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AVİM (7 December 2023)

In a collaborative conference organized by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and The Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkey (TEPAV) on December 5th, 2023, titled "Human Security and Resilience in Southeast Europe," a query was raised by a TEPAV member. The said member inquired of an RCC representative regarding the rationale for certain panelists' employment of the term "western Balkans," * which is perceived as divisive and discriminatory. In response, the RCC representative clarified that this term is not utilized in the organization's official communications or reports. He elaborated that the terminology originates from the European Union's lexicon.

(*) AVİM considers the term "Western Balkans" to be a politically motivated separatist terminology and insist on the use of the geographical and historical identification "Balkans" regarding the region.