Interviews/Articles/Speeches
RCC Secretary General for publication "Connecting The Region"
01 APRIL 2024 | INTERVIEW
Connecting The Region, a regional publication that unites top officials, the diplomatic community, and leading businesses from the Western Balkans and Soth East Europe, published an interview wit RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu. The interview dubbed Huge Potential for Collaboration delves into the significance of regional collaboration in Southeast Europe. Bregu discusses the untapped potential for cooperation among countries in the region, highlighting the opportunities it presents for economic growth, stability, and European integration. She emphasizes the importance of fostering dialogue and partnerships to address common challenges and unlock shared benefits, underscoring the RCC's role in facilitating this collaborative effort.
RCC Secretary General for European Western Balkans
21 MARCH 2024 | INTERVIEW
European Western Balkans (EWB) published an interview with RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu.
The interview dubbed "Bregu: EU Growth Plan could double Western Balkan economies in the next decade" delves into the significance of the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and the ongoing efforts towards the creation of a Common Regional Market (CRM). With a commitment of €6 billion, the Growth Plan aims to bolster economic growth and socio-economic convergence in the Western Balkans, crucial for advancing the region's EU integration. Bregu emphasises the substantial disparities between the region and the EU in key economic indicators, highlighting the urgent need for closer alignment.
The interview underscores the potential of the Growth Plan to double the region's economies within a decade and stresses the importance of CRM in facilitating access to the EU Single Market. Bregu also discusses the challenges posed by internal political crises and regional issues, emphasising the necessity for consensus and implementation of agreed-upon measures. Furthermore, Bregu acknowledges the role of civil society organisations in promoting regional cooperation and integration, stressing the importance of their engagement and recommendations in initiatives like the Berlin Process.
Among other things, Bregu says: Central to the Growth Plan is the Common Regional Market (CRM) Action Plan, spearheaded by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC). Building upon successful initiatives already in place within the CRM, the Growth Plan is crucial in offering the Western Balkans opportunities for closer integration with the EU’s Single Market. However, access to the EU Single Market is contingent upon fulfilling commitments within the Common Regional Market framework, itself modelled on the EU Single Market.
Speech by RCC Secretary General at the Regional Summit on Growth and Convergence Plan
29 FEBRUARY 2024 | SPEECH
Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council Majlinda Bregu spoke at the Speech by RCC Secretary General at the Regional Summit on Growth and Convergence Plan in Tirana on 29 February 2024.
Bregu said: ""The time is ticking on defining the future of our region that is working in two parallel streams right now. The first is the work on national reform agendas advancing the path to the EU, and the second is deepening regional economic integration among themselves, which is a stepping stone to accessing the EU Single Market. The first one has a clearly set path by the EU, while the second one is a work in progress and the new phase of the Common Regional Market (CRM) Action Plan, we are currently preparing in cooperation with all regional partners, is aimed at establishing a functional CRM within the Western Balkans, as a pre-condition for closer integration with the EU Single Market,"
Full speech is below.
Download: EN
Opening speech by RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu at the Western Balkans Coordination Meeting “Revolve to Evolve - Go Circular”
08 FEBRUARY 2024 | SPEECH
Secretary General Majlinda Bregu opened the Western Balkans Coordination Meeting dubbed “Revolve to Evolve - Go Circular” on 8 February 2024 in Pristina.
Among other things Bregu said: Though becoming a hotspot for climate change, our region, which finds itself all too often crushed against the heaviness of various socio-economic or political crises, can often instinctively resort to myopic lenses. Lenses that still do not truly capture the urgency and omnipresence of the climate change nor, for instance, the alarming low recycling rates and the high municipal waste generated per capita.
Interview with RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu for KDPolitik.com
24 JANUARY 2024 | INTERVIEW
Online portal KDPolitik.com published an interview with Majlinda Bregu, Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC). Bregu spoke about the imperative of implementing national reform, creating a Common Regional Market, joining the EU Single Market and EU accession, and preventing blockage of regional processes.
Secretary General Bregu for RTV Klan's "31 Minuta"
08 JANUARY 2024 | VIDEO INTERVIEW
RTV Klan's show "31 Minuta" featuring Regional Cooperation Council's Secretary General Majlinda Bregu's statement on youth exodus and how much it costs our region, but also on policies to keep our youth in the Western Balkans.
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Speech by RCC Secretary General at EU-WB Summit
13 DECEMBER 2023 | SPEECH
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu addressed the EU-WB Summit which took place on 13 December in Brussels.
"One year after the EU-WB Summit in Tirana, we feel that the pace and sense of heightened urgency for reforms and regional cooperation on the side of the region, and for institutional and budgetary preparedness of an EU fit for enlargement, is more palpable. Deepening our economic integration and continuing to build on the policies aligning us more with the EU is always valuable. A true and fully functional Common Regional Market, unhindered by regional disputes, can be our vessel to the EU Single Market, which, in all likelihood, will be our future prospect,” said RCC Secretary General, Majlinda Bregu at the Summit.
Download: EN
Opening speech by RCC Secretary General at the second edition of the Regional Butterfly Award ceremony
12 DECEMBER 2023 | SPEECH
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu opened second edition of the Regional Butterfly Award ceremony together with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria Mariya Gabriel, in Sofia on 12 December 2023.
“Investment in research and Development (R&D) in our region remains quite low - less than 1% of the GDP while in EU the figure is 2.3%. To fulfil the promise of today’s smart machines, policies need to be smart too. As part of the EU's new Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, a regional pre-accelerator focusing on deep-tech will be launched soon. We're delighted to see our efforts bearing fruit. We also aim for a segment of this initiative to support early-stage innovation teams beyond deep-tech," said Bregu among other things.
Download: EN
RCC Secretary General's lecture at the College of Europe
23 OCTOBER 2023 | SPEECH
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu was a guest lecture at the College of Europe on 23 October 2023 in Bruges, Belgium.
