The aim of the meeting on 23-24 September is to discuss the R&D priorities and objectives of the Finnish EU Council Presidency as well as the participation of the Western Balkans in the EU’s Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. Furthermore, conclusions of relevant events for R&D in the Western Balkans will be discussed and updates on the state of R&D policies and cooperation in the Western Balkans will be given. In particular, progress of the region towards integrating into the European Research Area as well as efforts to develop and implement Smart Specialisation Strategies will be discussed.

The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) will host a meeting on Horizon Europe on 23 September in the morning.The discussion will continue in the afternoon with focus on Smart Specialisation, Research infrastructures and Horizon Europe among other topics. On 24th the Ministers responsible for Science and Innovation will finally gather for a joint debate.