All news related to Steering Platform on Research and Innovation for Western Balkans

• Ensuring a Smooth Policy Dialogue

  POLICY ANSWERS is responsible for managing the Secretariat of the Western Balkans Steering Platforms. These platforms are strategic bodies that deal with European, multilateral, and regional issues related...

• New Growth Plan for the Western Balkans adopted to accelerate economic convergence with the EU

  Commission presented on 8 November a new Growth Plan for the Western Balkans including €6 billion in grants and loans to accelerate economic convergence with the EU.  

• What the 2023 Enlargement Package says on Education and Culture

  The European Commission released the "2023 Enlargement package" that assesses the progress of economies, including those in the Western Balkans and Turkey, towards EU membership. This assessment focuses...

• What the 2023 Enlargement Package says on Science and Research

  The European Commission released the "2023 Enlargement package" that assesses the progress of economies, including those in the Western Balkans and Turkey, towards EU membership. This assessment focuses...

• 2023 Enlargement package released by the European Commission

  The European Commission annually releases an "Enlargement package" that assesses the progress of economies, including those in the Western Balkans and Turkey, towards EU membership. This assessment focuses...

• Iliana Ivanova was appointed as new European Commissioner

  The European Council appointed Iliana Ivanova (Bulgaria) as new European Commissioner on 13 September 2023, by common accord with the President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. The appointment...

• Mariya Gabriel's shares her thoughts on the Western Balkans Agenda in an interview with CorD

  The article by Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner For Innovation, Research, Culture, Education And Youth is titled "Promised And Delivered!" and was published on March 2. The magazine is an independent...

• Western Balkans Steering Platforms meeting successfully held in Skopje on 15-16 Feb. 2023

  The Western Balkans Steering Platforms on Education and Training & Research and Innovation met in North Macedonia on 15 - 16 February 2023. The European Commission, the Swedish EU Council Presidency...

• POLICY ANSWERS presented at the Steering Platform on Research and Innovation

  The Meeting of the Western Balkans Steering Platforms on Education and Training & Research and Innovation was held on 15-16 February 2023. The POLICY ANSWERS project had various interventions. Desiree...

• Info sessions about the Call for Project Proposals for support to innovative technological projects

  700,000 EUR for technological innovation partnerships  The hybrid event that gathered more than 230 online participants from the region and 9 media outlets on February 7, included the opening...

• POLICY ANSWERS brief published: Overview of the Western Balkans Research and Innovation Performance in EU Programmes and Initiatives

  POLICY ANSWERS aims at supporting regional cooperation and closer integration of the Western Balkans (WBs) in the EU’s actions towards a digital, green and healthy future. One of the ways of achieving...

• Stakeholder mapping for POLICY ANSWERS: Relevance and Next Steps

  An interview with Dijana Štrbac, Task Leader, Institute Mihajlo Pupin, Serbia This interview is part of a series that shall inform interested readers about the concrete initiatives and outcomes of ...

• Call Open! - Western Balkans initiative at Elettra: Scientists from Western Balkans for synchrotron radiation research

  Elettra has just opened a call for Scientists from Western Balkans for synchrotron radiation research at its Western Balkans initiative! The calls aims at training promising scientists from WB in techniques...

• What the Enlargement Package says on Science and Research

  The European Commission's "Enlargement package", adopted in October 2022, provides a detailed assessment of the state of play and the progress made by the Western Balkans and Türkiye on their respective...

• European Commission published the Enlargement Package 2022

  In the autumn of each year, the European Commission adopts its "Enlargement package" - providing a detailed assessment of the state of play and the progress made by the Western Balkans and Türkiye on ...

• [Event Announcement] "Implementing the Western Balkan Agenda on Innovation, Research, Education, Culture, Youth and Sport"

  This JRC event will bring together high officials, policy makers, innovation practitioners, representatives from start-ups and SMEs, as well as members of academia, business society and civil organisations...

• Support for digital innovation hubs in Bosnia and Herzegovina: A bridge between innovation and business

  EU4DigitalSME project, which is jointly financed by the European Union and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of the Federal Republic of Germany (BMZ) focuses on establishing...

• Venture Capital investment fund invested 100.000,00 EUR in OREA BiH

  Fil Rouge Capital, a Venture Capital investment fund invested 100.000,00 EUR in OREA BiH This is the first investment by Fil Rouge Capital in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The primary goal of Fil Rouge Capital...

• Albania part of European Innovation Scoreboard for the first year

  The Commission has published on 22. September, the 2022 edition of the European Innovation Scoreboard. The EIS provides a comparative analysis of innovation performance in EU countries, other European...

