EU–Western Balkans declaration recognises EIT's role in regional innovation

The EU and six Western Balkan partners have endorsed a joint declaration to strengthen research and innovation cooperation. The declaration explicitly recognises the role of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), highlighting its Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS) and EIT Community Hubs as mechanisms for strengthening regional innovation capacity and connecting Western Balkan innovators with European opportunities.

The declaration sets out a common ambition to strengthen research careers, boost innovation ecosystems and prepare a new joint action plan between the EU and the six Western Balkan partners: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.

The declaration was endorsed at a ministerial meeting in Brussels on 22 October 2026, hosted by Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation Ekaterina Zaharieva and co-chaired by Ireland’s Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless.

Strengthening EU–Western Balkans cooperation

Held under the theme ‘Research and Innovation as accelerators for EU integration’, the meeting focused on how closer research cooperation can support the Western Balkans’ EU integration. Discussions centred on two key areas: research careers and innovation ecosystems. Commissioner Zaharieva also presented a dedicated innovation award to young innovators from the region.

EIT Director Martin Kern addressed the meeting, highlighting the EIT's role in strengthening regional innovation and connecting Western Balkan innovators with opportunities across Europe. Between 2021 and 2025, the EIT invested €10 million in innovation support across the region, working with 93 local organisations. This enabled more than 25 000 people to participate in EIT education and training, supported 327 ventures and helped launch 20 innovations.

Strengthening regional innovation

Through the EIT RIS, the EIT supports innovation capacity in eligible countries and regions with lower innovation performance, helping entrepreneurs and organisations access training, business support and European networks. The EIT is also expanding its local presence through EIT Community Hubs, which provide a single point of contact for innovators interested in EIT opportunities. Hubs are already operating in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia, with a Hub in Kosovo planned by the end of 2026. 

EIT Community Officers play a key role in connecting the EIT with local innovation ecosystems through the EIT Community Hubs. They help entrepreneurs, startups, researchers and organisations access relevant programmes, expertise and European networks. By raising awareness of EIT opportunities and fostering collaboration, they contribute to strengthening local innovation capacity and creating opportunities for growth and cross-border cooperation.

The EIT also supports entrepreneurs through programmes such as EIT Jumpstarter and helps universities strengthen their innovation capacity through the EIT Higher Education Initiative. These activities aim to connect the Western Balkans more closely with Europe's innovation ecosystem, helping local businesses grow, attract investment and create jobs.

From cooperation to impact

The EIT's activities in the Western Balkans contribute to broader EU efforts to strengthen research and innovation cooperation across the region. The Western Balkan partners have secured around €237 million under Horizon Europe across more than 1 000 projects involving the region. Through its RIS, Community Hubs and entrepreneurship and education programmes, the EIT will continue supporting local innovators, strengthening regional innovation ecosystems and connecting the Western Balkans with opportunities across Europe.