
Major milestone in SEE 2020 Strategy implementation: Western Balkans ADDS more than 600 000 JOBS
05 Jul 2018
Brussels – Governing Board of the Regional Cooperation Council’s (RCC) South East Europe 2020 Strategy (SEE 2020) endorsed the 2018 Annual Report on Strategy’s implementation (ARI), at its fifth meeting held in Brussels today, in the eve of the presentation of the RCC’s Balkan barometer ...
Svilanovic: Notable progress achieved in the implementation of Multi-Annual Action Plan on Regional Economic Area in the Western Balkans
04 Jul 2018
Vienna – Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Goran Svilanovic presented key results of the implementation of Multi-Annual Action Plan on Regional Economic Area (MAP REA) at the ministerial panel dedicated to this topic of the Economy Ministers’ Meeting of the ...
RCC to present SEE2020 strategy implementation results and its Balkan Barometer 2018 this week in Brussels
03 Jul 2018
Brussels – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is to present the implementation results of the region’s growth strategy, South East Europe 2020 (SEE2020) on 5 July 2018 in Brussels, and day after, on 6 July also in Brussels, the RCC will reveal the results of its 4th edition of the public ...
Genoveva Ruiz Calavera: The RCC instrumental in facilitating co-operation bringing the Western Balkans closer to one another and to the EU
02 Jul 2018
Sarajevo – Genoveva Ruiz Calavera, Director for the Western Balkans at the European Commission’s (EC) Directorate-General for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR) visited the offices of the Regional Cooperation Council’s (RCC) Secretariat in Sarajevo today, ...
New RCC project to focus on development of cultural and adventure tourism in the Western Balkans
28 Jun 2018
SARAJEVO – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) officially marked the beginning of its 3-year project dedicated to the development and promotion of tourism in the Western Balkans, in Sarajevo today. The project will help six Western Balkans economies to diversify and consolidate their cultural ...
RCC’s Tourism Expert Group adopts “Crossroad of Civilisations” as a regional tourism identity, agrees on tourism routes to be developed
27 Jun 2018
Sarajevo – The South East Europe Tourism Expert Group (TEG) adopted “Crossroads of Civilisations” as a regional tourism identity that will be applied throughout all the routes development efforts in the framework of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC)’s Tourism Development and Promotion ...
Regional Cooperation Council to launch Tourism Development and Promotion project for Western Balkans
27 Jun 2018
Sarajevo – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) will launch its project on Tourism Development and Promotion in the Western Balkans on 28 June 2018, in Sarajevo, presenting its team, planned activities and expected results.
Western Balkans endorses key principles on recognition of academic qualifications
26 Jun 2018
Brussels – Ministers in charge of education from the Western Balkan economies endorsed a set of key principles on automatic recognition of academic qualifications in the region at the 7th Ministerial meeting of the Western Balkans Platforms on Education and Training & Research and Innovation, ...
Usein: Data collection system to be improved for assessment of progress in integration of Roma
26 Jun 2018
Belgrade – National Platform on Roma integration in Serbia, providing wide public dialogue with the relevant institutions and civil society and others concerned with the issue of Roma integration, at the same time ensuring transparency of the Roma related policy, participation in decision ...
Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans Launched in Sofia
25 Jun 2018
Sofia – Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans (WB) was launched in Sofia today, at the Digital Assembly 2018, a key annual policy event organised by the European Commission Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology, and the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council ...
Brussels: RCC's ESAP presents Western Balkans employment and labour market trends and developments
20 Jun 2018
Brussels – Regional Cooperation Council' s (RCC) Employment and Social Affairs Platform (ESAP) Project presented in Brussels today employment and labour market trends and developments in the Western Balkans (WB). The policy discussion gathered representatives of WB Ministries of Labour and ...
RCC hosts regional meeting on coordination and harmonization of spectrum policies in the Western Balkans
12 Jun 2018
Prague - Coordination and harmonisation of spectrum policies in the Western Balkans (WB) was discussed at the regional meeting organised by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) that took place in Prague, Chez Republic today.
RCC Secretary General and BiH Foreign Minister meet to discuss BiH's SEECP C-i-O
12 Jun 2018
Banja Luka – The Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Goran Svilanovic, met the Foreign Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Igor Crnadak, in Banja Luka today.
Participation of public in policy-making allows for citizens’ views and concerns to be addressed
11 Jun 2018
Vienna – In an attempt to increase awareness of regional standards in the field of public participation in policy-making processes in the Western Balkans (WB), the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) together with the Regional School of Public Administration (ReSPA), and the Centre for Public ...
Second National Platform Meeting on Roma Integration in Albania held in Tirana
11 Jun 2018
Tirana - The second National Platform Meeting on Roma Integration, aimed at reviewing the status of implementation of National Action Plan for Integration of Roma and Egyptians in Albania for the period from 2016 to 2020, took place in Tirana today. The meeting was organized by the Regional ...
RCC publishes Study on Climate Change in the Western Balkans: Alarming increase of temperature over the whole territory
06 Jun 2018
Sarajevo – Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) published a Study on climate change in the Western Balkans, showing alarming increase of temperature over the whole territory, with observed temperature increase of 1.2ºC in the near future, destined to warm further by 1.7 – 4.0°C and ...
Usein: Housing remains the most challenging issue for Roma integration in the region
31 May 2018
Bar – A two day conference “Holistic Approach to Housing for Roma in the Enlargement Region”, organized by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC)’s Roma Integration 2020 (RI2020) Action Team, started in Bar today.
Third National Platform meeting on Roma Integration in Montenegro held in Podgorica
30 May 2018
Podgorica – The third National Platform meeting on Roma Integration in Montenegro for 2018, organized by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC)’s Roma Integration 2020 (RI2020) Action Team in close cooperation with the Ministry of Human and Minority Rights of Montenegro, took place on 30 ...
Combating terrorism and violent extremism cannot be done without full support of judicial institutions
30 May 2018
Tirana – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and Albanian Ministry of Justice are hosting a regional workshop on law enforcement/judicial services and state attorneys/prosecutors in dealing with terrorism and violent extremism and connected crimes, in Tirana today. It gathers judges, ...
RCC at the Sofia Western Balkans Summit: Regional Cooperation Council proliferated regional cooperation across all sectors
17 May 2018
Sofia – The Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council, Goran Svilanovic, took part at the EU-Western Balkans Summit hosted by the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU, in Sofia today. The Summit is dedicated to strengthen links between the EU and the Western Balkans in ...
Regional Investment Reform Agenda (RIRA) Endorsed at the SEEIC Ministerial Meeting
11 May 2018
Tivat - The Regional Investment Reform Agenda (RIRA) was endorsed by representatives of the six Western Balkan (WB6) economies at the Ministerial meeting of the South East Europe Investment Committee (SEEIC) held in Tivat, Montenegro today.
Western Balkans confirms Recommendation to open negotiations on Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications
07 May 2018
Sarajevo – Representatives of six Western Balkan economies gathered in the Joint Working Group on Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications (JWG on MRPQ) at their meeting held in the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) headquarters in Sarajevo today confirmed recommendation to open ...
Brussels: Bulgarian EU Presidency, RCC host conference on the Western Balkans’ European perspective
25 Apr 2018
Brussels - Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union together with the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) hosted a conference on the Western Balkans’ European perspective through growth, good governance and enhanced cooperation, in Brussels today.
SEECP Summit Participants praise work of RCC, thank outgoing and approve new Secretary General
24 Apr 2018
Brdo pri Kranju – The leaders of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) participants commended and congratulated the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), for serving as a sui generis organisation promoting regional cooperation in South East Europe, approving at the same time ...
South East European Foreign Ministers Appoint next RCC Secretary General
23 Apr 2018
Brdo pri Kranju - Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) appointed Majlinda Bregu as Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), starting on 1 January 2019 and of Igor Luksic as RCC Secretary General starting on January 2022, ...
RCC Annual Meeting endorses nomination of Majlinda Bregu as the next RCC Secretary General for the term 2019-2021
23 Apr 2018
Brdo pri Kranju – The 10th Annual Meeting of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), held in Brdo pri Kranju today, endorsed the RCC Annual Report 2017/2018 and the nominations of Majlinda Bregu as the next RCC Secretary General for the term 2019-2021 and Igor Luksic for the term 2022-2024.
Skopje: The first Western Balkans Digital Summit finishes
19 Apr 2018
Skopje – The first ever, two-day Western Balkans Digital Summit finished in Skopje today. It brought together close to 800 participants, 50 companies and more than 50 speakers, including Prime Ministers and Ministers responsible for digital agenda from the Western Balkans (WB), EU Berlin ...
The first Western Balkans Digital Summit opens in Skopje
18 Apr 2018
Skopje – The first ever Western Balkans Digital Summit, bringing together Prime Ministers and Ministers responsible for digital agenda from the Western Balkans (WB), EU Berlin Process participants, European Commission (EC), Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), representatives of IT industries ...
RCC, RAI sign memorandum of understanding, broadening cooperation between the two organisations
17 Apr 2018
Belgrade – Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Goran Svilanovic and Chairperson of the Regional Anticorruption Initiative (RAI) Davor Dubravica signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on mutual cooperation between the RCC and RAI, on the margins of the RCC-organised ...
Regional Investment Reform Agenda in focus of the RCC-organized meeting
16 Apr 2018
Vienna – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC)’s Joint Working Group on Investments (JWGI) of the South East Europe Investment Committee (SEEIC) and Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA), discussed Regional Investment Reform Agenda (RIRA), at the meeting held in Vienna today.