At the lecture dubbed "The Western Balkans and the EU: First-hand insight after the Berlin Process Summit 2023" Bregu said among other things:
"The Western Balkans region is like a canvas painted with all hues of history and diversity, a tapestry of languages, cultures, and painful conflict. Yet it is precisely in this diversity that the true potential for cooperation lies.
If the Balkans seems complicated and confusing, it is because it is. But there is nothing incomprehensible or even covert that doesn’t exist elsewhere."
Download: EN
Secretary General Bregu for RTSH's show "3D"
19 OCTOBER 2023 | VIDEO INTERVIEW
Regional Cooperation Council's Secretary General Majlinda Bregu's interview for Radio Televizioni Shqiptar with Alban Dudushin, on Common Regional Market, roaming reductions between European Union and the Western Balkans, regional cooperation in the region, and more.
View: SQ
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu speech at the Berlin Process Summit, on 16 October 2023 in Tirana
16 OCTOBER 2023 | SPEECH
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu spoke at the Berlin Process Summit, which for the first time took place in the region, in Tirana on 16 Octber 2023.
"The concerted efforts we put towards mutual recognition of a new set of professions, which now amount to 7 in total, fully based on EU rules – is another symbolic entry ticket to the single market as it can be a crucial step towards recognition of professional qualifications with the EU. It remains imperative though that there are no implementation and enforcement gaps and that the signatures of the agreements are promptly followed by entry into force so that the benefits reach those intended for – our citizens, said Bregu.
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Speech by RCC Secretary General at the first Local Self-Governments Forum
12 OCTOBER 2023 | SPEECH
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu opened the first Local Self-Governments Forum Unlocking the Future: Innovate, Eco-vate, Elevate - Western Balkans Unite for Smart Cities in Tirana on 12 October 2023.
"For the first time in history, the majority of world's people are living in cities. Growing cities face enormous challenges, worsen the most common headaches of city life, such as traffic jams, overcrowded buses, trams, air pollution. Overpopulated cities can also strain vital services, including water supply, energy production, waste management, stress the citizens who cannot afford to buy a new apartment and so on and so forth.
Said this, the other side of the coin is true: cities are increasingly becoming incubators of change and drivers of innovation."
Download: EN
Speech by the RCC Secretary General at the Berlin Process Foreign Ministers Meeting
06 OCTOBER 2023 | SPEECH
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu spoke at the RCC Secretary General at the EU-WB Foreign Ministers Meeting organised within the Berlin Process by the Albanian Government in Tirana on 6 October 2023.
Bregu took part at the first session together with Olivér Várhelyi, Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement, European Commission, Pascual Navarro Ríos, State Secretary for the European Union, Angelina Eichhorst, Managing Director for Europe at the European External Action Service and Albert Hani, Secretary General, Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO).
"A success story of EU-rules based regional cooperation and a symbolic entry ticket to EU single market saw the light of the day on 1 October this year – when the EU-WB roaming reductions came into effect. It was a demonstration of commitments made and pledges kept. Against a very difficult backdrop in our region currently, this 1 October we managed all together, in close partnership and cooperation with the European Commission, and under the political guidance and support of the European Union and with the support of 38 telecom operators, to see the first roaming charges reductions between European Union and Western Balkans. It might look like an achievement that has been there. After long processes and expectations, people start to take things for granted, but all of us here working on the Common Regional Market Action Plan know how hard it can be. We know how difficult it is to come to a conclusion, and have a success story, " said Bregu among other things.
Download: EN
RCC Secretary General for BHT
05 OCTOBER 2023 | VIDEO INTERVIEW
RCC SG Majlinda Bregu for BiH public broadcaster BHT on the benefits of EU-Western Balkans roaming charges reduction for region’s citizens, digitalisation in the region and more.
View: 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."
Speech by the RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu at the Berlin Process Forum of Economic Ministers
26 SEPTEMBER 2023 | SPEECH
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu spoke at the Berlin Process Forum of Economic Ministers: “Common Regional Market - A Stepping stone towards the EU Single Market on 26 September 2023 in Tirana.
"A human-centric Europe, that is adapted, reformed, rebooted and more - with Western Balkans firmly in its fold - is the best investment in peace and security for the entire continent! The Western Balkans has made significant progress in the last two decades, but we are not where we wanted and should be and unfortunately, friction amongst countries persists, and conflicts can hinder investments and economic growth in the region,” said Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Majlinda Bregu, among other things.
Download: EN
Speech by the RCC Secretary General at SEECP Ministers of Foreign Affairs meeting, New York, 21 September 2023
21 SEPTEMBER 2023 | SPEECH
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu took part at the SEECP Ministers of Foreign Affairs Meeting co-organised by the RCC in New York today.
"The Western Balkans have made significant progress in the last two decades, but the Western Balkans are not where their inhabitants or outside peacemakers hoped we would be twenty-plus years after the guns went largely quiet. Unfortunately, friction among countries persists, and conflicts can hinder investments and economic growth in the region. This, and having in mind the backdrop of these vast geopolitical shifts, we must ponder the evolution of regional entities like SEECP whose value could perhaps be in its pre-negotiation capabilities, its function as a conduit to pre-empt and resolve disagreements before they reach larger multilateral stages. Can we envision SEECP as a regional bastion—a true reflection of South East Europe's unique characteristics, bound by shared values echoing the ethos of the European Union," said RCC SG Majlinda Bregu among other things.
Download: EN
Speech by the RCC Secretary General at Tirana Home Affairs Ministerial Meeting
14 SEPTEMBER 2023 | SPEECH
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu took part at the Home Affairs Ministerial Meeting in Tirana.
"Western Balkan citizens have identified these factors important for affecting the perception of security:
- Crime, organized crime, drugs, human trafficking, violence and vandalism (60%)
- Misuse of firearms and arms trafficking (48%)
- Possibility of an armed conflict or political instability in the WB region (47%).
But these are not the only security factors our citizens take into consideration. 7 out of 10 agree that fake news and fake narrative represent a problem for democracy and 74% agree that disinformation represents a security threat to their economies. There are excellent models in the EU that could be mirrored in the Western Balkans, but fighting against security threats at the regional level is just as important. At the end of the day, the goals are simple: security and safety," said RCC SG Majlinda Bregu among other things.
