Macedonian Institute for Integration is co-organizer of the high level conference "First gathering of the Reform Leaders from the Western Balkan regions and Experts on the EU Project Funding (GOR)" on 31st May and 01st June in Brussels.

Without doubt, Western Balkan region is facing a challenging period in it's quest to join the European Union. The implementation of a regional and cross sector projects co-financed by the EU is subject to procedures, rules and obligations which are generally poorly known by the potential beneficiaries in the Western Balkans. In order to encourage momentum, raise confidence and advance quality of the results it is crucial to encourage cross-sector collaboration, introduce advanced project design and quality assurance methodologies and support synergy of the reform initiatives.

The goal of the conference is to provide immediate and effective support to Western Balkan (WB) reform leaders who are working at the forefront of development and reform to build up their capacities and expand perspectives for successful initiation, preparation and application for projects under EU umbrella. Conference program will focus on the issues considered of high priority for Western Balkan beneficiaries such as institution building, regional development, environment, energy, tourism, SMEs, research and innovation, cross-border cooperation and cross-cultural cooperation.

The first gathering of the reform leaders from the Western Balkans is tailored for the practical needs of the leading public, private and nongovernmental organizations, providing necessary guidelines and tools, introducing innovative project design approaches such as: combining knowledge and participation, participatory decision-making processes, open method of coordination, reaching excellence in quality management, monitoring & evaluation methodologies and cutting-edge leadership practices.

Key note speakers include:

• Mr. Oscar Arias, DG Enlargement; IPA Country Co-ordinator, Co-ordination and programming of IPA assistance Financial Assistance Contact point for EC Delegation-Skopje.
• MEP  Eduard Kukan; Chairman of the Delegation for relations with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and Kosovo ;
• MEP  Jelko Kacin; Vice-Chair of the Delegation for relations with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro and Kosovo;
• MEP  Tanja Fajon; Vice- Chair of the Delegation to the EU-Croatia Joint Parliamentary Committee,
• MEP  Alojz Peterle; Member of the Delegation to the EU-Croatia Joint Parliamentary Committee and Former Prime-Minister of Slovenia,

Date: 31^st May and 01^st June 2010  | Time: 10:00 AM - 19:00 PM  | Location: Rue Saint Laurent 36-38, 1000 Brussels (map)

You may register below or by sending your Name, Position and Organisation (if you are representing an organisation)  at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . You will immediately receive GOR orientation documents and invoice. Program fee is 350 EUR. Your payments will be welcomed by the 10th of May. Late payments are 450 EUR.

You will be officially enrolled in the program upon the reception of the installation payment when you will receive preparatory materials for this challenging training; Scholarships and reductions are available at request. Our hope is that your experience with us will prove to be supremely beneficial in the development of your projects, your professional capacity and our combined service to the society and economy of the region.

You can ask for GOR Leaders conference Program and more additional information on:

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Phone: +389 2 5511 831

or visit the official website of the GOR conference here