The contribution of Communities of Practice for the European Integration of the Balkans (CoP – CET)

Start date: 01/09/2024

End date: 30/06/2025

Funder: MAECI

Operational unit: OBC Transeuropa

The project explores how Communities of Practice born out of the implementation of Interreg projects and participation in EUSAIR policy fora can further the European integration of the Western Balkans. EU enlargement has returned to the center of the European political agenda as a geostrategic project for the security of the continent, but without active involvement of the territories it is unlikely to come to fruition.  In addition to the already earmarked IPAIII funds, in early 2024 the EU introduced the Western Balkans Growth Investment Plan, allocating six billion euros to support the candidates' internal reform processes. At the same time, the European Territorial Cooperation (ETC) and the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) also provide resources for innovation and sustainable development, actively involving the territories.  The project is implemented in collaboration with CeSPI - Center for International Policy Studies.