Statement by the RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu

Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretary General Majlinda Bregu is concluding her six-year mandate following her appointment in 2019. Bregu’s tenure has been marked by unwavering dedication to strengthening regional ties, fostering EU integration, achieving significant milestones, and driving forward key initiatives for the Western Balkans Six.

“Six years ago, I embarked on this journey with a vision: to bring the Western Balkans closer together and closer to Europe. It has been more dynamic and challenging than I could have imagined. Advancing pragmatic agendas, maintaining a spirit of cooperation, and keeping the torch of EU integration lit—even during the pandemic or at times when the word ‘enlargement’ was seldom mentioned—are just a few examples of our efforts.

Today, I look back with pride at how far we’ve come. Together, we eliminated roaming charges across the Western Balkans and reduced them with the EU. We initiated the opening of green lanes during the pandemic and established the Common Regional Market plan—a gateway to the EU Single Market. We made mobility easier for students and professionals, empowered and included young people, women, and marginalized communities in shaping our future, and championed sustainability through the Green Agenda.

It has been a journey of growth, challenges, and obstacles but never one lacking vitality! To those who stood by me through it all: thank you. With gratitude for the cooperation forged, the achievements accomplished, and the support and encouragement received, I can confidently say that, after six years, never before has this region been as free and as aware of the importance of cooperation as it is now. The future holds great promise for all of us.

Finally, and most importantly, a heartfelt thank you to my amazing RCC family. Through every challenge and every joy, in both bitterness and sweetness, we’ve stood by each other. I am deeply grateful for each of you and the unforgettable moments we’ve shared.

Vidimo se,
Mirupafshim,
Goodbye,” said RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu in her statement.

Starting on 1 January 2025, Amer Kapetanovic will take over as the new RCC Secretary General. A career diplomat for the past 25 years, serving in various high-ranking diplomatic positions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kapetanovic has served as the Political Director of the RCC for the past six years.