The COVID-19 pandemic has become a clear reminder of the importance of cooperation in solving cross-border problems. In this context, the regional level, as intermediate between the national and the international, seems to be the key for decision-making where the efforts of countries alone do not provide the necessary synergy to overcome the crisis. The COVID-19 crisis will inevitably adjust the existing patterns of integration in the region and challenge national governments to find new mechanisms for economic recovery in light of the structural changes that will occur in the post-COVID-19 world. Regional cooperation seems to be the most effective tool for mitigating the consequences of the crisis, as well as stimulating recovery and preparing for future crises, however, the exacerbation of a number of disintegration trends, such as protectionism, isolationism and political contradictions, calls into question the further development of existing associations. The determination of each country to fight the epi