The implementation of the CEI’s central mission - focused on working towards European integration and sustainable development through regional cooperation - is the result of a diverse collaborative working process.
In addition to its traditional instruments composed of the 4-pillar institutional system (Governmental, Parliamentary, Economic, Local), funds (CEI Fund at the EBRD financed by the Italian MFA; CEI Cooperation Fund financed by all CEI Member States), and programmes, project design and management methodology, the CEI is ever more focusing on establishing strategic links with partners to promote multilateral activities that offer a strong operational approach through joint actions, mutual knowledge and synergies.
To this end, the CEI is especially strengthening relations with the EU and its institutions, the UN and its specialised agencies, such as UNECE, UNESCO and WHO – building on its Observer Status in the UN General Assembly - as well as with other international and regional organisations and international financial institutions, such as CoE, EBRD, OECD, OSCE, AII, BSEC, CBSS, SEECP and RCC.
Besides these important partners, over its more than three-decade existence, the CEI has established a wide outreach and unique network of various stakeholders and non-governmental actors. With a view to reaching an ever more connected, economically empowered and sustainable region, the CEI is enhancing the involvement in the implementation of its activities - also of private enterprises, local actors, professional associations and research institutions, training and education providers, academia and civil society, including international think tanks and NGOs, thus fostering multi-stakeholder and multilevel partnerships.