New York – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) organised a Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the South East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) in cooperation with Tirana SEECP Chairpersonship-in-Office in New York yesterday, at the margins of 79th annual United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

"As our population declines and economic disparities widen, the socio-economic fabric of South East Europe (SEE) becomes increasingly strained. Our strategy moving forward must include comprehensive measures to improve local and regional economic conditions, enhance infrastructure, and leverage other instruments to provide new opportunities for stabilising and revitalising our economies," said Majlinda Bregu, RCC Secretary General in her opening remarks.

Ministers of Foreign Affairs commended the RCC's leadership in driving and facilitating regional cooperation and emphasised the relevance of the second phase of Common Regional Market (CRM), anticipating its endorsement at the upcoming Berlin Process Summit next month.

"The RCC is guided by the principle that cooperation is our strongest asset in a rapidly changing world. Nearly six years into my tenure, this principle remains as vital as ever. Our mission over the past six years has been clear: to not only adapt to change, but to lead it. Our initiatives, including our role as a key contributor to the Berlin Process, have been forward-thinking, always aiming to ensure our region's deeper economic integration sustainability, and social development," added Bregu. 

The Common Regional Market Action Plan (2021-2024), under the coordination of the RCC, yielded tangible results for Western Balkan citizens. The most important ones being: 

• Signing the Western Balkans (WB) Roaming Agreement that eliminated roaming costs as of 1 July 2021, leading to 500% increase in data usage within a year;
• Signing the EU-WB Roaming Declaration in 2022 between 38 telecom operators from Western Balkans and EU that resulted in significant reduction of roaming charges between WB and EU from 1 October 2023, boosting roaming usage by 97%;
• Upon RCC initiative, opening of the Green Lanes during the pandemic, ensuring smooth transport of essential goods, preventing shortages, and saving costs;
• Together with regional partners, the Transport Community and CEFTA, extending the Green Lanes within the region and with the EU as well;
• Endorsing/adopting/singing 17 agreements/declarations, including mobility agendas, to facilitate movement of citizens, students, and professionals in the region;
• Paving the way for region’s entry into the EU Single Market by creating the CRM2.

During the same period, the RCC became key regional partner in coordination of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans. In order to promote sustainable economic growth of South East Europe, together with regional partners, the RCC prepared SEE2030 Strategy, which was endorsed by all SEECP participants in 2021. 

"This hasn’t been an easy journey considering the high political tension in the region, but always worth the ride. These systematic deliverables are reflected in the continued overwhelming support that Western Balkan citizens have for regional cooperation. In our recent edition of the Balkan Barometer, support for regional cooperation is at 82%. Now, together with our regional and European partners, we are finalising the CRM 2.0 for endorsement on 14th of October at Berlin Summit," concluded Bregu, encouraging SEECP participants to further scale their engagement in implementing regional strategies, such as the RCC-coordinated SEE2030 Strategy, Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, and the Common Regional Market. She reminded that these strategies guide the region's sustainable development while fostering regional cooperation and enhancing economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. 

Ahead of the SEECP Ministerial, the RCC Secretary General met with US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Western Balkans, Alexander Kasanof, discussing the importance of Euro-Atlantic and European integration of the region. Deputy Assistant Secretary reiterated support to the regional cooperation in the Western Balkans, and moving forward with the regional agendas, while praising the RCC-led successes of the region under the Secretary General’s ongoing tenure.

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Established nearly three decades ago, SEECP stands as a genuine and authentic platform for political dialogue, promoting good-neighbourly relationships and encouraging collaborative endeavours, all designed to shepherd our integration into European and Euro-Atlantic structures.