Bečići, Montenegro – Today, at the High-Level Conference on Regional Economic Integration, the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Amer Kapetanovic, presented the way in which the bold vision for the future of our region through the creation of the Common Regional Market (CRM) for the Western Balkans translates into actions across several key areas.

“In a nutshell, CRM prioritises investment in human capital, skills development, and innovation. Furthermore, it addresses barriers to investment and trade by fostering sustainable finance frameworks, enhancing SME competitiveness, and integrating the region into the EU Single Market. It also front-runs to speed up the digital transformation and connectivity, with initiatives to expand high-speed internet, further reduce data roaming costs, and strengthen cybersecurity frameworks. But regional integration is not just about markets—it’s about people. We must empower our talent, align with EU standards, and create opportunities to prevent brain drain and ensure growth for future generations,” said Kapetanovic, underscoring the RCC’s role in driving the Western Balkans’ agenda forward.  

Mr Kapetanovic emphasized the critical importance of regional cooperation in building a sustainable, competitive, and future-ready Western Balkans. “The Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and its integral part CRM are not just strategies designed to accelerate our region’s convergence with the European Union and deeper integration with the EU Single Market, they are commitments to a better future. Empowering our people, integrating our economies, and growing together is the only way forward for a region with immense potential waiting to be unlocked,” concluded RCC Secretary General. 

The participants of the conference, gathering ministers of EU integration and other high-level officials from the region, emphasized the RCC’s pivotal role in facilitating the implementation of CRM, supported by strategic partnerships with regional authorities and organisations as well as the EU.

On the margins of the Conference the RCC Secretary General met with  Minister of EU Integration of Serbia, Tanja Miscevic;  Minister of European Affairs of Montenegro, Maida Gorcevic; Minister of European Affairs of North Macedonia, Orhan Murtezani; and Director at European Commission’s DG NEAR, Valentina Superti.