The Ministerial Meeting of the Western Balkans Steering Platform on Research and Innovation is an established strategic and political forum for EU–Western Balkans cooperation on research and innovation, with a particular role in supporting the region’s integration into the European Research Area (ERA). The annual Ministerial meetings are used to identify common priorities, take stock of policy and reform developments, and agree on follow-up initiatives and areas for regional cooperation. As in previous years, this year’s edition is open to invited participants only. The policy debate will focus on innovation ecosystems and research careers, while marking 20 years of the Steering Platform’s work and offering an opportunity for bilateral exchanges between the European Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation and the Ministers from the Western Balkans.