Documents & Publications
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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Opening remarks by the RCC secretary General Majlinda Bregu at the ministerial conference on “Lifting Barriers for Sustainable Tourism Development in the Western Balkans"
12 MAY 2022 | SPEECH
Majlinda Bregu, Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) opened the ministerial conference on “Lifting Barriers for Sustainable Tourism Development in the Western Balkans", held in Tirana on 12 May 2022
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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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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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Milena Filipovic: Connecting regional tourism offer through culture tourism in Western Balkan
06 AUGUST 2020 | INTERVIEW
Ms. Milena Filipovic the Expert on Cultural Tourism for the Triple P Tourism Project implemented by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and funded by the European Union, in the latest interview for the Bosnian Federal News Agency, FENA, discussed the importance of the tourism development and promotion in the six Western Balkan economies throughout joint regional cultural and adventure tourism offer.
As an Expert on Cultural Tourism, Ms. Filipovic emphasized that the aim of the project is to present and adequately valorise the richness and diversity of both cultural and natural heritage that the Western Balkan region can indeed take pride in, representing significant development resource.
The entire interview can be found bellow.
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.
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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
Overview of Grants Recipients – 2nd Call for Proposals, awarded by the RCC’s Tourism Development and Promotion Project
20 NOVEMBER 2019 | INFORMATION MATERIAL
The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC)’s EU-funded Tourism Development and Promotion Project has awarded the second sixteen, grants to the best project proposals received through the 2nd public call for proposals looking for ideas intended to improve a joint Western Balkans cultural and adventure tourism offer, as well as infrastructure and quality of services along the selected touristic routes. The first call resulted in 12 grants, awarded in 2018, implementation of which has already been finalised.
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Article on Western Balkans’ tourism routes for Radio Free Europe/Radio Slobodna Evropa
19 JUNE 2019 | INTERVIEW
Nikola Gaon, Communications Officer of the RCC’s Tourism Development and Promotion project, talks to Radio Free Europe (Radio Slobodna Evropa) about the project’s activities, plans, grants programme and the development of adventure and cultural tourism offers in the Western Balkans
Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is currently implementing an EU-funded project focused on tourism networking of Western Balkans (WB) economies and joint global promotion of the region in order to bring more tourists and generate profit. Within the 5-million euro project, 1.62 million euro is dedicated to grants. These days the RCC launched the second grant call worth 750,000 euro.
PROMO FLYER: Roman Emperors and Danube Wine Route’s Illyricum Trail
17 APRIL 2019 | INFORMATION MATERIAL
Illyricum Trail is a new and upcoming branch of the Roman Emperors and Danube Wine Route. It will run through Western Balkans and take tourists to some of the most mesmerising Roman archaeological sites where they will get to experience culture and history of an empire and immerse themselves in myth and legends of an era.
Development of the Illyricum Trail was initiated through the RCC implemented and EU funded Tourism Development and Promotion Project’s grants scheme.
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Horseback riding trail across the Balkans, GRANT FACT SHEET
22 MARCH 2019 | INFORMATION MATERIAL
A new horseback riding route spanning over 500 kilometres connecting northern Serbia with southern Bosnia and Herzegovina will network some 50 farmers (horse keepers) and horse riding clubs and engage them in the equestrian tourism industry.
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Mokra Gora Mt. - Undiscovered Pearl of Via Dinarica Trail, GRANT FACT SHEET
22 MARCH 2019 | INFORMATION MATERIAL
Institute for Territorial Economic Development - InTER will improve infrastructure and develop and promote a new cross-border branch of Via Dinarica trail running across Mokra Gora Mountain.
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Building a Regional Network across Culture, GRANT FACT SHEET
22 MARCH 2019 | INFORMATION MATERIAL
A new cultural route in the cross-border region of the Accursed Mountains will be built on traditional lifestyle in remote villages and their songs, dances, verbal history, myths, legends, authentic rituals, cuisine and handcrafts.
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Development and Promotion of New Via Dinarica Routes, GRANT FACT SHEET
22 MARCH 2019 | INFORMATION MATERIAL
Community Development Fund will develop and promote six new stages of Via Dinarica trail – some 50 kilometres long – to better connect Kosovo* portion of the trail with the trails in Albania and Montenegro and make them more competitive.
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SEEculture – Meeting of Cultures route, GRANT FACT SHEET
22 MARCH 2019 | INFORMATION MATERIAL
Concept of Sarajevo Meeting of Cultures as a model of tourism product based on diverse cultural heritage will be replicated in Kotor and Novi Sad and a new a joint brand and regional cultural tour will be developed.
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Western Balkans Branch of Roman Emperors and Danube Wine Route, GRANT FACT SHEET
22 MARCH 2019 | INFORMATION MATERIAL
Danube Competence Centre will research, evaluate and select Roman archaeological sites and surrounding sub-destinations for the inclusion into a new branch of Roman Emperors and Danube Wine Route running through Western Balkans. It will also establish collaboration platform for the development and implementation of the new branch.
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Creative History Balkans Tour, GRANT FACT SHEET
22 MARCH 2019 | INFORMATION MATERIAL
Foundation EXIT will develop a cultural tour of four fortresses: Citadela (Budva, Montenegro), Kastel (Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina), Petrovaradin (Novi Sad, Serbia) and Rozefa (Shkodër, Albania) and will target young people through storytelling, superb design and digital promotion.
