Documents & Publications
Annual Report of the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council 2023-2024
13 JUNE 2024 | REPORT
The Annual Report of the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) covers the period May 2023 – May 2024. It outlines main RCC activities and achievements in the past year. It also lays out the overall background and crucial developments impacting and shaping the activities of the RCC and the region of South East Europe in the reporting period.
Download: EN
RCC Secretary General at WBDS 2023
04 OCTOBER 2023 | SPEECH
RCC Secretary General took part at the opening ceremony at the 6th Western Balkans Digital Summit (WBDS) on 4 October 2023, together with included Edin Forto, Minister of Communications and Transport of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Oliver Varhelyi, Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Roberto Viola, Director General of DG Connect, Stefan Schnorr, State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (Berlin), Steliana Nedera, UNDP Regional Bureau for Europe and the CIS, Istanbul Regional Hub Director, and Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
"As the Digital Summit concludes its journey across all Western Balkan economies, marking the last event in this format, we must now aim higher for accelerated digital connectivity and accessibility in the region. By working on digitally transformed, yet inclusive Western Balkans – stronger together, we are sewing important parts of threads intricately woven into the fabrics of the Europeanisation of our region. It is a path towards more connected, accessible, and affordable future for all that we in RCC are fully committed and dedicated to. Our all-inclusive convening role, facilitation and expert capacities will remain a key backing on the challenging digitisation journey ahead," said Bregu among other things.
Download: EN
RCC Secretary General for Al Jazeera
04 OCTOBER 2023 | INTERVIEW
Al Jazeera Balkans published article on WBDS dubbed "Western Balkans Digital Summit brings the region closer to EU standards", featuring statement by RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu.
Download: BS
Opening speech by the RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu at Balkathon 4.0 grand finale
03 OCTOBER 2023 | SPEECH
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu opened Balkathon 4.0 grand finale in Sarajevo on 3 October 2023.
"Balkathon is more than a competition; it's a canvas for your ideas, a laboratory for your creativity, and a launchpad for your dreams. In the face of the challenges that surround us, it's your novelty that offers hope, your start-ups that breathe life into change, and your ideas that can redefine our day-to-day life,"said Bregu, among other things.
Download: EN
"Call from a Region in My Mind" : Bridging the Gap – The Roaming Revolution in the Western Balkans
02 OCTOBER 2023 | ARTICLE
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu's Op-ed on beginning of reduction of mobile data costs between the European Union and Western Balkans.
"The journey to this milestone began with the entry into force of Roam Like At Home regime in the Western Balkans in July 2021, based on the Western Balkans Regional Roaming Agreement. It is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), the European Commission (EC), and telecommunications operators from the EU and Western Balkans. A year-long negotiation process, facilitated by the RCC and EC, has borne fruit.
It is a real change for both citizens from this region and our beloved ones living in the EU. It empowers both EU and WB citizens to bridge distances; it represents a profound shift in the way we connect with Europe. It is part of a thread intricately woven into the fabric of the Europeanisation of our countries."
Annual Report of the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council 2022-2023
27 JUNE 2023 | REPORT
This Annual Report of the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) covers the period April 2022 – April 2023. It outlines main RCC activities and achievements in the past year. It also lays out the overall background and crucial developments impacting and shaping the activities of the RCC and the region of South East Europe in the reporting period.
Annual Report of the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council 2022-2023 has been adopted at the SEECP Summit held in Budva on 5 June 2023.
Download: EN
WESTERN BALKANS DIGITAL ECONOMY SOCIETY INDEX • WB DESI 2022 Report
25 MAY 2023 | REPORT
The first Western Balkan Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) 2022 Report was developed under the RCC umbrella, and provides DESI calculation for 2021 and 2022. The methodology used for WB DESI calculation is based on the EU DESI 2022 Methodology and allows comparison with the EU DESI.
In addition, the Report helps setting the framework for permanent monitoring of digital developments on economy and regional level, as well as monitoring the progress towards digital strategy objectives and identifying areas that require relevant policy actions.
Download: EN
Interview by Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council, Majlinda Bregu: Closing in to Europe: lowering roaming prices between Western Balkans and EU
09 MAY 2023 | INTERVIEW
On Europe Day, Majlinda Bregu, Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council, in an interview for "Zëri" , gives the first details of one of the concrete achievements for the citizens of the Western Balkans.
REPORT ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE REGIONAL COOPERATION COUNCIL SECRETARIAT for the period 1 November 2022 – 1 March 2023
15 MARCH 2023 | REPORT
Report on the activities of the Regional Cooperation Council Secretariat for the period 1 November 2022 – 1 March 2023 was presented by the RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu at the 48th RCC Board meeting on 15 March 2023 in Sarajevo.
Download: EN
Western Balkans Roaming Report 2022
25 JANUARY 2023 | REPORT
Western Balkans Roaming Report 2022 aims to provide information about the consumption and price developments of the roaming services in the region, thus supporting WB economies in the efficient monitoring of Regional Roaming Agreement implementation.
On the other hand, in order to determine key challenges and priority objectives in the process of reducing roaming prices between WB and EU, all important findings and trends in roaming users’ patterns, traffic volumes and costs of international roaming services between WB and EU operators have been assessed, analysed and presented herein.
Reporting period is the full year 2021.
Download: EN
Conclusions of the Western Balkans Digital Summit 2022
22 OCTOBER 2022 | MEETING DOCUMENT
After Western Balkans Digital Summit 2022 held in Pristina in September, Conclusions of the WB Digital Summit were created to showcase ambition to work jointly on improving digital transformation, democratic, economic and digital policy development, regional cooperation, and the commitment including roaming prices reduction with European Union.
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Speech by the RCC Secretary General at Western Balkans Digital Summit 2022
21 SEPTEMBER 2022 | VIDEO INTERVIEW
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu spoke at the opening of the Western Balkans Digital Summit 2022 which took place in Pristina on 21-22 September 2022.
"Digitalisation in our region has its two sides of the coin. On one hand there have been great broadband connectivity strides, such as Roam Like at Home in the Western Balkans, and massive spread and uptake of e-services. On the other hand, our region is recently struggling with serious cyber-attacks. Our digital literacy is still low, as is the level of cross-border interoperability. Disinformation and fake news flourish. So, the region needs more cooperation, not less." , said Bregu among other things.
View: EN
Opening speech by the RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu at Balkathon 3.0
06 SEPTEMBER 2022 | SPEECH
Majlinda Bregu, RCC Secretary General opened Balkathon 3.0 finale in Pristina on 6 September 2022.
Among other things, Bregu said:
"Being true to our focus on the region’s human capital development – we embarked on RCC’s Balkathon trademark journey three years ago.
What was initially a Covid lockdown-born idea – transformed into a sizable regional flagship initiative that is eagerly anticipated by our youth and start-ups.
In three (3) years, we are proud to have an initiative that:
-taps into the considerable potential of ICT sector to boost the added value and exports of services across the region,
-addresses unemployment in a region in which labour force participation rates remain low and youth unemployment is at a staggering thirty-three (33) percent (%) - more than double the EU average,
-creates further opportunities in a region in which thirty-nine (39) percent (%) of citizens are considering leaving for better opportunities abroad."
Download: EN
Feasibility study for identification of technical interoperability in Montenegro
01 AUGUST 2022 | STUDY
Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is working to support each Western Balkan (WB) economy in the implementation of the digital transformation as part of the Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans. Through this report, the RCC is supporting Montenegro in the process of identification of technical interoperability in Montenegro.
Further, the report contains a list of technical standards which can be implemented and serve the public sector/ public administration bodies as a framework in the process of achieving technical interoperability.
Download: EN
Notified eID Scheme: Feasibility study for North Macedonia
12 JULY 2022 | STUDY
Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is working to support each Western Balkan (WB) economy in the implementation of the digital transformation as part of the Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans. Through this report, the RCC is supporting the North Macedonia in the process of planning the economy level eID solution.
Further, the report shows the current situation in the economy, developing proposals for economy level notified eID scheme under eIDAS, including best practices and approaches from the EU.
Download: EN
Balkan Barometer Public Opinion 2022
24 JUNE 2022 | SURVEY
Balkan Barometer Public opinion 2022 is 8th edition of RCC's survey of Western Balkan citizens perceptions. The analysis of the results provides a detailed insight into trends and evolution of the attitudes of thousands of
region’s citizens and businesses across socio-economic-environmental topics affecting their everyday lives.
Since the first edition in 2015 the Balkan Barometer became firmly established as a reliable source of regional data widely employed and referenced by media, business, civil society and decision-makers alike.
Balkan Barometer is commissioned by the RCC and financed by the European Union.
Download: EN
Balkan Barometer Business Opinion 2022
24 JUNE 2022 | SURVEY
2022 edition of the Balkan Barometer- the annual survey of Western Balkan business perceptions. It provides insights into trends and evolution of the attitudes of region’s businesses across socio-economic-environmental topics affecting their everyday lives and business. Balkan Barometer Business Opinion survey presented 177 questions to 1203 business owners, managers, or executives in the period mid February to mid-March 2022.
Balkan Barometer is commissioned by the RCC and financed by the European Union.
Download: EN
Balkan Barometer 2022 - INFOGRAPHICS
24 JUNE 2022 | INFORMATION MATERIAL
BALKAN BAROMETER is an annual survey of public opinion and business sentiments in six Western Balkans economies, commissioned by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), which examines aspirations and expectations on life and work, prevalent socio-economic and political trends & regional and European integration.
BALKAN BAROMETER’S 2022 infographics booklet features some of the defining thoughts of Western Balkans citizens and businesses on prevailing issues facing the region.
The entire BB survey is available at www.rcc.int/balkanbarometer
Download: EN
Annual Report of the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council 2021-2022
10 JUNE 2022 | REPORT
The Annual Report of the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) covers the period April 2021 – April 2022. It outlines main RCC activities and achievements in the past year. It also lays out the overall background and crucial developments impacting and shaping the activities of the RCC and the region of South East Europe in the reporting period.
Download: EN
REGIONAL RESPONSE IN TIMES OF UNCERTAINTY: RCC Strategy and Work Programme 2023–2025
09 JUNE 2022 | REPORT
The Strategy and Work Programme 2023-2025 ‘Regional Response in Times of Uncertainty’, of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat was endorsed at the RCC Annual Meeting, on 9 June 2022 in Thessaloniki, Greece. The overarching goal of SWP 2023-2025 is to promote the prosperity of South East Europe by supporting sustainable and equitable economic growth policies to enhance regional economic integration, green and digital transformation, while reducing the poverty and narrowing the existing social, economic, and environmental divergences with the European Union.
