{"id":30982,"date":"2024-10-10T13:54:11","date_gmt":"2024-10-10T13:54:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/idscs.org.mk\/?p=30982"},"modified":"2024-10-10T16:41:09","modified_gmt":"2024-10-10T16:41:09","slug":"parliamentary-dimension-of-the-berlin-process-hosted-by-idscs-at-the-bundestag","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/idscs.org.mk\/en\/2024\/10\/10\/parliamentary-dimension-of-the-berlin-process-hosted-by-idscs-at-the-bundestag\/","title":{"rendered":"Parliamentary Dimension of the Berlin Process hosted by IDSCS at the Bundestag"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Parliamentary Dimension of the Berlin Process event, organized by the Institute for Democracy \u201cSocietas Civilis\u201d Skopje (IDSCS) and hosted by the German Bundestag took place on 9 October, at the Bundestag. The event was supported by the German Federal Foreign Office.
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\nThe event gathered Western Balkan (WB) and Bundestag Members of Parliaments, parliamentary administration, as well as representatives from think tank organisations to discuss their role within the Berlin Process.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Anton Hofreiter, Chairman of the Committee on European Union Affairs at the Bundestag, and Marko Troshanovski, President of IDSCS, opened the event with remarks highlighting the shared commitment to advancing reforms that align the Western Balkans with EU standards. They also emphasized the crucial role of parliamentary diplomacy in driving this process.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hofreiter addressed the audience, noting that this is the second time the Parliamentary Dimension of the Berlin Process has been held.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>I am glad that so many parliamentarians came to Berlin to discuss about economics of the region, renewable energy, and the rule of law. It shows how important it is for all of us to work closer together in Europe. The resolutions taken at the governmental level have to be put into practice through laws by the parliaments in the end. That is why it is of high importance that parliaments discuss together and bring in their own point of views. It\u2019s important that the parliamentary dimension continues to take place regularly once a year in the future”,<\/span> stated<\/span> Hofreiter.<\/span><\/p>\n


\nTroshanovski emphasized that the Berlin Process is fundamentally focused on people.<\/span><\/p>\n

“The Berlin Process is about people and exists solely for the people, who ultimately benefit from its gains. Parliaments must work to bring the benefits of the process closer to the citizens while pushing the Executive Governments to deliver reforms that will improve the quality of life and cooperation in the region for all of us. We are working in this direction and will continue to do so until the obligations are fulfilled and the ultimate goal is achieved\u2014the membership of the Western Balkans in the European Union,” noted Troshanovski.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the following sessions, the parliamentarians addressed the current progress of implementation of the Action Plans of Common Regional Market and Green Agenda, more specifically the areas of digitalisation and decarbonization. These discussions were guided by the findings of monitoring reports that assess the current implementation level of these action plans, policy alignment, and capacity-building across the Western Balkans.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Key sessions focused on Regional Cooperation and Sustainability<\/b>
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\n<\/b>The first session focused on the Common Regional Market (CRM), a cornerstone of regional economic integration. After the introductory remarks from Zoran Nechev, Head of the EU Department at the Institute for Democracy – IDSCS, Anamarija Velinovska (IDSCS), and Dragana Jacimovic (Institute Alternativa) presented insights into the CRM action plan and the findings of the latest monitoring reports. Discussions emphasized the importance of removing trade barriers and fostering cross-border collaboration, setting the stage for more effective regional cooperation and closer alignment with EU economic policies.<\/span><\/p>\n

The second session addressed the Green Agenda, focusing on decarbonization and sustainability efforts in the Western Balkans. Following introductory remarks by Tatjana Sterjova-Dushkovska, Secretary General at the Western Balkan 6 \u2013 Chamber of Investment Forum, researchers Juliana Bilbilaj (Institute for Political Studies), Violeta Haxholli (Kosova Democratic Institute), and Marija Stefanovic (CRTA) presented their findings on how WB region can align with the EU\u2019s climate goals. The session highlighted the urgency of advancing decarbonization and increasing investments in renewable energy to ensure long-term sustainability in the region.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe monitoring reports provide valuable insights into the progress made by the WB6 countries in the areas of digitalization and decarbonization, as outlined in the Action Plans for the Common Regional Market and the Green Agenda. While there are significant disparities in the levels of implementation across these nations, many initiatives are inherently regional and necessitate cooperative efforts. It is crucial for parliaments to leverage this information for effective oversight and monitoring. By doing so, they can hold institutions accountable for their commitments and ensure that progress is made in both digitalization and decarbonization\u201c<\/span>noted the researchers in a joint statement.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Parliamentary Staffers exchange best practices<\/b><\/p>\n

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A side event was held for parliamentary staffers, focused on enhancing the capacity of Western Balkan parliaments in the Berlin Process. Anamarija Velinovska, a researcher at IDSCS led the session. Representatives from the Bundestag, Jutta Schneider-Schill, Bettina Creaton, and Felix Arndt, Bundstag, B\u00fcrgerr\u00e4te, shared best practices on how parliamentary administrations can better support legislative reforms and monitor action plans linked to the Berlin Process.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Joint meeting of EU Committees and Western Balkan delegations<\/b><\/p>\n

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The Committee on EU Affairs at the Bundestag organised a joint meeting of the EU Committees from the WB6 and Bundestag during the Parliamentary Dimension of the Berlin Process event. Representatives from the EU Committees addressed two essential topics:<\/span><\/p>\n