The European Policy Institute (EPI) and the Think for Europe Network (TEN) hosted the first meeting of the Regional Consultation Mechanism (R-CoMER) today. The online event brought together representatives from key regional organizations/institutions, such as the Regional School of Public Administration (ReSPA), the Transport Community Permanent Secretariat, the CEFTA Secretariat, and the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), who, together with TEN explored opportunities for cooperation under the EU-funded “WB Reform and Growth Monitor” project.
Designed as an introductory and informative session, the meeting focused on presenting each organization/institution’s work related to the Growth Plan, identifying potential synergies, and outlining the project’s progress to date. Regional organizations/institutions shared their mandates under the Growth Plan and the Common Regional Market (CRM), emphasizing opportunities for collaboration such as exchanging monitoring methodologies and data. Their interventions highlighted that the project operates within a broader ecosystem of regional reforms that directly influence the pace and credibility of EU integration.
ReSPA’s contribution underscored its direct support to Reform Agenda implementation through expert missions, legislative drafting, digitalization tools, and mobility schemes that facilitate peer learning within the region and with EU Member States. Programme Manager Boris Ristović highlighted ongoing work in North Macedonia and Montenegro, including support for a new anti-corruption strategy, assistance on public salary system reforms through cooperation with Croatia, and work on cybersecurity and NIS2 preparedness. He also announced an upcoming December webinar on administrative simplification—an area closely linked to improving service delivery. Ristović expressed interest in comparing the project’s methodology with ReSPA’s activities.
RCC Senior Expert Fatmir Curri outlined RCC’s work on CRM pillars related to competitiveness, human capital, and digital transformation. He announced that RCC is finalizing an internal CRM monitoring tool, developed jointly with other regional bodies, which will break down measures into annual milestones. Curri underscored that many CRM outcomes rely on national-level progress, such as the rollout of national digital ID wallets, which are essential for a future regional digital ID system. He also noted that RCC will soon present the CRM to civil society across the region to strengthen public understanding of national and regional responsibilities, highlighting a clear opportunity for synergy with R-CoMER and the Monitor’s national consultation mechanisms.
CEFTA representative Aurelia Ieseanu presented progress in CRM pillars on trade in goods and services, including achievements on Additional Protocols and new work on e-commerce and intellectual property rights. She also noted advances in mutual recognition of conformity assessment for industrial products and efforts to remove short-term work permit requirements under Additional Protocol 6. These developments demonstrate how regional agreements can translate into practical benefits for businesses, precisely the type of outcomes the Monitor aims to assess.
Transport Community representative Elvira Kavazović highlighted the organization’s mandate to align Western Balkan transport rules with the EU acquis and stressed that economic growth and transport development must progress in parallel. She noted ongoing work on e-freight and intelligent transport systems that can modernise freight transport, reduce border delays, and support the region’s digital and green transition. The Transport Community submits annual progress reports to the European Commission and confirmed readiness to support the project with data, methodologies, and insights, strengthening the Monitor’s capacity to track connectivity reforms as indicators of competitiveness and EU market readiness.
The discussion also addressed the practical challenges of monitoring WBIF projects—an area where civil society has limited access to information and where European Commission procedures for co-financing under the Reform and Growth Facility are still being finalised. Participants noted that independent monitoring can help identify bottlenecks early and reinforce accountability on both EU and government sides.
The “WB Reform and Growth Monitor” project, funded by the European Union, aims to strengthen data-driven monitoring, institutional accountability, and public engagement in the implementation of the Growth Plan. By fostering structured cooperation with regional organizations through R-CoMER, the project contributes to advancing reforms and supporting the region’s EU integration efforts.
