Conference discusses regional initiatives

SARAJEVO/BRUSSELS, March 28 – A Western Balkans and Europe 2020 – Towards Convergence and Growth coordination meeting of regional initiatives and interested donor institutions took place in Brussels, on 30-31 March 2011 organized by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretariat.
The conference compliments goals of the European Union’s Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, particularly in view of the Western Balkans countries’ preparations for future EU membership.
Over 100 participants debated possible new growth model for the region, methods to unleash competitiveness, support infrastructure development and sustainable growth, as well as explore ways to complement and add value to national efforts through regional programmes.
The RCC Secretariat also presented preliminary findings of its survey of regional initiatives and task forces operating within, and directed towards, the countries of South East Europe, conducted in the first quarter of 2011.
The two-day event brought together representatives of over 30 regional initiatives and task forces, almost 15 leading international financial institutions and bilateral donors, as well as representatives of European Commission and European Parliament (EP).
The RCC Secretariat has started a reflection on Europe 2020 and the role of Western Balkans last year.
As the successor of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe, the RCC fosters regional cooperation and supports European and Euro-Atlantic integration in South East Europe.