The South East Europe 2020 Strategy – Integration through Trade and Investment

The topic of this research is a deeper analysis and comparison of one of the pillars of the South East Europe (SEE) 2020 Strategy ‐ SEE 2020 Strategy: Jobs and Prosperity in a European Perspective. The SEE 2020 as a regional strategy is inspired and based on EU 2020 principles, reflecting the commitment and determination of all governments in South Eastern Europe for achieving a higher level of socioeconomic growth and facilitates integration within the EU. The SEE 2020 Strategy, especially the Integrated growth pillar focuses on increased regional trade and investment flows, by strengthening cooperation and creating transparent national policies. In order to reach these targets, as well as the creation of new jobs and prosperity, key importance is placed on increased regional trade and investments that actually increase the competitiveness and integration of the region on a European and global level. The main research question of this chapter is the level and the dimension of the implementation of trade and investment integration targets in South East European countries, with the aim of increasing intra‐regional trade in goods by more than 140% and increasing the overall FDI annual inflow to the region by at least 160%. The research methodology for this chapter is a comparative analysis of quantitative data and a review of the official reports and scientific articles published last year. The authors will provide an updated overview of the situation in South East European countries with a critical analysis of different respective actions and projects needed if the SEE 2020 targets are to be achieved for the Integrated Growth Pillar. This work will add value to research in the area of trade and investments and will provide important recommendations for the further activities of policy makers