With EU enlargement back on Europe’s political agenda, the Western Balkans face growing pressure to turn years of regional commitments into tangible results. RCC Secretary General Amer Kapetanović says the region must seize the opportunity, while Slovenia has reaffirmed its support for closer integration with the European Union.
LJUBLJANA, Oct. 26 (BalkanView) – Slovenia has reaffirmed its support for the European integration of the six Western Balkan economies as Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) Secretary General Amer Kapetanović called for faster implementation of regional commitments and stronger economic ties with the European Union.
Kapetanović met Slovenian Foreign and European Affairs Minister Tone Kajzer in Ljubljana on Monday to discuss regional cooperation, EU enlargement and priorities for the coming period, the RCC said in a statement.
The discussions focused on maintaining momentum in regional cooperation and ensuring that political commitments translate into practical benefits for citizens and businesses.
Particular attention was given to the Common Regional Market, an initiative designed to deepen economic integration among the Western Balkans Six, and opportunities for closer integration with the EU Single Market.
EU enlargement creates an opportunity for the region
Kapetanović said renewed political momentum behind EU enlargement presented an opportunity for the Western Balkans to accelerate reforms and regional integration.
“As an RCC participant, Slovenia has consistently supported regional cooperation and the European perspective of the Western Balkans Six,” Kapetanović said.
“At a time when enlargement has regained political momentum, it is important that we use this opportunity to accelerate delivery, strengthen regional integration and bring the region closer to the European Union in practical terms.”
His remarks highlighted the importance of moving beyond political declarations towards measurable progress in regional cooperation.
Common Regional Market remains a priority
The Common Regional Market was among the main topics discussed during the meeting.
The initiative aims to strengthen economic cooperation among Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.
It provides a framework for reducing barriers to regional economic activity and bringing the Western Balkan economies closer to the EU Single Market.
The RCC has played a coordinating role in advancing regional cooperation and supporting the implementation of commitments made by governments across the region.
Kapetanović and Kajzer discussed how to maintain progress and ensure that regional initiatives produce concrete benefits for businesses and citizens.
Slovenia reaffirms support for EU integration
Kajzer reaffirmed Slovenia’s support for the European integration of the Western Balkans Six.
He also emphasised the importance of continued cooperation and progress on shared regional priorities.
Slovenia participates in the RCC and supports regional cooperation initiatives intended to strengthen links between South East Europe and the European Union.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to exchange views on current developments in South East Europe and explore ways to strengthen cooperation between Slovenia and the RCC.
From commitments to implementation
The Ljubljana discussions come as the Western Balkans continue to pursue closer economic and political integration with the European Union.
For the RCC, the immediate priority remains translating regional agreements and political commitments into practical outcomes.
The meeting underscored the importance of cooperation between Western Balkan governments, regional institutions and EU member states in maintaining progress towards integration.
Kapetanović’s message was that renewed momentum for enlargement should be matched by faster implementation of existing commitments.