• POLICY ANSWERS project is covered in the media: Research in the Western Balkans moves closer to the EU

  The Austrian journalist Alois Pumhösel covered our project based on interviews with project partners in an article originally published in German at Der Standard on 10.9.2022.   Economies such...

• [Call Announcement] DEADLINE EXTENSION : 2022 SAF€RA joint call for proposals

  The pre-proposal deadline for SAF€RA's 2022 call has been extended to September 22nd (from September 5th), by popular demand. See https://call.safera.eu/2022/ SAF€RA launched its seventh...

• [Call Announcement] Creative Innovation Lab Open Call!

  Creative Europe Programme (CREA) opened a call for Creative Innovation Lab aimed to design and test innovative digital solutions. The call is open to all players from different cultural and creative...

• Record number of applications for ninth edition of EU Prize for Women Innovators 2022

  The ninth edition of the EU Prize for Women Innovators closed on Thursday 18 August, with a record 277 applications submitted. After all proposals have been evaluated, three winners...

• Boosting Innovation in Serbia

  The Republic of Serbia and the EIT jointly commit to establishing an EIT Community Hub in Serbia. The Minister of Innovation and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia, Nenad Popović...

• [Call Announcement] Call for participation in Alliances for Innovation!

  About the opportunity Alliances for Innovation aim to boost Europe’s innovation capacity through stronger cooperation and knowledge flow among higher education, vocational education and training (both...

• [Document Announcement] A Framework for Research Infrastructure Roadmaps

  For the first time, all WesternBalkans’ economies have their research infrastructure (RI) roadmaps in place. Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo* and North Macedonia have created their RI roadmaps...

• Winners of the RCC - Regional Butterfly Innovation Award announced!

  Bregu: We hope Butterfly Innovation Award will shine a light on the regional innovation community and its undiscovered potential RCC supports research & innovation in the Western Balkans: Six winning...

• Limited progress on environmental and climate protection in the Western Balkans

  The Western Balkans made some improvements in aligning environmental and climate monitoring, as well as reporting legislation with EU standards. Implementation, however, is patchy, concludes a JRC report...

• Ministerial meeting of the Western Balkans Steering Platforms on Culture, Research and Innovation, Education and Training

  On 27 and 28 June 2022, the Ministerial Meeting of the Western Balkans Platforms on Culture, Research and Innovation, Education and Training took place in Tirana, Albania, with the participation of...

• Videos of the Ministerial Meeting Side Events 2022 in Tirana, Albania now online!

  Recordings of the public events and photos of the Ministerial Meeting of the Western Balkans Steering Platfroms on Culture, Research & Innovation, and Education & Training on 27-28 of June 2022...

• [Call Announcement] European Social Innovation Competition: Challenge Prize 2022 edition kicks off!

  On 31 March, the European Commission launched the 10th edition of the European Social Innovation Competition (EUSIC) – the Challenge Prize.The EUSIC, supported by the European Innovation Council (EIC) ...

• POLICY ANSWERS sets out to support integration of the Western Balkans into the European Research Area

  The European project, which kicks off on 14 April in Vienna, will work for the next 4 years to support cooperation on innovation, research, education, culture, youth and sport.

• Western Balkans Agenda - Testimonial from the Minister for Education and Science of the Republic of North Macedonia

  The Minister for Education and Science of the Republic of North Macedonia, Mila Carovska, kindly shared with us her view about the Western Balkans Agenda for Innovation, Research, Education, Culture, ...

• Five Western Balkan partners join Horizon Europe research and innovation programme

  EC News Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia signed on 6 December, alongside Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and...

• Results and documentation related to the Brdo Summit

  The Summit came after over 19 months of fighting a pandemic. The EU and its Member States have stood by the Western Balkan partners, demonstrating their solidarity with an unprecedented package of €3....

• Berlin Process Summit 2021 to be held in Berlin

  The newsportal European Western Balkans reports that the next Berlin Process Summit will be held in Berlin in 2021. The EWB reportedly had an exclusive insight of the draft version of the Chair’s Conclusions...

• [Event Review] - Virtual meeting of the Foreign Ministers participating in the Berlin Process

  On Tuesday, 8 June, as part of the Berlin Process, Foreign Minister Maas hosted a virtual meeting with his counterparts from the six Western Balkan countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo...

• JRC SUPPORT TO TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER IN THE WESTERN BALKANS

  The Joint Research Centre (JRC) supports the Western Balkan economies not only in developing their smart specialisation strategies but also at an operational level - through the Competence Centre on Technology...