Download: EN
RCC Secretary General Bregu for Inglosus Foundation
30 AUGUST 2023 | VIDEO INTERVIEW
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu interview for Inglosus Foundation given on the sidelines of the Digisustain Conference in Frankfurt.
View: EN
Speech by the RCC Secretary General at Tirana Policy Development Forum
14 JULY 2023 | SPEECH
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu took part at the Tirana Policy Development Forum in Tirana.
"Good to see that cybersecurity and manipulation of information is getting more attention everywhere, our region included, as the Western Balkans is living in the times of friction making it a perfect playground for hybrid threats. They provoke hate, create economy slowback and harm trust in institutions. Organized corruption and the misuse of funds to support the spread of disinformation pose serious challenges to society. Undue financial gains are used to “employ” an army of trollers, to buy influence, and spread fake narrative and propaganda through social media. That’s why the transparency of political parties finance should be a fundamental rule to foster the culture of accountability," said RCC SG Majlinda Bregu among other things.
Download: EN
Speech by the RCC Secretary General at the European Economic and Social Committee 580th plenary session and “The future role of civil society in the enlargement process" debate
12 JULY 2023 | SPEECH
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu took part at the European Economic and Social Committee 580th plenary session and a debate dubbed “The future role of civil society in the enlargement process" held 12 July 2023 in Brussels.
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Speech by the RCC Secretary General at the Dubrovnik Forum
08 JULY 2023 | SPEECH
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu took part at the Dubrovnik Forum held 8 July 2023 in Dubrovnik.
"The language of power is the language of leadership. By necessity, and maybe not by choice, the EU is learning every day that speaking the language of power is power itself. European leadership, power, and unity have never been more important, more needed, and more obviously in the interests of EU Member States and other regions worldwide, including the Western Balkans," said RCC SG Majlinda Bregu among other things.
Download: EN
Secretary General for Radio Televizioni Shqiptar
04 JULY 2023 | INTERVIEW
Regional Cooperation Council's Secretary General Majlinda Bregu's interview for Radio Televizioni Shqiptar with Elona Meco, on Common Regional Market, roaming reductions between European Union and the Western Balkans, regional cooperation in the region, EU integration of the Western Balkans and more.
Speech by the RCC Secretary General at the EU-Western Balkans Regulatory Dialogue meeting
30 JUNE 2023 | SPEECH
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu took part at the EU-Western Balkans Regulatory Dialogue meeting, in Brussels on 30 June 2023.
“Today’s accession to the Digital Europe Programme for four conomies from our region is a major development enabling them to benefit from a program of almost 7,5 billion EUR. What once seemed almost utopic is now a reality since 2021 - with the regional roaming fees eliminated. We continue to keep our promises on the roaming agenda. During the first Regulatory Dialogue I emphasised the next challenge to reduce the massive roaming charges between the EU and WB. As of 1 October, we expect an average regional reduction by 30% of data cost while roaming. The impact of the slashed costs is as always beyond monetary,” said RCC SG Majlinda Bregu among other things.
Download: EN
Speech by the RCC Secretary General at the SEECP Summit
27 JUNE 2023 | SPEECH
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu took part at the SEECP Summit in Podgorica.
"As we meet today for the annual SEECP Summit on the eve of the 20th anniversary of Thessaloniki Agenda and RCC’s 15th anniversary - we witness and acknowledge some undisputable truths. Regional cooperation nurtures, consolidates, transforms. It keeps delivering concretely on the ground despite ups and downs. Yet, it cannot be taken for granted and more cooperation instead of less remains crucial for addressing the recent worrying regional tensions. Also, enlarged Europe that acknowledges that integrated Western Balkans is a genuinely smart investment can be more. Last but not least regional integration through concrete achievements alongside European integration is the best and most credible way forward," said RCC SG Majlinda Bregu among other things.
Download: EN
Secretary General for the Frankfurter Rundschau
14 JUNE 2023 | INTERVIEW
German daily Frankfurter Rundschau published an article featuring RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu and the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) on regional cooperation, investments in Western Balkans, EU integration and Common Regional Market.
Speech by the RCC Secretary General at Digisustain Conference in Frankfurt
12 JUNE 2023 | SPEECH
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu took part at the Digisustain Conference in Frankfurt.
"We already have tangible results for out citizens from Green Lanes, mutual recognition of diplomas, Travel with ID cards and more. Roadmaps for green transition and digital transformation are in place, but it is up to Western Balkans to follow up and continue our efforts together" said RCC SG Majlinda Bregu among other things.
Download: EN
Speech by the RCC Secretary General at the Leaders Dialogue Implementing Green Agenda for Economic and Societal Prosperity in the Western Balkans
07 JUNE 2023 | SPEECH
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu took part at the Leaders Dialogue “Implementing Green Agenda for Economic and Societal Prosperity in the Western Balkan”, held 7 June 2023 in Tirana.
“Ramping-up regional cooperation and integration in EU’s energy and environmental initiatives is the solution. Our region must remain steadfast on the sustainable, green transition and decarbonization path, despite pressing challenges. No U-turns on energy security and green transition are a viable option. Green Agenda for the Western Balkans must be seen in the truly development, growth, opportunities and positive perspective it has. Green Agenda cannot just be seen from a cost perspective, it can be a source of substantive growth in the region,” said Bregu among other things.
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Speech by the RCC Secretary General at the Adriatic and Ionian Council of the Adriatic and Ionian Initiative (AII) and the Ministerial Meeting of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region
24 MAY 2023 | SPEECH
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu took part at the at the Adriatic and Ionian Council of the Adriatic and Ionian Initiative (AII) and the Ministerial Meeting of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region.
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Speech by the RCC Secretary General at the high-level meeting on countering firearms trafficking in South East Europe in Brussels
16 MAY 2023 | SPEECH
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu took part at the high-level meeting on countering firearms trafficking in South East Europe in Brussels held 12 July 2023 in Brussels.
