Programme

Draft agenda:

10:00–10:30 Connection test with remote participants

  1. Adoption of the draft agenda

Morning session: hearing 10:30–13:00

  1. Hearing in the framework of the EESC opinion on New growth plan and facility for the Western Balkans

10:30–10:35 Opening remarks by Mr Andrej ZORKO, president of the EESC's study group on New growth plan and facility for the Western Balkans

10:35–10:45 Short introduction by Mr Ionuţ SIBIAN, rapporteur, and Ms Dragica MARTINOVIĆ DŽAMONJA, co-rapporteur

10:45–11:15 SESSION I – Presentation of the Commission's proposal and view of the Regional Cooperation Council

  • Anna VEZYROGLOU, Deputy Head of unit Western Balkans Policy & Regional Strategy, DG NEAR, European Commission 
  • Pranvera KASTRATI, Acting Head of Programme department, Regional Cooperation Council (RCC)
  • Danijela GAČEVIĆ, Acting Director, Central European Free Trade Association (CEFTA) Secretariat Debate

11:30–11:45 Coffee Break

11:45–12:45 SESSION II – Views from organised civil society and international organisations

  • Strahinja SUBOTIĆ, programme manager and senior researcher at the European Policy Centre (CEP – Belgrade)
  • Branimir JOVANOVIĆ, economist, The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (wiiw) (online)
  • Matija DRMOTA, Expert, Association of Free Trade Unions of Slovenia (ZSSS) (online)
  • Tatjana SHTERJOVA DUSHKOVSKA, Secretary General, Western Balkans 6 Chamber Investment Forum (WB6 CIF) (online) Debate

12:45–12:55 Conclusions by Mr Ionuţ SIBIAN, rapporteur, and Ms Dragica MARTINOVIĆ DŽAMONJA, co-rapporteur

12:55–13:00 Closing remarks by Mr Andrej ZORKO, president of the EESC's study group on New growth plan and facility for the Western Balkans

Afternoon session: study group meeting debate 14:30–17:30

  1. 14:30 - Presentation of the Working document on New growth plan and facility for the Western Balkans