The Chairman of the Delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina (PSBiH) to the Parliamentary Assembly of the South-East European Cooperation Process (PSSEECP), Ilija Cvitanovic, along with Deputy Chairmen Mladen Bosic and Dzemal Smajic, participated in the PSSEECP Standing Committee meeting held in Tirana.

Eduard Shalsi, Chairman of the PSSEECP Standing Committee, opened the session by outlining Tirana’s priorities as the chair of this regional initiative until June 2025. He emphasized the importance of regional parliamentary cooperation and the role of lawmakers in creating legislative solutions to foster stronger connectivity between countries, modernize border crossings, and establish a unified economic space in Southeast Europe.

Shalsi highlighted the three pillars of the Southeast Europe 2030 Strategy: people, prosperity, and peace and partnership. He stressed the importance of establishing a common regional market, boosting trade and labor mobility, promoting green and digital transitions, and modernizing border systems to support commerce and reduce waiting times.

During the discussion on “Parliamentary Cooperation for Enhanced Regional Connectivity and Easier Border Crossings in Southeast Europe,” Cvitanovic noted that the region’s history, often marked by divisions and conflicts, now offers an opportunity for a new chapter. He underscored the inefficiencies, congestion, and delays often seen at regional borders and called for improved border procedures and harmonized legislation through inter-parliamentary collaboration.

Cvitanovic argued that parliamentary cooperation, better regional connectivity, and more efficient border management would lead to increased trade, investment, and tourism, driving economic growth. He also highlighted the benefits for citizens, including greater freedom of movement for work, study, and leisure, thereby strengthening social and cultural ties between countries.

Participants at the PSSEECP Standing Committee meeting expressed support for infrastructure projects connecting regional economies and advocated harmonized regulations to eliminate trade barriers and enhance labor mobility in Southeast Europe, according to a statement from the PSBiH Public Relations Sector.