RCC and its RI2020 congratulate the International Roma Day
08 Apr 2018
Sarajevo, Belgrade – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and its Roma Integration 2020 Action Team congratulate the International Roma Day, being marked today .
Skopje to host the first Western Balkans Digital Summit
03 Apr 2018
Skopje – The first Western Balkans Digital Summit is to take place on 18-19 April in Skopje, bringing together Heads of Governments from the Western Balkans (WB), Ministers responsible for digital agenda from WB and European Union (EU) member states participating in the Berlin Process, European ...
Svilanovic at the meeting of WB Foreign Ministers in Sarajevo: It is “action time” for the Western Balkans
16 Mar 2018
Sarajevo – The Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Goran Svilanovic, takes part in the meeting of Western Balkans (WB) Six Foreign Ministers in Sarajevo today. The meeting is dedicated to the recently published EU’s strategy on the enlargement perspective ...
Regional Cooperation Council supports panel discussion of Silent Balkan Majority 'Tourism, culture and sport connect the region'
15 Mar 2018
Svilanovic: Tolerant, forward looking people are the future of this region Jahorina/Sarajevo – Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Goran Svilanovic took part in the latest panel discussion of informal citizens' group from the Western Balkans „Silent Balkan Majority ...
RCC Board meets for the 34th time
15 Mar 2018
Sarajevo – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretary General Goran Svilanovic presented the Report on the organisation's activities in the last quarter of the past year at the first meeting of the Board of in 2018, held in Sarajevo today.
RCC celebrates its 10th Birthday, awards EXIT as Champion of Regional Cooperation for 2017
15 Mar 2018
Sarajevo – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) marked its 10th birthday by presenting a brief overview of the past 10 years of the organisation’s activities to its partners, stakeholders and friends and awarding the EXIT Festival as Champion of Regional Cooperation for ...
RCC hosts 4th Donor Coordination Meeting for the Western Balkans
13 Mar 2018
Brussels – Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is hosting the 4th Annual Meeting of Donor Coordination for the Western Balkans, in Brussels today.
Belgrade theatre play “They” in Sarajevo with support of the Regional Cooperation Council
07 Mar 2018
Sarajevo – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) brought contemporary ballet choreodrama “They” (‘Oni’) of the National Theatre in Belgrade to Sarajevo, which was hosted by National Theatre Sarajevo last night, within the Sarajevo Winter Festival 2018.
Western Balkans’ Regional Economic Area on the Agenda of Kopaonik Business Forum 2018
05 Mar 2018
Kopaonik – Regional Cooperation Council’s (RCC) Secretary General Goran Svilanovic moderated a panel titled ‘Western Balkans - challenges: Regional economic area?’ within the 25th edition of the Kopanonik Business Forum, at Kopaonik today.
10 years of Regional Cooperation Council
27 Feb 2018
With the region, for the region Sarajevo - Today the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) marks its 10 birthday. Our journey began on 27 February 2008 in Sofia at the meeting of Foreign Ministers of South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP), when the RCC was officially launched, as the ...
Western Balkans should enhance its competitiveness and improve its market orientation to fight unemployment
21 Feb 2018
Although the Western Balkans region suffered the dramatic employment fall in the period following the global economic crisis 2008-2011, “the situation recovered over the subsequent five years and by 2016 total employment had again reached 6.5 million, representing an increase of 8.9%”, ...
Discrimination against Roma and anti-Gypsyism in the enlargement region in the focus of the Berlin workshop
13 Feb 2018
Berlin – A two-day workshop addressing discrimination and anti-Gypsyism in the enlargement region, organized under the auspices of the Regional Cooperation Council’s (RCC) Roma Integration 2020 (RI2020) project, opened in Berlin today. The main objective of the workshop, gathering more ...
New EU Strategy for the Western Balkans sets out credible enlargement perspective maintaining the focus on regional cooperation
06 Feb 2018
Sarajevo – The newly published EU Strategy for the Western Balkans (WB) reiterates regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations as keys for progress of the Western Balkans’ economies on their European path, naming the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) among those that provided a ...
Second Meeting of MAP Coordinators and B2G Meeting on MAP takes place in Trieste
30 Jan 2018
Trieste – The second meeting of the Coordinators for the RCC’s Multi Action Plan (MAP) for a Regional Economic Area (REA) in the Western Balkans six (WB6) took place in Trieste today. The meeting provided an overview on the key developments in MAP implementation in each of the WB6 economies ...
Challenges and Responses of the Western Balkans discussed at the Policy Summit in Brussels
05 Dec 2017
Brussels – The 18th edition of policy summit on the Western Balkans under the title: Western Balkans at a Crossroads: New Challenges, Changing Dynamics, organised by the leading Brussels-based think-tank Friends of Europe (FoE), with the support of the European Commission, Regional Cooperation ...
RCC, ETF continue building human capital in the region
22 Nov 2017
Brussels – The Regional Cooperation Council’s (RCC) Secretary General, Goran Svilanovic, and newly appointed Director of the European Training Foundation (ETF), Cesare Onestini, signed an agreement on continuation of cooperation between the two organisations, in Brussels today.
UNCTAD, RCC present Investment Policy Review of South East Europe
21 Nov 2017
Geneva – The Investment Policy Review (IPR) of South East Europe (SEE), conducted by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) with the support of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), has been presented in Geneva today.
Bonn: Western Balkans reaffirms its strong commitment to regional cooperation in addressing environmental and climate challenges
17 Nov 2017
Bonn – Western Balkans authorities in charge of the environmental and climate change gathered at high-level panel in Bonn, Germany today, voicing strong commitment to joint regional action in responding to environmental and climate challenges. The event was organised by the Regional Cooperation ...
South East European Military Intelligence Chiefs adopt OSINT assessment on Use of Social Media by Violent Extremists
08 Nov 2017
Budva – Open-source intelligence (OSINT) assessment dedicated to ‘Use of Social Media by violent extremists' has been adopted by the South East European Military Intelligence Chiefs (SEEMIC) at their 9th Conference held on 7 November 2017 in Budva, Montenegro. The event was co-organised ...
RCC hosts the first meeting of coordinators for the Western Balkans Regional Economic Area
31 Oct 2017
Brussels - Following the Trieste Western Balkans (WB) Summit and the endorsement of the RCC’s Multi Action Plan (MAP) for a Regional Economic Area (REA) in the WB6, the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and the Western Balkans Chamber Investment Forum (CIF), organized the first Meeting of ...
London: Western Balkans Summit 2018 and Berlin Process in focus of Svilanovic’s meeting with UK Foreign Office and Commonwealth Officials
30 Oct 2017
London – Goran Svilanovic, Regional Cooperation Council’s (RCC) Secretary General met with UK’s Foreign Office and Commonwealth officials Fiona McIlwham, Peter Bainbridge, Director and Deputy Director of Western Balkans Department (EuD - WBD), Andrew Page, Western Balkans Summit ...
RCC Secretary General discusses Western Balkans EU perspective with Bulgarian Foreign Minister in Sofia today
26 Oct 2017
Sofia – Goran Svilanovic, Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), met with Ekaterina Zaharieva, Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister for Judicial Reform and Minister of Foreign Affairs, in Sofia today. Svilanovic and Zaharieva talked about the priorities of Bulgaria’s upcoming ...
Preventing Corruption in Public Institutions through Efficient Identification of Risks
25 Oct 2017
Ljubljana - Efficient identification of corruption risks and their assessment in public institutions is the main topic of a two-day Regional Forum which started in Ljubljana, Slovenia today.
RCC’s Balkan Barometer 2017: Unemployment remains the chief concern, while anxiety over corruption grows
09 Oct 2017
Brussels – The Regional Cooperation Council’s (RCC) presented in Brussels today the 2017 edition of the Balkan Barometer (BB), an annual survey of citizens and business communities’ opinion on the situation in the region.
RCC to present its Balkan Barometer 2017 – a perception survey of citizens and business communities on the situation in the region
06 Oct 2017
Brussels – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is to present its 3rd edition of the public and business opinion survey – Balkan Barometer 2017 in Brussels, Belgium, on 9 October 2017.
RCC supports 5th edition of the International Festival of High School Theatre – JUVENTAFEST
08 Sep 2017
Sarajevo – For the second year in a row the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) provides support to young regional talent gathered around International Festival of High School Theatre – JUVENTAFEST. 5th edition of this unique Festival that provides an excellent overview of high school theatre ...
Sarajevo Film Festival: Heart of Sarajevo for the best student film goes to Neven Samardzic for the film ‘Clean’
18 Aug 2017
Sarajevo – Bosnia and Herzegovina’s film ‘Clean’ (‘Čistoća') was awarded with the 'Heart of Sarajevo' as the Best Student Film of the 23rd Sarajevo Film Festival (SFF), at the official ceremony in Sarajevo last night. This award is being given under the patronage of the Regional ...
Sarajevo Film Festival: Competition for Best Student Film kicks-off
12 Aug 2017
Sarajevo – The competition for the 'Heart of Sarajevo' for the Best Student Film of the 23rd Sarajevo Film Festival (SFF), award under the patronage of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), officially kicked off today.
RCC patron of the 1st Sarajevo Film Festival's Best Student Film Award
10 Aug 2017
Sarajevo – This year the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is the international partner of the Sarajevo Film Festival (SFF) 2017 and patron of the 'Heart of Sarajevo' award for the Best Student Film. The Student Film has been introduced in the competition programme of the SFF for the first ...
Trieste: Six Western Balkans leaders endorse Regional Economic Area
12 Jul 2017
Trieste - The leaders of Western Balkans Six (WB6) endorsed the Multi-annual Action Plan on a Regional Economic Area in the Western Balkans (MAP), at the summit in Trieste today. The MAP has been created to enable unobstructed flow of goods, services, capital and highly skilled ...
Sarajevo: RCC at the Sixth Western Balkans Civil Society Forum
10 Jul 2017
Sarajevo – The Sixth Western Balkans Civil Society Forum, organised by the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) in cooperation with the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), opened in Sarajevo today.
RCC to present report on its activities in the past year and the SEE 2020 Development Strategy’s implementation results, at meetings in Dubrovnik
26 Jun 2017
RCC Annual Meeting Regional Cooperation Council and Croatian Chairmanship-in-Office 2016-2017 of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) are co-organizing RCC’s tenth Annual Meeting. The meeting is expected to endorse Annual Report of the RCC 2016-2017, featuring the work of ...
Goran Svilanovic presented with Dr Elemer Hantos Prize for promotion of economic cooperation in the region
08 May 2017
Belgrade – Charles Epping, President of The Central Europe Foundation (CEF), presented Goran Svilanovic, Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Dr Elemer Hatnos Prize as recognition of his efforts to promote regional economic cooperation in South East Europe at the ...
Germany continues its support to Regional Cooperation Council
10 Apr 2017
Sarajevo - The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat and the German Federal Foreign office (Auswärtige Amt) signed an agreement on financial grant to support RCC’s public awareness activities. The grant agreement of 100, 000 euro is to support RCC communication and public ...
Serbian journalists in a visit to the Regional Cooperation Council Secretariat
31 Mar 2017
Sarajevo – A group of 11 Serbian journalists and representatives of their Government’s Team for social inclusion and poverty reduction visited the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat in Sarajevo today, as a part of the thematic study tour to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
RCC presents its activities and core of regional cooperation in South East Europe to young diplomats
20 Mar 2017
Sandanski/Sarajevo - Goran Svilanovic, Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and Stefana Greavu, Head of RCC’s Political Department spoke today to young diplomats from all over South East Europe, at the 12th Winter School on Diplomacy, in Sandanski, Bulgaria. This ...
Champion of Regional Cooperation Award presented to Sarajevo Film Festival
16 Mar 2017
Sarajevo – Sarajevo Film Festival (SFF) was officially presented with Champion of Regional Cooperation award in Sarajevo last night. Goran Svilanovic, Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) presented the Award to Mirsad Purivatra, Director of SFF thanking him for vision ...
Regional Cooperation Council launches redesigned website
14 Mar 2017
Sarajevo – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) launched its redesigned, user friendly website today. The website has undergone significant redesign, reorganisation and technical upgrade to reflect the RCC work as envisaged by the new triennial Strategy and Work Programme 2017-2019 ...
Sarajevo Film Festival - Champion of Regional Cooperation in South East Europe
14 Mar 2017
Sarajevo – Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) has selected Sarajevo Film Festival (SFF) as the Campion of Regional Cooperation in South East Europe in 2016. The Award will be officially presented to Mirsad Purivatra, Director of SFF by Goran Svilanovic, RCC Secretary General at a ceremony ...
RCC: Sarajevo hosts a concert of Balkan traditional music
21 Oct 2016
Sarajevo, 22 October 2016 – Last night Sarajevo was the host of the concert promoting the dialogue of the Balkan people through its colourful traditional music. Spanish artist, maestro Jordi Savall, with ensemble Hesperion XXI and guest musicians from....
RCC and ILO to launch ‘Employment and Social Affairs Platform’ Project
28 Jun 2016
SARAJEVO – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) are launching tomorrow (29 June 2016) the “Employment and Social Affairs Platform” (ESAP) project at a one day Conference in Sarajevo. The ESAP project is supported by the European Commission’s ...
RCC’s Balkan Barometer 2016: The region is moving forward but unemployment, the economic situation and corruption remain the most pressing issues
21 Jun 2016
SARAJEVO – South East European (SEE) economies have started to recover, shows the 2016 edition of the Regional Cooperation Council’s (RCC) Balkan Barometer, which was presented in Sarajevo today.
RCC’s Balkan Barometer 2016: And the people say… jobs!
17 Jun 2016
SARAJEVO – Next week, on Tuesday, 21 June 2016, the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is launching this year’s edition of the Balkan Barometer - an annual survey of attitudes, experiences and perceptions across the economies covered by the RCC’s South East Europe (SEE) 2020 Strategy ...
Belgrade audience lauds two female authors from Bosnia and Herzegovina
14 Jun 2016
Belgrade – Two award winning authors from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lejla Kalamujić (Sarajevo) and Tanja Stupar-Trifunović (Banja Luka), presented their work to the Belgrade audience at the National Library of Serbia, today. This literary afternoon was supported by the Regional Cooperation ...
Ten scholarships for a better future
28 Apr 2016
Sarajevo – Ten pupils and students from Srebrenica and Bratunac received today certificates for scholarships awarded by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) in partnership with the BBI bank. Congratulating the pupils and the students, RCC Secretary General, Goran Svilanovic, wished ...
RCC and BBI to provide scholarships for ten pupils and students from Srebrenica and Bratunac
22 Apr 2016
Sarajevo – Ten pupils and students from Srebrenica and Bratunac will receive scholarships awarded by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and BBI bank next week. At the ceremony, to be held in Sarajevo next Thursday (28 April 2016), the certificates of scholarship will be presented ...
Full house and standing ovation for “Romeo and Juliet”
22 Mar 2016
Sarajevo/Belgrade/Pristina/Tirana - Last night’s “Romeo and Juliet” was in Sarajevo, in the National Theatre, but this was truly such a great example of regional co-operation that it deserves a by-line which mentions the cities which were in one way or another the four pillars ...
Romeo and Juliet in Sarajevo
16 Mar 2016
Sarajevo/Beograd/Pristina – Sarajevo National Theatre will host a play staged jointly by Belgrade-based Radionica Integracije and Pristina-based Quendra Multimedia on Monday, 21 March 2016. It is about Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet against the background of burdened Pristina-Belgrade ...
RCC awards European Fund for the Balkans as 2015 Champion of Regional Cooperation
26 Feb 2016
Sarajevo – The Regional Cooperation Council’s (RCC) recognition for outstanding work in the field of regional cooperation was awarded last night to the European Fund for the Balkans (EFB) which was selected as the Champion of Regional Cooperation for the year 2015.
European Fund for the Balkans - Champion of regional cooperation
09 Feb 2016
Sarajevo, 9 February 2016 – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) has selected the European Fund for the Balkans (EFB) as the Champion of Regional Cooperation in the year 2015. The Award will be presented to Hedvig Morvai, the Executive Director of the EFB at a ceremony in ...
Regional Cooperation Day in Sarajevo: Strong debate about a tough year
18 Dec 2015
Regional Cooperation Council organised a meeting of civil sector representatives from South East Europe economies and journalists from the region
RCC: Sarajevo to host Regional Cooperation Day
16 Dec 2015
Sarajevo - Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is organising a gathering of representatives of civil society and media from the South East Europe region to mark the Regional Cooperation Day.
RCC: “Balkan Spy in Sarajevo” to perform in Belgrade’s Zvezdara Theatre
07 Dec 2015
SARAJEVO/BELGRADE, 7 December 2015 – Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) supported a guest performance of “Balkan spy in Sarajevo” in Zvezdara theatre in Belgrade on Friday, 11 December 2015.
Pristina hosts Zijah Sokolovic’s one man show
02 Dec 2015
Supported by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), the “Qendra Multimedia” arts and cultural centre in Pristina hosted last night the renowned Bosnia and Herzegovina’s actor, writer and director, Zijah Sokolovic. A full house greeted Mr Sokolovic and thunderous applause interrupted ...
Zijah Sokolovic in Pristina on 1 December 2015
30 Nov 2015
The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) will be supporting a theatrical-literary evening of the renowned Bosnia and Herzegovina’s actor, writer and director, Zijah Sokolovic at the Qendra Multimedia, in Pristina, at 20.00h tomorrow.
RCC at the SEE Regional Conference: “Working Together Towards EU Accession”
18 Nov 2015
Sarajevo, 18 November 2015 – Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretary General, Goran Svilanovic highlighted regional cooperation as a key element in fostering reconciliation, good neighbourly relations, stability and prosperity in South East Europe (SEE). “It is also an EU membership ...
RCC at the Agricultural Policy Forum (APF) 2015
14 Oct 2015
Pravets, 14 October 2015 - Representatives from members of the Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group (SWG RRD) gathered at the Agricultural Policy Forum (APF) 2015 in the Bulgarian town of Pravets to review the achievements of the APF process so far and the challenges and opportunities ...
The new Director of MARRI, Tamara Mugosa, visits RCC
09 Sep 2015
The new Director of the Migration, Asylum, Refugees Regional Initiative (MARRI), Ms Tamara Mugosa, paid her first visit the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat.
Rama, Svilanovic and Vucic, tonight in regional TV Talk Show “Okruzenje”
31 Aug 2015
The margins of last Thursday’s Vienna summit of the WB6 leaders and the leaders of the Berlin Process countries and the EU, were rich with events in the days preceding and following the actual Summit.
The Western Balkans Civil Society Forum at the Vienna Summit
28 Aug 2015
The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) rounded off its participation at the Vienna Summit yesterday with the Secretary General, Goran Svilanovic, participating in the meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and the SEE2020 Coordinator, Sanjin Arifagic, attending the meeting of Economics ...
Tackling tomorrow's issues today - bilateral disputes in the Western Balkans discussed in Vienna
27 Aug 2015
Vienna - Today’s Western Balkans Summit in Vienna is being accompanied by a series of side events that complement the political and economic issues discussed by the WB leaders and the initiators of the Berlin Process – last year’s host Germany, this year’s Austria and next year’s ...
RCC at the Vienna WB summit
25 Aug 2015
West Balkan and EU leaders will gather in Vienna in the next two days for the continuation of the Berlin Process, widely perceived as an initiative to pursue the EU accession process of the region. The actual Summit and its political discussions will be held on August 27th accompanied by meeting ...
Civil Society at the upcoming Western Balkans Summit in Vienna
10 Aug 2015
This year’s continuation of the Berlin Process will culminate at the end of August in Vienna when Western Balkans leaders gather for Summit hosted by Austria but also attended by the leaders of Germany, France (which will carry the torch in the next 12 months) as well the European ...
Third round of RCC’s ‘Voice of the Region’ competition opens
15 Jun 2015
The third round of the Regional Cooperation Council’s (RCC) competition ‘Voice of the Region’ started off with the theme: Tourism – how to present the beauty of our common home?
Svilanovic voices strong support for creation of youth exchange programme for the Western Balkans
10 Jun 2015
Speaking at the conference dedicated to strengthening intercultural youth exchange programmes in the Western Balkans in Sarajevo today, the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Goran Svilanovic, expressed the strong support of the RCC for the initiative to create ...
RCC Secretary General briefs South East Europe’s Ambassadors accredited in Brussels to EU and NATO and EC Director General Christian Danielson
05 Jun 2015
Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Goran Svilanovic met today with the Ambassadors of SEECP participants accredited to EU and NATO in Brussels as well as with EC Director General Christian Danielsson.
RCC Annual Meeting and presentation of the SEE Development Scoreboard
22 May 2015
Tirana/Sarajevo - The RCC’s (Regional Cooperation Council) Annual Meeting in Tirana today heard a strong endorsement of the organisation’s efforts in fostering economic recovery and speeding up the European integration process of the region. The meeting’s host, Albanian Foreign Minister ...
Governing Board of RCC’s SEE2020 Strategy Meets in Tirana
21 May 2015
TIRANA/SARAJEVO – The South East Europe 2020 Strategy (SEE 2020) Governing Board held its second meeting in Tirana today. The SEE 2020 Strategy is the Regional Cooperation Council’s (RCC) primary instrument for boosting growth in the region, creating jobs and assisting the EU accession ...
RCC to present South East Europe Development Scoreboard
18 May 2015
SARAJEVO, 18 May 2015 – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat will officially launch and present the South East Europe Development Scoreboard (SEEDS) on the sidelines of its Annual Meeting, on the 22nd of May 2015 in Tirana, Albania. SEEDS is a comprehensive but simple ...
RCC’s ‘Voice of the Region’ competition enters its second round
15 May 2015
After the pilot of the Regional Cooperation Council’s (RCC) competition ‘Voice of the region’ proved to be successful, we have a pleasure to invite citizens of South East Europe (SEE) to take part in its second round, starting today.
Regional Cooperation Day in Brussels
06 May 2015
Sarajevo/Brussels – The Regional Cooperation Day continued in Brussels with a High Level Conference on cooperation and enlargement in the Western Balkans which included Albanian Foreign Minister, Ditmir Bushati, the EU Commissioner for European Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, Johannes ...
RCC’S Balkan Barometer Presented at the Regional Cooperation Day in Brussels
06 May 2015
Sarajevo/Brussels - The Regional Cooperation Day (RCC) kicked off in Brussels with a premiere of the Balkan Barometer (BB), a comprehensive survey encompassing public and business opinion and sentiment on crucial economic and development issues. The Balkan Barometer is a part of an RCC’s ...
Regional Cooperation Day ends in Brussels
06 May 2015
The Regional Cooperation Day concluded in Brussels with closing remarks by Igor Luksic, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro, MEP Andrej Plenkovic, Vice Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Andreas Brandstaetter from the Austrian Foreign Ministry.
RCC launches “Voice of the region” public competition
15 Apr 2015
SARAJEVO, 15 April 2015 – Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat invites citizens from South East Europe (SEE) with writing, video-making or photography skills and talents to take part in the “Voice of the Region” competition. All entries: essays, photos and videos compete ...
Germany continues to support RCC’s activities
09 Apr 2015
Sarajevo - Goran Svilanovic, Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council Secretariat (RCC) and H.E. Dr Christian Hellbach, German Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, signed an agreement with which the Federal Republic of Germany continues its support of the RCC.
Regional Cooperation Council recognizes Energy Community Secretariat as Champion of Regional Cooperation for 2014, marks 7th anniversary
26 Feb 2015
SARAJEVO – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) selected the Energy Community Secretariat (ECS) as the Champion of Regional Cooperation for 2014. The Award has been presented by the RCC Secretary General, Goran Svilanovic, to the ECS Director, Janez Kopac, at the occasion of seventh anniversary ...
RCC meets the citizens of Belgrade
24 Dec 2014
With a street installation in Knez Mihailova in the heart of Belgrade (Tuesday, December 23rd), the RCC rounded off its end of year tour which also included Podgorica, Tirana, Skopje, Pristina and Sarajevo.
RCC out on the street to meet citizens in Sarajevo
11 Dec 2014
Working towards the prosperity of Southeast European citizens, the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is going out into the streets to ask the citizens how they feel about their lives, their job prospects or the lack of them. It will be an opportunity to discuss regional cooperation, RCC’s ambitious ...
European Commission supports RCC with 7,15 million euro
27 Nov 2014
A two-year contribution agreement to the amount of 7,150,000.00 euro supporting the activities of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat in 2015-2016 was signed in Brussels today between the European Commission (EC) and the RCC. This is the first time that the European Commission ...
RCC out on the street to meet citizens in Prishtina
25 Nov 2014
Working towards the prosperity of Southeast European citizens, the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is going out into the streets to ask the citizens how they feel about their lives, their job prospects or the lack of them. It will be an opportunity to discuss regional cooperation, RCC’s ambitious ...
RCC out on the street to meet citizens in Skopje
21 Nov 2014
Working towards the prosperity of Southeast European citizens, the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is going out into the streets to ask the citizens how they feel about their lives, their job prospects or the lack of them. It will be an opportunity to discuss regional cooperation, RCC’s ...
RCC out on the streets to meet citizens in Podgorica
03 Nov 2014
Working towards the prosperity of Southeast European citizens, the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is going out into the streets to ask the citizens how they feel about their lives, their job prospects or the lack of them. It will be an opportunity to discuss regional cooperation, RCC’s ...
Through cultural heritage to more jobs
27 Oct 2014
Dubrovnik - The fields of Arts and Culture and the Cultural heritage rehabilitation are more than just “food for the soul”; they can also be a tool for the creation of wealth and crucially, jobs! This is the underlying message of the two day High-level Regional Conference which started ...
RCC Board adopts Report on RCC activities April-September 2014
15 Oct 2014
Sarajevo – At the third meeting of the RCC Board this year the RCC Secretary General, Goran Svilanovic, presented a number of activities of the RCC Secretariat in the period April – September 2014 and informed the Board on the most important future activities, especially those related ...
RCC calls EU for continuation of urgent assistance to flood-affected countries in the region
19 May 2014
BRUSSELS/SARAJEVO – The Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Goran Svilanovic, asked for continuation of EU assistance to flood-affected countries in the region, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, during his meeting with the European Union's Commissioner ...
President of Montenegro Filip Vujanović meets with RCC Secretary General Goran Svilanović in Sarajevo
14 May 2014
SARAJEVO – Goran Svilanović, Regional Cooperation Council (RCC)’s Secretary General, met with Filip Vujanović, President of Montenegro, at the organisation’s Secretariat in Sarajevo today.
Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic visits Regional Cooperation Council Secretariat
13 May 2014
SARAJEVO – Regional Cooperation Council’s (RCC) Secretary General Goran Svilanovic welcomed Serbian delegation led by the Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic at the RCC Secretariat in Sarajevo today.
Public Policy Masters Students from Hague visit RCC Secretariat
15 Apr 2014
Regional Cooperation Council’s (RCC) Secretariat hosted a group of 26 students and professors from the Erasmus Mundus Masters Programme in Public Policy (Mundus MAPP) from Hague, Netherlands today.
Regional Cooperation Council Secretariat launches organisation’s redesigned website and social media profiles
31 Mar 2014
SARAJEVO – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat launched today a redesigned, user friendly version of the organization’s website and its social media profiles.
Germany supports RCC’s public awareness activities with 50,000 euro grant
27 Mar 2014
Agreement on 50,000 euro grant to support public awareness activities of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat in 2014 was signed by the RCC Secretary General, Goran Svilanovic and German Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ulrike Knotz in Sarajevo today.
RCC’s South East Europe 2020 strategy topic of workshop for journalists held in Sarajevo
19 Mar 2014
A two-day workshop devoted to Regional Cooperation Council (RCC)’s South East Europe (SEE) 2020 strategy gathering journalists from the Western Balkan, ended in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, today.