The SWP 2023-2025 serves as the main mid-term plan to prioritise RCC’s activities in line with RCC’s objectives defined by the Statute and the SEE 2030 Strategy, which focuses on the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals through the regional approach.
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RCC Deputy Secretary General for EUPolis: Can the Western Balkans be an Example of a Green Transition?
27 MAY 2022 | INTERVIEW
Can the Western Balkans be an Example of a Green Transition? - interview by RCC Deputy Secretary General Tanja Miscevic published by EUPolis, on engagement of Western Balkans economies on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans.
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European Union is Our Future, No Alternative, Interview by RCC Secretary General for Novi Magazin
02 DECEMBER 2021 | INTERVIEW
Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council Majlinda Bregu spoke to Serbian Novi Magazin about Western Balkans EU integration, Common Regional Market and Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, region's response to Covid-19 pandemic and much more.
"Weak Western Balkans makes the EU weak too. But a lot is being said each day by both the EU and Western Balkans leaders. The truth is that the enlargement has become a lot more brutal. In times when geostrategic shifts are taking place across the globe, the impasse of Western Balkans EU accession is never a good news. The scale of problems in the Western Balkans is a call to go beyond nudges and patches. Western Balkans is part of Europe, and is of the vital importance in this political realism. The need for Europe is as powerful as it is unsatisfied.", said Bregu, among other things.
Regional Interoperability and Trust Services in Western Balkans - Methodology, Implementation Vision and Action Plan
23 NOVEMBER 2021 | STUDY
Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is working to support Western Balkans in the implementation of the digital transformation as part of the Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans (WB), Western Balkan Digital Summits’ Conclusions and Common Regional Market (CRM) 2021-2024 Action Plan. On this note, and following the commitments of the Memorandum of Understanding on Regional Interoperability and Trust Services in Western Balkans Region, signed during the 3rd WB Digital Summit, through this report the RCC continues to support the Western Balkan economies on improving regional interoperability and advance with recognition of eIDs and trust services.
The report shows the current state of play in each Western Balkan economy, including the timeline and action plans at economy and regional level, with a view to enable recognition of eIDs and trust service, in order to ensure full compliance with European Interoperability Framework.
The ultimate goal is to develop and introduce practical approach and concrete action plan toward achieving the operational interoperability between WB economies, as well as between WB and EU Member States.
Download: EN
Video podcast: RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu on regional cooperation
18 NOVEMBER 2021 | VIDEO INTERVIEW
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu on priorities RCC is we are working on: EU-WB roaming, mental health and WB Green Agenda
Mapping of digital innovation hubs, and identification of needs within Western Balkans and of prospective regional cooperation actions
03 NOVEMBER 2021 | STUDY
The aim of this report is to provide an overview of the current situation of Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs) and similar organisations operating in the Western Balkans (WB) with a particular focus on their sustainability, services they offer, available capacities and support they are receiving from national authorities and donor community.
Apart from individual considerations per economy, this document also provides a benchmark of these organisations over the region by comparing their national policies, modus operandi, as well as the types of clients they serve.
Download: EN
Digital skills needs and gaps in the Western Balkans - scope and objectives for a fully-fledged assessment
02 NOVEMBER 2021 | STUDY
The overall objective of this report is to support all Western Balkan economies to define the scope and details of a fully-fledged assessment of digital skills gaps and needs. The assessment aims at reviewing strategic documents in each economy, listing key stakeholders, and prioritizing strategic and emerging industries that should be assessed. In addition, the methodological framework for the assessment of gaps and needs in the area of digital skills is prepared, as well as the proposed content of the questionnaire(s) and how to plan a sample.
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Talking Points by the RCC Secretary General at the Western Balkans Digital Summit 2021
13 OCTOBER 2021 | SPEECH
Remarks by the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Majlinda Bregu at the high-level meeting during the fourth Western Balkans Digital Summit, held in Podgorica 11-13 October 2021.
High -level meeting was opened by Montenegrin Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapic with the following high-level speakers: Majlinda Bregu, Secretary General, Regional Cooperation Council, Olivér Várhelyi, DG NEAR, EC Commissioner and Natasha Azzopardi Muscat, Director of Country Health Systems and Policies at the WHO Regional Office for Europe.
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Conclusions of the Western Balkans Digital Summit 2021
13 OCTOBER 2021 | MEETING DOCUMENT
After Western Balkans Digital Summit 2021 held in Belgrade, Conclusions of the WB Digital Summit were created.
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Action Plan for the Implementation of the Sofia Declaration on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans 2021-2030
06 OCTOBER 2021 | DECLARATION/DECISION
This Action Plan represents one of the outputs of the Sofia Declaration on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans (GAWB) and is used as a tool to guide its implementation. It embodies the “putting words into actions” paradigm by identifying concrete steps and supporting organisations, as well as defining an indicative timeframe for each implementable measure. It sets the framework to coordinate and support its proper implementation and monitor the progress in this regard.
Western Balkans-European Union Roaming Data Report
06 OCTOBER 2021 | REPORT
The overall objective of the assignment is to provide support to Western Balkan Six economies to further advance in the process of harmonisation of roaming policy with that of the EU and providing expert inputs on the approach and the steps that Western Balkan economies and telecom operators need to take towards reducing the roaming prices between the Western Balkan region and the EU, building on the successful implementation of the Regional Roaming Agreement and the start of the free roaming regime in the Western Balkans as of 1 July 2021.
Download: EN
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu in a podcast on next Western Balkans Digital Summit
01 OCTOBER 2021 | SPEECH
"'One market for all 6 is under construction and we already have the base.
A roaming free Western Balkans as of first of July. While travelling in the EU from the Balkans we pay 43 times higher in roaming than others.
Thus, the ultimate goal is to have the roaming prices between the Western Balkans and EU gradually reduced and closer to the domestic ones in the next five years. So, we are already working on this," - said RCC Secretary General Malinda Bregu ahead of the Western Balkans Digital Summit, from 11-13th October in Podgorica on digital transformation in the region and future digital agendas.
Report on the State of Application of Digital Economy Society Index (DESI) in Western Balkan Economies
21 JULY 2021 | REPORT
The objective of the report is to provide an overview of the state of application of the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) methodology in Western Balkans, the availability of datasets for calculating all DESI indicators and identify the responsible institutions for data collection.
All with the aim is to identify gaps and needs and to provide short-term recommendations to harmonise the domestic methodologies with the DESI and European Union (EU) methodologies.
DESI measures five key areas: connectivity, human capital, use of internet by individuals, integration of digital technologies by the business sector and digital public services. As candidates or potential candidates for EU membership, the Western Balkan (WB) economies are required to use DESI indicators for measurement of the progress made.
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Talking Points by Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council, Majlinda Bregu at Western Balkans Berlin Process Summit
05 JULY 2021 | SPEECH
Talking Points by Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Majlinda Bregu at the Western Balkans Berlin Process Summit.
Berlin Summit gathered EU representatives and Western Balkans leaders to talk on Regional Cooperation and Common Regional Market.
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Talking Points by Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council, Majlinda Bregu at 2021 Prespa Forum Dialogue
02 JULY 2021 | SPEECH
Talking Points by Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Majlinda Bregu at the High-Level Plenary Session “Resetting the EU-US Synergy towards the Western Balkans” within the 2021 Prespa Forum Dialogue, in Ohrid, North Macedonia, on 2 July 2021.
Secretary General Bregu was accompanied by Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic, Turkish Minister of Foreign affairs Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Kosovo's* Prime Minister Albin Kurti, Minister of Foreign Affairs from Poland Zbigniew Rau, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, Austrian Minister of Foreign Affairs Alexander Schallenberg and Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Zoran Tegeltija. Keynote speaker of the Session was North Macedonia's Prime Minister Zoran Zaev.
*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence
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Western Balkans Calling: We are Roaming Free; Op-ed by the Secretary General Majlinda Bregu
30 JUNE 2021 | ARTICLE
Op-ed by the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Majlinda Bregu on the occassion of Roaming Free Western Balkans setting intro force on 1 July 2021.
"Delivering on promises: It took just over 2 years to move from signing the Regional Roaming Agreement to roam free across the region. And today is the difference that makes the difference."
RCC Secretary General Introductory remarks on the occasion of the launch of Balkan Barometer 2021
24 JUNE 2021 | SPEECH
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu opened the presentation of the 7th edition of RCC's Balkan Barometer.
Balkan Barometer is an annual public and business opinion survey commissioned by the RCC examining Western Balkan citizens and businesses perceptions and expectations towards a variety of thematic areas, such as the EU integration and regional cooperation, digitalisation, green recovery, employment, and for the second year in a row it includes topics concerning a challenging regional COVID-19 induced landscape.
More about the Balkan Barometer can be found here: https://www.rcc.int/balkanbarometer/
Download: EN
Balkan Barometer 2021 - Public Opinion
24 JUNE 2021 | SURVEY
Balkan Barometer 2021 - this is the 7th edition of annual public and business opinion survey commissioned by the RCC which examines Western Balkan citizens and businesses perceptions and expectations towards a variety of thematic areas, such as the EU integration and regional cooperation, digitalisation, green recovery, employment, and for the second year in a row it includes topics concerning a challenging regional COVID-19 induced landscape.
Download: EN
Balkan Barometer 2021 - INFOGRAPHICS
24 JUNE 2021 | INFORMATION MATERIAL
BALKAN BAROMETER is an annual survey of public opinion and business sentiments in six Western Balkans economies, commissioned by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), which examines aspirations and expectations on life and work, prevalent socio-economic and political trends & regional and European integration.
BALKAN BAROMETER’S 2021 infographics booklet features some of the defining thoughts of Western Balkans citizens and businesses on prevailing issues facing the region.
The entire BB survey is available at www.rcc.int/balkanbarometer
Download: EN
Balkan Barometer Business Opinion
23 JUNE 2021 | SURVEY
Balkan Barometer 2021 - this is the 7th edition of annual public and business opinion survey commissioned by the RCC which examines Western Balkan citizens and businesses perceptions and expectations towards a variety of thematic areas, such as the EU integration and regional cooperation, digitalisation, green recovery, employment, and for the second year in a row it includes topics concerning a challenging regional COVID-19 induced landscape.
