The 2004 Annual meeting of the EBRD in London concluded that relaxed regional relations and an increase in regional trade are essential if economic growth is to persist in the Western Balkans. Friendly regional relations, as well as the creation of a regional free trade zone, are a sine qua non for increased regional trade and foreign direct investment. The importance of regional cooperation was also stressed by Agnes van Ardenne-van der Hoeven, Minister of Development Cooperation of the Netherlands, in a speech delivered on 19 October 2005 at the University of Pristina.

Ministries of economic affairs, trade & industry, chambers of commerce and similar agencies, and faculties of economics from SEE take part in the three-year project. The project builds capacities of the stakeholders to jointly tackle economic challenges on a regional level. Read more on how to participate in the various activities below:

1. Stakeholder conferences on PSD topics
2. Regional Europe Day events in the Western Balkans
3. Joined regional research projects on PSD
4. Internships/ Jobs for students from South East Europe
5. Study visits of stakeholders to the Netherlands and EU institutions
6. Regional business plan competitions for university graduates
7. Business skills training modules for entrepreneurs and students