Kapetanović: Can Europe Still Turn Its Promises into Practice?

On Europe Day, Amer Kapetanović, the Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), issued a pointed reminder that the continent's commitments must translate into tangible actions. In an opinion piece, Kapetanović challenged Europe to move beyond symbolic gestures and demonstrate its capacity to turn promises into practice, particularly for Southeast Europe. He noted that while the region has evolved beyond its post-conflict phase, the current geopolitical climate demands a more results-oriented approach to multilateralism. Kapetanović stressed that regional cooperation, a cornerstone of stability and progress, cannot remain static. He pointed to the growing importance of Southeast Europe as a corridor for energy, logistics, and supply chains, further complicated by the EU's enlargement perspective. For Serbia and the wider Balkan region, this is a critical juncture. The emphasis on economic convergence, integration into the EU's single market, and enhanced connectivity is not just about bureaucratic alignment; it's about tangible improvements in the lives of citizens. Kapetanović's call for action resonates deeply in a region that has long awaited concrete benefits from European integration. The observation that the US withdrawal from the RCC Board signifies a shift of responsibility towards European actors underscores the urgency for the EU to step up. The high public support for regional cooperation, as indicated by RCC surveys, shows that citizens are ready for practical improvements like eased trade and increased mobility. The message is clear: institutions must serve the people, and cooperation must yield demonstrable results.

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Southeast Europe is now facing its own version of that test. The region is no longer in the post-conflict period where cooperation was primarily conceived as protection against new conflict.