EU-financed project improving cooperation in South East Europe by strengthening RCC, successfully completes
18 Mar 2014
SARAJEVO – The successful completion of project Improving Cooperation in South-East Europe by Actions for Strengthening the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) was marked by a final conference that was held in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, today.
Regional Cooperation Council presents Champion of Regional Cooperation award for 2013, marks 6th anniversary
27 Feb 2014
SARAJEVO – On the occasion of today’s sixth anniversary of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), the organization’s Secretary General Goran Svilanovic presented the South East European Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning (SEECEL) with the Champion of Regional Cooperation award for ...
European Commission supports work of RCC Secretariat with EUR 3.575 million grant
19 Dec 2013
A 3,575,000 euro grant agreement supporting activities of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat in 2014 was signed today in Brussels between the European Commission (EC) and the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC).
RCC to present South East Europe 2020 strategy for creating 1 million jobs in the region
09 Sep 2013
SARAJEVO – The first draft of the South East Europe (SEE) 2020 strategy for creating one million new jobs in the region will be presented in Skopje tomorrow. The document is being prepared by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat, in close consultation with governments and initiatives ...
Second edition of the Academy on Media Law in South East Europe to kick off in Sarajevo tomorrow
02 Sep 2013
SARAJEVO – The second edition of the Academy on Media Law in South East Europe will open in Sarajevo tomorrow, 3 September. It will focus on issues of media pluralism, public service broadcasting and the freedom of the media on the Internet.
Head of RCC Expert Pool receives 'Europe Contribution of the Year' award by European Movement in Serbia
25 Jun 2013
Jelica Minic, Head of Expert Pool at the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat, has been awarded the ‘Europe Contribution of the Year’ award by the European Movement in Serbia for her contribution to European integration and values in Serbia.
South East European ministers of foreign affairs express support to RCC work, hail its SEE 2020 growth strategy
31 May 2013
OHRID/SARAJEVO – Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) approved in Ohrid today the annual report of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretary General and the organization’s work programme for 2014-2016, focused on SEE 2020 – a Job-Creating ...
Regional Cooperation Council key forum for all-inclusive regional cooperation in South East Europe, say organization’s participants
30 May 2013
OHRID/SARAJEVO – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is a key forum for inclusive regional cooperation in South East Europe, participants of the 5th Annual Meeting of the organization agreed in Ohrid today, while endorsing its new strategy for the 2014-2016 period and the annual report ...
Annual Meeting endorsed new Regional Cooperation Council strategy and annual report
30 May 2013
OHRID/SARAJEVO – The 5th Annual Meeting of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) endorsed the organization’s new strategy for the 2014-2016 period and the Annual Report of the RCC Secretary General. The meeting was held in Ohrid on 30th May 2013.
UN Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights pays visit to RCC Secretariat
16 May 2013
Farida Shaheed, United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights, visited the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat today, to learn about efforts in fostering cultural and education cooperation in South East Europe.
Germany supports work of RCC Secretariat with a 50,000 euro grant
22 Apr 2013
A 50,000 euro grant agreement supporting activities of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat in 2013 was signed by Goran Svilanovic, RCC Secretary General, and Ulrike Knotz, German Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, in Sarajevo today.
Foreign Minister Poposki visits RCC Secretariat, backs organization’s goals and activities
27 Feb 2013
The current Chair-in-Office of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Nikola Poposki, paid a visit to the RCC Secretariat today to express support to the activities of the organization and congratulate ...
Regional Cooperation Council receives award for extraordinary contribution to humanism
07 Feb 2013
The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) received in Sarajevo today the traditional Sloboda (Freedom) award of the International Peace Centre Sarajevo (IPC) for an extraordinary contribution to humanism, fight for human rights and freedom in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Europe and the world. The ...
New Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council takes up post
08 Jan 2013
SARAJEVO – Goran Svilanović, the new Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), has assumed his duties in Sarajevo today.
Regional Cooperation Council wins award for extraordinary contribution to humanism
10 Dec 2012
SARAJEVO – The International Peace Centre Sarajevo (IPC) assigned its traditional Sloboda (Freedom) award to the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) for an extraordinary contribution to humanism, fight for human rights and freedom in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Europe and the world.
Western Balkans policy on new skills for new jobs to be adopted at RCC, FES co-organized event in Sarajevo, tomorrow
21 Nov 2012
SARAJEVO, 21 November 2012 – A policy paper on ‘new skills for new jobs’ in the Western Balkans is expected to be adopted at a meeting hosted by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat, in Sarajevo, tomorrow.
Museums network in South East Europe established at RCC-organized ministerial conference in Skopje
13 Nov 2012
SARAJEVO/SKOPJE – South East European Museums Network, which will enhance cross-border cooperation between these cultural institutions, was established at a ministerial conference held in Skopje today.
Western Balkans ministers adopt 11 targets for regional economic growth by 2020, under RCC auspices
09 Nov 2012
SARAJEVO/TIRANA – Western Balkans economy ministers adopted today 11 targets for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth in the region, to be reached by 2020. The commitment was made at the ministerial conference of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC)'s South East Europe Investment Committee ...
RCC briefs diplomats in Sarajevo of results of its 4th Annual Meeting
22 Jun 2012
The Secretariat of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) briefed today the diplomatic community in Sarajevo of results of the 4th Annual Meeting of the organization and the related South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) events, held in Belgrade last week.
Germany grants 50,000 euro to support work of RCC Secretariat
20 Jun 2012
The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretary General, Hido Biscevic, and German Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ulrike Knotz, signed in Sarajevo today a 50,000 euro grant agreement in support of the work of the RCC Secretariat in 2012.
South East European foreign ministers appoint Goran Svilanović as the new Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council
14 Jun 2012
BELGRADE/SARAJEVO – Goran Svilanović has been appointed the new Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) by the ministers of foreign affairs of the states participating in the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP), at their meeting held in Belgrade today.
Annual Meeting endorses RCC annual report and nomination of new Secretary General
13 Jun 2012
BELGRADE/SARAJEVO – The 4th Annual Meeting of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) endorsed in Belgrade today the Annual Report of the organization’s Secretary General and the nomination of Goran Svilanovic as the next RCC Secretary General for a three-year period, effective as of 1 January ...
1st media law academy in SEE ends in Zagreb, makes recommendations on public service media remit, media pluralism and professionalism
08 Jun 2012
ZAGREB, 8 June 2012 – The first Academy on Media Law in South East Europe wrapped up its work in Zagreb, Croatia, today, with a set of recommendations to enhance public service media remit, media pluralism and responsibility.
First academy on media law in South East Europe to kick off in Zagreb
31 May 2012
ZAGREB – The first academy on media law in South East Europe will open in Zagreb, Croatia, on Monday, 4 June, under the auspices of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), with support of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, and the OSCE Mission ...
Conference on investigative journalism and data protection in South East Europe to open in Pula, Croatia
28 May 2012
ZAGREB/SARAJEVO/PULA – A conference to promote investigative journalism and journalistic independence in South East Europe, while respecting data protection principles, will open in Pula, Croatia, on Wednesday, 30 May.
RCC’s Southeast Europe Investment Committee adopts 2-year work programme in Sarajevo, to boost region’s competitiveness
25 Apr 2012
SARAJEVO – The Southeast Europe Investment Committee (SEEIC) adopted its two-year Work Programme for 2012-2013 in Sarajevo today, at the first meeting held under the umbrella of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat.
CEI project of strengthening the RCC launched in Sarajevo to support stronger regional cooperation in Western Balkans
16 Mar 2012
More than 50 participants of the kick-off meeting for the project Improving Cooperation in South-East Europe by Actions for Strengthening the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) agreed in Sarajevo today that enhancing RCC role is vital for upgrading regional cooperation.
Project to improve cooperation in South East Europe by strengthening RCC to kick-off in Sarajevo tomorrow
15 Mar 2012
SARAJEVO – The project Improving Cooperation in South-East Europe by Actions for Strengthening the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) will be launched in Sarajevo tomorrow, at a kick-off meeting organized by the Central European Initiative (CEI) in cooperation with the RCC Secretariat.
Regional cooperation in South East Europe, EU membership focus of 4th RCC anniversary celebration
13 Mar 2012
SARAJEVO – The 4th anniversary of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) will be marked in Sarajevo tomorrow with a panel discussion From ownership to responsibility: Regional cooperation in South East Europe and EU membership.
Conference on the role of Civil Society Networks in the Western Balkans and Turkey starts in Sarajevo
13 Dec 2011
SARAJEVO – A two-day conference on civil society organisation (CSO) networks in the Western Balkan countries and Turkey started today in Sarajevo. It aims at enhancing their structured participation in the EU accession process, and at their greater involvement in the implementation of ...
Head of LSE institute to speak about perceptions of crisis-struck Europe, sign agreement with RCC, in Sarajevo
08 Dec 2011
SARAJEVO – The impact of the current euro-zone crisis on perceptions of ‘Europe’ will be the topic of a lecture by Professor Kevin Featherstone, Head of the European Institute at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), to be held at the Sarajevo School of Economics ...
Independence, sustainability of public service media in South East Europe needs to be strengthened, agrees Sarajevo conference
14 Nov 2011
SARAJEVO – The economic standing, editorial independence and autonomy of public service media need to be improved, to avert political interference, achieve managerial stability, ensure sustainability and stable funding for the public service media, in order for them to fulfill their role, ...
