For nearly two decades, the EU accession is seen as crucial to a successful domestic transformation in South Eastern Europe (SEE). The EU integration process is of a regional character and cannot be completed without joint efforts and venture among SEE counties. Regional cooperation first requires a focal point to give it life, and then a framework to sustain it. The most effective focal points for regional development are regional initiatives and bodies that are indigenous to the region. Coordination of such a regional approach has been a task of the Standing Working Group for Regional Rural Development (SWG RRD) for more than a decade. As a regional body, we have been able to facilitate and support the willingness and ability to identify initiatives of common and mutual interest, which translate into common projects. On agriculture and rural development, SWG RRD has taken the lead in regional development, since it has been established to serve its constituent member institutions, and thus have a strong sense of ownership, commitment and responsibility for development in the respective regions.