"Reconciliation in the Western Balkans will take time and requires sustained, creative efforts from governments and civil society. As a parliamentarian in Brussels for 18 years, I have been particularly supportive of initiatives for young people and also those that encourage lasting, sustainable peace and development in the Southeast Europe region. The CDRSEE has consistently developed effective, positive and inclusive programmes that understand the importance of the role of the next generation in securing a lasting peace and flourishing of the Western Balkans.  It not only promotes a message, but also lives it: showing that conflicts can be overcome with dialogue and that there is unity in diversity."

“Let me first say, how much I am in favor of the Join initiative and how much I admire the efforts to put it in practice. After the success  of the 4 existing volumes  -- the Ottoman Empire, States and Nations, the Balkan Wars, and the Second World War --  comes the period after the Second World War, usually defined as the Cold War, as well as the contemporary period, what the Germans call Zeitgeschichte. In many ways, these are the more difficult volumes because of the enormity of material that has to be sifted and because of the closeness of the period and the strong memories or opinions bolstered by lived experience. I have been particularly impressed by the pedagogical side: the aptness of the QUESTIONS and TASKS which beautifully integrate the sources offered for interpretation.”

“I am convinced that our students, while using the textbooks and gaining knowledge about the events and people of SEE, will recognize the achievements, deal with the mistakes and build healthy relations and attitudes for the benefit of Montenegro and the region where it belongs.”

“I am very proud of the CDRSEE and its presence in Thessaloniki. The aim of the Center is the creation of a peaceful atmosphere among the Balkan nations that have suffered from wars, populism and rivalries over the past 15 to 20 years that have traumatized all of us (…) The municipality of Thessaloniki will support the CDRSEE’s role in this direction and will reinforce its attempt to put aside any difference and promote and focus on the things that unite the Balkan area.”

“For bad things to happen, all it takes is for good people to do nothing. The CDRSEE belongs to those who work every single day for democracy, the rule of law and human rights.”