Download: EN
Annual Report of the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council 2020-2021
16 JUNE 2021 | REPORT
This Annual Report of the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) covers the period April 2020 – April 2021. It outlines main RCC activities and achievements in the past year. It also lays out the overall background and crucial developments impacting and shaping the activities of the RCC and the region of South East Europe in the reporting period.
Annual Report of the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council 2020-2021 has been adopted at the SEECP Summit held in Antalya on 17 June 2021. The document was adopted with reservation of Kosovo*.
*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
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South East Europe Strategy 2030
16 JUNE 2021 | REPORT
The SEE 2030 Strategy is a joint call for action by all 13 SEE economies. The Strategy seeks to promote and advance through regional cooperation the implementation of UN Sustainable Development Goals within the SEE region across the three dimensions of sustainable development: Prosperity; People; and Peace and Partnerships.
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Tanja Maras, RCC's Expert on Digital Connectivity for Western Balkan Business on Balkathon
17 MAY 2021 | INTERVIEW
Tanja Maras, Expert on Digital Connectivity at the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) for Western Balkan Business for Western Balkan Business on Balkathon.
Guided by this positive experience and the fact that a long and difficult road of economic recovery from the pandemic is ahead of us, this year too we organised this competition, adding a little something to its title – Balkathon 2.0, as we too have learned some lessons and endeavoured to make it more substantial this year, attracting even more participants.
RCC Secretary General for Fena: As of July 1, roaming costs in the entire Western Balkans will be zero
26 APRIL 2021 | INTERVIEW
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu spoke to BiH news agency Fena end of April 2021
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu spoke to BiH news agency FENA end of April 2021. Bregu, among other things, spoke about RCC’s and Western Balkans response to Covid-19 outbreak, challenges the region is facing, such as high unemployment, Regional Roaming Agreement, which will bring zero roaming costs within the Western Balkans as of 1 July, digital agenda and the implementation of initiatives that will contribute to digitalization of the Western Balkans.
“Digital agenda is not only composed of Roaming agreement. There are a lot of good and implementable deliverables we are working on, such as e-commerce.
79% of business communities say they do not feel the necessity to switch on online digital services, even they generate money through online sales. We will be working as well on zeroing tariffs on payments and fees while transferring money from one economy to another. A digital story is continuing together with innovations.”, said Bregu.
Report on the Activities of the Regional Cooperation Council Secretariat for the period 1 October 2020 – 1 March 2021
29 MARCH 2021 | REPORT
The Report on the activities of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat is submitted by the RCC Secretary General to the RCC Board in line with Article 15 of the Statute of the RCC. It covers the period between 1 October 2020 – 1 March 2021.
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Article by Gazeta Si, featuring RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu and results and successes of the Regional Cooperation Council
19 MARCH 2021 | ARTICLE
Albanian web portal Gazeta Si published an article dubbed "The unspoken of Majlinda Bregu/the International Mission", featuring RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu and results and successes of the Regional Cooperation Council.
FUTOURISMO award ceremony, Introductory remarks by RCC SG
02 MARCH 2021 | SPEECH
Intruductory remarks by the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Majlinda Bregu on the occasion of FUTOURISMO award ceremony held on 2 March 2021 in an online format.
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Op-Ed: Women’s empowerment is essential to Western Balkans’ efforts to build back better from the pandemic
11 FEBRUARY 2021 | ARTICLE
By Majlinda Bregu, Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and
Mirjana Spoljaric, Regional Director for UNDP’s Bureau for Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States
RCC Secretary General speech at the Western Balkans Digital Summit 2020 Ministerial Meeting
02 NOVEMBER 2020 | SPEECH
Introductory remarks by the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Majlinda Bregu on the occasion of the Western Balkans Digital Summit 2020 Ministerial Meeting, held in Tirana on 2 November 2020
Download: EN
Opening remarks of the RCC Secretary General at the Western Balkans Digital Summit 2020
26 OCTOBER 2020 | SPEECH
Speech of the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Majlinda Bregu at the opening of the 3rd Western Balkans Digital Summit 2020 in Tirana on 26 October 2020
Majlinda Bregu, Secretary General of the RCC on 1st edition of Balkathon and future plans in an interview for Albanian Business Magazine
10 AUGUST 2020 | INTERVIEW
"Encouraging innovative ideas, promoting digital solutions and creating room for the introduction of new ideas are the daily efforts on the part of RCC, its mindset not only in terms of thinking but also in terms of acting. It goes without saying that Covid-19 did provide an incentive, for instance when realizing how much more the private sector was using digital solutions. The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) found its inspiration for Balkathon in the efforts made by EU Member States and Western Balkan economies to adjust their way of life in light of the new reality, starting off with the printing of 3D masks, the creation of online teaching and learning platforms, the creation of applications that facilitate online shopping, etc."
Report on the preparation of post-2020 Strategy in the Western Balkans
23 JULY 2020 | REPORT
The purpose of this report is to provide input into the development of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC)’s South East Europe (SEE) 2030 Strategy for the Western Balkans (WB). It provides cross-analysis of findings from relevant post-2020 strategies of six Western Balkan economies. Moreover, it provides comparative analysis of linkages between strategic priorities of the Western Balkan economies with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also addresses the priorities of the European Commission (2019-2024) and their relevance for the Western Balkans, as well as the interlinkages between the national priorities of the WB6 and EU post strategic 2020 agenda, including information relevant in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, this report provides information on the plans, scope
of work, and priorities of relevant regional organisations and initiatives in the period after 2020 in order to identify opportunities for synergies between them and the RCC and to avoid possible overlaps going forward.
Download: EN
Annual Report of the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council 2019-2020
25 JUNE 2020 | REPORT
This Annual Report of the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) covers the period April 2019 – April 2020. It outlines main RCC activities and achievements in the past year. It also lays out the overall background and crucial developments impacting and shaping the activities of the RCC and the region of South East Europe in the reporting period.
Download: EN
RCC SG speech at the presentation of Balkan Barometer 2020 on 24 June 2020
24 JUNE 2020 | SPEECH
Introductory remarks by the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council Majlinda Bregu on the ocassion of Balkan Barometer 2020 launch held in a form of webinar on 24 June 2020
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BALKAN BAROMETER 2020: PUBLIC OPINION SURVEY
24 JUNE 2020 | SURVEY
Balkan Barometer 2020 - the 6th edition of the annual public opinion survey commissioned by the Regional Cooperation Council to gather and interpret data spanning a number of thematic areas and topics. The Barometer examines the region’s perceptions of today, and its expectations for tomorrow, giving voice to the SEE’s business community as well as its citizens at large.
The Balkan Barometer: Public Opinion Survey carries perceptions of the citizens at large, examining their views of the current situation and future expectations.
Download: EN
BALKAN BAROMETER 2020: BUSINESS OPINION SURVEY
24 JUNE 2020 | SURVEY
Balkan Barometer 2020 - the 6th edition of the RCC of the annual business opinion survey commissioned by the Regional Cooperation Council to gather and interpret data spanning a number of thematic areas and topics. The Barometer examines both the region’s perceptions of today, and its expectations for tomorrow, giving voice to the SEE’s business community as well as its citizens at large.
Download: EN
BALKAN BAROMETER 2020 - INFOGRAPHICS
22 JUNE 2020 | INFORMATION MATERIAL
BALKAN BAROMETER is an annual survey of public opinion and business sentiments in six Western Balkans economies, commissioned by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), which examines aspirations and expectations on life and work, prevalent socio-economic and political trends & regional and European integration.
BALKAN BAROMETER’S 2020 infographics booklet features some of the defining thoughts of Western Balkans citizens and businesses on prevailing issues facing the region.
The entire BB survey is available at www.rcc.int/balkanbarometer
Download: EN
Digital is the future, minus the dark side…. , Op-ed by Majlinda Bregu, RCC Secretary General
04 JUNE 2020 | ARTICLE
"The lockdown brought high unemployment rate rise in the Western Balkans, between 5% and more than 30%. But without modern technologies that enabled working from home and saving jobs, that number would have been even higher. 38% of our citizens see COVID-19 pandemic as a threat to their job or jobs of their family members and 35% are impatient to get back to work, the latest data from RCC's Balkan Barometer show."
The Western Balkans (WB) Digital transformation agenda 2021-2024, financed by the European Union, is under preparation and will be the backbone for the socio-economic recovery of WB, strongly and timely anchored with the EU recovery efforts.
With Proven Potential for Innovation, Youth are Our Greatest Investment Opportunity
22 MAY 2020 | INTERVIEW
With Proven Potential for Innovation, Youth are Our Greatest Investment Opportunity, Article by Adem Gashi, Team Leader of the RCC Western Balkans Youth Lab Project
"There is no crystal ball to tell the fortune, but it’s crystal clear that by involving youth in decision making, the region will have a better future"
RCC Secretary General for Radio Free Europe (RFE)
05 MAY 2020 | INTERVIEW
“Implementation of initiatives to strengthen cooperation amongst the [Western] Balkans Six economies would create conditions for better life of our citizens. What might save us from pains is for the political leaders and experts to say, because coronavirus pandemic is an abnormal situation that comes with abnormal risks. Cooperation is vital and I believe we all got the idea that solo play will bring us nowhere,” said, among other things, RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu in Radio Free Europe’s (RFE) article dubbed “Economic cooperation in Western Balkans: Solo play will bring us nowhere” analyzing the effects COVID-19 pandemic will have on the economy of Western Balkans.
The full article including the original answers to RFE questions provided by the RCC SG is available in the document.
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Tanja Miscevic, RCC's Deputy Secretary General for the European Western Balkans (EWB)
29 APRIL 2020 | INTERVIEW
Deputy Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) spoke to European Western Balkans (EWB) about the priorities of regional cooperation at the time of the pandemic, economic recovery plans and cooperation between RCC and the governments of the region, as well as the support the EU has provided for the Western Balkans.
Majlinda Bregu, RCC SG's interview for N1 about the Western Balkans during & after COVID-19 pandemic
26 APRIL 2020 | VIDEO INTERVIEW
Majlinda Bregu, Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) talks to N1 TV in an online interview about life in the Western Balkans during the corona virus pandemic, its effects on the tourism sector, Green Corridors and the EU integration of the region
Article by Al Jazeera Balkans featuring statement by the RCC Secretary General, Majlinda Bregu on Western Balkans Digital Agenda
12 MARCH 2020 | ARTICLE
Secretary General of the Reginal Cooperation Council Majlinda Bregu for Al Jazeera Balkans on the topic of development and usage of e-services and cybersecurity and digital literacy in the region: "According to our Balkan Barometer 2019, more than 76% of the WB citizens say they use internet, but only 4% say they are paying bills online, and just 2% use government e-services. According to same data majority, 58% of businesses in WB see digitalisation of public services as the key avenue for increasing transparency and predictability of government conduct.”