"There are lessons we learn from roadmaps and lessons we learn in sorrow. Just in the first quarter of 2023, 821 firearm incidents were reported in South East Europe, resulting in 334 victims, while this month started with a devastating death toll from the bloodiest mass shooting in Western Balkans. Recent tragic events in Serbia tell us that damage that comes from light and small weapons is never small and that the use coming from illicit trade or civilian ownership can never be taken lightly.
Where do we go from here? Cooperation among WB6 can play a significant role in reducing illegal firearms from circulation and contribute to a safer and more secure region, support for mental health must be considered, medical and psychological evaluation for gun owners. SALW Roadmap is testimony of region's commitment and great example of regionally-owned process." said RCC SG Majlinda Bregu among other things.
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.
Speech by the RCC Secretary General at NGO forum on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans
30 MARCH 2023 | SPEECH
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu took part at the NGO forum on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans in Belgrade
"We already have tangible results for out citizens from Green Lanes, mutual recognition of diplomas, Travel with ID cards and more. Roadmaps for green transition and digital transformation are in place, but it is up to Western Balkans to follow up and continue our efforts together" said RCC SG Majlinda Bregu among other things.
Download: EN
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu for North Macedonian kdp.mk
28 MARCH 2023 | INTERVIEW
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu spoke to North Macedonian web-portal kdp.mk about mobility agreements signed four months ago as part of Berlin Process Summit by WB leaders, on roaming, Common Regional Market, regional integration, and more.
In the interview dubbed "WE NEED AN INVESTMENT CLIMATE FOR THE WESTERN BALKANS ", among other things, Bregu said:
"Every single effort and achievement that gives a chance to this part of the world we live in, to be closer, more cooperative, further economically integrated with each other , even through the Common Regional Market, is another step forward towards creating a welcoming climate for investments, attracting long-term investments and not allowing economies to be emptied of young people."
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
Full speech by the RCC Secretary General at the WHO Forum
02 MARCH 2023 | SPEECH
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu took part at the World Health Organization WHO/Europe High-Level Forum on Health in the Well-Being Economy, held 1-2 March 2023 in Copenhagen.
Bregu spoke at the panel "A Well-being Economy Approach to Addressing Cost-of-Living Increases".
“Economic growth cannot be the only and ultimate policy objective. Collective wellbeing, healthy and thriving population where no one is left behind should be the foundation of every growth policy. The ambitious post-pandemic recovery aspirations are crushed against the stark realities of our fellow citizens in South East Europe who struggle with galloping inflation and bills that consume half of their incomes. Sadly, a large portion of the energy shock continues to be absorbed by the public sector, with health and social services being among the first to suffer. We first-handed felt the brunt of demographic pressures and daunting brain drain with 67% of Western Balkans citizens stating their willingness to live and work abroad,” said Bregu among other things.
Download: EN
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu for Politicki.ba
19 JANUARY 2023 | INTERVIEW
Majlinda Bregu, RCC Secretary General spoke to BiH portal Politicki.ba about the upcoming EU-WB roaming prices reduction and the successes of the Roam Like at Home (RLAH) regime in the Western Balkans.
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu for FENA
19 JANUARY 2023 | INTERVIEW
Majlinda Bregu, RCC Secretary General spoke to BiH portal Federalna Novinska Agencija - FENA about the upcoming EU-WB roaming prices reduction and the successes of the Roam Like at Home (RLAH) regime in the Western Balkans.
RCC Secretary General for TRT World
04 JANUARY 2023 | VIDEO INTERVIEW
Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council Majlinda Bregu spoke to TRT World.
Bregu spoke about the position of the Western Balkans in regards of the war in Ukraine, Russian influence in the Balkans, EU enlargement of the region's economies, the importance of the regional cooperation and much more.
View: EN
Speech by RCC Secretary General at the EU - Western Balkans Summit in Tirana
06 DECEMBER 2022 | SPEECH
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu spoke at the EU - Western Balkans Summit organised in Tirana on 6 December 2022.
“The first question we were asked after the Roam Like at Home has come to action last July, was when the roaming prices with the EU will be lowered. And that is the first thing we have started working on after that 1 July. So, I’m happy to say that ‘when’ has arrived, the roaming prices between the Western Balkans and the European Union are going down with the leaves next fall. But this is just the start of the process until the final objective of EU-WB roaming prices at the level nearing domestic ones is attained in 2027,” said Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council, Majlinda Bregu at a press conference with Albanian Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, EU Enlargement Commissioner, Oliver Varhelyi, EU and WB telecommunications operators’ representatives, following the signing of the Declaration.
Press Statement by RCC Secretary General, Majlinda Bregu on the occasion of the signing of Roaming Declaration
06 DECEMBER 2022 | VIDEO INTERVIEW
Press Statement by RCC Secretary General, Majlinda Bregu on the occasion of the signing of Roaming Declaration between European Union and Western Balkans telecommunications operators on 6 December 2022 in Tirana.
Opening remarks by RCC Secretary General at the 7th Annual Jumbo Security Conference
18 NOVEMBER 2022 | SPEECH
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu opened the 7th Annual Jumbo Security Conference on 17 November 2022.
“The EU and the Western Balkans share many evolving, borderless security threats, from radicalisation, violent extremism, and return of Foreign Terrorist Fighters to irregular migration, organised crime, corruption, disinformation and cyber-attacks. Such joint priorities have been re-validated by the war in Ukraine by also making clear the crucial role of the Western Balkans in maintaining peace and stability of Europe’s eastern borders,” said Bregu, among other things.
Download: EN
Speech by RCC Secretary General at the Western Balkans Berlin Summit
03 NOVEMBER 2022 | SPEECH
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu spoke at the Western Balkans Berlin Summit, organised within the Berlin Process in German capital on 3 November 2022.
