The head of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) on Tuesday called for deeper trust and stronger cooperation among Western Balkan states to keep momentum in their European Union integration process.
Speaking at the Tirana Connectivity Forum 2025, RCC Secretary General Amer Kapetanović said surveys conducted by the organisation – the Balkan Barometer and the SecuriMeter – show citizens are both hopeful about EU membership and frustrated with delays.
“Our citizens are telling us two things at once: they are optimistic about what Europe can bring, but they are anxious about whether it will really happen in time,” Kapetanović said. “That is why we focus on turning optimism into delivery – reducing roaming charges, easing trade, boosting mobility, and advancing digital skills. These are tangible results that build trust, credibility and resilience.”
Kapetanović underlined the RCC’s role as a “regional bridge,” connecting EU member states and candidates through initiatives such as the 2025–2028 Common Regional Market and the Green Agenda, while preparing the region for challenges including digitalisation and artificial intelligence.
“Cautious optimism is not naïve. It means being realistic about the risks but refusing paralysis. Enlargement should not be remembered as fatigue, but as Europe’s renewal – with South East Europe at its heart,” he said.
On the sidelines of the forum, Kapetanović met Albania’s Minister-designate for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Elisa Spiropalli, to discuss Albania’s EU path, regional cooperation priorities and the need to sustain momentum in delivering benefits to citizens.