• The future of the Western Balkans lies within the European Union

  In the week of 26 April, leaders from the EU and the Western Balkans held a series of meetings and exchanges confirming their mutual strong relations and shared goal of European integration.

• How are OECD countries designing R&D tax relief & what's its cost?

  Member States & partners are increasingly  using R&D tax incentives to support R&D in firms

• BH & EU The Commission noted positively the good Results BiH has achieved in the EU’s Research and Innovation framework Programme

  The 5th Subcommittee meeting on topics related to Education, Culture, Youth, Research and Innovation, Information Society and Social Policy between the EU and Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) was held...

• New organisation chart available for DG R&I

  The European Commission recently published a new organisation chart for DG Research and Innovation which has been in effect since 1 April 2021.

• Commission opens first European Innovation Council calls worth €1 billion

  Following the launch of the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the announcement of the first funding opportunities, today the Commission opened the first EIC Accelerator calls. The funding worth over...

• Pow-Bridge country reports: Posting of Workers Directive’s interplay with national regulations

  In the frame of the Pow-Bridge project, we have conducted eight case studies and published eight country reports on Austria, Hungary, Italy, North Macedonia, Poland, Serbia, Slovakia, and Slovenia...

• NEW EIT INITIATIVE LAUNCHED TO BOOST INNOVATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION

  The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) is launching the HEI Initiative: Innovation Capacity Building for Higher Education − a new initiative to unlock the full innovation potential ...

• [Call Announcement] The European Capital of Innovation Awards

  An annual recognition prize awarded to the European cities that best promote innovation in their communities

• Erasmus+: over €28 billion to support mobility and learning for all, across the European Union and beyond

  The Commission has adopted the first annual work programme of Erasmus+ 2021-2027. With a budget of €26.2 billion, (compared to €14.7 billion for 2014-2020), complemented with about €2.2 billion from EU...

• [Call Announcement] EU Prize for Women Innovators

  This prize celebrates the women entrepreneurs behind Europe’s game-changing innovations.

• [Event Announcement] EIT Culture & Creativity - Webinar on new innovation opportunities

  21 April 14:00 - 15:30. Do you want to join Europe’s largest innovation network? A new opportunity for Cultural & Creative Sectors and Industries stakeholders is on the EIT horizon!

• [Document Announcement] Wiiw Policy Briefs and Reports: Value Chain Integration of the Western Balkan Countries and Policy Options for the Post-COVID-19 Period

  In this policy brief, we study the development of trade integration, specifically the participation in global value chains, of the Western Balkan countries.

• [Event Announcement] EC Webinar: How to prepare a successful proposal in Horizon Europe

  Registration page: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/registration_20210324 Registered participants will receive by email a link to the event Web page with all details of participation

• Registrations to Global Innovation Summit 2021 are now open

  The Global Innovation Summit provides an international meeting place for businesses, innovators, researchers and funding experts to network, share knowledge and develop new business ideas. You can also...

• The Western Balkans in 2035: The future in four scenarios

  COVID-19 has caused major disruptions to the Western Balkan economies and the consequences are evident in all parts of society. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are struggling hard and looking...

• [Call Announcement] The Western Balkans in 2035: participate in foresight study and co-design future looking STI policies today!

  With the COVID-19 crisis, the world is experiencing unprecedented disruption to daily lives and to the social, economic, and governance systems that support them.

• ERC kicks off Horizon Europe

  €1.9 billion will be made available by the European Research Council (ERC) in 2021 to allow some 1,000 top researchers to pursue frontier research. As in previous years, most of the funding (66%) is earmarked...

• Strengthening and connecting eco-systems of science for policy across Europe

  Are you working at national, regional, and local level in government, parliament, academia or civil society on improving the use of scientific evidence for policy-making? Would you like to learn ...

• Virtual Western Balkans Steering Platform Meeting on R&I

  The virtual Western Balkans Steering Platform Meeting on R&I took place on 27 January 2021 from 09:30 – 12:00 h and was attended by 78 participants. The discussion was organised in line with the following...

• Portugal takes the lead of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union

  On 1 January 2021, Portugal took over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from Germany.

• [Event Review] - Ministerial Meeting of the Western Balkans Platforms on Education and Training & Research and Innovation

  The Ministerial Meeting of the Western Balkans Platforms on Education and Training & Research and Innovation took place on 2 December 2020 from 9:00 to 16:30 and was hosted by the European Commission...

• Ministerial Meeting of the Western Balkans Platforms on Education and Training & Research and Innovation

  Background information In 2020 we commemorate the 17th anniversary  of the foundations for the ongoing relations between the European Union and the economies of the Western Balkans laid...

