The Western Balkans (WB) are on a path towards integration to the European Union (EU). Research, innovation, education, training and culture are essential drivers of this process, underpinned by evidence-based policymaking.

The Thessaloniki Western Balkans Summit of 21 June 2003 laid the foundations for relations between the EU and the Western Balkans (WB) economies. The joint Declaration adopted at the  Summit  welcomed, among other things, the endorsement of the Thessaloniki Agenda for the Western Balkans, which included references to research, technology and development.

Since then, policies across the region have been consolidated in favour of integration into the European Union. However, numerous challenges remain, such as strengthening institutional capacities, overcoming fragmented regional cooperation, and addressing climate-related issues.

Fostering the stability and prosperity of the Western Balkans remains a key priority for the EU. As outlined in the European Commission’s priorities, green transition, digital transformation and an economy that works for people are crucial for relaunching and modernising the region. These efforts aim to create jobs and growth, addressing the long-standing challenges faced by young people, such as limited job prospects and inequality.

In such a context, the Western Balkans Steering Platform on Research and Innovation play a central role in stimulating, monitoring and supporting the cooperation in policies and programmes in these fields between the European Union Member States, the European Commission and the Western Balkans. It is a strategic body to deal with European, multilateral and regional issues of Research and Innovation policies in and with the Western Balkans, and acts as an information exchange forum where the latest national developments in a given field are presented, discussed and best practices are exchanged.

_______

2025 marks the 19^th anniversary of the establishment of the Western Balkans Steering Platform on Research and Innovation. It now meets annually at Ministerial level and aims at supporting the enhanced integration of the Western Balkans into the European Research Area. The annual Steering Platform’s Ministerial meetings allow identifying common priorities, discussing latest policy and reform measures, deciding on spin-off and follow-up activities as well as on topics for regional cooperation with EU assistance.

____

This year, once again, the Ministerial Meeting of the Western Balkans Steering Platform brings together key stakeholders from the European Union and the Western Balkans region in an exchange forum. At this meeting, Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation, and the relevant Western Balkans’ Ministers will discuss policy issues of common concern and the concrete results already delivered across the region in the context of  the Western Balkans Agenda on Innovation, Research, Education, Culture, Youth and Sport.