InTER researchers presented Policy Brief in Brussels as a part of TRAIN Programme

Within the TRAIN Programme (Think Tanks providing Research and Advice through Interaction and Networking) funded by German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP, https://dgap.org/), InTER researchers Vesela Ćurković and Dragiša Mijačić had an opportunity to present a Policy Brief: “Impact Assessment of EU Financial Assistance to the Republic of Serbia: Time for Change?” to the EU representatives, during the working visit organised on October 14-18, 2012.

The research was presented to different institutions, including the European Parliament’s Board for Western Balkans, European External Action Service (EEAS) and European Policy Centre. However, presentation with the greatest attention was given in DG Enlargement, with the presence of Pierre Mirel – Director of Unit for Albania, BiH, Serbia and Kosovo, Myriam Ferran – Director of Unit for Serbia and Tristan Le Berigot – Advisor for Serbia. Recommendations and arguments from the research were accepted in a positive way by all counterparts in Brussels, and the topic proved to be very interesting not only for Serbia, but also other countries in the region.

Apart from presentation, InTER’s researchers participated in numerous conversations with the representatives of official European institutions and independent analysts about the situation in the Western Balkans and transition problems faced by Serbia and other countries in the region in the European integration process. The meeting that stood out was organised with the members of the European Parliament, chaired by Mr Eduard Kukan, and it was marked by a spirited and constructive discussion about the need for European integration and strengthening the role of non-governmental organizations in the society democratisation.

Participants of TRAIN Programme also met with Vladimir Dobrnjak, Chief Negotiation and Head of Mission of the Republic of Croatia in the European Union, who pointed out the challenges placed before Croatia during the accession process.

General impression of all participants is that EU representatives showed significant interest in researches and analyses implemented by think tanks from the Western Balkans. This lead to a conclusion that it is necessary to improve communication between think thank and NGO representatives on the one hand and officials from European institutions on the other hand, in order to achieve the best possible recognition of social and economic problems in the transition process of EU accession.

InTER thanks TRAIN Programme representatives for a successful study visit in Brussels.

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