• Announcing the Western Balkans Ministerial meeting to further strengthen region ties to the EU in Education and Training & Research and Innovation

    Press release On Wednesday 2 December, the Ministerial Meeting of the Western Balkans Platforms on Education and Training & Research and Innovation will bring together key stakeholders...

• Western Balkans: An Economic and Investment Plan to support the economic recovery and convergence

  Today, the European Commission adopted a comprehensive Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans, which aims to spur the long-term economic recovery of the region, support a green and digital...

• Key findings of the 2020 Report on Albania

  Political criteria The political environment in Albania continued to be marked by intense polarisation. Parliamentary activities were affected by the opposition relinquishing their mandates. Institutional...

• Key findings of the 2020 Report on North Macedonia

  Political criteria         North Macedonia continued to implement EU-related reforms throughout the reporting period. Efforts continued to strengthen democracy...

• Key findings of the 2020 Report on Kosovo*

  Political criteria         The reporting period was marked by early legislative elections, two changes of government and relatively long periods with only a...

• Key findings on the 2020 Report on Bosnia and Herzegovina

  Political criteria          During most of the reporting period the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina was blocked for political reasons, ...

• Key findings of the 2020 Report on Serbia

  Political criteria  The parliamentary, provincial and municipal elections in Serbia initially foreseen for April were postponed following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and held on 21 June...

• Key findings of the 2020 Report on Montenegro

  Political criteria         The reporting period was marked by tensions and mistrust between political actors and low level of trust in the electoral framework...

• Speech by Commissioner Várhelyi at the Forum on Western Balkans: THE FUTURE OF ENLARGEMENT FROM A EUROPEAN PERSPECTIVE

  The event was organised by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung on 7 September 2020 in Berlin. Commissioner Várhelyi underlined the need for a new economic-based policy approach, to intensify the EU presence...

• [Event Review] Sixth virtual Western Balkans Research and Innovation Meeting, 9 September 2020

  Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, regular virtual meetings allowing for continuation of work and dialogue are being organised by the EC and the Service Facility. Alternative options for the 7th Western...

• Von der Leyen: Western Balkans are part of Europe, not just a stopover on the Silk Road

  President of European Commission Ursula von der Leyen stated that the future of the Western Balkans is in the EU during her first annual State of the Union address to the European Parliament.

• Agenda of the 5th Virtual R&I Meeting (10 July 2020)

  Due to the COVID-19 emergency, the European Commission decided to defer the next Steering Platform Ministerial meeting (originally planned for May/June 2020) to a later date in the year. At the same...

• Agenda of the 4th Virtual R&I Meeting (17 June 2020)

  Due to the COVID-19 emergency, the European Commission decided to defer the next Steering Platform Ministerial meeting (originally planned for May/June 2020) to a later date in the year. At the same time...

• Agenda of the 2nd Virtual R&I Meeting (15 April 2020)

  Due to the COVID-19 emergency, the European Commission decided to defer the next Steering Platform Ministerial meeting (originally planned for May/June 2020) to a later date in the year. At the same time...

• Agenda of the 3rd Virtual R&I Meeting (13 May 2020)

  Due to the COVID-19 emergency, the European Commission decided to defer the next Steering Platform Ministerial meeting (originally planned for May/June 2020) to a later date in the year. At the same...

• Agenda of the 1st Virtual R&I Meeting (7 April 2020)

  Due to the COVID-19 emergency, the European Commission decided to defer the next Steering Platform Ministerial meeting (originally planned for May/June 2020) to a later date in the year. At the same time...

• Two opportunities to meet us at ESOF 2020!

  Join WBC-RTI.info at the largest European science conference gathering world famous scientists from all disciplines ! Register for ESOF 2020 and do not miss our two virtual sessions dedicated to the Western...

• [Call Announcement] Apply for : Western Balkans Fellowship Programme at the Austrian Parliament

  We are looking for the 6 best applicants from the WB6 National Parliaments, who want to shape the regional and European collaboration by using their knowledge and enthusiasm in applying the best practices...

• Austria takes over the Chairmanship of Eureka Network 2020/2021

  Eureka, the world’s biggest public network for international cooperation in R&D and innovation is celebrating its 35th anniversary. Austria, as one of the founding members of Eureka now takes over...

• New ERA to launch at the end of a long summer, says research commissioner

  In an interview with Science|Business, Mariya Gabriel gives more details about her main priorities for revitalising the European Research Area and finally delivering on the vision of a single market for...