REPORT ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE REGIONAL COOPERATION COUNCIL SECRETARIAT
12 MARCH 2020 | REPORT
The Report on the activities of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat is submitted by the RCC Secretary General to the RCC Board in line with Article 15 of the Statute of the RCC. It covers the period between 15 October 2019 – 1 March 2020.
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Final Operational Conclusions Meeting on Interoperability and Trust Services
28 FEBRUARY 2020 | MEETING DOCUMENT
The representatives from the Western Balkans institutions responsible for interoperability and trust services gathered on 27 February 2020, in Podgorica to discuss the potentials for a joint approach in the area of interoperability with the aim to launch concrete deliverable(s) during the Western Balkans Digital Summit 2020.
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Western Balkans Roaming Policy Meeting Operational Conclusions
29 JANUARY 2020 | MEETING DOCUMENT
The Western Balkan Roaming Policy meeting was held on 28 January 2020 in Brussels. The meeting gathered representatives from Western Balkan economies coming from ICT ministries and Regulatory Authorities, Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), and representatives from European Commission DGs
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Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council Majlinda Bregu for Euronews Albania
24 JANUARY 2020 | INTERVIEW
Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council Majlinda Bregu spoke to Euronews Albania on meaning, importance, successes and challenges of the Regional Economic Area.
The entire interview is avaliable at the following link https://euronews.al/al/aktualitet/2020/01/23/majlinda-bregu-shpresoj-qe-marreveshja-ps-pd-te-mos-jete-vetem-per-paqe-mes-aktoreve-te-politikes
The air pollution is killing us: Article by the RCC Secretary General, Majlinda Bregu for FENA News Agency
16 JANUARY 2020 | ARTICLE
In the article for FENA News Agency, the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Majlinda Bregu reiterates the importance of addressing the air pollution in the region, as it continuously jeopardises health and wellbeing of the citizens. Many Western Balkans cities occupy the tops of the lists of the most polluted cities in the world and decisive actions to mitigate air pollution are necessary.
Report on the preparation of post-2020 Strategy in Bosnia and Herzegovina
23 DECEMBER 2019 | REPORT
The study detailed in this report outlines both domestic and international policy frameworks that may present opportunities for embedding the post-2020 priorities for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Due to the complexities of the economy’s constitutional system, the review of relevant domestic instruments includes both national and sub-national structures and documents in an effort to provide an accurate mapping of the relevant policy landscape.
In general, as the study demonstrates in great detail, strategic planning documents in Bosnia and Herzegovina tend to be short on detail and frequently lack verifiable indicators for success as well as the funding needed to implement their lofty goals. This is something that is expected to impact any plans for embedding the post-2020 priorities in national strategic frameworks.
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Report on the preparation of post-2020 Strategy in Kosovo*
23 DECEMBER 2019 | REPORT
This report is a Kosovo*’s contribution to the post 2020 Regional Strategy for the SEE in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that is to be developed by the RCC, along with key regional and international partners, the European Commission, national administrations, civil society, academia, media and private sector. It consists of mapping of mid-term and long-term strategies and the analysis of priorities and national targets with respect to Kosovo*’s post 2020 vision and UN Agenda 2030.
The focus of the report is on Kosovo*’s National Development Strategy (NDS) and its correlation with other strategic planning frameworks namely the Kosovo*’s European integration agenda and the adoption of the acquis. Existing sectoral strategies that span beyond 2020 are also part of the mapping.
*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
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Report on the preparation of post-2020 Strategy in Montenegro
23 DECEMBER 2019 | REPORT
This report provides information regarding the national post-2020 strategic and other policy-relevant documents in Montenegro. The report provides an overview of the most important strategic objectives and priorities.
The report describes linkages between the specific strategic documents, priorities of the European Union (EU) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also provides an overview of current donor strategic framework support for Montenegro for the forthcoming period.
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Report on the preparation of post-2020 Strategy in North Macedonia
23 DECEMBER 2019 | REPORT
This report provides information regarding the relevant national post-2020 policy and other strategic documents in the Republic of North Macedonia and identifies their objectives/priorities/targets and their relation to the specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that are of particular importance for the economy, and other European Union (EU) accession frameworks. It also provides an overview of donor strategic framework support for the North Macedonia for the forthcoming period.
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Report on the preparation of post-2020 Strategy in Serbia
23 DECEMBER 2019 | REPORT
The overall objective of this analysis is to conduct stock taking and identification of the existing mid- and long-term strategies, analyse priorities within the existing strategies, and provide an overview of the quantification of key national targets with respect to post-2020 vision and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through desk-based research and consultations with the representatives of Serbia, both government and non-governmental organisations, and donors and international organisations based in Serbia.
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Report on preparation of post-2020 Strategy in Albania
23 DECEMBER 2019 | REPORT
The report aims to present an analysis of relevant post-2020 strategies in Albania and a detailed analysis of strategic national priorities with respect to the European Commission priorities and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
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Climate change does not need Schengen visa, Article by Majlinda Bregu, Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council
16 DECEMBER 2019 | ARTICLE
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu on burning issue and challanges of climate change and Green Agenda in the Western Balkans: "We need to do more to raise awareness among the citizens that each and every one of us, including children, can and should make a difference. We truly are in this together, whether you like to admit it or not. The small steps also count – reducing plastic containers, minding the trash to keep our rivers, mountains, fields, forests clean, properly treat waste, turn to domestic foods, print less…a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. "
The article was published in the European Western Balkans https://europeanwesternbalkans.com/2019/12/16/climate-change-does-not-need-schengen-visa/
ANNUAL REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MULTI-ANNUAL ACTION PLAN FOR A REGIONAL ECONOMIC AREA (MAP REA) IN WESTERN BALKANS (WB)
24 SEPTEMBER 2019 | REPORT
The Multi-annual Action Plan (MAP) for a Regional Economic Area (REA) in the Western Balkans Six (WB) helps boost regional economic cooperation through: furthering regional trade integration, enhancing competitiveness and unleashing potentials for growth, promoting the region as an unique space for investment, creating better conditions to ensure free movement of professionals and skilled people, and connecting digitally businesses and citizens.
This report presents key achievements in the implementation of MAP REA in the period 2018-2019
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"A clean, well-lighted place", article by Majlinda Bregu, RCC Secretary General, for Bled Strategic Times
02 SEPTEMBER 2019 | ARTICLE
Article by Majlinda Bregu, the RCC Secretary General, on European integration prospects of the Western Balkans in the 30 August 2019 issue of the Bled Strategic Times magazine.
“European Integration of the Western Balkans is not a territorial agenda. It is a Transformational agenda. No one expects any shortage of sensitivities or emotional structures on display. But if we continue keeping the focus on the differences rather than seeing the world through the lenses of cooperation, we are simply welcoming an unacceptable risk."
Entire magazine is available at the following link https://www.bledstrategicforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Bled-Strategic-Times-2019.pdf. The article by Majlinda Bregu is on page 10.
Terms of References for the Biodiversity Task Force under the Regional Environmental Working Group
01 AUGUST 2019 | MEETING DOCUMENT
Terms of References for the Biodiversity Task Force under the Regional Environmental Working Group.
The Regional Cooperation Council established a Regional Working Group of high-level representatives of South-East Europe (SEE) ministries responsible for environment, water resources, land, energy and climate change (hereinafter referred to as “Regional Working Group on Environment” or “RWG Env”) to guide the implementation of the Dimension Environment of the SEE 2020 Strategy. The RWG Env operates under the auspices of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat with the main responsibility for programming, overseeing and monitoring the activities within the Dimension Environment. The Regional Environmental Center for Central and Eastern Europe (REC) is the Dimension Coordinator in cooperation with Global Water Partnerships–Mediterranean (GWP-Med) and Standing Working Group on Regional Rural Development (SWG). In accordance with foreseen tasks of the RWG Env, determined in Point 1 of ToR, the Group “Propose and/or develop additional mechanisms and tools for effective implementation of activities under the Dimension J – Environment of the SEE 2020 Strategy”.
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SOUTH EAST EUROPE 2020: 2019 ANNUAL REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION
22 JULY 2019 | REPORT
The report aims to present main achievements related to the implementation of the South East Europe 2020 Strategy (SEE 2020) for the period from May 2018 until May 2019. It is divided into three main parts: a summary overview of the progress achieved, a detailed review per pillar and key recommendations per each dimension.
The Report was endorsed at the SEE 2020 Governing Board meeting held on 8 July 2019 in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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RCC Strategy and Work Programme 2020 –2022
08 JULY 2019 | REPORT
The Strategy and Work Programme 2020-2022 ‘Stepping up the Transformation’, of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat, endorsed at the RCC Annual Meeting, on 8 July 2019 in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina aims to enhance socio-economic, digital and human connectivity within South East Europe (SEE), and between the region and the European Union (EU) through strengthened regional cooperation and development of a shared, inclusive and competitive economic space.
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BALKAN BAROMETER 2019 - INFOGRAPHICS
04 JULY 2019 | INFORMATION MATERIAL
BALKAN BAROMETER is an annual survey of public opinion and business sentiments in six Western Balkans economies, commissioned by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), which examines aspirations and expectations on life and work, prevalent socio-economic and political trends & regional and European integration.
BALKAN BAROMETER’S 2019 infographics booklet features some of the defining thoughts of citizens and businesses on prevailing issues facing the region.
The entire BB survey is available at http://www.rcc.int/seeds
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BALKAN BAROMETER 2019: BUSINESS OPINION SURVEY
03 JULY 2019 | SURVEY
Balkan Barometer 2019, the fifth instalment of the RCC-commissioned annual survey of regional perceptions and attitudes across a wide array of social, political and economic factors impacting life in South East Europe (SEE), is modestly optimistic. It shows growing support for EU membership with more than half of all respondents viewing EU accession favourably, a first since the Barometer’s inception in 2015. Regional cooperation continues to be important to an overwhelming majority of respondents. Overall, the region has grown more positive both about its present situation as well as its outlook for the future, indicating a growing level of confidence in the financial stability of the six SEE economies.
The Balkan Barometer: Business Opinion Survey gives voice to the SEE’s business community, examining both their perceptions of today as well as expectations of tomorrow.
