• 2022-11-17

National Convention on the European Union Welcomes Positive Developments Relative to Regional Cooperation

The National Convention on the European Union (NCEU) welcomes the positive developments seen in regional collaboration over the past months. One such example is today’s gathering entitled Potential for Investments in Renewable Sources of Energy in the Western Balkans, where the focus is on regional cooperation regarding energy. 

Today, the Intersectoral Working Group for Regional Cooperation discussed the results of the renewed Berlin Process, the summit of which was held early in November, as well as the results of other regional initiatives and organisations. Primarily, focus was on progress in implementing a Common Regional Market and the agreements concluded within the framework of the Open Balkan initiative. 

Agreements on the mutual recognition of identity cards, university diplomas and professional qualifications were signed by the leaders of six countries of the Western Balkans at the Berlin Process summit. This is viewed as a step toward regional cooperation with the belief that they, along with the bilateral agreements already concluded between some countries, contribute to easier movement of people, education of young people, openness of the regional labour market and economic exchange as well as collaboration in all other areas. The ratification of these agreements is expected to take place promptly, so that their application may commence as soon as possible. 

We expect continued reforms in the areas of democratisation, rule of law, fair energy transitions as well as the resolution of the remaining open issues to take place through the Berlin Process and other regional initiatives. 

The National Convention will support strengthening the role of civil society in improving regional cooperation.

Source: eukonvent.org

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The National Convention on the European Union (NCEU) is a platform of civil societies that represent the interests of the people of Serbia in all phases of the European integration process.

The NCEU is an alliance of associations created with the aim to sustain and improve dialogue between representatives of government bodies, political parties, non-governmental organisations, experts, businesses, trade unions and professional organisations concerning Serbia’s accession to the European Union. NCEU’s mission is to monitor, analyse and assess developments in the accession process, to advocate for and present the benefits and cost of membership in the EU to the inhabitants of Serbia.

Nataša Vučković, (CDF) coordinates the work of the Working Group for the National Convention on the European Union for Chapters 2 (Freedom of Movement for Workers) and 19 (Social Policy and Employment) and the Intersectoral Regional Cooperation Working Group of the NCEU.

The NCEU publishes the annual Book of Recommendations of the National Convention on the European Union.