• Commission presents draft negotiating frameworks for Albania and North Macedonia

  Another step towards the EU enlargement was taken for Albania and North Macedonia. European Commission presented to the Council on 01 July the draft negotiating guidelines for both countries, setting ...

• WBIF awards €8.3 million worth of grants financed by the EU for Western Balkans’ Digital, Environment and Social projects

  Good news for the region come from the Brussels as Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) Steering Committee approved eight grant applications for technical assistance from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina...

• NTP Science and Technology Park – Montenegro's biggest investment in Innovation

  The Science and Technology Park (NTP), an investment worth 12m euros, will have the task of generating the necessary energy and being a gathering place for scientists and researchers and technology-oriented...

• European Innovation Scoreboard 2020: EU's innovation is increasing

  The Commission released the European Innovation Scoreboard 2020, which shows that Europe's innovation performance continues to improve across the EU, surpassingfor the second year the United States. However...

• [Document Announcement] Exploring the performance gap in EU Framework Programmes between EU13 and EU15 Member States

  STOA - the Panel for the Future of Science and Technology of the European Parliament has published an update of the study 'Overcoming innovation gaps in the EU-13 Member States' of March 2018. The original...

• Trio-presidency programme of the Council has been published

  Germany, Portugal and Slovenia presented their joint EU presidency programme for the next 18 months on Tuesday (16 June), seeking to focus primarily on social recovery in the wake of the pandemic.

• [Document Announcement] EU support for the Western Balkans to tackle coronavirus

  The coronavirus pandemic is an unprecedented global crisis, a severe public health emergency for citizens, societies and economies. The virus knows no borders. It is a global pandemic that requires a ...

• EU mobilises immediate support for its Western Balkan partners to tackle coronavirus

  As part of the global response to the coronavirus outbreak, the European Commission has announced up to €38 million in immediate support for the Western Balkans to tackle the health emergency caused by...

• Opening of accession talks with Albania and North Macedonia

  According to Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi: “Opening of accession talks sends a loud and clear message not only to the two countries, but to the Western Balkans as a whole...

• Postponement of the Western Balkan R&I Meeting (Sofia, 18-19 March 2020)

  The European Commission, DG Research and Innovation, has announced the postponement of the Western Balkans R&I Meeting which was to be held in Sofia , 18-19 March 2020. The decision to postpone...

• Commissioner Gabriel: Co-operation in the field of innovation between the Western Balkans has produced a positive result

  According to the Commissioner, the Western Balkans are making progress in innovation and technological development. They have reported increased funding, but they need to be even more active in the future...

• [Event Review] - 7th meeting of the SEEIIST Steering Committee, 24 January 2020 - Ljubljana, Slovenia

  The seventh meeting of the SEEIIST Intergovernmental Steering Committee was held on 24 January 2020 in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

• [Call Announcement] IAEA Call for Expression of Interest for Fellowships for SEEIIST

  Capacity building for the regional project of the South East European International Institute for Sustainable Technologies (SEEIIST) is one of the key elements for its successful implementation.

• [Document Announcement] Conclusions of the Western Balkans Steering Platform R&I and Ministerial Meetings (Brussels, 23-24 September 2019)

  The Western Balkans (WB) Steering Platform on Research and Innovation (SP) was organised in Brussels on September 23-24, 2019. The meeting was co-chaired by the European Commission (DG Research and Innovation...

• [Event Announcement] - Western Balkans Research and Innovation Meeting (Sofia, 18-19 March 2020)

  The next Western Balkans Research and Innovation Meeting will take place in Sofia on March 18-19, 2020 and will be hosted by the Ministry of Education and Science of Bulgaria. This event includes the ...

• 8th Ministerial Meeting of the Western Balkans Platform on Education and Training (3-4 June 2019, Belgrade)

  Tibor Navracsics, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, opened the 8th Ministerial Meeting of the Western Balkans Platform on Education and Training in Belgrade, Serbia. ...

• Berlin Process: What’s next for Western Balkans?

  The Berlin Process is now in its second four-year term. Undoubtedly relevant and proving its utility, it continues to be the driver for change in the Balkans and to be catalyst for greater cooperation...

• [Document Announcement] Ministerial meeting on science & research: "Trieste Declaration on Science" adopted

  ‘Trieste Declaration on Science’ paves the way for 17 countries in south-east Europe to boost participation in Horizon Europe and strengthen international research cooperation The Ministers of...

• [Event Review] Western Balkans Summit in Poznań

  Western Balkans Summit 2019: Heads of Government, Foreign Ministeres, Ministers of Economy and Interior from the Western Balkans, together with their counterparts from several EU Member States and high...