“Though written off as nearly impossible, after trying and nerve-racking two years, the three RCC-coordinated centrepiece mobility agreements finally see the light of day. Today they reach those intended for - our citizens! Much like the ubiquitous impact of the regional roaming agreement and the green lanes, their manifested impact on the ground will be direct and concrete. ” said Majlinda Bregu, RCC Secretary General at the Summit
Anadolu Agency interview with RCC Secretary General dubbed "Bregu: Travel with ID cards in Western Balkans possible from 2023"
31 OCTOBER 2022 | INTERVIEW
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu interview to Anadolu Agency dubbed "Bregu: Travel with ID cards in Western Balkans possible from 2023" on three Western Balkans mobility agreements, when they will enter into force, what are the expected results, and the next steps for the Western Balkans.
Radio Free Europe article dubbed "I Dream of Bihać and Bosnia’: Bosniaks from Prizren waiting to travel to BiH without visas" featuring statement by RCC Secretary General
28 OCTOBER 2022 | ARTICLE
‘I Dream of Bihać and Bosnia’: Bosniaks from Prizren waiting to travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina without visas - Radio Slobodna Evropa article on three mobility agreements featuring statements of Western Balkans citizens and RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu.
Bregu: Roaming free regime between the EU and Western Balkans is our next objective
27 OCTOBER 2022 | INTERVIEW
Majlinda Bregu, RCC Secretary General spoke to BiH portal Politicki.ba about three mobility agreements approved by the Western Balkans Foreign Ministers on 21 October 2022 and expected to be signed by Western Balkans leaders on 3 November in Berlin at the Berlin Process Summit:
- Agreement on Freedom of Movement with Identity Cards in the Western Balkans,
- Agreement on Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications and
- Agreement on Recognition of Professional Qualifications for Doctors, Dentists and Architects
Speech by RCC Secretary General at the Roundtable with the Energy Ministers of the Western Balkans
24 OCTOBER 2022 | SPEECH
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu addressed the Roundtable with the Energy Ministers of the Western Balkans, organized within the Berlin Process Summit 2022 on 24 October in Berlin.
Keeping the torch alight on the implementation of GAWB that was developed in times of stability is a hellishly difficult task in these times of adversity. It is clearly overshadowed by the impact of the war and the pan-European energy price surge.
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Speech by RCC Secretary General at the WB-EU ministerial meeting, organised within the Berlin Process
21 OCTOBER 2022 | SPEECH
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu spoke at the WB-EU ministerial meeting, organised within the Berlin Process in German capital on 21 October 2022.
“We proudly today showcase that all-inclusive regional cooperation and Common Regional Market deliver results. That the region has agreed on three RCC-coordinated centrepiece mobility agreements whose implementation, much like with the green lanes and regional roaming agreement, will very soon bring their own manifested impact on the ground,” said Majlinda Bregu, RCC Secretary General at the meeting, announcing that the Western Balkans Foreign Ministers approved three regional agreements - on Freedom of Movement with Identity Cards, on Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications, and on Recognition of Professional Qualifications for Doctors of Medicine, Dentists and Architects.
Download: EN
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
Speech by the RCC Secretary General for the 72nd session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe
12 SEPTEMBER 2022 | SPEECH
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu took part at the 72nd session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe held on 12 September 2022.
"We are living in challenging times. In 2020, we saw ourselves fighting a pandemic while environmental challenges were at its peak, and on top of them, now we are experiencing a war that is impacting severely energy and food security. The risk of stepping back on health and environment protection and increasing poverty is a menace.
On average, the SEE households allocate some 40-45% of their income to energy and food consumption. In case a new wave of Covid-19 comes up in the upcoming winter and pushes up the average household level of out-of-pocket health expenditures higher, new layers of population groups are to be pushed down to the poverty level."
Download full speech bellow.
Download: 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
RCC Secretary General for Bota.al
25 JULY 2022 | INTERVIEW
Albanian web portal Bota.al published an interview with RCC Secretary General Malinda Bregu.
Bregu spoke about the current Western Balkan economies' European Union integration process with special reflection on the Albania, about regional cooperation, and more.
Full article in Albanian is at a link bellow.
In addition, find excerpts of the article featuring statements by the RCC SG in English language.
Statement by RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu on Opening of accession negotiations with EU for Albania and North Macedonia, 19 July 2022
19 JULY 2022 | STATEMENT
Better late than never!
Statement of Majlinda Bregu, Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) on the occasion of Albania and North Macedonia opening accession negotiations with the EU.
Download: SQ
Speech by the RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu at the Regional Butterfly Innovation Award ceremony
27 JUNE 2022 | SPEECH
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu opened Regional Butterfly Innovation Award ceremony in Tirana on 27 June 2022, where six winning innovation ideas from the region were awarded.
"This spring we launched the first Regional Butterfly Innovation Award. ‘What is now proved was once only imagination’- this Blake’s quote fits perfectly the 154 ideas in six competing categories - largely exceeded our boldest expectations. Women led almost half of the teams or most team members were women. This competition proves that innovation can bring together many bright and courageous minds. The RCC has started slowly to support research and innovation in the region and we hope the Butterfly Innovation Award will help the winners take their solutions to another level and shine a light on the regional innovation community and its undiscovered potential. Congratulations to the winners!”
The ceremony, co-organised by the RCC and the European Commission, took place on the side-lines of the Ministerial Meeting of the Western Balkans Steering Platform on Research and Innovation & Education and Training, hosted by the European Commission.
Download: EN
Opening remarks by the RCC secretary General Majlinda Bregu at the presentation of Balkan Barometer and SecuriMeter surveys
24 JUNE 2022 | SPEECH
Majlinda Bregu, Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) opened the presentation of Balkan Barometer and SecuriMeter surveys, in Brussels on 24 June 2022
Download: EN
Statement by RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu on the occasion of Europe Day
09 MAY 2022 | STATEMENT
On this day seventy two years ago, the French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman suggested that European countries join together as an economic union. Such a union was the only way to guarantee peace in Europe for a long time. In his famous Declaration, Schuman said “concrete achievements” were essential to “the preservation of peace”.
