The Third Annual Conference of the Balkan Association of Applied Economists (BAAE), titled “Applied Economics for Inclusive Growth in the Western Balkans”, was held on 19 and 20 June at the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Belgrade. The conference brought together more than 120 experts, researchers, university professors and institutional representatives from the Western Balkans and Europe.
Over two days, participants discussed key development issues in the region, including economic growth, competitiveness, regional trade, the Common Regional Market, the green transition, labour markets, education and skills.
The first day focused on economic growth in the Western Balkans and the New Growth Plan, as well as the role of CEFTA and the Common Regional Market in promoting trade and competitiveness. Participants discussed opportunities for deeper regional cooperation, economic convergence and stronger links between reform processes and the needs of economies and societies in the region.
The second day included a plenary session on applied economics and growth in the Western Balkans, followed by sessions on climate change, the green economy, labour markets, education and skills. Particular attention was given to how regional economies are adapting to technological change, emerging skills needs and the challenges of the green transition.
The conference was supported by the Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans.