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Legends of the Fortress, GRANT FACT SHEET
22 MARCH 2019 | INFORMATION MATERIAL
A new cultural route featuring fortresses and running through Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro will interpret heritage through storytelling and will employ videos, theatrical performances and food and craft fairs.
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MonumentSEE – Western Balkans Monumental Trail, GRANT FACT SHEET
22 MARCH 2019 | INFORMATION MATERIAL
A comprehensive assessment of World War II monuments and their futuristic art and design will be conducted to produce recommendations for development of a new Western Balkans cultural tourism route.
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Hidden Gems of Skopje Old Town, GRANT FACT SHEET
22 MARCH 2019 | INFORMATION MATERIAL
Seven cultural trails in Skopje Old Town based on craftsmanship, oral history, gastronomy, customs, dances, festivities and religions will be made available in ten languages through a dedicated mobile application and a website.
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Connecting Naturally Through Via Dinarica White Trail, GRANT FACT SHEET
22 MARCH 2019 | INFORMATION MATERIAL
Tradition of river log-driving (today’s rafting) employed by lumberjack on Tara River prior to the 2nd World War inspired development a new circuit trail on Via Dinarica White Trail in Tara Canyon and associated cultural tourism component (storytelling).
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Development of Bike Friendly Standards, GRANT FACT SHEET
22 MARCH 2019 | INFORMATION MATERIAL
Quality of products and services in cyclotourism in the Western Balkans will be improved through development of Bike Friendly Standards for facilities and service providers and the introduction of the certification process.
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Western Balkans Cultural Routes: Awakening Art and Heritage flyer
07 MARCH 2019 | INFORMATION MATERIAL
Tourism Development and Promotion: The Western Balkans region shares a common cultural heritage. It is a home to some of the most mesmerising monumental art and traces of Roman Empire. It is a crossroads of civilizations.
The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), through an EU funded Tourism Development and Promotion Project, is now powering the region in awakening the common art and heritage and in developing new and joint cultural and adventure tourism offer to share with the world.
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Promo Cards: Roman Emperors and Danube Wine Route’s Illyricum Trail
07 MARCH 2019 | INFORMATION MATERIAL
Tourism Development and Promotion: A journey to experience archaeological sites and ancient vineyards. The Roman period marked one of the longest periods of cultural dominances over the Western Balkans. The Illyricum trade takes you on a journey where legends and myths come back to life, along original cobblestone roads, across aqueducts, and in glasses of wine.
The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), through an EU funded Tourism Development and Promotion Project, is now powering the region in awakening the common art and heritage and in developing new and joint cultural and adventure tourism offer to share with the world.
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Promo Cards: Balkan Monumental Trail
07 MARCH 2019 | INFORMATION MATERIAL
Tourism Development and Promotion: An artistic route honouring heroic perseverance and creative brilliance. This trail explores 40 most exquisite World War II monuments in the region.
The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), through an EU funded Tourism Development and Promotion Project, is now powering the region in awakening the common art and heritage and in developing new and joint cultural and adventure tourism offer to share with the world.
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Promo Cards: Western Balkans - Crossroads of Civilisations
07 MARCH 2019 | INFORMATION MATERIAL
Tourism Development and Promotion: For thousands of years the Western Balkans built its identity on a lavish cultural heritage developed by a myriad of civilisation, which attempted to conquer and rule this stunning corner of Europe. Here you will witness Roma influence, Byzantine churches, Byzantine influence of Ottoman mosques, and Ottoman influence on Austro-Hungarian architecture. For the West, the Balkan was where the Orient began, and for the East it was the getaway to Europe.
The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), through an EU funded Tourism Development and Promotion Project, is now powering the region in awakening the common art and heritage and in developing new and joint cultural and adventure tourism offer to share with the world.
Download: EN
Overview of Grants Recipients – 1st Call for Proposals, awarded by the RCC’s Tourism Development and Promotion Project
09 NOVEMBER 2018 | INFORMATION MATERIAL
The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC)’s EU-funded Tourism Development and Promotion Project has awarded the first twelve, out of 30 + grants in total value of EUR 548,000. These grants are awarded to the best project proposals received through the public call for proposals looking for ideas intended to improve a joint Western Balkans cultural and adventure tourism offer, as well as infrastructure and quality of services along the selected touristic routes.
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Tourism Development and Promotion Project presentation by Snjezana Derviskadic, Project's Team Leader
02 JULY 2018 | MEETING DOCUMENT
Intervention by Snjezana Derviskadic, Project Leader of the RCC-led Tourism and Development and Promotion Project presented at the project launch in Sarajevo on 28 June 2018.
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Tourism Development & Promotion Brochure
28 MAY 2018 | INFORMATION MATERIAL
The Regional Cooperation Council’s Tourism Development & Promotion project works to develop and globally promote joint regional tourism routes and offers; improve skills and capacities in tourism industry; remove administrative barriers to tourism development; and increase inflow of tourists and tourism-generated revenues, thus contributing to the overall economic growth of the region.
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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.
Download: EN
Competitiveness
01 JANUARY 2017 | INFORMATION MATERIAL
Brochure on RCC’s flagship ‘Competitiveness’, 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 integration of the South East Europe market, making it more competitive on the global business scene, and generating more revenues and jobs
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