11 December 2025, Brussels

ReSPA took part in the high-level Coordination Meeting of Western Balkans Regional Organisations held in Brussels, hosted by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and led by Amer Kapetanović.

The event brought together senior representatives of the European Commission, including Wojciech Kowalski and David Hudson, alongside heads and deputy heads of key regional organisations. Participants included Pranvera Kastrati (CEFTA), Vladimir Obradović (RYCO), Albert Hani (RAI), Ljupka Siljanoska (Transport Community), Artur Lorkowski (Energy Community), Felix Nolting (German Chancellery), and representatives of the Government of Montenegro, Milica Perišić and Ivan Ivanisević. Montenegro is set to chair the Berlin Process in 2026.

This strategic gathering offered an important opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the Berlin Process, the Common Regional Market, and the Green Agenda throughout 2025, while strengthening coordination and joint efforts to deliver more impactful outcomes in 2026.

ReSPA Director Maja Handjiska Trendafilova contributed actively to the discussions, presenting ReSPA’s priorities for 2026. These include:

• Regional ministerial dialogue on governance reforms;
• Mobility and exchange programmes for Western Balkans civil servants;
• A capacity-building academy on Cohesion Policy funds;
• Support programmes preparing civil servants for work in EU institutions;
• Several other flagship initiatives.

ReSPA also emphasised its continued cooperation with the Transport Community, RAI, CEFTA, and RCC - strong partnerships that contribute to advancing public administration reform and institutional strengthening across the region.

ReSPA is honoured to host next year’s Coordination Meeting of Regional Organisations, further reaffirming its commitment to regional cooperation and governance reforms.

The meeting followed the successful launch of the Balkan Barometer 2025, the RCC’s flagship survey, which highlighted rising public support for EU accession, strong endorsement of regional cooperation, and growing emphasis on trust and institutional quality.

ReSPA looks forward to deepening cooperation, supporting reform efforts across the Western Balkans, and working closely with the Government of Montenegro during its 2026 Berlin Process Chairmanship.