Institute for the Socioeconomic Development of the Western Balkans

🇦🇱 Albania and 🇲🇪 Montenegro have officially entered the geographical scope of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), making history as the first enlargement countries to achieve this milestone! 🌍 With the Growth Plan in motion, we’re already seeing its first impactful results in the Western Balkans. This step enhances financial integration, enabling smoother, cost-effective euro transactions with other SEPA members and fostering closer socio-economic ties with the EU. 💶🤝 Read more: https://bit.ly/3Z4BlxM #WeBalkans #WesternBalkans #SEPA #GrowthPlan

🌟 Big news for financial integration in SEE! 🌟 Montenegro and Albania are set to join the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), as approved today by the European Payments Council (EPC) Board. This expands SEPA’s reach to 38 countries, breaking down barriers to seamless euro transactions across borders. What does this mean? 📌 By April 2025, financial institutions in Montenegro and Albania will be able to connect to the SEPA network. 📌 Businesses and individuals will benefit from faster, simpler, and more efficient payments via SEPA Credit Transfer (SCT), SEPA Instant Credit Transfer (SCT Inst), and SEPA Direct Debit (SDD). 📌 A new chapter in regional financial integration and economic growth begins! Stay tuned for updates on the exact go-live date for payment service providers in these countries. https://lnkd.in/d8xSPmZg #SEPA #FinancialInclusion #Payments #Montenegro #Albania #EuropeanIntegration #EPC

We are happy to share that our vision of Western Balkans in 100 years won the contest. We believe that the only way to progress is by unity for sustainable goals and economic progress !

📢 The Open Think Tank Network (OpenTTN), an idea pioneered by foraus, is the first of its kind bringing together global grassroots Think Tanks to create innovative policies for a better world.  By leveraging crowdsourcing and grassroots methods, we empower voices from outside traditional political circles, democratising the process of international policy-making. ❓Why is this important now? Digital sovereignty is a key priority in Switzerland’s current foreign policy strategy, yet concrete measures to achieve these ambitions remain sparse. Our forthcoming publication, launching in February 2025, will address this gap. Authored by Elke Schraik, Nadine P., Lukas Seelig, and Claudine Karlen, the paper delves into how small states like Switzerland and Austria are navigating digital sovereignty to bolster their global influence. It provides a comparative analysis of their strategies against those of larger countries like Germany and the UK and offers actionable recommendations for policymakers to stay ahead in the digital age. ❓Why should you care? As digitalisation becomes increasingly critical, small states must adapt to ensure their autonomy and competitiveness on the global stage. Our research highlights key insights and practical solutions that can inform and enhance current policy debates in Switzerland and beyond. 💡Stay tuned for more updates on this and other impactful projects from the OpenTTN. #OpenTTN #DigitalSovereignty #PolicyInnovation #foraus #forausImpact  Polis180 e.V. - Grassroots-Thinktank für Außen- und Europapolitik Argo Think Tank Ponto - Grassroots Think Tank Austria

Today, on the European Day of Languages, we celebrate the rich linguistic diversity that unites Europe. 🌍 Did you know that the Western Balkans has more than 10 official languages spoken across the region? Languages are more than a means of communication—they are a gateway to understanding our shared history and values. As the world becomes more connected, the ability to speak and learn multiple languages is a vital tool for building inclusive and sustainable communities.💬 It can also be used to build peace and hence we are happy to participate in Initiative "Languages for peace". Check it out: https://lnkd.in/eajP68rt #EuropeanDayofLanguages #LanguageDiversity #WesternBalkans #CulturalHeritage #Multilingualism *picture credits: Amazing maps

As CERN celebrates 70 years of discovery, and it’s a powerful reminder of how science unites nations, did you know the Western Balkan countries were among its founders? Among CERN’s 12 founding members was Yugoslavia, representing a vision for international collaboration and scientific excellence. Although Yugoslavia’s journey at CERN was cut short in 1961 due to political and financial challenges, the countries that emerged after its breakup have made significant strides in re-engaging with this global scientific hub. 🔹 Serbia, rejoining CERN in 2019 as a full member, is a leading example, actively participating in groundbreaking projects and reaping mutual benefits. 🔹 Croatia (now an EU member) continues its collaboration and aims for full membership 🔹 Other countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina are taking steps toward deeper engagement through cooperation agreements. This renewal of ties shows the immense potential of the Western Balkans to contribute to global science. At the Institute for Socioeconomic Development of the Western Balkans (ISED-WB), we believe that science and collaboration are key drivers of peace and progress. Let’s keep pushing boundaries and empowering the next generation of researchers from the Western Balkans. 🙌 #CERN70 #WesternBalkans #ScienceForPeace #Innovation #ScientificCollaboration #ISEDWB

Dear journalists, would you like to improve your financial and economic literacy? This literacy has become essential for every journalist, no matter what topic you cover. 📈 Enroll in Thomson Media's foundational course for free to enhance your knowledge:

Contest for WB6 CIF Collective Trademark Name and Design!🚀 Western Balkans Six Chamber Investment Forum (WB6 CIF) is opening a contest to create the best name and design for a collective trademark to promote products and services from the Western Balkans 6 economies. 👉Open to young individuals up to the age of 35 who are either nationals of or reside in one of the Western Balkan economies (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo,Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia). We believe that the boundless creativity and fiery passion of our youth serve as a catalyst, elevating the economy to a new era of resilience, innovation, and cooperation. 📌 Contest Objectives: 🔸Create a unique and memorable brand name and visual identity. 🔸Reflect the collective nature of the brand and the unity among Western Balkan economies and the EU, emphasizing collaboration and shared goals. 🔸Ensure high standards of professionalism and cultural sensitivity. 🔸Develop a versatile and adaptable brand. 🔸Design an inclusive brand accessible to all stakeholders. 🗓️Deadline: August 12, 2024, at 23:30 h 🏆Prize: 2,500 EUR for the best solution! Check the🔗 link https://lnkd.in/dxMEVFRF for detailed information and guidelines. #wb6cif #UccialAlbania #KosovoChamberofCommerce #odaekonomikekosoves #komorabih #vtkbih #stkbih #PrivrednaKomoraCrneGore #Privrednakomorasrbije #economicchamberofnorthmacedonia

This week Geneva hosted its first-ever International Day of Women in Diplomacy. On this important occasion we are very happy to stress that at ISED we are dedicated to supporting women and strengthening female leadership! Did you know that 70% of all Think Tanks are completely male-founded? And at ISED, we are very proud that the great majority of our leaders are women. #WomenLeaders #FemaleEmpowerment #GenderEquality #ISED

The Western Balkans Competitiveness Data Hub is now live. The interactive platform brings 15 policy dimensions to life helping #WB6 economies benchmark progress and implement reforms. Explore and compare ➡️ https://brnw.ch/21wL25T | #OECDseeurope