How can science systems of the Western Balkans be improved and better included in the European Research Area? This question is at the heart of the “Joint Science Conference”, part of the “Western Balkans Process/Berlin Process” initiated by German chancellor Angela Merkel. The OeAW is involved in these conferences.
This international conference series brings together scholars and representatives of academies of science, rectors’ conferences, and other institutions from EU and Western Balkan countries.
The Western Balkans Process currently involves the six countries of the Western Balkans – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia –, the United Kingdom, the EU member states Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland, Slovenia, as well as the European Commission. The initiative’s goals include the accession of the Western Balkan countries to the European Union, intensification of the accession process, and strengthening regional collaboration in the political, economic, academic, and societal spheres.
The first “Joint Science Conference” took place in Germany in 2015 at the initiative of the National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina; the second one was held from 22–24 May 2016 in Vienna by invitation of the OeAW and Leopoldina. In 2017, the conference was held in Paris, France. In 2018, it took place in Trieste, Italy. The 2019 conference was held London, UK. In 2021, the 6th Joint Science Conference was a virtual meeting.
The findings of the annual “Joint Science Conferences” are summarized in joint statements serving as independent science-based recommendations for political decision-makers within the EU and the Western Balkan countries.
STATEMENT OF THE 6TH JOINT SCIENCE CONFERENCE
STATEMENT OF THE 5TH JOINT SCIENCE CONFERENCE
STATEMENT OF THE 4RD JOINT SCIENCE CONFERENCE
Statement of the 3rd Joint Science Conference