Seminar on freedom, independence and sustainability of public service media in South East Europe to open in Sarajevo on Monday
11 Nov 2011
SARAJEVO – Over 50 participants from the Regional Cooperation Council’s 13 South East European members will discuss independence and sustainability of the region’s public service media in Sarajevo, on Monday, 14 November.
Protocol on regional cooperation among South East European public media signed in Sarajevo, under RCC auspices
30 Sep 2011
SARAJEVO – Directors general of 12 public broadcasters signed today in Sarajevo a Protocol on Regional Cooperation in Education and Training among members of the European Association of Public Service Media in South East Europe, under the auspices of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) ...
Directors general of South East European public media to sign cooperation protocol in Sarajevo, with RCC support
28 Sep 2011
SARAJEVO – Directors general of 13 public service broadcasters from South East Europe, supported by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), will sign a protocol on regional cooperation in Sarajevo on Friday, 30 September.
Serbian President Tadic gives full support to RCC activities in promoting regional cooperation in South East Europe
06 Jul 2011
SARAJEVO – President of the Republic of Serbia, Boris Tadic, paid a visit today to the Secretariat of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) in Sarajevo, where he expressed full support to the work of the organization during his meeting with RCC Secretary General Hido Biscevic.
RCC Secretariat briefs diplomatic community in Sarajevo on implementation of its work strategy and results of 3rd Annual Meeting
05 Jul 2011
The Secretariat of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) presented today the first results of implementation of the organization’s Strategy and Work Programme 2011-2013 to the diplomatic community in Sarajevo. The briefing follows last week’s RCC Annual Meeting and related South-East European ...
Heads of State and Government of South East Europe praise work of Regional Cooperation Council
30 Jun 2011
BUDVA/SARAJEVO – The Heads of State and Government of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) praised today in Budva the successful implementation of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Strategy and Work Programme 2011-2013, endorsing the Annual Report of its Secretary General.
South East European foreign ministers voice support to RCC activities, endorse its Annual Report
29 Jun 2011
BUDVA/SARAJEVO – Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) countries commended today the work of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and its Secretary General at a meeting in Budva, Montenegro.
Regional cooperation in South East Europe encouraging, says RCC Secretary General at the organization’s Annual Meeting
28 Jun 2011
BUDVA/SARAJEVO – “Regional cooperation in South East Europe has exhibited encouraging signs over the past year“ said Hido Biscevic, Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), while opening the organization's third Annual Meeting in the Montenegrin town of Becici near ...
Annual Meeting of Regional Cooperation Council to be held in Budva, Montenegro
24 Jun 2011
BUDVA/SARAJEVO – The third Annual Meeting of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), will take place in the Montenegrin town of Becici near Budva, on 28 June 2011.
Regional Cooperation Council website introduces new user-friendly features
28 Apr 2011
SARAJEVO – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat launched today several new online features, designed to diversify user-friendly access to the content of the organization’s website.
Conference on road infrastructure safety in South East Europe to open in Sarajevo tomorrow
19 Apr 2011
SARAJEVO – The second Conference on Road Infrastructure Safety Management in South East Europe, aimed at halving the number of traffic accidents in the region by 2020, will open in Sarajevo tomorrow.
Western Balkans and Europe 2020 conference agrees RCC best suited to help align regional programmes with Europe 2020
31 Mar 2011
BRUSSELS/SARAJEVO – Over 100 participants of a Western Balkans and Europe 2020 – Towards Convergence and Growth conference of regional initiatives and international donors concluded in Brussels today that the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is the institution most apt to help align regional ...
Prospects for regional cooperation in South East Europe in 2011 and beyond focus of the 3rd RCC anniversary celebration
04 Mar 2011
SARAJEVO – A panel discussion South East Europe in 2011 and Beyond: Sharing the Same Vision will be held in Sarajevo, on Monday, 7 March, to mark the third anniversary of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC).
RCC Secretariat and Association of Balkan Chambers sign cooperation agreement today
26 Jan 2011
Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Hido Biščević, and the President of the Foreign Trade Chamber of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Veselin Poljašević, on behalf of the Association of Balkan Chambers (ABC), signed today at the RCC premises in Sarajevo a memorandum of ...
RCC-supported conference of National Councils of European Movement in South East Europe held in Podgorica
15 Dec 2010
A conference of National Councils of the European Movement in South East Europe, which gathered representatives of ten countries from the region, was held in Podgorica today. The event was co-organized by the European Movement of Montenegro and the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat, ...
Sarajevo conference calls on European institutions to support public media in digital transition for South East Europe
15 Oct 2010
SARAJEVO – Broadcasters and government officials pledged to ensure a smooth digital transition in South East Europe and called on European institutions for financial support in the interests of European cohesion.
International conference on digitalization and sustainability of public broadcasting in South East Europe to commence in Sarajevo tomorrow
13 Oct 2010
SARAJEVO – A two-day international conference on digitalization and sustainability of public service media in South East Europe will open in Sarajevo tomorrow, under the auspices of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
RCC Secretary General to outline the organization’s new three-year strategy at a press conference in Sarajevo tomorrow
15 Sep 2010
SARAJEVO – The Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Hido Biscevic, will present the organization’s new strategy for 2011-2013, and outline the main activities scheduled for this autumn, at a press conference in Sarajevo, tomorrow, 16 September.
South East European heads of state give full support to the Regional Cooperation Council, approve appointment of its Secretary General
23 Jun 2010
ISTANBUL/SARAJEVO – The Heads of State and Government of the South East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) expressed today at the summit meeting in Istanbul their appreciation for the work of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) in transforming the current advanced regional cooperation ...
South East European foreign ministers re-appoint Hido Biscevic as Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council
22 Jun 2010
ISTANBUL/SARAJEVO – The ministers of foreign affairs of the states participating in the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) re-appointed Hido Biscevic as the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), at their meeting in Istanbul today.
Annual Meeting endorses new RCC strategy, annual report and nomination of Secretary General
22 Jun 2010
ISTANBUL/SARAJEVO – The Annual Meeting of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), held in Istanbul today, endorsed the organization’s 2011-2013 Strategy and Work Programme, and the Annual Report of its Secretary General for the past year’s activities.
RCC Secretary General hails messages of EU-Western Balkans meeting in Sarajevo, and new era of regional relations
02 Jun 2010
SARAJEVO – “The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) strongly supports political meetings, statements and decisions that lead to a new era of relations in South East Europe, based on trust, dialogue and tolerance”, said RCC Secretary General, Hido Biscevic, at today’s high level EU-Western ...
European Movements from South East Europe meet for the first time in Sarajevo, under RCC auspices
17 May 2010
SARAJEVO – National European Movement Councils from eight South East European countries met in Sarajevo today for the first time to discuss greater civil society involvement in regional cooperation. The event was hosted by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat.
Regional Cooperation Council launches redesigned website and new publication, a monthly newsletter
14 Apr 2010
SARAJEVO – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat launched today a redesigned version of the organization’s website and a new publication, the monthly e-newsletter.
Young Turkish diplomats visit RCC Secretariat
09 Apr 2010
Within the framework of a training programme that envisages a tour throughout the Balkan countries, a group of seventy-two young Turkish diplomats were welcomed today in the premises of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat by Deputy RCC Secretary General, Jelica Minić.
Deputy RCC Secretary General welcomes publication of OECD Investment Reform Index 2010
24 Mar 2010
Deputy Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Jelica Minic welcomed today the launch of the OECD Investment Reform Index 2010 report, the preparation of which was initiated at the RCC offices in Sarajevo in September 2008. The report was prepared based on inputs from governments, ...
RCC Board starts discussing the organization's strategy for the next three years
04 Mar 2010
SARAJEVO – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Board discussed today the first draft of the new, three-year Strategic Work Programme of the organization for the period 2011-2013.
International conference on overcoming economic crisis in Western Balkans to mark 2nd RCC anniversary
23 Feb 2010
SARAJEVO – A two-day regional conference “Western Balkans in 2020 – Overcoming the Economic Crisis and Developing Competitive Economies” will open in Sarajevo tomorrow. The event, organized by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat, will also mark the 2nd anniversary of ...
RCC-organized workshop on air transport in South East Europe to take place in Sarajevo
10 Feb 2010
SARAJEVO – A workshop on importance of air transport for the economic and social development of South East Europe will open in Sarajevo tomorrow, 11 February, under the auspices of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat.
RCC delegation visits Institute for Prospective Technological Studies
18 Dec 2009
The delegation of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat, headed by the Deputy RCC Secretary General, Jelica Minić, visited the Joint Research Centre – Institute for Prospective Technological Studies (JRC-IPTS) in Seville, Spain on 18 December 2009. The meeting, hosted by IPTS ...
Reforms, confirmed European perspective and development cooperation set base for advancement of South East Europe, says RCC head at Western Balkans conference in Brussels
09 Dec 2009
BRUSSELS – “The EU enlargement process must continue to be based upon the principle of fulfilment of accession criteria, on one hand, and on full confirmation of the European perspective for all countries of South East Europe, on the other“, said Hido Biscevic, Secretary General of the ...
High-level Western Balkans conference to be held in Brussels on Wednesday, under EU auspices and with RCC support
07 Dec 2009
SARAJEVO/BRUSSELS – A conference on the Western Balkans “Overcoming the economic crisis – from regional cooperation to EU membership” will take place in Brussels, on Wednesday, 9 December. The event will be organized by the Swedish EU Presidency and the European Commission, in cooperation ...