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BALKAN BAROMETER 2019: PUBLIC OPINION SURVEY
03 JULY 2019 | SURVEY
Balkan Barometer 2019, the fifth instalment of the RCC-commissioned annual survey of regional perceptions and attitudes across a wide array of social, political and economic factors impacting life in South East Europe (SEE), is modestly optimistic. It shows growing support for EU membership with more than half of all respondents viewing EU accession favourably, a first since the Barometer’s inception in 2015. Regional cooperation continues to be important to an overwhelming majority of respondents. Overall, the region has grown more positive both about its present situation as well as its outlook for the future, indicating a growing level of confidence in the financial stability of the six SEE economies.
The Balkan Barometer: Public Opinion Survey carries perceptions of the citizens at large, examining their views of the current situation and future expectations.
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Regional cooperation is becoming a steady pattern to EU’s magnetic attraction
02 JULY 2019 | INTERVIEW
The article of the RCC's Secretary General, Majlinda Bregu tackles anticipations of the Berlin Process's Western Balkans Summit in Poznan, Poland, staring on 4 July 2019.
Summing the expectations up, Secretary General Bregu writes: On 1st of July, Roaming Reductions arrived. On 4th of July, the Western Balkans summit in Poznan will start. EU is a magnetic attraction, while regional cooperation is becoming a steady pattern. For the future, let’s look into the past because the unsavoury one is still a threat! But REA has a clear status with togetherness at its core. Let’s give REA and regional cooperation the force to chart a sustainable long term Western Balkan reconciliation! Through economy, lifting all existing barriers!
Leaflet: Roaming Free Western Balkans
01 JULY 2019 | INFORMATION MATERIAL
#RoamingFreeWesternBalkans: After the signing of the Regional Roaming Agreement in Belgrade on 4 April 2019, drastic cuts of roaming costs in the region begun on 1 July 2019, leading to lowering roaming costs with EU, and 0 costs in WB in 2021
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Report on the activities of the Regional Cooperation Council Secretariat
30 APRIL 2019 | REPORT
The Report on the activities of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat is submitted by the RCC Secretary General to the RCC Board in line with Article 15 of the Statute of the RCC. It covers the period between 15 October 2018 – 1 March 2019.
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Regional Roaming Agreement for the Western Balkans
04 APRIL 2019 | AGREEMENT
Regional Roaming Agreement or Agreement on the price reduction of the roaming services in public mobile communication networks in the Western Balkans region was signed in Belgrade, during the second Western Balkans Digital Summit on 4 April 2019.
The Agreement stipulates Roaming-Free region as by 2021.
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Conclusions of the Western Balkans Digital Summit 2019
03 APRIL 2019 | MEETING DOCUMENT
After Western Balkans Digital Summit 2019 held in Belgrade, Conclusions of the WB Digital Summit were created.
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Roaming free? Downloading... Article by Majlinda Bregu, Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council
01 APRIL 2019 | ARTICLE
Regional Roaming Agreement for the Western Balkans: "It means you would be able to speak, SMS or surf more, wherever in the region you find yourself in, and pay much less. No more worries about making sure that your data is off when you cross the border."
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RCC Secretary General, Majlinda Bregu in RTSH1 Përballë programme
21 MARCH 2019 | VIDEO INTERVIEW
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu was a guest in Përballë programme of the Albanian Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH1), hosted by Lutfi Dervishi.
The topics involved expected accomplishments of regional cooperation in 2019 and how they would affect ordinary citizens in the region.
Abridged Report on Implementation of MAP REA, July-December 2018
31 DECEMBER 2018 | REPORT
This report presents the key developments during July-December 2018 along the four components of Multi-annual Action Plan on Regional Economic Area (MAP REA) in the Western Balkans Six (WB6), capturing progress and highlighting the most important milestones. The report is prepared by RCC based on the inputs and reporting delivered by WB6 in several meetings (i.e. MAP REA Coordinators’ meeting, WB6 PM Sherpas’ meeting, etc.).
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Biodiversity Task Force of South East Europe - Technical and advisory body of the Regional Working Group on Environment
27 NOVEMBER 2018 | INFORMATION MATERIAL
The Biodiversity Task Force (BD TF) is an intergovernmental technical and advisory body of the Regional Working Group on Environment that coordinates regional activities, facilitates the implementation of the South East Europe 2020 (SEE 2020) Strategy and creates a framework for more efficient implementation of biodiversity policies in the framework of accession to the European Union.
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Ministerial Declaration on Environment and Climate Action in the Western Balkans agreed in Skopje
21 NOVEMBER 2018 | DECLARATION/DECISION
The Ministers from Western Balkans responsible for the environment and climate change, gathered in Skopje on 21st November 2018 under the framework for the implementation of the South East Europe 2020 (SEE 2020) Strategy and its Environment Dimension, have agreed on the Joint Declaration by which, among other things, they call for further strengthening of the synergies and regional cooperation for the implementation of the environment and climate change priorities in line with EU acquis, and maintaining policy dialogue within the Regional Working Group on Environment (RWG Env) framework.
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Report on the activities of the Regional Cooperation Council Secretariat
18 OCTOBER 2018 | REPORT
The Report on the activities of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat is submitted by the RCC Secretary General to the RCC Board in line with Article 15 of the Statute of the RCC. It covers the period between 15 March – 15 October 2018.
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Chairs' conclusions of the Economy Ministers' Meeting of the London Western Balkans Summit 2018
18 JULY 2018 | MEETING DOCUMENT
The participants of the Economy Ministers Meeting of the Berlin Process met in Vienna on 4 July and issued the conclusions presented in the document. The meeting built on the achievements of previous Berlin Process Summits, the recent European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Western Balkans Investment Summit,
and the Skopje Digital Summit.
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BALKAN BAROMETER 2018 - INFOGRAPHICS
06 JULY 2018 | INFORMATION MATERIAL
BALKAN BAROMETER 2018 booklet features the prevailing issues of the Balkan Barometer (BB) 2018 survey through infographics. The 2018 edition of BB is yet another instalment in the series of annual public opinion surveys commissioned by the Regional Cooperation Council. The entire BB survey is available at http://www.rcc.int/seeds
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BALKAN BAROMETER 2018: BUSINESS OPINION SURVEY
06 JULY 2018 | SURVEY
2018 Balkan Barometer is the fourth instalment of the annual public opinion survey commissioned by the Regional Cooperation Council to gather and interpret data spanning a number of thematic areas and topics. The Barometer, as in previous years, examines both the region’s perceptions of today, and its expectations for tomorrow, giving voice to the SEE’s business community as well as its citizens at large.
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BALKAN BAROMETER 2018: PUBLIC OPINION SURVEY
06 JULY 2018 | SURVEY
2018 Balkan Barometer is the fourth instalment of the annual public opinion survey commissioned by the Regional Cooperation Council to gather and interpret data spanning a number of thematic areas and topics. The Barometer, as in previous years, examines both the region’s perceptions of today, and its expectations for tomorrow, giving voice to the SEE’s business community as well as its citizens at large.
Download: EN
SOUTH EAST EUROPE 2020: 2018 ANNUAL REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION
05 JULY 2018 | REPORT
A comprehensive monitoring effort was introduced to measure the progress of SEE 2020 Strategy's activities implemented and results achieved. This Annual Report on Implementation (ARI) is the main output of the SEE 2020 monitoring process. This 2018 report covers the period from June 2017 to June 2018 and is divided into two main parts: a summary overview of the progress achieved, issues arising and a reflection on some of the lessons learned and overall recommendations for adapting and strengthening the Strategy to meet the challenges of a dynamic political and economic environment in which it operates, and a detailed review per pillar.
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Brochure: South East Europe 2020 (SEE 2020) Strategy - 2018 IMPLEMENTATION RESULTS
05 JULY 2018 | INFORMATION MATERIAL
The Western Balkans has returned to the growth path, having added more than 600 THOUSAND JOBS to its economies since 2010 and half a million highly educated people to its workforce. The region expanded its trade by additional EUR 33 BILLION and decreased its trade deficit from -23.1 to -19.7 percent of GDP over the last 7 years through strong export performance, signaling increasing competitiveness of its products and services on the international markets.
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Brochure: South East Europe 2020 (SEE 2020) Strategy - 2018 IMPLEMENTATION RESULTS
05 JULY 2018 | INFORMATION MATERIAL
The Western Balkans has returned to the growth path, having added more than 600 THOUSAND JOBS to its economies since 2010 and half a million highly educated people to its workforce. The region expanded its trade by additional EUR 33 BILLION and decreased its trade deficit from -23.1 to -19.7 percent of GDP over the last 7 years through strong export performance, signaling increasing competitiveness of its products and services on the international markets.
Download: EN
Annual Report on Implementation of the Multi-Annual Action Plan for a Regional Economic Area (MAP REA) in Western Balkan Six (WB6)
03 JULY 2018 | REPORT
The Multi-annual Action Plan (MAP) for a Regional Economic Area (REA) in the Western Balkans Six (WB6), endorsed at the Trieste Summit of 12 July 2017, puts forward a strategic joint agenda for the Western Balkan economies to further regional economic cooperation with a view to unleash the potentials for growth, create conditions for better, transparent and predictable investment climate and improve the overall economic competitiveness of the WB6 economies. The actions introduced in the MAP REA are expected to be implemented until 2020, with some extensions until 2023, focusing on four key components: Trade, Investment, Mobility and Digital Integration.
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Brochure: Implementation of the Multi-Annual Plan for a Regional Economic Area (MAP REA)
03 JULY 2018 | INFORMATION MATERIAL
Brochure: Implementation of the Multi-Annual Plan for a Regional Economic Area (MAP REA): Economies at a Glance>State of Play and Way Forward
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European Commission: Measures in support of a Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans
22 JUNE 2018 | MEETING DOCUMENT
The Sofia Declaration2, of 17 May 2018, agreed “by the leaders of the European Union (EU) and its Member States, in consultation with our Western Balkans partners”, at the 'European Union - Western Balkans Summit' includes the launch of a Sofia Priority Agenda for the EU and the Western Balkans. The Priority Agenda comprises, under the title “A Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans”, the following points:
- Launch a Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans, including a roadmap to facilitate lowering cost of roaming - Launch a substantial technical assistance package for the identification of potential digital investments (including broadband) through Western Balkan Investment Framework/Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance
The Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans should complement the Digital Integration actions agreed by the leaders of the region in the Multi-Annual Action Plan on a Regional Economic Area (Trieste, July 2017)3, and reflect the conclusions of the Western Balkans Digital Summit in Skopje4 on 19 April 2018.
