Forum of the Central European Initiative in Belgrade

In cooperation between the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities (SCTM) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Forum of the Central European Initiative (CEI) entitled “The Local Dimension of CEI – A Platform for Cooperation among Local and Regional Authorities in Europe” was held in Belgrade on 23 October 2025.

The event gathered representatives of national associations of local authorities from CEI member states, with the aim of exchanging experiences and strengthening cooperation at the local level.

Miloš Todorović, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and National CEI Coordinator for Serbia, emphasized that Serbia attaches great importance to regional cooperation and the process of European integration.

“The local level plays a key role in implementing concrete policies. CEI is the oldest regional initiative in this part of Europe and an important pillar of regional connectivity and stability,” said Todorović.

Dr. Goran Cvetanović, President of the SCTM and Mayor of Leskovac, underlined the significance of local and regional authorities as the foundation of European cooperation.

“The local level clearly reflects both the challenges and potentials of our societies, and through cooperation we can create concrete solutions that connect our communities — especially in times of modern challenges such as climate change and digitalization,” said Cvetanović.

Ivana Pejović, Deputy Secretary General of CEI, presented the instruments of financial support and knowledge exchange programs.

“CEI provides local and regional authorities with tools, knowledge, and resources to support European integration and sustainable development, through the CEI Fund and knowledge exchange programs such as KEP, which enable learning from best practices,” stated Pejović.

Fabrizio Rossi, Secretary General of the Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), highlighted the crucial role of local authorities in the European integration process.

“EU enlargement will not be successful without the active participation of cities and municipalities, which must have access to resources and a place in the decision-making process,” said Rossi, emphasizing the need for multilevel governance and for addressing disinformation and violence against local officials.

During the panel discussion “Strategic Priorities of CEI from the Perspective of National Associations of Local Authorities”, representatives from Romania, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Germany, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and other countries discussed the values they share with CEI – strengthening democratic processes, improving public administration, environmental protection, and social inclusion.

The panel served as a platform for exchanging good practices and identifying opportunities for joint initiatives that contribute to regional cohesion.

Nikola Tarbuk, Secretary General of SCTM, concluded the forum by noting the strong potential for cooperation at the local level.

“CEI is an important platform for knowledge exchange and joint projects. We will continue to develop initiatives that contribute to European integration and the strengthening of local democracy,” said Tarbuk.

The Central European Initiative (CEI) was established in 1989 and today brings together 17 member states. Its activities are carried out through four dimensions – political, parliamentary, business, and local.

The forum is part of CEI’s local dimension, which is organized annually with the goal of enhancing cooperation between local and regional entities. This dimension, launched in 2021, has been gaining increasing importance as a space for concrete initiatives and stronger connections among local actors in the region.

The Republic of Serbia assumed the annual CEI Presidency in January 2025, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia serving as the national coordinator.