RCC Board discusses future strategic focuses of organization's activities and supports efforts of its Secretariat in Sarajevo
03 Dec 2009
SARAJEVO – The 29 members of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Board discussed today in Sarajevo further strategic prioritization of activities of the organization and gave full support to its Secretariat in these efforts.
Sarajevo conference on higher education in Western Balkans to open at Regional Cooperation Council tomorrow
29 Oct 2009
SARAJEVO – A two-day conference on higher education ‘Building Capacity for Change in the Western Balkans’ will tomorrow open in Sarajevo at the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat. The event is organized by the RCC Secretariat, in cooperation with the Universities of Novi Sad, ...
RCC hosts lecture ‘Global Economic Crisis: Implications and the Way Out, for Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans'
20 Oct 2009
A panel lecture Global Economic Crisis: Implications and the Way Out for Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Western Balkans was organized in Sarajevo today by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat, the Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkey (TEPAV) and the Faculty ...
Forty South East European journalists agree in Sarajevo today to shape new image of the region, under RCC and OSCE auspices
16 Oct 2009
SARAJEVO – Forty journalists and editors from leading South East European (SEE) media outlets agreed in Sarajevo today that the region needs the media to shape its new image, promote greater journalistic responsibility and maintenance of highest possible professional standards.
South East European journalists to talk in Sarajevo about media role in the region, under RCC and OSCE auspices
12 Oct 2009
SARAJEVO – Journalists and editors from leading South East European media outlets will gather in Sarajevo on 15-16 October to discuss their role in shaping a new image of the region as a place of tolerance, progress and European values.
First meeting of prominent experts from South East Europe on regional response to economic crisis takes place in Sarajevo under RCC auspices
17 Sep 2009
SARAJEVO – A panel of high-level experts from South East Europe (SEE) met in Sarajevo today to stimulate in depth discussion on regional response to global economic crisis. The first such meeting in the region was held under the auspices of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat.
RCC Board discusses situation in South East Europe and praises work of the organization’s Secretariat in Sarajevo
15 Sep 2009
SARAJEVO – The Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Hido Biscevic, presented his latest quarterly report on the activities of the RCC Secretariat to the 29 members of the organization's Board, who gathered in Sarajevo today. The report covers the period between 9 May ...
RCC Board accepts the organization's 2008 Annual Report on regional cooperation in South East Europe
14 May 2009
SARAJEVO – The 29 members of the Board of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) accepted in Sarajevo today the 2008 Annual Report of the RCC Secretary General on regional cooperation in South East Europe.
RCC Secretariat and CEI Executive Secretariat to strengthen cooperation
12 May 2009
Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Hido Biščević, and Secretary General of the Central European Initiative Executive Secretariat (CEI-ES), Ambassador Pietro Ercole Ago, signed in Sarajevo today a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that formalized cooperation between ...
RCC Secretary General gains support of Swiss officials for RCC projects
30 Apr 2009
The Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Hido Biscevic, held consultations in Berne today with the Deputy State Secretary of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Pierre Helg, on cooperation among RCC members and upcoming projects in the organization’s ...
RCC Secretary General speaks to Council of Europe Development Bank officials
20 Apr 2009
The RCC Secretary General Hido Biscevic met today in Paris with officials of the Council of Europe Development Bank, including the Bank’s Vice Governor Imre Tarafas, to explore the ways the two institutions can cooperate the best in the future.
RCC Secretary General meets Hungarian officials over RCC priorities
16 Apr 2009
The RCC Secretary General Hido Biscevic held consultations in Budapest today with State Secretary of the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Gabor Szentivanyi, and other ministry officials, on RCC work and Hungarian contribution to the activities of the organization.
RCC Secretary General holds consultations with Czech EU Presidency and delivers lecture at Prague Institute for International Relations
14 Apr 2009
Within regular consultations with the EU Presidency, the RCC Secretary General, Hido Biscevic, met today with the First Czech Deputy Foreign Minister, Tomas Pojar, to discuss current situation in South East Europe (SEE) and cooperation between the RCC and the Presidency.
Czech, French and Swedish Foreign Ministers to visit Regional Cooperation Council Secretariat in Sarajevo
07 Apr 2009
SARAJEVO – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic and current President of the Council of the European Union, Karel Schwarzenberg, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the French Republic, Bernard Kouchner, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Sweden, Carl Bildt, ...
South East Europe should apply pre-accession reforms, work together to counter economic crisis, say RCC head, EU commissioner
24 Mar 2009
BRUSSELS/SARAJEVO – South East European countries aspiring to join the EU should apply the necessary pre-accession reforms, continue with regional cooperation and mutual assistance, and decouple accession talks from bilateral issues, concluded Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation ...
German Minister of State to deliver lecture on regional cooperation stability and way to EU, at RCC in Sarajevo
06 Mar 2009
SARAJEVO – Member of the German Bundestag and Minister of State at the Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany, Gernot Erler, will deliver a lecture on regional cooperation stability and the way to the EU at the premises of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat in Sarajevo, ...
29 RCC Board members discuss future cooperation with representatives of 18 initiatives active in South East Europe
05 Mar 2009
SARAJEVO – The 29 members of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Board gathered today in Sarajevo to discuss cooperation with 18 regional taskforces and initiatives active in South East Europe (SEE) and to review RCC activities since December 2008.
Regional Cooperation Council to mark its first anniversary tomorrow, in Sarajevo
26 Feb 2009
SARAJEVO – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) will tomorrow mark the first anniversary since it has been established at a historic meeting in Sofia on 27 February 2008 that demonstrated dedication to strengthen regional ownership and cooperation in South East Europe (SEE).
RCC leadership discusses European perspective of South East Europe, at a regional meeting in Belgrade
03 Feb 2009
The “European Perspective of South East Europe (SEE) in the Time of Challenges: Dealing with Economic and Energy Crisis” was the topic of a regional meeting held in Belgrade, on 2-3 February 2009.
Enhanced political dialogue based on compromise and realism, essential for Bosnia-Herzegovina to optimize EU funds, RCC Secretary General tells Prime Ministers Dodik and Brankovic
19 Jan 2009
SARAJEVO – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) working platforms and new opportunities it opens up to Bosnia and Herzegovina in terms of much needed accelerated development were topics of separate talks the RCC Secretary General Hido Biscevic held with Prime Ministers of the two BiH entities ...
Chair of EP Delegation for Relations with the Countries of South East Europe visits RCC Secretariat
19 Dec 2008
The Chairwoman of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with the Countries of South East Europe, Doris Pack, met today with the RCC Secretary General Hido Biscevic at the premises of the RCC Secretariat in Sarajevo.
RCC Secretariat announces winners of its Essay and Photo Contest 2008
16 Dec 2008
SARAJEVO – The Secretariat of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) announced today the winners of its Essay and Photo Contest 2008, which was open for submission of the works in September/October 2008.
29 members of RCC Board meet in Sarajevo to discuss current and future activities of the organisation
12 Dec 2008
SARAJEVO – The 29 members of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Board met in Sarajevo today to discuss RCC work in the last quarter of 2008 and the activities planned for 2009.
Sustained reform policies key to EU integration of Southeast Europe, say Albanian Prime Minister, RCC Secretary General
10 Dec 2008
TIRANA/SARAJEVO – Southeast Europe (SEE) is maintaining continuous measured progress towards European integration by carrying out sustained reform policies in the region, said the Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha and the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Hido ...
Close ties between Central and Southeast Europe important for EU enlargement, says RCC Secretary General in Chisinau
29 Nov 2008
CHISINAU/SARAJEVO – Nurturing of close ties between Central European Initiative (CEI) and South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) is an important impetus for EU enlargement, said the RCC Secretary General Hido Biščević at the meeting of CEI Heads of Government held in Chisinau, ...
Southeast Europe must be preserved from spillover effects of world financial crisis, says RCC Secretary General at EBRD in London
20 Nov 2008
LONDON/SARAJEVO – Southeast Europe (SEE) remains a top priority for the investment policy of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Bank’s Vice President Horst Reichenbach told the RCC Secretary General Hido Biscevic at their meeting in London yesterday.
RCC Secretary General addresses European Parliament’s Working Group on Western Balkans
04 Nov 2008
BRUSSELS/SARAJEVO – The RCC Secretary General Hido Biscevic exchanged views today in Brussels with the European Parliament (EP) rapporteurs for the Western Balkans on RCC activities, and on political situation and developments in Southeast Europe (SEE).
RCC Secretary General takes part in World Economic Forum on Europe and Central Asia
31 Oct 2008
The RCC Secretary General Hido Biscevic participated in the work of the World Economic Forum on Europe and Central Asia, which concluded in Istanbul today.
RCC Secretary General invites Southeast European businessmen for a stronger cooperation in regional development projects
30 Oct 2008
ISTANBUL/SARAJEVO – The RCC Secretary General Hido Biscevic invited a stronger engagement in regional projects of prominent Southeast European (SEE) businessmen and members of wider international business community, at a meeting of the Business Advisory Council for South Eastern Europe (BAC), ...
Southeast European airliners to elaborate project of enhanced air transport cooperation in the region under RCC auspices
23 Oct 2008
DUBROVNIK/SARAJEVO – Southeast European airliners agreed at a meeting in Dubrovnik yesterday that air traffic cooperation in the region should be enhanced to improve air connections, increase competitiveness and better position Southeast Europe on the European air transport market.
