PRESS RELEASE - The RCC and the ETF sign Memorandum of Understanding to formalise cooperation in human capital development
Agreement lays out shared objectives for the advancement of human capital and socioeconomic development in South-East Europe (SEE)
Sarajevo, 19 March 2026 - Today, the European Training Foundation (ETF) and the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) setting out a collaboration framework for the improvement of human capital development, economic integration, and social cohesion in the Western Balkans. The agreement formally recognises a shared commitment to address common challenges through coordinated action and the involvement of key regional stakeholders, with a focus on aligning standards with those of the European Union.
Signed by Dr. Pilvi Torsti, Director of the ETF, and Amer Kapetanović, Secretary General of the RCC, the MoU emphasises knowledge sharing, policy alignment and joint initiatives in key areas of human capital and socioeconomic development. These include such core priorities as the digital and green transitions, labour market reform, skills development and portability, and research and innovation.
Pilvi Torsti, Director of the European Training Foundation, said: “The EU enlargement agenda continues to shine a light on the Western Balkans as they make strides in areas like higher education and human capital development. By signing this Memorandum of Understanding, the ETF and RCC demonstrate a sustained commitment to further progress, with tangible efforts to prepare the region’s population and economies for future labour market needs, towards EU integration and beyond.”
Amer Kapetanović, Secretary General of the RCC, said: “Human capital remains our most valuable resource and a key driver of sustainable growth, competitiveness and social cohesion. Strengthening skills, improving labour market participation and investing in education systems are not only economic priorities, but essential steps towards delivering better opportunities for citizens. By working closely with our partners, such as the ETF, we are contributing to advancing the reforms that support a more resilient, inclusive and future-ready region.”
A framework for action: skills, cooperation and integration:
The MoU sets out a structured approach to collaboration, underscoring the need to raise awareness of the importance of skills and social inclusion among regional stakeholders. In addition, it lays the foundation for future synergies between both parties, as well as potential project consortia and engagement between RCC countries and the European institutions on topics related to human capital. Knowledge sharing and alignment with the European Pillar of Social Rights and EU enlargement priorities are also core components.
The agreement acknowledges the RCC’s Common Regional Market as a crucial pillar of the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, while highlighting the social dimension of accession. It enables consultations and the sharing of best practices between the ETF and the RCC, with a view to facilitating more effective policy design. On an annual basis, progress made in the implementation of the MoU will be jointly assessed.
About the European Training Foundation
The European Training Foundation (ETF) is the European Union agency based in Turin (Italy) supporting partner countries in reforming education, training and labour-market systems. The ETF works with nearly 30 countries — from Ukraine to the Western Balkans, from the Southern Mediterranean to Central Asia and the African Union — to strengthen the prosperity and stability of Europe and its neighbours.
The ETF Governing Board, chaired by Mario Nava, European Commission Director-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, brings together representatives from all 27 EU Member States.
About the International Labour Organization
The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is a regionally owned and led political cooperation framework, established in 2008 as the successor to the Stability Pact for South-Eastern Europe. Serving as the operational secretariat of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP), the RCC provides the institutional structure and political space necessary to sustain dialogue across South-East Europe.
Its Board brings together 25 participants, including 14 EU Member States and 5 G20 members, reflecting its broad international relevance. Headquartered in Sarajevo, with a Liaison Office in Brussels, the RCC acts as a bridge between regional priorities and European and global decision-making.
Media relations
- Daria Santucci, +39 366 963 9638, mediarelations@etf.europa.eu
- Selma Ahatovic-Lihic, +387 33 561723, selma.Ahatovic-Lihic@rcc.int