EU and Western Balkan countries sign joint declaration to deepen cooperation

The European Union and the Western Balkan partners have signed a joint declaration to deepen research and innovation cooperation on 22/10/2026. The declaration set out the priorities for future cooperation, including alignment with European reforms, increased private and public investment, and support for the green and digital transitions.

Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia said they reaffirmed their commitment to the path towards EU accession by aligning their national frameworks with key European initiatives such as the European Research Area Act, the Startup and Scaleup Strategy, the European Innovation Act and the EU acquis relating to R&I.

The declaration also emphasises the strengthening of skills and institutional capacity to support the…