For a dire circumstance, on this 9th of May, Europe is sucked into its worst crisis since the Second World War.
The outcome of the war in Ukraine is anything but certain.
This moment is also the centre of gravity for the future of the Western Balkans, showing that WB can contribute to solutions as other European countries are doing. We are not in an amber, but in the end, who is?
Each national story seems very different. But deeper, the same underlying beliefs stand.
“We have been in a bad place, we want to be in a better one, and the better place is called Europe.”
We are Europeans not only because we subscribe to the values enshrined in the Treaties of the European Union. We are Europeans because we choose to be.
Yet, now maybe a bit more, “the muse of lessons learned” is speaking louder:
Before late becomes a lifetime, the process of accession should change. For good.
The price of stagnation of enlargement of the Western Balkans - c’est plus qu’un crime, c’est une faute!
REPORT ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE REGIONAL COOPERATION COUNCIL SECRETARIAT for the period 1 October 2021 – 1 March 2022
11 APRIL 2022 | REPORT
Report on the activities of the Regional Cooperation Council Secretariat for the period 1 October 2021 – 1 March 2022 by the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council, presented at the 45th Meeting of the RCC Board on 16 March 2022.
Download: EN
RCC Secretary General for Indeks
06 APRIL 2022 | INTERVIEW
North Macedonian web portal Indeks published an interview with RCC Secretary General Malinda Bregu.
Bregu spoke about the impact of the current situation in Europe on Western Balkan economies, regional cooperation, EU integration and more.
Entire interview in Albanian language is available on the link below.
Download: SQ
RCC Secretary General for EurActiv: Brave New Europe?!
30 MARCH 2022 | INTERVIEW
Brave New Europe?! - Op-ed by RCC SG Majlinda Bregu published by EurActiv, on EU enlargement process in the light of the latest circumstances in Ukraine.
"For a long time now, there has been a dichotomy between methodology and the political aspects of the EU integration, which is put to the test now with the calls for fast-track EU membership of Ukraine and the tortoise pace of accession of the Western Balkans, writes Majlinda Bregu." said RCC SG Majlinda Bregu
Download: EN
WomEn who Launch: Regional Network of Women in Entrepreneurs - RCC SG Opening remarks
11 MARCH 2022 | SPEECH
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu opened the regional event WomEn who Launch: Regional Network of Women in Entrepreneurs, In Tirana on 11 March 2022.
The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) just launching today the first Regional Women in Entrepreneurship Network in the Western Balkans. We will not boil the sea right away. But sometimes the smallest act can lead to the biggest impact. We’ll engage ourselves not only to connect women with each other but also to lend a helping hand with the informational support and mentorship for the start-uppers. And then, together, we will work on common endeavours such as financial challenges, including high start-up costs and equipment/maintenance fees, assets like cash grants or marketing, all the way up to policy making. One thing we at the RCC are sure of is that when women engage, take responsibilities, grow and help each other they can be a rising tide that lifts all boats,” said, among other things, Majlinda Bregu.
Download: EN
Euronews article featuring statement by RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu
02 MARCH 2022 | ARTICLE
Euronews published an article dubbed "Could Ukraine kick-start the EU's stalled enlargement plan?" featuring statements by the RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu on the Western Balkans enlargement process in the light of the latest circumstances in Ukraine and Europe.
Full article in English is at a link bellow.
In addition, find excerpts of the article featuring statements by the RCC SG in Albanian and Bosnian language.
Western Balkans Youth and the Future of Europe; Op-Ed by the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council Majlinda Bregu
05 FEBRUARY 2022 | ARTICLE
Op-Ed by the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council Majlinda Bregu on the Western Balkans youth and their potential to be a part and create a future of the European Western Balkans.
"Reality in which youth live today is specific, marked by the rapidly transforming era of the fourth industrial revolution, a changing and precarious labor market, and a pandemic unprecedented in modern history. In this and other issues, it should not be our goal to understand young people – it should be to give their inputs, priorities and recommendations adequate space in policy-making and public discussions. In 2022, the European Year of Youth carries a promise to do just that."
Closing remarks of the RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu at the Kick Off event of Youth Policy Lab on Mental Health
10 DECEMBER 2021 | SPEECH
Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Majlinda Bregu gave spoke to almost 50 youth representatives from the region, as well as policy makers and representatives of the European Commission at the closing of the Kick Off event of Youth Policy Lab on Mental Health, which took place in Tirana on 9-10 December 2021.
Download: EN
Introductory remarks by the RCC Secretary General at the Sixth Jumbo Security Coordination Conference
06 DECEMBER 2021 | SPEECH
Speech by the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) at the Sixth Jumbo Security Coordination Conference, organized by the RCC together with the French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the French Institute for Higher National Defence Studies (IHEDN), held in Paris on 6 December 2021.
Download: EN
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.
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
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.
Download: EN
Talking Points by the RCC Secretary General at EU-Western Balkans Brdo Summit
06 OCTOBER 2021 | SPEECH
Talking Points by the RCC Secretary General at EU-Western Balkans Brdo Summit held at Brdo pri Kranju, Slovenia, on 6 October 2021.
Download: EN
RCC Secretary General and Senior Connectivity Expert Pranvera Kastrati @Twitter on Roaming Free Western Balkans
03 SEPTEMBER 2021 | INTERVIEW
RCC's Secretary General Majlinda and Senior Connectivity Expert Pranvera Kastrati talked today on Twitter about the Roaming Free Western Balkans, the process behind it, benefits for region's citizens and ongoing negotiations about lowering roaming charges with the European Union.
"Compelled to make things better, whomever, wherever, however the solution for the Balkans is for countries to work together.", said among other things Majlinda Bregu.
Audio: EN
Download:
RCC Secretary General for Montenegrian Vijesti: “Knowing the right people” does not lead to the EU
26 JULY 2021 | INTERVIEW
RCC Secretary General gave an interview for Montenegrian Vijesti
"We know, Regional cooperation will prevail on the strength of its ideas and ideals, not on the disputes and the name of documents. We know economies of the region will be competitive when it should be, collaborative when it must be. We just hope those will be adversarial only when this is inevitable.
