CoR Working Group on Western Balkans Meets in Sarajevo
The European Committee of the Regions' (CoR) Working Group on Western Balkans Relations convened on November 15 at the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo. The meeting, chaired by Nikola Dobroslavić, Prefect of Dubrovnik-Neretva County, underscored the importance of strengthening local and regional cooperation to advance Bosnia and Herzegovina’s (BiH) European integration.
Representatives from the Republic of Srpska Representation in Brussels and the Ministry of European Integration and International Cooperation of the Republic of Srpska actively participated in the discussions. They were joined by officials from the Ministry of Administration and Local Self-Government and the Association of Municipalities and Cities of the Republic of Srpska, along with numerous stakeholders from across Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The meeting featured two thematic panels:
Challenges for Local and Regional Authorities in the EU Accession ProcessThis session addressed the difficulties faced by local and regional authorities in implementing EU legislation and meeting the requirements for accession. The discussions highlighted the critical need for capacity building, technical support, and improved coordination to navigate the complexities of EU integration.
Improving Youth Opportunities Through Local CooperationThe second panel focused on addressing the pressing issues of high unemployment and skills gaps among youth in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Participants emphasized the role of inter-municipal cooperation and community-driven initiatives to create better opportunities for education, training, and employment.
The gathering also served as a platform to discuss innovative approaches for community development and foster closer ties between BiH and the EU. Special attention was given to how local and regional authorities can contribute to the broader European agenda through practical collaboration and sustainable development strategies.
The Working Group’s meeting in Sarajevo reinforced the importance of multi-level governance and the active engagement of local stakeholders in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s path toward EU membership. By focusing on tangible challenges and opportunities, the discussions underscored the shared commitment to fostering progress and stability in the Western Balkans.
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