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MAP Stocktaking and Needs Assessment Report
19 JUNE 2018 | REPORT
The overall aim of the Multi-Annual Action Plan (MAP) Stocktaking and Needs Assessment Report is to take stock of the measures and resources needed to implement the key objectives set out in the MAP and recommend future actions, both at economy and regional level. The report identifies the major policy gaps and needs, including assistance through bilateral or regional projects, and proposes a set of measures needed to overcome them with a view to effective and timely implementation of the MAP as a whole.
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Study on climate change in the Western Balkans region
06 JUNE 2018 | STUDY
This Study aims to support the Western Balkans (WB) region in creating its sustainable development cycle coordinated by the priorities of the WB economies, which is in compliance with global and EU responsibilities, releasing some burden of extensive work expected from each economy to implement. It provides quantitative data for implementation of the South East Europe 2020 Strategy, decision-making process and supports further advance in the work of the Regional Working Group on Environment. In addition to its initial motive, the Study analyses and outlines the issues of cross-border dependence, which require WB coordinated approach. Results obtained during this Study are beyond the presented conclusions, and hopefully will find purpose in further detail assessments of more specific issues related to future planning.
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Agenda of the 7th Meeting of the Regional Working Group on Environment
30 MAY 2018 | MEETING DOCUMENT
Agenda of the 7th Meeting of the Regional Working Group on Environment, 30 May 2018 in Skopje
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Participants list of the 7th Meeting of the Regional Working Group on Environment
30 MAY 2018 | MEETING DOCUMENT
Participants list of the 7th Meeting of the Regional Working Group on Environment, 30 May 2018 in Skopje
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Draft Conclusions of the Western Balkans Digital Summit 2018
30 APRIL 2018 | MEETING DOCUMENT
After Western Balkans Digital Summit 2018 held in Skopje in April, Conclusions of the WB Digital Summit were created.
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Annual Report of the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council 2017-2018
23 APRIL 2018 | REPORT
This Annual Report of the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) covers the period 1 April 2017 – 15 March 2018. It outlines main RCC activities and achievements in the past year. It also lays out the overall background and crucial developments impacting and shaping the activities of the RCC and the region of South East Europe in the reporting period.
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SEE 2020 Programming Document 2018-2020
13 MARCH 2018 | MEETING DOCUMENT
The RCC South East Europe (SEE) 2020 Strategy Programing Committee adopted the SEE 2020 Programming Document 2018-2020 at its 6th meeting on 12 March 2017 in Brussels. The document sets out the priority actions for the Strategy implementation in the coming period.
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Conclusions from the Fourth Meeting on Donor Coordination in the Western Balkans
13 MARCH 2018 | MEETING DOCUMENT
The Fourth Meeting on Donor Coordination in the Western Balkans was held in Brussels on 13 March 2018. The objective of the Meeting was to map and coordinate donor activities in the Western Balkans so as to help achieve a better alignment of governments’ regional development priorities and donors’ sectoral interventions. The meeting called for synergies in donor coordination process for implementation of SEE 2020 Strategy and Regional Economic Area in the WB region.
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Fourth Meeting on Donor Coordination in the Western Balkans - Participants List
13 MARCH 2018 | MEETING DOCUMENT
List of participants of the Fourth Meeting on Donor Coordination in the Western Balkans held in Brussels on 13 march 2018
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Conclusions from the Sixth Meeting of the SEE 2020 Programming Committee
12 MARCH 2018 | MEETING DOCUMENT
The sixth meeting of the SEE 2020 Programming Committee was held in Brussels on 12 March 2018 back to back with the Fourth Meeting on Donor Coordination in the Western Balkans. The aim of the meeting was to discuss and potentially endorse the SEE2020 Programming document for the period 2018 – 2020. The meeting gathered representatives of the South East Europe’s (SEE) economies participating in implementation SEE 2020 Strategy, including representatives from the Offices of the National IPA Coordinators (NIPAC Offices), SEE2020 National Coordinators and representatives from the institutions responsible for aid coordination.
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Agenda of the Sixth Meeting of the SEE 2020 Programming Committee
12 MARCH 2018 | MEETING DOCUMENT
Agenda of the Sixth Meeting of the SEE 2020 Programming Committee held in Brussels on 12 March 2018
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List of participants of the Sixth Meeting of the SEE 2020 Programming Committee
12 MARCH 2018 | MEETING DOCUMENT
List of participants of the Sixth Meeting of the SEE 2020 Programming Committee held in Brussels on 12 March 2018
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Minutes of the 2nd High-level Panel on Environment and Climate Action in the Western Balkans
16 FEBRUARY 2018 | MEETING DOCUMENT
Minutes of the 2nd High-level Panel on Environment and Climate Action in the Western Balkans, held on 17 November 2017 in Bonn, Germany
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Leaflet on Multi-annual Action Plan on a Regional Economic Area in the Western Balkans - MAP
04 DECEMBER 2017 | INFORMATION MATERIAL
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 Berlin-process summit held on 12 July 2017 in Trieste.
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Ministerial Declaration on the occasion of the 2nd High-level Panel on Environment and Climate Action in the Western Balkans
17 NOVEMBER 2017 | DECLARATION/DECISION
The participants of the 2nd High-level Panel on Environment and Climate Action in the Western Balkans, organised by the RCC and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Serbia, on 17 November 2017 in Bonn, endorsed the Declaration on Environment and Climate Action in the Western Balkans agreeing on the growing need in the region to improve the coordination of existing regional initiatives and projects as well as those which would be developed to serve the SEE 2020 Strategy goals. They also recognised strong interlinkages between energy, and environment and climate change policies, looking for ways to strengthen inter-sectorial cooperation at the highest political level
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Agenda of the 2nd High-level Panel on Environment and Climate Action in the Western Balkans
17 NOVEMBER 2017 | MEETING DOCUMENT
Agenda of the 2nd High-level Panel on Environment and Climate Action in the Western Balkans, in Bonn (Germany) on 17 November 2017
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Participants list of the 2nd High-level Panel on Environment and Climate Action in the Western Balkans
17 NOVEMBER 2017 | MEETING DOCUMENT
Participants list of the 2nd High-level Panel on Environment and Climate Action in the Western Balkans, in Bonn (Germany) on 17 November 2017
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BALKAN BAROMETER 2017 - INFOGRAPHICS
09 OCTOBER 2017 | SURVEY
This publication features the prevailing issues of the Balkan Barometer (BB) 2017 survey through infographics. The 2017 edition of BB is yet another instalment in the series of annual public opinion surveys commissioned by the Regional Cooperation Council. The entire BB survey is available at http://www.rcc.int/seeds
Download: EN
BALKAN BAROMETER 2017: BUSINESS OPINION SURVEY
09 OCTOBER 2017 | SURVEY
The 2017 edition of BALKAN BAROMETER (BB) is yet another instalment in the series of annual public opinion surveys commissioned by the Regional Cooperation Council. It collects and analyses data across a host of thematic areas, examining aspirations and expectations of the region's populations and its business community on life and work, prevalent socio-economic and political trends as well as regional and European integration, among others. Balkan Barometer Business Opinion Survey conducted by GfK, among 16800 companies in the course of 2016 throughout our part of Europe, is an easy-to-access source of information. The RCC website www.rcc.int permits download of the publication as well as its datasets which are easily searchable.
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BALKAN BAROMETER 2017: PUBLIC OPINION SURVEY
09 OCTOBER 2017 | SURVEY
The 2017 edition of BALKAN BAROMETER (BB) is yet another instalment in the series of annual public opinion surveys commissioned by the Regional Cooperation Council. It collects and analyses data across a host of thematic areas, examining aspirations and expectations of the region's populations and its business community on life and work, prevalent socio-economic and political trends as well as regional and European integration, among others. Balkan Barometer Public Opinion Survey conducted by GfK, among 8000 citizens in the course of 2016 throughout our part of Europe, is an easy-to-access source of information. The RCC website www.rcc.int permits download of the publication as well as its datasets which are easily searchable.
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Multi-annual Action Plan for a Regional Economic Area in the Western Balkans Six
12 JULY 2017 | MEETING DOCUMENT
The leaders of Western Balkans Six (WB6) endorsed the Multi-annual Action Plan on a Regional Economic Area in the Western Balkans (MAP), prepared by the RCC, at the Berlin Process summit on 12 July 2017, in Trieste, Italy . The RCC has been tasked to monitor and inform on the progress achieved in MAP implementation.
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South East Europe 2020: 2017 Annual Report on Implementation
29 JUNE 2017 | REPORT
The report, endorsed at the SEE 2020 Governing Board meeting held on 28 June 2017 in Dubrovnik, Croatia, reflects the status of implementation of the RCC’s SEE 2020 Strategy.
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Infographics - SOUTH EAST EUROPE 2020: 2017 ANNUAL REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION
28 JUNE 2017 | INFORMATION MATERIAL
This publication shows the most catching results in implementation of the SEE 2020 Strategy until December 2016 through Infographics. For full information where the SEE is when it comes to implementation of the SEE 2020 strategy, please check the South East Europe 2020: 2017 Annual Report on Implementation.
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SEE 2020 Programming Document 2017-2019
17 MARCH 2017 | MEETING DOCUMENT
The RCC South East Europe (SEE) 2020 Strategy Programing Committee adopted the SEE 2020 Programming Document 2017-2019 at its 5th meeting on 15 March 2017 in Sarajevo. The document sets out the priority actions for the Strategy implementation in the coming period.
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Connectivity
01 JANUARY 2017 | INFORMATION MATERIAL
Brochure on RCC’s flagship ‘Connectivity’, featuring goals, results, and actions of the organization in this area to be taken in the forthcoming period. The Regional Cooperation Council is working towards better connected South East Europe, integrated in the EU transport, energy and digital networks and an active contributor to the relevant EU policies.
