Be part of the journey towards the vision of the future of the Western Balkans, where aligning priorities with EU standards lays the foundation for sustainable growth and development!

Mark September 13, 2023, on your calendar for the upcoming Policy Dialogue on Aligning Priorities in the Western Balkans conference, which will be held in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This important event will address key aspects of policymaking, stakeholder engagement, and policy implementation, with a focus on aligning priorities in the Western Balkans. Special attention will be given to transformative topics such as digital transformation, the Green Deal, and healthy societies, providing a unique opportunity for discussion on the digital, green, and health aspects for the Western Balkans simultaneously.

Conference Goals

The key goal of the “POLICY ANSWERS” project is to bridge the gap between national/regional priorities and EU priorities, while supporting the integration of the Western Balkans into relevant EU initiatives and platforms. This includes European partnerships, missions, and smart specialization platforms, which together contribute to shaping a digital, green, and healthy future for the Western Balkans. The Policy Dialogue on Aligning Priorities in the Western Balkans conference will therefore bring together esteemed representatives of governments, as well as other relevant stakeholders, European Commission representatives, and external experts. Together, we will assess the current situation in the region and initiate productive discussions on future priorities, including the vision for 2030. Why should you participate?

This event offers an invaluable opportunity for professionals to engage in constructive and visionary dialogues. It is a chance to propose effective solutions and instruments that align the priorities of the Western Balkans with those of the EU, ultimately promoting greener, more digitally advanced, and resilient economies, as well as healthier societies. By embracing a collaborative approach focused on long-term goals, the conference has the potential to bring about positive outcomes and provide mutual benefits for all participants.

Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to actively shape the agenda of the Western Balkans, influence its direction, and pave the way for a sustainable and prosperous future. Your presence and contribution are invaluable in creating a positive impact and achieving the desired changes!

Program Overview

After the opening, the political dialogue will consist of three sessions that will thoroughly explore EU initiatives and opportunities for the Western Balkans region.

Session 1, a comprehensive plenary session, will provide an overview of the Western Balkans region and its progress in implementing the digital and green agenda, as well as health policies that will enhance citizens’ well-being and support sustainable economies. The session will showcase best practices from each Western Balkans economy that can serve as models for the entire region. Initial results will serve as the foundation for the next session.

Session 2 will have a parallel format for each thematic area (digital, green, and health) and will focus on related challenges. This will allow for interactive discussions, enabling all participants to actively engage and share their perspectives on the presented findings and challenges. It will also include collaboration with European partnerships, missions, and S3 platforms. The first two sessions will lay the groundwork for the third session, which will focus on proposing solutions.

Session 3 will follow a similar parallel format, aiming to foster discussions among key stakeholders from the Western Balkans and the EU. The goal of this session is to identify practical solutions and effective strategies to overcome challenges and promote the adoption of best practices in the region. In the concluding session, which will be held as a plenary, regional experts will have the opportunity to review the main conclusions and recommendations arising from the three sessions. Strategies will be developed to address challenges in each thematic area.

Expected outcomes:

The conference aims to make a valuable contribution to the Western Balkans agenda by bringing together experts and stakeholders from various fields. It will serve as a catalyst for generating innovative ideas and launching a dynamic platform for dialogue between the EU and the Western Balkans. The event will provide momentum for the development of a sustainable transition plan that encompasses both green and digital aspects, as well as emerging trends in healthcare.

Participation and registration

The conference is open to various relevant stakeholders, including:

Policy makers

Government officials from the Western Balkans

Regional and thematic experts

Representatives of the European Commission and other relevant EU institutions and initiatives, such as European Partnerships, JRC, etc.

Representatives of regional networks and organizations.

For participation, visit the conference website at www.wbinfohub.eu/conf23. The website serves as a platform for registration and will provide updates related to the event.

In addition, the conference will introduce a dedicated community platform, which will be available from now until the completion of the POLICY ANSWERS project in 2026. Its purpose is to facilitate knowledge exchange and encourage interactions among regional stakeholders involved in the three thematic areas.

The event will take place at GreenPark Space, which offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly environment. More information about GreenPark Space can be found at greenpark.space.