Amer Kapetanović assumed office today as the new Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), following his appointment by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Southeast European Cooperation Process (SEECP) on June 12, 2024, in Skopje.
Amer Kapetanović is a distinguished diplomat with over two decades of experience in international relations and regional cooperation.
Statement from Mr. Kapetanović:
“As we enter 2025, allow me to first wish you all health, peace, and prosperity in the New Year. It is an honor for me to take on the role of Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council for the next three years. I begin this journey with the motto of the architects of the EU Single Market and champions of regional cooperation: ‘Diversity must be preserved in order to bear fruit for the common good.’ This encapsulates the essence of our efforts to create sustainable benefits for all, while valuing the rich diversity of our region.
I look forward to building on the remarkable work already done in Southeastern Europe and the Western Balkans. In this context, I would like to thank Majlinda Bregu, Goran Svilanović, and Hido Biščević, my predecessors, for their energy, knowledge, and experience invested in leading the RCC to success.
But no leader can walk the path of change alone! My sincere gratitude also goes to the RCC staff, those who have worked or still work on our projects. Without them, it would not have been possible to even think about our regional paradigm, let alone everything we have achieved so far.
Opening a new chapter in life is always exciting, but rarely easy. Even when you know the history and the key figures well, the road ahead always brings new challenges and temptations. However, I am equally convinced that with the support of our participants and donors, we can be, over the next three years, the real change that citizens in our region want to see. According to all surveys so far, our citizens have a simple and achievable dream – they want economic improvement, a secure and prosperous life, just like their fellow citizens in the EU. And in fact, they insist on becoming part of the EU as soon as possible.
This new chapter offers unique opportunities for the RCC to be part of an organized regional effort to realize the dreams of our citizens. With financial support from the EU and our participants, we will begin amplifying people-oriented results – whether through advancing the Regional Common Market, improving the Southeastern Europe 2030 Strategy (SEE2030), pushing forward Green and Digital Agendas, enabling youth participation in decision-making, improving employment opportunities, or strengthening cooperation in the security field.
In an era of global polycrises, our region has chosen to stay on the path of EU standards, multilateralism, and cooperation based on mutual trust, interest, and respect. All governments within our framework are committed to supporting RCC actions directed towards this strategic direction.
Therefore, I am ready to embark on this purposeful journey, deeply grateful to all those who will be part of it. In the spirit of my surname, I wish you all a smooth journey and peaceful seas.”