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Balkan Barometer 2016, Infographics, pocket edition
10 NOVEMBER 2016 | SURVEY
Balkan Barometer 2016 edition is a comprehensive survey commissioned by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) on attitudes, experiences and perceptions of the general public and business community in South East Europe on various economic, social, political and cultural issues. It is an integral part of the annual monitoring process of the SEE2020 Strategy. Balkan Barometer pocket edition reveals the main thoughts of people and businesses on burning issues facing our economies, through infographics. This survey, conducted by GfK, among 8000 citizens and 1800 companies through our part of Europe, is an easy-to-access source of information. The RCC website www.rcc.int permits download of both components of the Balkan Barometer - Public Opinion Survey and Business Opinion Survey - as well as their datasets which are easily searchable. Check it out at: http://www.rcc.int/seeds/results/2/balkan-opinion-barometer and http://www.rcc.int/seeds/results/3/balkan-business-barometer
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Balkan Barometer 2016: Public Opinion Survey
21 JUNE 2016 | SURVEY
The Balkan Barometer, published for the first time in 2015, surveys 7,000 citizens and 1,400 businesses in seven SEE economies, on a wide range of issues dealing with the political, socio-economic, business and investment climate, infrastructure, rule of law and other developments in the region. This year’s survey also includes select information on Moldova and Slovenia, giving a wider overview of the South East European region. The Balkan Barometer 2016 is published in two volumes: The Public Opinion Survey, detailing the citizens’ attitudes, and the Business Opinion Survey, summarizing the business sentiments. The research and publications have been prepared and developed in cooperation between the RCC and the GfK, one of the world’s largest market research institutes.
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Balkan Barometer 2016: Business Opinion Survey
21 JUNE 2016 | SURVEY
The Balkan Barometer, published for the first time in 2015, surveys 7,000 citizens and 1,400 businesses in seven SEE economies, on a wide range of issues dealing with the political, socio-economic, business and investment climate, infrastructure, rule of law and other developments in the region. This year’s survey also includes select information on Moldova and Slovenia, giving a wider overview of the South East European region. The Balkan Barometer 2016 is published in two volumes: The Public Opinion Survey, detailing the citizens’ attitudes, and the Business Opinion Survey, summarizing the business sentiments. The research and publications have been prepared and developed in cooperation between the RCC and the GfK, one of the world’s largest market research institutes.
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South East Europe 2020: 2016 Annual Report on Implementation
01 JUNE 2016 | REPORT
The report, presented at the SEE 2020 Governing Board meeting held on 30 May 2016 in Pravets, Bulgaria, reflects the status of implementation of the RCC’s SEE 2020 Strategy.
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Declaration of Ministers and High-Level Representatives on the occasion of the 1st High-level Ministerial Panel on Responding to Climate and Environmental Challenges in SEE
01 APRIL 2016 | DECLARATION/DECISION
The Declaration has been adopted at the First High Level Ministerial Panel on Responding to Climate and Environmental Challenges in South East Europe (SEE) that took place on 1 April 2016 in Podgorica, at the event co-organized by the Regional Cooperation Council, Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism of Montenegro, and the Regional Environmental Center, together with partner organisations: UNEP, Global Water Partnership Mediterranean, Umweltbundesamt - the Environment Agency of Austria, the South Eastern Europe Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and SEE Change Net.
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Balkan Business Barometer 2015
06 MAY 2015 | SURVEY
The report presents the results of the RCC-commissioned survey of business sentiment in SEE on crucial economic and development issues, intended to engage more closely the business community in context of the RCC’s SEE 2020 Strategy. The survey was carried out in December 2014 by GfK, and was conducted face to face with 1400 companies of different size and different business areas, which are not majority-owned by the state or government, in all seven economies covered by the Strategy.
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Balkan Opinion Barometer 2015
06 MAY 2015 | SURVEY
The report presents the results of the RCC-commissioned survey of public opinion of SEE citizens on crucial economic and development issues, intended to engage more closely the general public in context of the RCC’s SEE 2020 Strategy. The survey was carried out in December 2014 by GfK, and was conducted face to face with 7000 respondents, in all seven economies covered by the Strategy.
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Interview by RCC Expert on Sustainable Growth, Amna Redzepagic Colic, to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s daily Dnevni avaz
22 MAY 2014 | INTERVIEW
In the interview, the RCC expert speaks about the RCC’s activities in the area of air transport in South East Europe, through the organisation’s South East Europe 2020 Strategy.
Report to RCC Board on activities of RCC Secretariat
27 FEBRUARY 2014 | REPORT
The report covers the period from 1 October to 31 December 2013.
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Article by RCC Secretary General, Goran Svilanovic, featuring RCC’s SEE 2020 strategy
27 JANUARY 2014 | ARTICLE
The author article by the RCC Secretary General, has been published by 9 dailies from the region: in Politika (Serbia, published on 24 January 2014); Dnevni avaz, Nezavisne novine and Vecernji list (Bosnia and Herzegovina, published on 22 January 2014); Vijesti (Montenegro, published on 20 January 2014); Mapo (Albania, published on 17 January 2014); Jutarnji list (Croatia, published on 17 January 2014); Utrinski vesnik (The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, published on 17 January 2014); and Tribuna (Kosovo*, published on 16 January 2014). The articles, including all translations to English are available at the language links below.
*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
South East Europe 2020 strategy
21 NOVEMBER 2013 | REPORT
The goal of the South East Europe (SEE) 2020 strategy of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), is to improve living conditions in the region and bring competitiveness and development back in focus, closely following the vision of the EU strategy Europe 2020. It stresses out the shared vision of the SEE economies to open up to 1 million new jobs by 2020, by enabling employment growth from 39% to 44%, increase of total regional trade turnover by more than double from 94 to 210 billion euro, the rise of the region’s GDP per capita from current 36% to 44% of the EU average, and the addition of 300,000 highly qualified people to the workforce.
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Welcome speech by Miroslav Kukobat, Head of Infrastructure and Energy Unit, Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat, at Roundtable on water and energy nexus in transboundary basins in South East Europe
08 NOVEMBER 2013 | SPEECH
The speech was delivered at the opening of the RCC-hosted three-day roundtable in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on 6-8 November 2013
Agenda - roundtable on water and energy nexus in transboundary basins in South East Europe
06 NOVEMBER 2013 | INFORMATION MATERIAL
The roundtable is taking place on 6-8 November 2013, in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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RCC staff featuring South East Europe (SEE) 2020 strategy
16 SEPTEMBER 2013 | SPEECH
Videos of RCC staff: Sanjin Arifagic, SEE 2020 Coordinator and Senior Expert on Economic and Social Development; Dinka Zivalj, Spokesperson; Mladen Dragasevic, Head of Building Human Capital and Cross Cutting Issues Unit; Miroslav Kukobat, Senior Expert on Energy and Infrastructure; and Svetlana Gligorovska, Expert on Infrastructure, featuring SEE 2020 strategy, at a workshop held in Sarajevo on 16 September 2013.
Interview by Svetlana Gligorovska, RCC Expert on Infrastructure, to Skopje daily Utrinski vesnik
15 SEPTEMBER 2013 | INTERVIEW
In the interview, published on 15 September 2013, RCC Expert on Infrastructure features Regional Cooperation Council (RCC)’s South East Europe (SEE) 2020 strategy
Interview by RCC Secretary General, Goran Svilanovic, to Bosnia and Herzegovina daily Oslobodjenje
27 JUNE 2013 | INTERVIEW
The RCC Secretary General talks about political situation in South East Europe, regional cooperation and the RCC role, especially in relation to the SEE 2020 growth strategy.
Article by RCC Secretary General, Goran Svilanovic, to Serbian daily Danas
26 JUNE 2013 | ARTICLE
The article discusses regional cooperation, EU integration, SEE 2020 and Serbia in this context.
Address by Senior RCC Expert on Infrastructure and Energy, Miroslav Kukobat, at a International Energy Conference ‘Energa 2013’
04 JUNE 2013 | SPEECH
The address was delivered in Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on 5 June 2013.
Strategy and Work Programme of the Regional Cooperation Council for 2014-2016
30 MAY 2013 | REPORT
The strategy was adopted by the RCC Board on 25 April 2013 in Sarajevo and endorsed by the participants of the RCC Annual Meeting, on 30 May 2013 in Ohrid.
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Address by RCC Chief of Staff, Jovan Tegovski, at the opening of regional conference on strengthening air traffic regional cooperation in South East Europe
29 APRIL 2013 | SPEECH
The address was delivered at the opening of RCC-hosted event in Sarajevo on 29 April 2013.
Conclusions of the conference on strengthening air traffic regional cooperation in South East Europe
29 APRIL 2013 | MEETING DOCUMENT
The event, hosted by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat, was held on 29 April 2013 in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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South East Europe Investment Committee (SEEIC) Work Programme for the Year 2013
19 MARCH 2013 | MEETING DOCUMENT
Adopted at the 12th SEEIC meeting, held in Sarajevo, on 19 March 2013.
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Statement by RCC Secretary General, Goran Svilanovic, to BiH news agency Fena
13 MARCH 2013 | INTERVIEW
Secretary General Svilanovic talks about opportunities for the region under the new EU Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA II).
Opening address by RCC Secretary General, Hido Biscevic, at the 3rd Road Congress in South East Europe
20 SEPTEMBER 2012 | AGREEMENT
The event, co-organized by the Association of Consulting Engineers of Bosnia and Herzegovina (ACE BiH) and the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat, with support of the Ministry of Communications and Transport of Bosnia and Herzegovina, took place on 20-21 September in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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Address by RCC Secretary General, Hido Biščević, at the third meeting of ISIS Programme Governing Body
12 SEPTEMBER 2012 | SPEECH
The third Governing Body meeting of the Implementation of Single European Sky (ISIS) Programme in South East Europe, which took place in Ohrid on 12 September 2012, was co-organized by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat and the European Commission’s Directorate General for Mobility and Transport.
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Interview by Deputy RCC Secretary General, Jelica Minic, to Radio Free Europe
03 JANUARY 2012 | INTERVIEW
In the interview Deputy RCC Secretary General speaks about RCC’s activities in 2011 and plans for 2012.
Interview by Hido Biscevic, RCC Secretary General, to Albanian weekly Tirana Times
23 DECEMBER 2011 | INTERVIEW
In the interview, published on 23 December 2011, the RCC Secretary General speaks about the organization’s work and the regional cooperation in South East Europe.
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Report to RCC Board on activities of RCC Secretariat
08 DECEMBER 2011 | REPORT
The report covers the period from 9 September - 30 November 2011, and reflects progress in implementation of the RCC Strategy and Work Programme 2011-2013.
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Report to RCC Board on activities of RCC Secretariat
15 SEPTEMBER 2011 | REPORT
The report covers the period from 9 May 2011 to 9 September 2011, and reflects progress in implementation of the RCC Strategy and Work Programme 2011-2013.
