Centres of Thematic Expertise (CoTEs) has since January 2015 provided policy advice and thematic support to geographical units, EU delegations and DG NEAR senior management. A key role for each CoTE is to animate thematic networks across the DG and Delegations. For that purpose, CoTEs regularly organize networking meetings on specific thematic issues in order to disseminate information, update on policy developments and exchange ideas and good practices. We should have organized 11 planned internal and external meetings for Centers of Thematic Expertise (CoTEs) in Brussels with 45 – 100 participants in Brussels and neighborhood countries. However, due to COVID-19 situation only 3 meetings were organized.

ECO-NET meeting, 22-23 January 2020, Hotel Penta, Brussels, Belgium


The purpose of ECO-NET was to bring together NEAR colleagues who work on issues related to socio economic development. This meeting was organized by the Centre of Thematic Expertise on Economic Development (NEAR A3). We provided logistical support to the Event including a meeting venue, conference kits, AV equipment and catering. Total number of participants was 90.