• Global challenges need global solutions - the view of Montenegro's Science Minister Damjanovic at R&I Days

  Montenegro’s Science Minister Sanja Damjanovic addressed the European Research and Innovation Days  in Brussels on September 25.

• [Call Announcement] Lauch of Synchrotron Radiation Training & Internship Programmes for the Western Balkans by Elettra (March 2020)

  Elettra Syncrotrone Trieste announced the launch of two pilot actions for Western Balkans: the PhD fellowship opportunities as well as the postdoctoral fellowship opportunities in synchrotron radiation...

• Presentations and Recordings from the JRC Conference: Unveiling Serbia's Smart Specialisation Strategy

  The JRC Conference on "Unveiling Serbia's Smart Specialisation Strategy and exploring the role of incubators, accelerators and S&T Parks in delivering sector specific support in the Western Balkans...

• The New European Commission 2019-2024: EU perspectives for WBs and new Commissioner responsible for R&I

  On 10 September 2019, President-elect of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen presented her team and the new structure of the next European Commission. Von der Leyen confirmed the European...

• [Event Review] - Start of the SEEIIST Design Phase

  Organised on September 18th,  this event aimed at informing the public about the advancements of the SEEIIST project at a decisive moment when it passes from the phase of conception to the phase ...

• [Event review] - Western Balkans Steering Platform R&I and Ministerial Meetings (Brussels, 23-24 September 2019)

  The Western Balkans (WBs) Steering Platform on Research and Innovation R&I and Ministerial meetings were organised in Brussels on 23rd and 24th September 2019. The event was co-chaired by the European...

• [Document Announcement] New Infographic - The Western Balkans in Horizon 2020

  This infographic was recently released to inform on developments related to the funding of Western Balkan research projects within Horizon 2020.

• Agenda of the upcoming Western Balkans R&I and Steering Platform Ministerial Meetings - Brussels, 23-24 September 2019

  The 21th Ministerial Meeting of the Western Balkans Steering Platform on Research and Innovation will take place in Brussels on September 23-24, 2019. The Steering Platform will be co-chaired by the Finnish...

• [Event Announcement] Ministerial Meeting of the Western Balkans Steering Platform on Research and Innovation (Brussels, September 23-24)

  The next Ministerial Meeting of the Western Balkans Steering Platform on Research and Innovation will take place in Brussels on September 23-24, 2019. The Steering Platform will be co-chaired by the Finnish...

• Conclusions of the 4th Western Balkans Research and Innovation meeting held in Vienna on July 9-10, 2019

  The 4th Western Balkans Research and Innovation meeting was organised in Vienna on July 9-10, 2019 within the framework of the European Commission’s Support for the Steering Platform (SP) on Research ...

• [Event Review] 4th Research and Innovation Meeting, Vienna 9-10 June 2019

  The fourth Western Balkans Research and Innovation meeting took place in Vienna on June 9-10, 2019 within the framework of the European Commission’s Support for the Steering Platform (SP) on Research...

• Conclusions of the 3rd Western Balkans Research and Innovation meeting held in Sarajevo on March 26-27, 2019

  The third Western Balkans Research and Innovation meeting was organised in Sarajevo on March 26-27, 2019 within the framework of the European Commission’s Support for the Steering Platform (SP) on Research...

• [Event Review] 3rd Research and Innovation Meeting, Sarajevo 26-27 March 2019

  The third Western Balkans Research and Innovation meeting took place in Saraejvo on March 26-27, 2019 within the framework of the European Commission’s Support for the Steering Platform (SP) on Research...

• How to apply for IPARD funding for your farm, food processing or rural business development

  To get funding under IPARD, an application needs to be sent to the national IPARD agency.

• [Event Announcement] Western Balkans Research and Innovation Meeting in Sarajevo

  Next technical R&I meeting of the Western Balkans Steering Platform on Research and Innovation will be held in Bosnia and Herzegovina on 26-27 March 2019.

• [Document Announcement] Roadmap for EU – Enlargement Countries S&T cooperation (Update October 2018)

  The updated versions of the multi-annual roadmaps for cooperation in research and innovation with key partner countries and regions are now published.

• Save the date: WB R&I Meeting in Sarajevo

  Upcoming technical R&I meeting of the Western Balkans Steering Platform on Research and Innovation

• Third Western Balkan Research and Innovation meeting will be held in Spring 2019 in Sarajevo

  As  reported in the Conclusions of the Steering Platform on Research and Innovation Ministerial Meeting that was organised in June in Brussels, the next WB  Research and Innovation meeting will...