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Conclusions of the second conference of the Governing Body for the Implementation of Single European Sky in South East Europe
07 SEPTEMBER 2011 | MEETING DOCUMENT
The meeting, co-organized by the Regional Cooperation Council Secretariat and the European Commission’s Directorate General for Mobility and Transport, was held on 7 September 2011 in Solin, Croatia.
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Interview by Deputy Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council, Jelica Minic, to Balkans.com Business News
21 JULY 2011 | INTERVIEW
In the interview Deputy RCC Secretary General speaks about RCC’s role in regional cooperation in South East Europe, organization’s activities and its short and long-term goals.
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Address of RCC Secretary General Hido Biscevic at the meeting of SEECP Ministers of Foreign Affairs, 29 June 2011
29 JUNE 2011 | SPEECH
The address was delivered in Budva, Montenegro.
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Address by the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Hido Biscevic, at the RCC Annual Meeting
28 JUNE 2011 | SPEECH
The third RCC Annual Meeting was held on 28 June 2011, in Becici, Montenegro.
Address by RCC Secretary General, Hido Biščević, at the seminar on railway reform in South East Europe and Turkey
14 JUNE 2011 | SPEECH
The event was held on 14 June 2011 in Brussels.
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Conclusions of a roundtable on fundraising for projects of the International Sava River Basin Commission
17 MAY 2011 | MEETING DOCUMENT
The meeting was hosted by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat in Sarajevo, on 17 May 2011.
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Quarterly report by RCC Secretary General Hido Biscevic
12 MAY 2011 | REPORT
The report covers the period from 9 March 2011 to 9 May 2011, and reflects progress in implementation of the RCC Strategy and Work Programme 2011-2013.
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Conclusions and recommendations of the Second Conference on Road Infrastructure Safety Management
25 APRIL 2011 | MEETING DOCUMENT
The event, co-organized by the Association of Consulting Engineers of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Regional Cooperation Council Secretariat, was held on 20 April in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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Interview by RCC Secretary General, Hido Biscevic, to Serbian Radio Novi Sad
06 APRIL 2011 | INTERVIEW
In the interview, RCC Secretary General speaks about the conference ‘Western Balkans and Europe 2020 – Towards Convergence and Growth’, organized by RCC on 30-31 March 2011 in Brussels, as well as about RCC activities in general.
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Article by New Europe weekly featuring Regional Cooperation Council’s activities
03 APRIL 2011 | ARTICLE
The article reports on the conference ‘Western Balkans and Europe 2020 – Towards Convergence and Growth’, organized by the Regional Cooperation Council Secretariat on 30-31 March in Brussels.
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Preliminary summary findings of a survey of regional initiatives and task forces in South East Europe
31 MARCH 2011 | MEETING DOCUMENT
The document was presented at the RCC-organized conference ‘Western Balkans and Europe 2020 – Towards Convergence and Growth’, on 30-31 March 2011 in Brussels.
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Article by Serbian news agency Beta featuring Regional Cooperation Council’s activities
30 MARCH 2011 | INTERVIEW
The article reports on the opening of the conference ‘Western Balkans and Europe 2020 – Towards Convergence and Growth’, organized by the Regional Cooperation Council Secretariat on 30-31 March in Brussels.
Address by the RCC Secretary General, Hido Biscevic, at the conference 'Western Balkans and Europe 2020: Path Towards Convergence and Growth’
30 MARCH 2011 | SPEECH
The event, that gathered over 100 participants, was held in Brussels, Belgium on 30-31 March 2011.
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Common Declaration of SEECP Ministers of Justice and Home Affairs regarding the endorsement of the Regional Strategic Document 2011-2013 and the Action Plan for its implementation
18 MARCH 2011 | DECLARATION/DECISION
The Declaration was adopted by the Ministers in Budva, Montenegro, on 18 March 2011.
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Regional Strategic Document on Justice and Home Affairs 2011-2013 and the Action Plan for its implementation
18 MARCH 2011 | REPORT
The Strategic Document was endorsed by the Ministers in Budva, Montenegro, on 18 March 2011.
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Article on cross-border cooperation in Western Balkans, with references to Regional Cooperation Council.
17 MARCH 2011 | INTERVIEW
The article, published at TransConflict and Eurasia Review websites, was originally written by Development and Transition, a joint project of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Europe and the CIS and the London School of Economics (LSE).
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Interview by Deputy RCC Secretary General, Jelica Minic, to BiH monthly magazine and news portal Intermezzo
09 MARCH 2011 | INTERVIEW
In the interview, Deputy RCC Secretary General speaks about RCC activities and regional cooperation with emphasis on Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Quarterly report by RCC Secretary General Hido Biscevic
08 MARCH 2011 | REPORT
The report covers the period from 4 December 2010 to 4 March 2011, and reflects progress in implementation of the RCC Strategy and Work Programme 2011-2013.
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Welcoming speech by the RCC Secretary General, Hido Biscevic, at a panel discussion ‘South East Europe in 2011 and Beyond: Sharing the Same Vision’
07 MARCH 2011 | SPEECH
The panel discussion was held in Sarajevo, BiH, on 7 March 2011, to mark the third anniversary of the Regional Cooperation Council.
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Interview by Jelica Minic, Deputy Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council, to EurActiv Serbia
12 JANUARY 2011 | INTERVIEW
Interview by RCC Secretary General Hido Biscevic to Business Magazine
13 DECEMBER 2010 | INTERVIEW
In the interview, the RCC Secretary General talks about the activities of the organization over the past three years, as well as future prospects.
Quarterly report by RCC Secretary General Hido Biscevic
02 DECEMBER 2010 | REPORT
The report covers the period from 11 September to 26 November 2010, and reflects progress in implementation of the RCC Strategy and Work Programme 2011-2013.
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Article by BiH daily Oslobodjenje featuring Regional Cooperation Council
27 SEPTEMBER 2010 | ARTICLE
The article is about the Strategy and Work Programme 2011-2013 of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and carries statements of RCC Secretary General, Hido Biscevic, and his Deputy, Jelica Minic.
Commentary for EurActiv by Hido Biščević, Secretary General, Regional Cooperation Council
08 JULY 2010 | INTERVIEW
Secretary General Biscevic writes about the new spirit of rapprochement in Western Balkans and the ways it can be advanced, also in light of the RCC strategy for the next three years, endorsed last month by South East European heads of state and government.
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Speech by Deputy RCC Secretary General, Jelica Minic, at international conference on competitiveness of regions, Novi Sad, Serbia
05 NOVEMBER 2009 | SPEECH
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Article by Serbian daily Politika, with Regional Cooperation Council references
07 OCTOBER 2009 | INTERVIEW
Address by RCC Secretary General Hido Biscevic at ministerial conference on public-private partnerships
25 SEPTEMBER 2009 | SPEECH
The conference examined the opportunities, risks, and constraints to public-private partnership development in South East Europe, as well as the role these partnerships could potentially play in the context of national and regional development strategies.
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Interview by Deputy RCC Secretary General/Head of Expert Pool, Jelica Minic, to BiH daily Oslobodjenje
11 SEPTEMBER 2009 | INTERVIEW
Article in Croatian weekly Globus, with Regional Cooperation Council references
04 SEPTEMBER 2009 | INTERVIEW
Overview of key activities of RCC Secretariat, July – August 2009
02 SEPTEMBER 2009 | REPORT
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Interview by Deputy RCC Secretary General/Head of Expert Pool, Jelica Minic, to Montenegrin daily Pobjeda
03 AUGUST 2009 | INTERVIEW
Article by Croatian weekly Nacional on Regional Cooperation Council, featuring Secretary General Hido Biscevic
14 JULY 2009 | ARTICLE
Croatia's leading political weekly Nacional gives an overview of the Regional Cooperation Council and its activities, imbedding segments of an interview with the RCC Secretary General Hido Biscevic into the article.
Address by RCC Secretary General Hido Biscevic at The Croatia Summit 2009
10 JULY 2009 | SPEECH
Description: The theme of the Croatia Summit 2009, held in Dubrovnik, was “Europe’s Strategic Imperative: Energy, Investment and Development”.
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Interview by RCC Secretary General Hido Biscevic to Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant
26 JUNE 2009 | INTERVIEW
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Chisinau Declaration of the 12th Meeting of the Heads of State and Government of the South East European Cooperation Process
05 JUNE 2009 | DECLARATION/DECISION
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Chisinau Joint Statement of the Heads of State and Government of the South East European Cooperation Process
05 JUNE 2009 | DECLARATION/DECISION
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Introductory remarks by RCC Secretary General Hido Biščević at the first RCC Annual Meeting, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova
04 JUNE 2009 | SPEECH
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Address by Deputy RCC Secretary General Jelica Minic at Belgrade Information Society and eDemocracy conference
19 MAY 2009 | SPEECH
The topic of the address is “Challenges for the Development of South East Europe“.
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Annual Report of the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council on regional co-operation in South East Europe
14 MAY 2009 | REPORT
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Article by Jelica Minić, Deputy Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council, to AmCham’s magazine Perspective
22 APRIL 2009 | INTERVIEW
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Conclusions of parliamentary workshop on energy reforms in South East Europe
15 DECEMBER 2008 | MEETING DOCUMENT
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Quarterly report by RCC Secretary General Hido Biscevic
12 DECEMBER 2008 | REPORT
Report to the RCC Board on the activities of the RCC Secretariat, for the period 1 October-5 December 2008.
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Joint Statement on combating climate change in South East Europe
14 NOVEMBER 2008 | STATEMENT
The Joint Statement was adopted by environmental ministers of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia, at the first ministerial conference on "Combating Climate Change in South East Europe", held in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on 14 November 2008.
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South East European Climate Change Framework Action Plan for Adaptation
14 NOVEMBER 2008 | MEETING DOCUMENT
The Action Plan represents the outcome of a joint effort of interested South East European countries in creating a common platform for sub-regional cooperation in addressing the climate change.
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Declaration on RCC establishment, its participants, and Statute
27 FEBRUARY 2008 | DECLARATION/DECISION
Annex I and Annex II amended by the RCC Board on 28 February 2013
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Addendum to agreement on development of SEE transport network
04 DECEMBER 2007 | AGREEMENT
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Agreement on social issues in context of the Energy Community
18 OCTOBER 2007 | AGREEMENT
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EU Council decision on conclusion of the Energy Community Treaty
29 MAY 2006 | DECLARATION/DECISION
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