Monday, November 16, 2009

Cooperation and dialogue between the countries of the Balkans presents a key factor to the overall prosperity of the region.  Civil society’s role to shape and to facilitate communications of the societies of the respective countries is crucial, thus bringing forward issues of mutual interest.

Thanks to the support of the Council of Europe, European Commission, the European Fund for the Balkans and the British Council, the Regional Conference of the Schools of the Political studies was held in Prishtina on November 6 – 7, 2009.

The purpose of the conference was to strengthen communication and cooperation among the leaders in the Balkans as facilitator and key contributors for quality dialogue in political processes in becoming part of the zone of peace and prosperity.

The conference carried out the ambitious aim of transmitting knowledge about the challenges and opportunities in the Balkans region, of stimulating leadership and professional skills and of encoring a continued exchange of views as well as building bridges towards a sustainable network.

Participants in the Conference represented the Political Schools of Albania, Kosova, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Monte Negro.

The main topics of the conference were:

•    Civil Society-bringing down the regional walls;
•    Freedom of Speech and the role of the media in the region;
•    The economic prospects of the Balkans and the regional markets;
•    The obstacles in fighting corruption and organized crime.

The conference participants were hosted in a special meeting in Kosova’s Parliament by the President of the Republic of Kosova, Mr. Fatmir Sejdiu.