- Published: 05.10.2023.
MVEP and OECD develop project for digital, green transition in Western Balkans
The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, in cooperation with the OECD South East Europe Regional Programme, developed the Digital and Green Transition Project for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the Western Balkans. The aim of this three-year project is to create a stimulating environment for the successful digitalization and green transition of small and medium-sized enterprises in the Western Balkan countries by establishing a regional platform for corporate digital transformation that would facilitate the exchange of information, best practice and direct communication between policy makers and public and private sector stakeholders. Croatia strongly supports the economic development of the Western Balkans, while strengthening cooperation with the OECD and advancing our accession to this organization. The government will contribute €1.2 million to the OECD for the implementation of the project.
In addition, the US government has been running the Development Cooperation Partnership (DCP) since 2012, which promotes the rule of law and civil society development by co-financing projects in South East Europe, East and Central Asia. Following the successful cooperation within DCP to date, we have recognized the importance of and accepted the invitation to join the Office of the High Representative (OHR) Fellowship Program. The program provides a unique opportunity for professional development to selected candidates that will work at the OHR and deal with matters such as the rule of law, combating corruption, electoral integrity and institutional strengthening of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Under its foreign policy activities, Croatia attaches special attention to BiH, which has been number one recipient of bilateral development aid for a number of years. Moreover, by supporting this project, Croatia continues to support BiH’s development and stability, proving itself once again to be a reliable partner to developing countries, as well as a solidary and responsible EU member state.
The government also reached a decision to launch the signing of a partnership agreement between the EU and the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS). The agreement provides a framework for the EU-OACPS cooperation and is based on development, economic, trade and political dimension.