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Save the date: CRM Week in the Western Balkans

In 2020 the Western Balkans 6 (WB6) leaders have agreed to enhance economic cooperation in the region by developing Common Regional Market (CRM). Based on the EU rules and standards, CRM aims to increase the attractiveness and competitiveness of the region and to bring the region closer to the EU markets. The steps towards the establishment of the CRM should proceed in parallel with an accelerated integration and “phasing-in” to the EU’s Single Market. By implementing the CRM agenda, WB6 committed to the free movement of goods, services, capital and people. As of Sept. 2024, there are signed 4 Mobility Agreements and the 5^th one is under preparation by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC).

According to the latest Balkan Barometer by RCC, trust in regional cooperation in 2024 is at 82%, – the higher rate since the launch of Balkan Barometer in 2015. This underscores a growing consensus on the transformative potential of collaborative efforts within the Western Balkans and suggests a robust foundation for continued collaboration. Nearly four out of five respondents in the Western Balkans prioritize what brings them together rather than what divides them, with only about one out of ten holding the opposite view. This marks a significant increase in regional unity compared to the 2023 Balkan Barometer, highlighting strong support for collaborative efforts.

For its tenth anniversary, the 2024 Berlin Process Summit was convened in Berlin on October 14th, 2024. A key focus of the discussions and decision-making was the advancement off CRM with the adoption of CRM Action Plan 2025-2028.

To discuss the progress and challenges in advancing the CRM agenda, the impact of the Growth Plan reforms, and the region’s gradual integration into the EU’s Single Market, ISSP and its partners are organizing the Western Balkans CRM Week from October 17th to 24th, in each of the WB capitals, respectively:

• 17 October in Tirana, Albania
• 18 October in Podgorica, Montenegro
• 21 October in Skopje, North Macedonia
• 22 October in Belgrade, Serbia
• 23 October in Pristina, Kosovo
• 24 October in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

This series of events held right after the WB Summit in Berlin, will highlight the achievements of the first phase of the CRM, the new commitments introduced in the CRM Action Plan 2, adopted during the 10th Summit of the Berlin Process, share the takeaways from the Berlin WB Summit, discuss inter-relations between CRN and Growth plan, and provide a base for future work. Additionally, the events will aim to gather stakeholders’ perspectives and expectations regarding the Common Regional Market.

Here is the agenda for the event in Podgorica, which will take place on October 18th, in Europe House, starting at 10:00 am.

It is a hybrid event, participants can join either in person or online, with separate registration forms available for each option. Please fill out the appropriate form to secure your spot.

REGISTER FOR PARTICIPATION IN PERSON   |    REGISTER FOR PARTICIPATION ONLINE