Standing conference of the stakeholders of the science systems in the framework of the Western Balkans Process.

The Western Balkans Process, also known as the Berlin Process, is a joint initiative of the European Commission and 12 European countries. The initiative aims to reconfirm the European commitment to the Western Balkans, consolidate the various efforts to integrate the region into the European Union and foster regional cooperation. This concerns areas such as the resolution of bilateral issues, endorsement of rule of law, economic development and strengthening the cooperation in education, science (research and innovation) and inter-societal dialogue.

After the launching of the political initiative, the Leopoldina as Germany’s National Academy, was entrusted by the German Federal Government to take over the initiative in the field of education, science and society. In awareness of the importance of such an undertaking for a European prospect for the Western Balkans, the Leopoldina decided to invite key stakeholders of the national science systems to a launching conference in Germany – the 1st Joint Science Conference. The conference was held from 15 to 17 July 2015, in Halle and Berlin, at the Leopoldina and the German Federal Chancellery. It was the starting point for a series of conferences between 2015 and 2019 (and beyond).

The 2nd Joint Science Conference was held in Vienna on May 22-24, 2016, co-organised by the Austrian Academy of Sciences and the German National Academy of Sciences, Leopoldina in cooperation with the Austrian Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs, the Austrian Ministry of Science, Research and Economy, the German Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and the PERFORM-platform (Performing and Responsive Social Sciences; funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation Helvetas). The next conference will be held in Paris in 2017.

The circle of stakeholders is represented by national academies of sciences and arts, rectors’ conferences, distinguished scientists ad personam and junior scientists. Further representatives of (international) organisations, the EU-commission, national governments and embassies take part as invited participants or observers. The participants discuss current challenges and possible solutions and improvements for the science systems in the Western Balkans. The results are usually summarised in Joint Statements, Final Conclusions or Communiqués. These are fed into the annual Western Balkans Leaders’ Summits in form of recommendations and independent advice.

Source: jsc