Promoting stability in Southeast Europe remains important priority, say RCC and NATO officials
21 Oct 2008
BRUSSELS/SARAJEVO – Southeast Europe remains a NATO priority in terms of strengthening the security in the region, said Ambassador Claudio Bisogniero, the Alliance’s Deputy Secretary General, at a meeting with the RCC Secretary General, Hido Biscevic, in Brussels yesterday.
RCC’s inclusive approach to regional cooperation important for further development of Southeast Europe, says EU Commissioner Rehn
20 Oct 2008
BRUSSELS/SARAJEVO – The EU Commissioner for Enlargement Olli Rehn commended the RCC Secretary General Hido Biscevic in Brussels today for the organization’s successful and pragmatic approach to regional cooperation, which enables the countries of Southeast Europe to work together on developmental ...
Regional Cooperation Council Secretariat to open its Liaison Office in Brussels on 20 October
17 Oct 2008
SARAJEVO/BRUSSELS – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat will host a cocktail reception in Brussels on Monday, 20 October, to officially mark the opening of its Liaison Office with Euro-Atlantic institutions.
Accelerated reforms, self-responsibility conditions for lasting prosperity in Southeast Europe, says RCC Secretary General in Ankara
16 Oct 2008
ANKARA/SARAJEVO – Doubled efforts are needed to solve the remaining open issues in Southeast Europe and create conditions for lasting prosperity and good relations in the region, said RCC Secretary General Hido Biscevic during his political consultations with Ambassador Ertugrul Apakan, Undersecretary ...
Pragmatic solutions needed to place Kosovo within RCC scope of work, says organization’s Secretary General in Berlin
11 Oct 2008
BERLIN/SARAJEVO – The role of the RCC is to encourage the countries in Southeast Europe to strengthen mutual cooperation on concrete developmental projects of interest to all the peoples in the region, said RCC Secretary General Hido Biscevic at an international conference held in Berlin ...
RCC Secretariat to host meeting of key initiatives active in Central, Southeast Europe and Black Sea region
10 Oct 2008
SARAJEVO – The Secretariat of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) will host a coordination meeting of the Adriatic-Ionian Initiative (AII), the Permanent International Secretariat of the Organisation of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC PERMIS) and the Central European Initiative ...
RCC Secretary General moderates Crans Montana Forum session on EU enlargement and regional cooperation
08 Oct 2008
The RCC Secretary General Hido Biscevic moderated the plenary session of Crans Montana Forum in Sarajevo on 8 October 2008, dedicated to the European enlargement and regional cooperation.
RCC Secretary General presents quarterly report to members of the organization’s Board
06 Oct 2008
SARAJEVO – The RCC Secretary General Hido Biscevic presented today his quarterly report to the 29 members of the RCC Board, at their first meeting at the premises of the RCC Secretariat in Sarajevo.
RCC Secretariat announces Essay and Photo Contest 2008
10 Sep 2008
The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat launched today its first Essay and Photo Contest with the theme Regional Cooperation in Southeast Europe.
RCC Secretariat and Kingdom of Belgium sign Headquarters Agreement for RCC Liaison Office in Brussels
29 Aug 2008
BRUSSELS/SARAJEVO – The RCC Secretary General Hido Biscevic and the President of the Comité Interministériel pour la Politique de Siège (CIPS), Ambassador Michel Godfrind, signed today in Brussels a Headquarters Agreement between the RCC Secretariat and the Kingdom of Belgium, establishing ...
Regional cooperation key for progress in Southeast Europe, say RCC Secretary General, Montenegrin Prime Minister
19 Jul 2008
PODGORICA/SARAJEVO – The RCC Secretary General Hido Biscevic received full support of the Montenegrin Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic in Podgorica yesterday for RCC efforts in promoting cooperation in Southeast Europe.
RCC and Council of Europe chiefs stress importance of building human capital in South Eastern Europe
01 Jul 2008
STRASBOURG/SARAJEVO – Education and building of human capital in South Eastern Europe were highlighted as joint priorities of the RCC and the Council of Europe (CoE), at the meeting of the RCC Secretary General Hido Biscevic and the CoE Deputy Secretary General Maud De Boer-Buquichcio in ...
RCC national coordinators from South Eastern Europe to hold first meeting in Sarajevo
27 Jun 2008
SARAJEVO – The first meeting of Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) National Coordinators from South East European countries will take place in Sarajevo on Monday, 30 June, at the premises of the RCC Secretariat.
Political and economic situation in South Eastern Europe topic of European policy summit, with RCC Secretary General's participation
24 Jun 2008
SARAJEVO/BRUSSELS – The Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Hido Biscevic participated today in the European Policy Summit "A Balkans Balance Sheet" focusing on current political and economic situation affecting the Western Balkans.
RCC Secretary General and Moldovan President meet over priorities of the organization
16 Jun 2008
CHISINAU/SARAJEVO – The Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Hido Biscevic, started today his two-day visit to the Republic of Moldova to discuss future RCC work and priorities during the country's Chairmanship of the South East European Cooperation Process (SEECP).
RCC and UNECE heads discuss ways of fostering sustainable economic growth in South Eastern Europe
02 Jun 2008
SARAJEVO – Identifying ways of fostering sustainable economic growth in South Eastern Europe was the main topic of today’s meeting in Sarajevo between the RCC Secretary General Hido Biscevic and the Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), Marek Belka.
RCC Secretary General discusses organization’s work, South Eastern Europe affairs with high US and World Bank officials
30 May 2008
WASHINGTON/SARAJEVO – The Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Hido Biscevic informed the officials of the US Department of State and the World Bank of the start of RCC’s work and of the latest developments in South Eastern Europe, ending his two-day working visit ...
RCC Secretariat and European Commission officials discuss ways of linking EC programmes and RCC priorities
28 May 2008
BRUSSELS/SARAJEVO – The officials of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat ended today the three-day working visit to the European Commission (EC) in Brussels, marking the beginning of intense cooperation and consultations between the two institutions.
OECD and Regional Cooperation Council team up to boost regional business climate in South Eastern Europe
23 May 2008
PARIS/SARAJEVO – Policymakers and government representatives from throughout South Eastern Europe (SEE) met in Paris today to identify ways of boosting economic reform in the region, the major challenges ahead and the role of collaboration between the OECD and the Regional Cooperation Council ...
Heads of State and Government of South Eastern Europe endorse the RCC strategy for 2008-2009
21 May 2008
POMORIE, BULGARIA – The Heads of State and Government of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) endorsed the 2008-2009 Strategic Work Programme of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), presented to them by the RCC Secretary General Hido Biscevic in Pomorie today.
Ministers of Foreign Affairs of South Eastern Europe approve the RCC strategy for 2008-2009
20 May 2008
POMORIE, BULGARIA – The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) approved in Pomorie today the 2008-2009 Strategic Work Programme of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), presented to them by the RCC Secretary General Hido Biscevic.
Regional Cooperation Council Board adopts the organization’s strategic work programme for 2008-2009
20 May 2008
POMORIE, BULGARIA – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Board adopted the 2008-2009 Strategic Work Programme of the organization at a meeting held in the Bulgarian city of Pomorie today.
Regional Cooperation Council launches website at www.rcc.int
16 May 2008
SARAJEVO – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) today launched its newly designed website, which can be visited at www.rcc.int.
RCC work and staff presented to the public
28 Apr 2008
On 28 April 2008, the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Hido Biščević, presented the media with RCC priorities, staff and premises. The event was also attended by the Special Coordinator of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe, Erhard Busek.
Regional Cooperation Council Secretary General to host first public event at the organization’s head office in Sarajevo
25 Apr 2008
SARAJEVO – The Secretary General of the Regional Co-operation Council (RCC), Hido Biscevic, will present to the public the RCC Secretariat staff and offices, as well as the organization’s work priorities, on Monday, 28 April.
RCC Secretary General and Moldovan Prime Minister discuss priorities of upcoming Moldovan regional chairmanship
11 Apr 2008
CHISINAU/SARAJEVO – The Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Hido Biscevic, met in Chisinau today with the Moldovan Prime Minister Zinaida Grecieanii, to discuss priorities of the upcoming Moldovan Chairmanship of the South Eastern Europe Cooperation Process (SEECP).
First ministerial meeting on disaster preparedness and prevention in South Eastern Europe takes place in Sofia
09 Apr 2008
SARAJEVO – The first ministerial meeting on disaster preparedness and prevention in South Eastern Europe, held today in Sofia, Bulgaria, pointed to a need to strengthen regional cooperation in this important field and take joint action to cope with fires, floods and earthquakes.
RCC and OSCE Secretary Generals agree on priority areas of cooperation in South Eastern Europe
17 Mar 2008
SARAJEVO – Justice, home affairs, security and parliamentary support will be in focus of cooperation between the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the organizations’ Secretary Generals, respectively, Hido Biscevic and ...
RCC and OSCE Secretary Generals to discuss regional situation and future cooperation in Sarajevo
14 Mar 2008
SARAJEVO – The Secretary Generals of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), respectively, Hido Biscevic and Marc Perrin de Brichambaut, will meet in Sarajevo on Monday, 17 March 2008.
Spokesperson of the Regional Cooperation Council takes up post
13 Mar 2008
SARAJEVO – The first Spokesperson of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Dinka Zivalj, has taken up her post. A Croatian national, Ms Zivalj recently served as the Head of Press and Public Information of the OSCE Mission to Serbia. She earlier worked as the Spokesperson/Media Development ...