The 9th Joint Scientific Conference of the Berlin Process for the Western Balkans was held in Ljubljana, Slovenia, from 14 to 16 October under the title “Science under Pressure – Challenges and Opportunities”. On behalf of BAS, Prof. Ivan Georgiev, Scientific Secretary of the “Information and Communication Sciences and Technologies” division took part in the forum.
The main topics discussed at the conference were the freedom and autonomy of academic institutions and the role of academies and universities in supporting and strengthening the knowledge economy, security, democracy and the rule of law in the Western Balkan countries.
The joint scientific conferences of the Berlin Process have consistently underlined the importance of strong, independent universities, academies and research institutions as drivers of innovation, societal progress and European integration. These principles ensure that academic and research institutions can freely seek knowledge, promote critical thinking and participate openly in education, research and public dialogue.
As a result of the work of the conference, key messages were formulated for the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Western Balkans and the European Commission to be held in London on 22 October.
