A discussion titled "Growth Plan for the Western Balkans: Implementation in Action – Regional Cooperation at Work" was organised by the University of Sarajevo’s Faculty of Political Science. The event featured the Secretary-General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), Amer Kapetanović, who emphasised that the opportunity presented by the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans is historic for the entire region and must not be missed.
He highlighted that the Growth Plan provides a path to economic prosperity by 2030, which would help bridge the socio-economic divide between the Western Balkans and the EU.
According to him, this would allow the first tangible benefits to be realised by 2030—not only through economic growth and regional connectivity but also through the fact that some Western Balkan economies are expected to join the EU by then.
During his presentation and the discussion, Kapetanović stressed that 82% of people in the Western Balkans believe in regional cooperation.
"No progress happens in a vacuum. Everything is cause and effect," said Amer Kapetanović, underlining that the Growth Plan and the Common Regional Market provide tangible opportunities for businesses, institutions, and young people.
He pointed out that 15 years ago, no one could have predicted that roaming charges in the region would be abolished, that travel would be possible with just an ID card, or that professional and academic qualifications would be automatically recognised. He also reminded the audience that interregional trade has doubled, roaming costs between the region and the EU have decreased, and waiting times for lorries at borders have been reduced.
"The RCC is working persistently. Regional cooperation is not essential because of politics, institutions, or bureaucracy—it is essential because of the people. The goal is that in five or ten years, we all have more opportunities, better jobs, and an easier path to success right here in the region. Such a future is within reach, but only if we decide to build it together," Kapetanović concluded.
The Growth Plan encourages EU accession preparations
On 8 November 2023, the European Commission adopted the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. Its objective is to integrate Western Balkan partners into the EU's single market, enhance regional economic cooperation, deepen EU-related reforms, and increase pre-accession funding to accelerate the socio-economic convergence of the Western Balkans with the EU.
The Growth Plan supports EU enlargement preparations by offering some of the benefits of membership even before full integration. In return, this should significantly accelerate the enlargement process and boost the economic growth of the region.
(EUpravo zato/oslobodjenje.ba)