• Conclusions of the Western Balkans Steering Platform on Research and Innovation and the Ministerial Meeting (Brussels, June 25, 2018)

  The Western Balkans (WBs) Steering Platform (SP) on Research and Innovation was organised in Brussels in the morning of June 25th, 2018. The meeting was co-chaired by the European Commission (DG Research...

• Third Austrian Council Presidency - RTI priorities

  Starting on 1 July 2018, Austria is holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU) for the next six months.

• Western Balkans Summit in London – building stronger links within the region and with the EU

  At the London Summit on the Western Balkans, the EU continued to strengthen cooperation with the region, with a clear commitment and concrete measures, focussing on the three key areas of cooperation: ...

• [Event Review]: 7th Meeting of the Western Balkans Platform on Education and Training

  The seventh meeting of the Western Balkans Platform on Education and Training included the Ministers of Science and education as well as key representatives from all WB6 governments. The event was...

• [Document Announcement] Harnessing the potential: Research Capacity in the Western Balkans

  A new study was made available. It concerns the research capacity of higher education institutions in the Western Balkans .  

• European Commission launches Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans

  At the Digital Assembly in Sofia - Bulgaria (25th June 2018), the European Commission has launched the Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans.

• [Event Review] Steering Platform on Research and Innovation, 25 June 2018, Brussels

  On 25 June 2018, this year's Steering Platform on Research and Innovation and  Ministerial Meeting was held back-to-back with the Steering Platform on Education and Training. Ministers from Western...

• Commissioners Navracsics and Moedas to host Western Balkans ministerial in Brussels on June 25 and 26!

  On Monday, 25 June, and Tuesday, 26 June, Education and Research Ministers from the Western Balkans will be in Brussels for the annual ministerial meeting of the Western Balkans Platforms on Education...

• Conclusions of the 2nd Western Balkans Research and Innovation meeting held in Skopje on March 21-22, 2018

  The second Western Balkans Research and Innovation meeting was organised in Skopje on March 21-22, 2018 within the framework of the European Commission’s Support for the Steering Platform (SP) on Research...

• [Call Announcement] Call for papers for conference: Impact of Social Sciences and Humanities for a European Research Agenda – Valuation of SSH in mission-oriented research

  The conference invites submissions of extended abstracts and/or posters in particular by: academic researchers policy makers (including research councils and funding agencies) and representatives...

• [Event Announcement] Austrian EU Council Presidency Conference on Impact of Social Sciences and Humanities for a European Research Agenda – Valuation of SSH in mission-oriented research

  This conference will bring the valuation (i.e. the provision of added value through SSH and arts-based research) and impact contributions of social sciences and humanities (SSH) research to transformative...

• [Call Announcement] Call for Papers for the Conference: Impact of Research and Innovation Policy at the Crossroads of Policy Design, Implementation and Evaluation

  This call comes from the largest conference in Europe dedicated to R&I policy evaluation that in 2018 is organised in Vienna on 5-6 November under the Austrian Presidency of the Council of the European...

• EC adopted its annual Enlargement Package: the reports on the Western Balkans are now published

  The Enlargement Package includes countries' individual reports and are aimed at assessing the implementation of the European Union's enlargement policy which is based on established criteria and fair ...

• [Event Review] 2nd Research and Innovation Meeting, Skopje 21-22 March 2018

  The second Western Balkans Research and Innovation meeting took place in Skopje on March 21-22, 2018 within the framework of the European Commission’s Support for the Steering Platform (SP) on Research...

• Main results from the European Council on 22 March 2018 - conclusions on the Western Balkans

  The spring European Council focused on economic affairs, in particular on trade. Heads of state or government also looked at a number of other pressing issues, including the Salisbury attack, Turkey, ...

• Main results from the European Council on 22 March 2018 - conclusions on the Western Balkans

  The spring European Council focused on economic affairs, in particular on trade. Heads of state or government also looked at a number of other pressing issues, including the Salisbury attack, Turkey, ...

• [Event Announcement] Ministerial meeting - Western Balkan Platforms on Education & Training and Research & Innovation

  The 20th Western Balkans Steering Platform on Research and Innovation will be organised in Brussels on the morning of the 25 June 2018 within the framework of the European Commission’s Support for...

• [Event Announcement] Western Balkans Research and Innovation Meeting, Skopje

  The second Western Balkans Research and Innovation meeting will be organised in Skopje on March 21-22, 2018 within the framework of the European Commission’s Support for the Steering Platform (SP) on ...

• Final Joint Report published: Western Balkans Platforms on Education & Training and Research & Innovation, Belgrade Sept. 2017

  This year it was decided to hold the meetings of the two Platforms together on 28-29 September 2017 in Belgrade. The Ministers met in the mornings of 28 and 29 September to celebrate the 30th anniversary...

