For two decades, SWG has been at the heart of regional cooperation, rural development and agriculture, driving progress and unity in the SEE. Together with our partners, experts, and colleagues, we’ve built bridges across borders, shaped rural development, and empowered rural communities. Since its founding in 2005, SWG has grown from a visionary idea into a respected regional platform for cooperation, fostering dialogue, dedication and development in SEE.
During the ceremony marking the 20th anniversary of SWG in Ohrid, SWG Secretary General Boban Ilic recalled that the SWG story began in Ohrid back in 2001, even prior to its formal establishment. A small group of enthusiasts and visionaries came together driven by a shared goal to help the countries of the Balkans accelerate their progress toward EU accession. Since then, SWG has operated across three temporal dimensions—reflecting on the past, working actively in the present using well-established methods, and preparing for the future through scientifically grounded foresight and strategic planning.
At the opening ceremony of SWG’s 20th anniversary, Ms. Bogdanka Leveska Gjorshoska, SWG Senior Project Manager, reflected: “Over the past two decades, we have learned, progressed, and contributed to the field of rural development and sustainable agriculture, bringing forward new ideas, shaping policies, and most importantly, strengthening ties across borders. SWG has been at the heart of some of the most significant rural development initiatives in the region. Such an examples are the high level exchange format – the Annual Meetings of the Ministers of Agriculture and the Agricultural Policy Forums, regional gatherings that bring together ministers, policy experts, and stakeholders to align on common goals, confront shared challenges, and move forward at once”.
Cvetan Tripunovski, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy, North Macedonia: Strengthening regional cooperation is key to advancing agriculture and rural development! Over the years, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy of North Macedonia has built a strong partnership with the SWG. This enhanced cooperation plays a key role in supporting the EU integration process and in aligning agricultural and rural development policies with EU standards. As an International Intergovernmental Organization, Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group (SWG RRD) connects institutions across South East Europe to promote sustainable agriculture and rural development. The strong communication and partnership established with the SWG over the past two decades stands as clear evidence of the effectiveness of regional cooperation.
Swantje Nielson, BMEL Germany: On behalf of the German Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Community, we warmly congratulate the SWG, all member institutions, and everyone who has contributed to SWG’s remarkable 20-year journey! Two decades ago, establishing the SWG was a visionary step — at a time when regional cooperation was far from guaranteed. It recognized the key role of agriculture and rural development in ensuring food security, driving economic growth, and strengthening social cohesion and stability in South-East Europe. It also embraced the power of working together, knowing that regional challenges are best tackled through regional solutions. Together, we go further. Germany stands ready to continue our partnership, to support the SWG and its members on their path. Through initiatives like the SWG and the Agricultural Policy Dialogue project, we remain committed to supporting more sustainable agriculture across the region.