The prospect of eventual EU membership has been a driving force during all these years for all Western Balkan economies and background against which many common initiatives in the region were undertaken. For us dealing with regional cooperation it has been the predominant factor in urging the Western Balkans to engage with one another in a more positive manner as well as address not only the domestic problems they face, but also the unresolved issues in the region. I keep hearing yet whether WB is a geopolitical priority for EU. As long as this might be a farfetched question, is not a question of choice BUT of necessity, imperative and vision. One that begs just one sole answer - it must," said RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu for Montenegrian Vijesti.
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.
Download: EN
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
Download: EN
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."
Meeting of the Ministers of Foregn Affairs within the Berlin Process’s Western Balkan Summit, speech by RCC Secretary General
08 JUNE 2021 | SPEECH
Speech by the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Majlinda Bregu at the Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs within the Berlin Process’s Western Balkan Summit, on 8 June 2021.
Download: EN
Presentation of the Western Balkans SecuriMeter - the first-ever regional Public Opinion Survey on Security, Opening remarks by RCC Secretary General
24 MAY 2021 | SPEECH
Intruductory remarks by the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Majlinda Bregu on the occasion of the Presentation of the Western Balkans SecuriMeter - the first-ever regional Public Opinion Survey on Security, on 24 May 2021.
Download: EN
COVID-19 and the World of Decent Work
29 APRIL 2021 | INTERVIEW
Article on the occasion of 1 May, Labour Day
2021 edition of the International Labour Day: COVID-19 and the World of Decent Work
"Around a quarter of youth in the Western Balkans are NEETs – neither in employment, education or training (2019 data). Moreover, out of the total registered unemployed at the end of February 2021, 173,031 are young people, under 24 years, which is more than 12% of all registered unemployed."
By Majlinda Bregu, Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC)
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.
Download: EN
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.
Download: EN
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
5th Ministerial Meeting on Environment and Climate Action in the Western Balkans - Introductory remarks by RCC SG
18 DECEMBER 2020 | SPEECH
Intruductory remarks by the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Majlinda Bregu on the occasion of the 5th Ministerial Meeting on Environment and Climate Action in the Western Balkans, held online on 18 December 2020
Download: EN
Speech of the Secretary General Majlinda Bregu at the Launch of RCC-UNDP initiative on women empowerment
11 DECEMBER 2020 | SPEECH
Speech by the Regional Cooperation Council's (RCC) Secretary General Majlinda Bregu at the launching of the the joint RCC and UNDP initiative 'Women’s Economic Empowerment: Areas for joint actions in the Western Balkans' held online on 11 December 2020.
Download: EN
Bregu: Common Regional Market is a tool that will get us faster to the EU accession
08 DECEMBER 2020 | INTERVIEW
In an interview originally published by BiH portal Politicki.ba, Majlinda Bregu spoke about the Common Regional Market (CRM), endorsed in Sofia on 10 November 2020 by Western Balkans leaders. Read about the purpose, benefits and next steps in the implementation of the CRM Action Plan.
Speech of the Secretary General at the Western Balkans Sofia Summit on 10 November 2020
10 NOVEMBER 2020 | SPEECH
Speech of the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Majlinda Bregu on the occasion of the Western Balkans Sofia Summir, held on 10 November 2020 in online format.
Download: EN
RCC SG speech at the Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs within the Berlin Process
09 NOVEMBER 2020 | SPEECH
Introductory remarks by the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Majlinda Bregu on the occasion of the Berlin Process ministerial conference, held on 9 November 2020 in online format.
Download: EN
Interview of the RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu for Novi Magazin
05 NOVEMBER 2020 | INTERVIEW
"Western Balkans needs to pull its own weight as well, and there comes the Common Regional Market Plan that goes hand in hand with EU’s EIP. We are very small geographic area of around 18 million people altogether. And yet, almost 50% of people in the Western Balkans do not have the equal opportunity to free movement with identity documents. It is a region of scattered markets with different rules and procedures. The goal is to synchronise them to allow for smooth flow of goods, people, services, capital, but also to make the entire region an attractive investment destination. But we also have to bear in mind the global trend in digitalisation and develop plans to catch up with new technologies so we would be competitive."
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
Download:
RCC Secretary General speech at the Berlin Process Interior Ministers' Meeting
16 OCTOBER 2020 | SPEECH
Speech by the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Majlinda Bregu at the Berlin Process Interior Ministers' Meeting held on 16 October 2020
Download: EN
Secretary General for EWB: Western Balkans can not lose another decade marked with new instabilities
14 SEPTEMBER 2020 | INTERVIEW
European Western Balkans (EWB), a regional web portal specialized in European integration process of the Western Balkans, published an interview with RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu on regional initiative “Green Corridors”, an initiative "achieved in times of big crisis. Western Balkans 6, the Regional Cooperation Council, the Transport Community Treaty Secretariat and CEFTA, with the support of the European Commission and our bordering EU member states, helped governments in the region to set and open a very much needed measure in the given situation to maintain the flow of goods, especially food, medicines and medical equipment within the region and between the region and the EU in the time of lockdown caused by the coronavirus outbreak. "
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu for Deutsche Welle
11 SEPTEMBER 2020 | INTERVIEW
Deutsche Welle published an interview with RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu.
Among other things Bregu said: "Any initiative that takes economic co-operation forward is always welcome and worth discussing. However, on the other hand, I think there is room in the Western Balkans to include all those good ideas that may come from initiatives, such as the so-called Mini-Schengen initiative, in this very framework of the Regional Economic Area on which we have been working for several years."
RCC Secretary General speech at the EU-Western Balkans Zagreb Summit
06 MAY 2020 | SPEECH
Speech by the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Majlinda Bregu at the EU-WB Zagreb Summit held online on 6 May 2020
Download: EN
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.