• Conclusions published: Steering Platform on Research and Innovation, Belgrade 27-28 September 2017

  The 19th Western Balkans Steering Platform on Research and Innovation* took place in Belgrade on September 27, 2017 within the framework of the European Commission’s Support for the Steering Platform (...

• [Event Review] The 6th meeting of the Western Balkans Platform on Education and Training

  The 2017 Ministerial meeting gathered over 100 participants from the Western Balkans, including the Ministers responsible for Education and Science, EU Delegations, National Erasmus+ Offices, universities...

• [Event Review] Steering Platform on Research and Innovation, Belgrade 27 September 2017

  The 19th Western Balkans Steering Platform on Research and Innovation was organised in Belgrade on September 27, 2017 within the framework of the European Commission’s Support for the Steering Platform...

• [Live Streaming Link] Workshop on Proof of Concept (PoC) in South Eastern Europe, 21-22.9.2017

  Next 21 and 22 September the JRC is organising a workshop on Proof of Concept (PoC) in South Eastern Europe in Trieste, Italy. The workshop intends to explore best practices in the creation and management...

• Conclusions of the 1st WB Research and Innovation meeting held in Podgorica on June 12-13, 2017

  The first Western Balkans Research and Innovation meeting was organised in Podgorica on June 12-13, 2017 within the framework of the European Commission’s Support for the Steering Platform (SP) on Research...

• [Event Announcement] Steering Platform on Research and Innovation, Belgrade 27-28 September 2017

  The next Western Balkans Steering Platform on Research and Innovation (19th) will take place in Belgrade on September 27-28, 2017. It is co-chaired by the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the European...

• [Event review] Western Balkans Research and Innovation Meeting, June 2017, Podgorica

  The Western Balkans Research and Innovation meeting was successfully held in Podgorica on June 12-13, 2017. The meeting was co-chaired by the European Commission and the Ministry of Science, Montenegro...

• Western Balkans Joins the European Open Science Agenda

  Seven Western Balkans’ economies joined the European Union (EU) family in pursuing the EU Open Science Agenda at the Open Data and Access in Science meeting organised by the Regional Cooperation Council...

• [Event Review] Workshop on the European Open Science Cloud: governance and funding

  A workshop on governance and funding of the EOSC took place in Brussels on 29 June.  

• [Event Review] Open Science Conference

  Open Science is a key priority of the Dutch Presidency and the Open Science Conference took place on 4 and 5 April 2016 in Amsterdam.

• Conclusions of the 18th Steering Platform on Research for WB published, Sarajevo 2016

  The Steering Platform on Research for the Western Balkans met on 7 June 2016 in Sarajevo. The meeting was co-chaired by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) who hosted and supported the event and the...

• [Event Review] 5th Meeting of the Western Balkans Platform on Education

  On 27-28 June 2016, the European Commission (EC) organised a two-day meeting with the education ministers of the Western Balkans.

• Western Balkans Platform on Education held in Sarajevo: More investment in education needed

  SARAJEVO – A two-day Ministerial Meeting of the Western Balkans Platform on Education and Training started on June 27 in Sarajevo, announced the Delegation of the EU to BiH.

• [Event review] - Workshop for 'enlargement countries' (WBCs and Turkey) on EU acquis on Research and Innovation (chapter 25)

  The workhop, that aimed at discussing on the participation in Horizon 2020 and the preparation in view of such Programme was organised by the EC Directorate-General Research and Innovation (Unit International...

• [Event Announcement] 18th Steering Platform on Research for the Western Balkan countries

  The next Steering Platform meeeting will be hosted and co-organised by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and DG Research and Innovation and will be held on 7 June 2016, at  RCC premises in Sarajevo...

• [Event Review] 17th Steering Platform on Research for the Western Balkan Countries

  The 17th Steering Platform on Research took place on June 8-9, 2015 in Budapest. It was hosted by Hungarian Institute of Foreign Affairs and Trade and supported by RCISD (Regional Centre for Information...

• [Event Review] 16th Steering Platform on Research for the Western Balkan Countries

  Hosted by the Italian Presidency represented by the Italian Minister for Education, University and Research, Stefania Giannini, the Steering Platform met in Trieste (Italy) on 24th September and ...

• Conclusions - 15th Steering Platform on Research for the Western Balkan Countries, Zagreb December 11/12, 2013

  The Steering Platform on Research for the Western Balkan Countries met in Zagreb on 11-12 December 2013. The meeting was co-chaired by the Lithuanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Croatia...