16 June 2025, Tirana, Albania

At the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Annual Meeting in Tirana, Director Maja Handjiska-Trendafilova underscored the pivotal role of strengthened regional cooperation in fostering improved governance across Southeast Europe. Joined by esteemed colleagues, Director Handjiska-Trendafilova commended the RCC’s newly adopted forward-looking strategy and outlined strategic areas for enhanced synergies.

"Our work must remain citizen-centered, focusing on real gains in trade, mobility, digital transformation, green transition, and human capital development," emphasised Director Handjiska-Trendafilova. "To achieve these goals, we need to continue investing in capacitated, professional, motivated, impartial, confident civil service with strong agency and public service ethos. We thank RCC for enabling this collaborative platform of key regional organisations committed to the betterment of the SEE region."

The Annual Meeting, co-chaired by RCC Secretary General Amer Kapetanović and Gazmend Barbullushi, Director General at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, marked a pivotal moment for regional cooperation. Participants formally endorsed the RCC's new Strategy and Work Programme (SWP) 2026-2028, which sets an ambitious agenda for future regional collaboration.

Key achievements highlighted during the meeting included advancements in the Common Regional Market, financial integration, progress on the Green Agenda, and significant reductions in data roaming costs between the EU and the Western Balkans.

Director Handjiska-Trendafilova concluded by praising the dedication and regional achievements of the past year, reinforcing a collective commitment to resilience, connectivity, and alignment with EU standards. "By enhancing the capacities of public servants and institutions through initiatives like those led by ReSPA, we empower the region to tackle current and future challenges with expertise and agility," she stated.