Multilateral research project
Absorption capacity of the EU pre-accession programs in the Western Balkan countries
Project goals
1. Assessing the effectiveness of the pre-accession assistance in Western Balkan countries and identify possible constraints for increasing it. The absorption capacity is one of the issues to be analyzed. It is a factor recognized to be important for the system of pre-accession assistance and directly correlated with the efficiency of the allocated funds. The absorption capacity is also a key variable to be determined in order to have assessed the future use and successful implementation of the structural funds. After defining the effectiveness of the pre-accession assistance, aim of this Project was to provide with adequate actions needed to improve absorption of EU funds in order to accelerate real convergence of new EU member states.
2. In addition to the Goal 1, Project research and conclusion will be open to public in order to increase awareness and knowledge about the Funds and opportunities for different stakeholders (state, regional and local administration, NGOs, business world, education system, etc.).
In The News
This multilateral project brought together economists and experts for six difference countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina (University of Vitez), Bulgaria (New Bulgarian University), Croatia (University of Rijeka - Faculty of Economics), France (University of Nice Sophia Antipolis), Romania (National School of Political Studies and Public Administration), Slovenia (University of Ljubljana - Faculty of Economics).
Project partners
Conference in Vitez!
Final Event of the Project - the Conference "Absorption capacity of the EU pre-accession programs in the Western Balkan countries" was held.
September 17, 2014
Monograph published!
The most important deliverable of the Project - the scientific monograph "Absorption capacity of the EU pre-accession programs in the Western Balkan countries" was published. Access to e-version is available on this site.
August 18, 2014
Round table in Belgrade!
Round table "Absorption experience of Serbia and SEE countries" was held in Belgrade. Interesting discussion about perspectives of SEE countries in EU was developed.
November 15, 2013
All countries of Western Balkan region (Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia*, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia) are in the process of the integration to the European Union. Some of them are in more advanced phase in the integration process, while others have just started. The process is a complex one and requires a design and implementation of reforms in a wide variety of areas. Absorption capacity of EU pre-accession fund is of vital importance for improving economic and social cohesion of WB countries. Increased absorption capacity together with increase in effective use of EU funds must have positive effect on national economies of WB countries.
The main objective of the project would be to assess the effectiveness of the pre-accession assistance in Western Balkan countries and identify possible constraints. The absorption capacity is one of the issues to be analyzed. It is a factor recognized to be important for the system of pre-accession assistance and directly correlated with the efficiency of the allocated funds. The absorption capacity is also a key variable to be determined in order to have assessed the future use and successful implementation of the structural funds.
The results of the project would be a Study with the proposal with principals to guide actions and decisions in achieving rational outcomes for management and control system in Western Balkan countries set-up for absorption of EU Structural Funds and Cohesion Fund assistance. The proposed policy measures would be aimed to ensure proper allocation of all responsibilities to the relevant authorities and bodies stipulated in the Council Regulation (EC) No. 1083/2006.
*Croatia became EU member state in July 2013