Download: EN
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
Speech by RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu at the Western Balkans Competitiveness and Innovation Accelerator kick-off meeting
21 FEBRUARY 2020 | SPEECH
"Without a strategic innovation function that can enhance the capacities to incubate and accelerate the new technologies, companies in this region will continue to stockpiling undeveloped inventions and this will not return in an investment. "
The RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu delivered the speech at the Western Balkans Competitiveness and Innovation Accelerator kick-off meeting held on 21 February in Tirana, Albania.
Download: EN
My “whack a mole” questions on Innovation, Op-ed by Majlinda Bregu, RCC Secretary General
19 FEBRUARY 2020 | ARTICLE
RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu on the necessity of investing in innovation as the engine of the economic growth in the region: "I am still wandering how good we, from this region are in finding the needle in the haystack of vast pools of innovation and technology?
The right needle I mean, the one that can help us spot anomalies in this global reshape of economies, called 4th industrial revolution?!
What novelty is fit for us to help our region change dramatically from a laggard in innovation into a competitive one and get more from these “game of zones” in technological upshift?"
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.
Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Majlinda Bregu in the EU Scream podacst on the EU perspective of the Western Balkans
09 JANUARY 2020 | INTERVIEW
Secretary General of the regional Cooperation Council Majlinda Bregu in the EU Scream podacst on the EU perspective of the Western Balkans
https://euscream.com/macrons-ugly-side/
Audio: EN
Download: EN
Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Majlinda Bregu for “Vijesti”
09 JANUARY 2020 | INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW: Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Majlinda Bregu for “Vijesti”
RCC Secretary-General Majlinda Bregu's interview to the Albanian magazine Monitor
08 JANUARY 2020 | INTERVIEW
"The Western Balkans is not the same as 10 or 20 years ago. So new, innovative ideas, free movement, new approaches to structural funds, environment, tourism, connectivity, youth, women and the need for more women and girls in science and technology, etc., are the real debate to be held today."
Article by Majlinda Bregu, Secretary General of the RCC: We might not be as competitive as Germany, but we need to counter our fears and ensure mobility of students in the Western Balkans
20 DECEMBER 2019 | ARTICLE
Article by Majlinda Bregu, the RCC Secretary General for Political Trends and Dynamics in Southeast Europe publication of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) about youth in the region and organisation's activities to support full utilisation of this human potential
Youth accounts for over 21% of population in the Western Balkans (WB), or more than 3.5 million in a region of some 18 million people all together. I call this a potential for future, for further strengthening of cooperation, for reconciliation in the region.
Download: EN
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/
Secretary General Bregu: Delay in the EU enlargement generates "disappointment climate" in the Western Balkans
06 DECEMBER 2019 | INTERVIEW
RCC Secretary General for Austria Presse Agentur (APA): The delay in the EU enlargement has created a "disappointment climate" in the Western Balkans. "People are the ones who really support the EU accession process," says Secretary General. "They believe that if the EU standards apply to their country, they will feel safer, have equal opportunities to find a job, and be treated fairly in court of justice."
Bregu: Region cannot wait forever in the line for EU
18 NOVEMBER 2019 | INTERVIEW
RCC Secretary General for Politika: “The new EU enlargement strategy has to be a bold, clear, coherent strategy, avoiding ambiguity, a methodology that could install better connection between the EU and the Western Balkans even before accession, without empty promises, and definitely a methodology that could empower economies in the region to work on the reforms."
Speech by RCC Secretary General, Majlinda Bregu, at the High Level Regional Conference “It’s all about Justice”
04 OCTOBER 2019 | SPEECH
RCC and Albanian Ministry of Justice, organised the High Level Regional Conference “It’s all about Justice” gathering WB6 ministers, representatives of judicial institutions, civil society, and media, in Tirana on 4 October 2019
"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.
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!
Interview: Majlinda Bregu, Secretary General of the RCC to A2 CNN channel
12 JUNE 2019 | VIDEO INTERVIEW
The Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Majlinda Bregu spoke with Endri Xhafo, journalist of Tirana-based A2 CNN, “I Ftuari” show, on visa liberalisation but also on the overall situation in the region, regional cooperation, results achieved and steps to follow in the upcoming period.
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Article by Majlinda Bregu, RCC Secretary General, for Euromoney's Global Markets magazine
08 MAY 2019 | ARTICLE
Article by Majlinda Bregu, the RCC Secretary General on economic prospects of the Western Balkans in the 8 May 2019 issue of Euromoney's Global Markets magazine.
“Standing on the gateway between the eastern and western part of the world, the region can serve as a safe harbour for investments whilst enabling easy access to the global market”.
Majlinda Bregu, the RCC Secretary General to Milica Magazine
18 APRIL 2019 | INTERVIEW
In the interview to women's online Milica magazine, RCC Secretary General Majlinda Bregu talks about the region of South East Europe, successes and challenges of regional cooperation but also about the position of women in the region and being a woman in politics.
RCC Secretary General, Majlinda Bregu for Al Jazeera Balkans
03 APRIL 2019 | VIDEO INTERVIEW
Majlinda Bregu, the RCC Secretary General in an interview to Al Jazeera Balkans', 'Tell it to Al Jazeera' ('Recite Al Jazeeri') programme, talks about regional cooperation, achievements, challenges, her vision of the Western Balkans, benefits of the accession to the EU and much more.
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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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Majlinda Bregu, RCC Secretary General in "My Living' programme of Albanian Tring TV
28 MARCH 2019 | VIDEO INTERVIEW
RCC Secretary General was a guest of 'My living' programme produced by Albanian TRING TV (tring.al). The programme features Ms Bregu during one day in Sarajevo in business and private setting.
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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.
Bregu: Investment in the European future of the Western Balkans is a win-win choice
15 FEBRUARY 2019 | INTERVIEW
BiH online magazine BUKA, published an interview with the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council, Majlinda Bregu talking about the economic situation in the region, brain-drain, corruption, unresolved issues, but also about opportunities and necessity of regional cooperation and common European future.