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Conflict and Renewal: Europe Transformed. Essays in Honour of Wolfgang Petritsch
Baden-Baden: Nomos Verlagsgesellschaft, 2007, 407 pp.


Chapter 6. A New Regional Approach for South East Europe
Regional Cooperation in South East Europe: Opportunities and Risks

by Gregor Kössler


"With regional ownership through the Regional Cooperation Council thus becoming a tangible asset, regional governments have a true chance to set a different tone in their relations with each other. They are all in an equally excellent position to show a new face of the region to the 'outside world'. For the first time, they are taking the driving seat in a vehicle that is still a joint venture of South East Europe and the international community. While the RCC may only be a modest 'Fico' to start with, the experience in driving it will increase every-one's fitness to perform well as an internationally respected partner in Europe. Regional leadership to grow out of regional ownership: that's the ultimate goal in this context. Let's all work towards achieving it."


Gregor Kössler is Head of Cabinet at the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe