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Commission approves Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Reform Agenda

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

The European Commission has positively approved Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Reform Agenda – a key step toward releasing up to €976.6 million under the EU’s Reform and Growth Facility.

The Commission concluded that the Reform Agenda, submitted on 30 September 2025, meets the objectives of the Growth Facility Regulation. It sets out priority reforms to accelerate the green and digital transitions, boost private-sector development, retain talent, and strengthen fundamental rights and the rule of law. It is now for Bosnia and Herzegovina to swiftly sign and ratify both the Facility Agreement and Loan Agreement. The allocation of funding to Bosnia and Herzegovina, including pre-financing, can only start once these agreements enter into force and all conditions are fulfilled.

The Western Balkans Growth Plan offers a roadmap to bring the economies of the Western Balkans closer to the European Union. The Growth Plan is €6 billion for the region in investments, and the principle is both investments and reforms. It also provides the preparatory work to join the Single Market, allowing citizens in Western Balkans to reap some early benefits of the EU integration. The release of funds will be conditional upon the successful implementation of Reform Agenda, covering both reforms in the fundamentals area and socioeconomic reforms, in close cooperation with the European Commission.

With this approval, all six Western Balkan partners now have Reform Agendas in place and can benefit from the Facility as they advance toward EU membership.

For More Information

Commission Staff Working Document – Bosnia and Herzegovina

Commission Implementing Decision

Reform and Growth Facility Regulation

Factsheet on the Growth Plan

EU and Bosnia and Herzegovina Factsheet

Digital Europe in Serbia opens the European innovation market to the country

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in Stories.

Digital Europe, with a total budget of €8.1 billion, is designed to support the digital transformation of European society in line with the European Union’s objectives for the period up to 2030. Serbia has been an associated member of this Programme since 2023, which means that legal and natural persons from the country can apply for funding under the same conditions as entities from EU Member States.

“Companies and institutions from Serbia have the opportunity to work on bridging the gap between research in digital technologies and their practical application, as well as to bring research results to the market for the benefit of citizens and businesses. Participation in this Programme includes access to EU-level digital infrastructures and networks, co-financing of implementation projects, capacity building and skills development, as well as integration into European value chains and standards”, representatives of the European Commission in Serbia explained to WeBalkans. They emphasise that beneficiaries of the programme in Serbia include public institutions, universities and R&D organisations, small and medium-sized enterprises, industrial associations or clusters, and local and regional authorities.

The Ministry of Information and Telecommunications of the Government of Serbia, which is the main EU partner for the implementation of the programme, states that this membership represents an important step towards integration into the European digital space and enables institutions, companies and organisations to participate equally in projects with partners from the EU.

“Through this Programme, strategic projects are funded that contribute to the faster development of technological innovation and digital transformation, including the development of supercomputing or high-performance computing to address complex challenges; research into the possibilities of artificial intelligence with a focus on data exchange and the development of innovation hubs; strengthening cyber-resilience and protecting digital infrastructure; training in AI, cyber security and emerging digital technologies; as well as support for small and medium-sized enterprises, start-ups and public institutions in adopting digital technologies. A particular value of the Programme lies in the partnerships and consortia formed through public calls. These partnerships typically bring together many institutions and organisations from different European countries, enabling an intensive transfer of knowledge, good practices and technological innovations”, explains the Ministry.

One of the Programme’s beneficiaries is the European Hub for Digital Innovation in Serbia (Serbian European Digital Innovation Hub or S4AI HUB), which, with the support of Digital Europe, has helped numerous companies, start-ups and public-sector institutions to develop, test and implement innovative solutions and achieve digital transformation.

“Without the Programme’s support, these activities would be significantly slower and financially unattainable for many of our beneficiaries. Thanks to this support, we expect to soon test numerous solutions developed using artificial intelligence, provide training for a wide range of professionals, and achieve a measurable impact on digital transformation in Serbia. Our experts help beneficiaries assess their own capacity for digital transformation, offering free access to advanced AI infrastructure, high-performance computers and laboratories within our partnership, which allows companies to test and refine their solutions without major upfront investments. This is essentially a ‘Test Before Invest’ service, often a decisive step towards implementing artificial intelligence in their business processes”, explains Ivan Pavlović, project manager at S4AI HUB.

For the forthcoming period, they are preparing 23 different training programmes, ranging from the use of artificial intelligence in disaster-risk management and the development of RAG agents using large language models, to training on digital innovation for carbon-footprint management and ESG strategies, as well as specialised areas such as the use of AI in tourism, AI regulation, the basics of cyber security, access to finance, natural-language processing and intellectual-property protection.

“In this way, we create a link between domestic innovators and the European market, and all our activities contribute to strengthening Serbia’s digital capacities”, Pavlović adds.

Another example of support from the Digital Europe Programme in Serbia is CIPS – European Digital Innovation Hub in Belgrade, which is part of the network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) that provide companies and public organisations with support in strengthening digital capacities and connecting with innovation ecosystems. As central points for digital innovation across all regions of Europe, EDIH hubs bring together technological experts to accelerate digital transformation across the continent.

In the coming period, until 2027, when the project ends, Digital Europe will support experimentation in the field of artificial intelligence, the development of cyber-security capacities, the development of advanced digital skills and interoperable digital public services in Serbia, as well as the identification and connection of potential partners and the delivery of training for future Programme beneficiaries.

YEAs at the EU Enlargement Forum 2025

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA Blogs.

By Teodora Danilović 

“Europe is more than a Union, it is our home” – Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

At a critical juncture for Europe, grappled with geopolitical instability, growing security concerns and democratic backsliding, the first EU Enlargement Forum, held on November 18th at the European Commission, became much more than another diplomatic meeting – it was a call for a unified, stable and resilient continent.

The forum gathered heads of state from EU Member States and Candidate Countries alike, civil society representatives, and youth activists, ensuring a multidimensional approach to the most important foreign policy instrument of the EU. Comprised of panels and keynote speeches, the forum’s focus revolved around the following themes:

1.The geopolitical imperative for enlargement – hosting Marta Kos, Commissioner for Enlargement, Kaja Kallas, High Representative/Vice President of the European Commission, Andrius Kubilius, Defence Commissioner, Milojko Spajić, Prime Minister of Montenegro, Alexandru Munteanu, Prime Minister of Moldova, and Taras Kachka, Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration.

2. EU Enlargement from the perspective of EU Member States – gathering diplomats from France, Denmark, Ireland, and Greece.

3. EU Enlargement from the Perspective of Citizens – alongside civil society, SMEs and media representatives, as well as Amila Alidžanović, a fellow YEA and participant of the Youth Policy Dialogue with Commissioner Kos.

4. Getting to “YES!” – providing insights from DG ENEST, MEPs, state representatives and academics

During the panel discussions, speakers shared concrete examples of the transformation toward EU Membership. Representatives from the Western Balkans highlighted reforms in governance, anti-corruption initiatives, and cross-border projects that advance regional cooperation. One young delegate noted, “Enlargement isn’t just about joining the EU. It’s about aligning our societies with shared European values and proving that transformation is possible.” The forum also spotlighted how civil society and youth-led initiatives are creating change at the grassroots level, from democratic engagement projects to community-driven environmental programs.

Between formal sessions, networking sparked collaboration and exchange of ideas. Young participants connected with policymakers and mentors, discussing ways to keep European integration tangible in their communities. As the forum reiterated, enlargement is not a distant goal, but rather an ongoing process with concrete steps and measurable impact.

Throughout the whole event, a core message resonated loud and clear: the EU must now match its rhetoric with action. For those of us who care about European integration, especially in the Western Balkans, the takeaway is simple: stay alert, stay vocal and stay engaged. Because Europe’s future isn’t determined just by leaders,  it is shaped by citizens who believe in it, fight for it and build it day by day.

Curiosity as a way of life: From Serbia to Cambridge and beyond

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA Blogs.

For Dragana Grahovac, curiosity isn’t just a trait, it’s a way of life. It’s what took her from Serbia to the world’s top universities, and what continues to guide her as she explores the intersections of science, business, and sustainability.

From Childhood Dreams to Cambridge Reality

“Even back in primary school, I dreamed of studying at Cambridge,” Dragana recalls. “Anyone who’s ever opened a physics or chemistry textbook has come across names like Rayleigh, Rutherford, Thomson, Bohr, Bragg, Dirac, or Born, all Nobel laureates from Cambridge. It sounded like a distant world back then, but I was determined to get there.”

More than a decade later, she found herself walking those same cobbled streets. “It still feels surreal, realizing that I had coffee in the same college courtyard where DNA’s double helix was announced, or that I grabbed a beer at the same pub where Nobel laureates once debated ideas that changed science. Every conversation there was inspiring. You could talk to a computer scientist, a policy expert, and a philosopher all within one dinner, and somehow all of it connected.”

Her time at Cambridge was, as she puts it, “mesmerizing in every sense.” Between labs and late-night formals, intense research projects and casual chats over coffee, she learned not just about nanotechnology, but about people, and about herself. “It’s a place that teaches you how to think differently, but also how to stay human in the process. You learn that success isn’t about being the smartest in the room, but about asking the right questions.”

When Curiosity Redefines Direction

Dragana’s path to Cambridge was never linear. “I was one of those students who wanted to understand everything,” she laughs. “I studied Chemical Engineering, then switched to Materials Science because I was fascinated by the nano-world, how the tiniest changes can transform everything. Later, I got interested in sustainability and polymer science, which led me to my current PhD at EPFL in Switzerland.”

At EPFL, she’s researching how to create sustainable elastomers and foams that could replace conventional materials in everyday products, but her curiosity goes far beyond the lab. “I’m equally fascinated by how research turns into innovation, how ideas become companies, and how leadership shapes impact. I see myself working at that intersection, connecting science, business, and sustainability to build something meaningful.”

She describes her academic path with humility: “Looking back, it sounds almost cinematic: a regular girl from Serbia ending up at Cambridge and EPFL.  Even besides strong discipline there are always some sleepless nights, internships, training programs, and a lot of uncertainty. That’s the part people don’t see, but that’s where you really grow.”

WeBalkans: The Power of Shared Perspectives

A crucial part of that growth came through WeBalkans and the Young European Ambassadors (YEAs) initiative, which Dragana joined in 2020 as part of the first generation. “Even though our early activities were online, I was immediately drawn to the diversity of the group. You had people from every corner of the Western Balkans discussing ideas that actually mattered: environment, education, digitalization, equality, and it made me realize how connected we all are.”

As the years went by, her engagement expanded through projects and events across Europe. “It wasn’t just about representing Serbia or talking about European values, it was about seeing the world through other people’s eyes. I realized that the challenges we face in the Balkans are often the same ones people face everywhere: sustainability, education access, youth mobility, mental health. That realization made me feel part of something larger.”

After five years in the YEA network, Dragana now sees herself as part of a global community. “I may not be as active as I was at the beginning, but that’s because it’s time for new voices to take the stage. I love seeing how much the initiative has grown. For me, it was a turning point, it shaped the way I see leadership, community, and impact.”

Coming Full Circle

Today, Dragana’s vision reaches beyond her PhD research. “In the next few years, I’d love to combine my scientific background with entrepreneurship, maybe even start something that brings advanced materials and sustainability closer to real-world use. I want to stay curious, but also useful.”

And no matter how global her path becomes, Serbia remains at the heart of it. “Everything started there, from my teachers and mentors to the support systems that believed in me. I want to bring that experience back one day, whether through education, mentorship, or innovation. The idea isn’t just to leave and succeed, but to come back and create something that makes it easier for others to follow.”

When asked what advice she has for other young people from the region, she smiles:
“Don’t wait for opportunities to find you. Create them. Be curious about everything: science, art, politics, people. You never know which small spark will become your biggest step forward.”

Western Balkans Leaders’ meeting in Tirana takes stock of EU Growth Plan progress two years after its adoption

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

Today, Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos and the leaders of the six Western Balkans partners (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia) met in Tirana to assess progress under the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and discuss priorities going forward. Two years after its adoption, the Growth Plan has delivered significant results, driving reforms that prepare partners for EU membership, and bringing tangible economic benefits to citizens and businesses alike. Partners advancing reforms under the Growth Plan The Growth Plan, backed by a €6 billion Reform and Growth Facility, supports the Western Balkan partners in pursuing ambitious reforms to advance towards EU accession. All beneficiaries have adopted their Reform Agendas, and the final outstanding Reform Agenda of Bosnia Herzegovina is expected to be approved by the Commission still this month. The implementation of the endorsed Reform Agendas is in full swing, with progress on about 85% of reform steps due in 2025. For instance, Albania advanced on fair taxation with a full review of tax exemptions and new tools to detect undeclared wealth. It also approved a digitalisation roadmap for the cadastre to computerise all ownership titles and maps by 2028 and introduced a new active labour market programme for vulnerable jobseekers with the support of civil society partners. Montenegro strengthened social services with a funded strategy guaranteeing minimum support, aligned its renewable energy certification system to EU standards, and launched long-term renovation plans for public buildings. North Macedonia advanced on informal economy reforms conducive to carry out hundreds of targeted inspections in high-risk sectors and identifying 526 unregistered workers. It also modernised its digital and cybersecurity framework by aligning to EU laws on network security and electronic identification. These achievements show that the performance-based approach is already producing results with an impact on citizens in the region. Following progress on reforms, Reform and Growth Facility funds were released in 2025, totaling €414 million. So far, €164 million have been released to Albania, €45 million to Montenegro, and €76 million to North Macedonia. Serbia’s pre-financing of €111 million was also released and two payment requests are currently being assessed by the Commission. Kosovo and Bosnia Herzegovina have not yet received any funds. Kosovo has yet to ratify the Facility and Loan Agreements. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Reform Agenda will be soon endorsed by the European Commission. It is important that the beneficiaries ensure full implementation of the reforms within the committed calendar. Moreover, the importance of completing the transport corridors in the region to promote regional integration and integration in the EU was recalled. For instance, Corridor VIII connecting North Macedonia with Bulgaria is of great strategic importance for the countries, the region, and the EU. In this context, the Commission welcomes the signature of the Memorandum of Understanding between North Macedonia and Bulgaria on the cross-border railway tunnel. Moving towards deeper Single Market integration Tangible progress has also been made in the gradual integration of the Western Balkan partners in the EU Single Market. In October 2025, 32 banks from Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia joined the Single European Payment Area (SEPA) schemes, allowing citizens and businesses to make euro payments to the EU at the same speed, cost and convenience as domestic payments. In addition, Serbia joined the geographical scope of SEPA in May 2025. In 2025, seven European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) were established across Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, to support the digital transformation of local enterprises. As of October 2025, Serbia and North Macedonia host AI Factory Antennas, which give the region’s companies access to Europe’s cutting-edge artificial intelligence infrastructure. As of 1 November, Montenegro is part of the Common Transit Convention (CTC) and will start implementing the New Computerised Transit System, while Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue their preparations for acceding the Convention. North Macedonia has been part of the CTC since 2015 and Serbia since 2016. Furthermore, thanks to the WiFi4WB initiative, 394 municipalities in the region will benefit from WiFi hotspots, with the first ones already becoming operational by the end of this year. Moreover, following a series of voluntary agreements with telecom operators from the EU and the region, the Commission will support the Western Balkan partners’ integration in the EU’s ‘Roam Like at Home’ area by preparing bilateral agreements and by assisting partners in their alignment towards roaming-relevant acquis. Next steps Building on the positive momentum, the Western Balkans leaders agreed to intensify reform efforts and reaffirmed their political commitment to forging broad national consensus to adopt key measures rigorously and on time. They also agreed to reinforce the involvement of civil society in the implementation of the Growth Plan, and to strengthen the communication and visibility efforts to ensure citizens and businesses see the Growth Plan’s concrete benefits and understand the reforms it entails. For more information

When the Water Called, Erdal Luso Answered

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in Stories.

Before you move on with this read, we invite you to try to imagine the Atlantic Ocean. It’s so vast you can hardly imagine it? We feel you. We feel the same. However, this won’t stop Erdal Luso from Struga, North Macedonia to embark on a solo-journey across the Atlantic on his self-crafted five meters plywood sailboat.

Crucial parts of Pixel are built out of wood planted by Luso’s grandfather in the backyard of his home in Struga. The process of building the boat himself has been grounding and emotional for Erdal — offering him the chance to reflect on how water and land are intertwined — giving him a chance to explore his own roots and memories. In his own words, it’s a beautiful thing to know that a piece of land, a tree that grew in their yard, will soon accompany him in his solo-sailing across the Atlantic.

The Setka Atlantic Challenge is —  as Erdal puts it — beautifully difficult and brutally honest. Joined by few, it is a non-stop, solo transatlantic challenge where every sailor builds their own Setka class boat — usually the Setka A or Setka B — both small plywood sailboats designed by Janusz Maderski.

Coming from North Macedonia, a country not known for sailing, this journey across the ocean is more than a personal endeavor for Erdal, it is a mission to convey the message that you don’t have to come from a coastal country to chase ocean dreams.

Currently under preparation for the Setka Atlantic Challenge 2025, Luso reflects on his connection with waters that were always close to him, geographically and emotionally,  “It’s like the water had been calling me quietly for years before I finally answered,” he says.

Read our interview with him below, before he embarks on his Atlantic journey on November 11, taking the Leg 1 route of the challenge from Sagres (Southern Portugal) to Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Canary Islands) and then moving on to Leg 2 of the journey, from Tenerife to the meridian at 61 degrees West, between Martinique and Santa Lucia.

WeBalkans: ⁠When did you first notice your love for sailing, and what is your connection with the waters around you, close to you?

Erdal Luso: ⁠I can’t really point to a single moment, it’s more like the water had been calling me quietly for years before I finally answered. As a kid, I was always drawn to water — rivers, lakes, rain, anything that moved and reflected light. There’s something about it that always felt like home, even though I didn’t grow up by the ocean. Sailing offshore came later, but once I felt the boat lean under wind and the water hissed by, I knew, this is it. It’s not just a sport; it’s a dialogue with something much bigger than me.

WeBalkans:⁠ ⁠You are building your sailboat out of wood from your own backyard, from trees planted by your grandfather. Can you tell us more about this process? How did you come up with the idea and has it been emotional for you to look into this connection between earth and water?

Erdal Luso:⁠ ⁠Some crucial parts of Pixel come from trees planted by my grandfather in our backyard, and that means a lot to me. The rest came from nearby forests, but those few planks carry memories and roots. Building her by hand was more than a technical process, it was emotional, grounding. Every piece of wood had its own story. It’s a beautiful thought that a piece of land, a tree that grew in our yard, will soon sail across the ocean.

 

WeBalkans: ⁠What is the drive behind taking on this very challenging enterprise as the World Atlantic Challenge? Do you go through a process of weighing pros and cons, what is your thought process behind such a decision?

Erdal Luso:⁠ ⁠I’ve always been drawn to challenges that make me feel both scared and alive. The Setka Challenge is exactly that — beautifully difficult and brutally honest. You build your own boat, sail it solo, and you’re fully responsible for everything that happens. There’s no one to rely on but yourself. That purity is what I love. I didn’t really make a list of pros and cons. I just knew that if I didn’t do it, I’d regret it for the rest of my life.

WeBalkans:⁠ ⁠Is there a sense of mission to promote your own story and the story of your city/country worldwide, considering that this will be the first time that someone from North Macedonia will take on such a challenge? If yes, what message do you want to convey with the expedition?

Erdal Luso: ⁠Definitely. North Macedonia isn’t known as a sailing nation, and that’s part of what makes this meaningful. I want to show the world that you don’t have to come from a coastal country to chase ocean dreams. You can start from a small place, with a big heart and a lot of determination, and end up somewhere vast. This is not just my personal story, it’s a reminder that limits are often imaginary.

WeBalkans:⁠ ⁠You must be thinking a lot about your time alone with the ocean, how are you imagining it now? Is there thrill, or are you most at peace when in the water?

Erdal Luso:⁠ ⁠I imagine it as a mix of everything — fear, peace, freedom, laughter, and a lot of silence. There will be storms, calm days, moments of doubt, and moments of pure magic. But that’s the beauty of it. Out there, you can’t pretend. The ocean reflects exactly who you are, your strengths, your weaknesses, your truth. I think I’ll find both challenge and peace in that.

EU celebrates investigative journalism in the Western Balkans

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

Over the past few weeks, investigative journalism has been celebrated in the Western Balkans. Professional juries across Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia have gathered to evaluate some of the most compelling investigative journalism pieces. 

The latest to announce the winners of the EU Awards for Investigative Journalism was North Macedonia. The jury, comprising Valentin Neshovski, Sonja Delevska, and Ognjen Zorić, awarded Aleksandar Dimitrievski and Mihail Milosevski from 360 stepeni the first prize for their piece ‘Following Julia’s Footsteps’, an investigation exposing abuse of power at the top of national security and revealing how those tasked with upholding the law misused their positions. 

The first prize for Investigative Journalism in Albania was awarded to Amfora.al’s Geri Emiri and Erjola Azizolli. Jury members Blerjana Bino, Fatjona Mejdini, and Rashela Shehu recognized the investigation ‘The Resort at Monastery Bay Destroying the Archaeological Potential of Butrint Park’, which exposes how profit-driven projects in Albania’s exclusive coastal zones threaten protected areas and erode cultural heritage. The piece reveals how construction companies secured “strategic investor” status despite clear UNESCO rule violations and evidence of archaeological treasures in the area. 

In Montenegro, jury members Lamija Alečković, Marijana Camović Veličković, and Leila Bičakčić crowned Tatjana Ašanin and Nikola Milosavić Aleksić as winners for the second year in a row. Their documentary ‘Target: The State of Relatives’ — different in topic from last year’s ‘Murky Waters’ yet equally of high public interest — investigates how relatives of high-ranking state and local officials from ruling parties obtained well-paid public administration jobs after the 2020 elections. 

BIRN’s Aleksa Tešić and Saša Dragojlo shared the first prize for investigative journalism in Serbia. The jury in Serbia — comprising Aleksandra Nikšić, Milka Tadić Mijović, and Snježana Milivojević — awarded Tešić’s investigation ‘Proven: BIA Hacks Activists’ Phones’, which informs the public about how Serbia’s Security Information Agency (BIA) used Israeli Cellebrite technology to unlock activists’ phones and install domestic spyware. Dragojlo’s ‘From Belgrade to Be’er Sheva: Israeli Military Flights and Million-Euro Weapons Shipments’ traced Serbia’s €23 million arms exports to Israel, uncovering deep-rooted ties in military trade and providing valuable context to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. 

In North Macedonia, Saska Cvetkovska, Bojan Stojanovski, Aleksandra Denkovska Gocevska, Trifun Sitnikovski, Aleksandar Janev, and David Ilievski received the second prize for ‘Stolen Lives’, a story uncovering large-scale identity theft and misuse in the fast-loan system. The third prize was awarded to Srgjan Stojancov and Snezana Lupevska Sozen for ‘Krmzov File – An Epic Crime or an Attempt to Take Away His Business’, a TV investigation that uses one man’s case to show how systemic weaknesses can be exploited for personal gain. 

Albania’s Vladimir Karaj and Edmor Hoxhaj shared the second prize for ‘Like Prison: How African Migrant Workers Suffer Exploitation in Albania’, uncovering the exploitation and discrimination faced by African workers. They were also recognized for a piece examining the Independent Qualification Commission (KPK)’s request for a donation from the Kastrati company, exposing how an institution founded to uphold ethics sought sponsorship from a private entity, undermining its own credibility. 

Eriza Kryeziu and Esmeralda Keta received the third prize in Albania for their investigation into the exploitation of women in garment factories—a powerful story highlighting urgent and often overlooked social and economic issues. 

In Montenegro, the second prize was shared between Jovan Nikitović and Ivan Ivanović. Nikitović’s series on the reconstruction of the Museum in Bijelo Polje reveals how a long-awaited cultural revitalization turned into a symbol of bureaucratic failure, poor planning, and neglect of heritage — leaving the museum closed to the public even after four years of work funded by the Ministry of Culture and Media, UNDP, and the Municipality of Bijelo Polje. Meanwhile, ‘Big Brother: Montenegrin Ministry of Interior Acquires Israeli Facial Recognition Software’ by Ivanović uncovers how the Ministry purchased advanced AI surveillance technology from Israel’s AnyVision, despite the absence of a clear legal framework regulating the use of biometric data in public spaces. 

The third prize in Montenegro was awarded to Dejan Milovac and Lazar Grdinić for ‘How a Former ANB Operative Acquired Valuable Assets: A Million for Real Estate and Vehicles’, revealing that the family of retired ANB and Police Directorate official Duško Golubović acquired real estate and luxury cars worth over one million euros within a decade, raising questions about the origin of wealth and the accountability of former security officials. 

The second prize in Serbia was shared between Gordana Andrić, Dragana Prica Kovačević, and Teodora Ćurčić of BIRN Serbia, and Stefan Marković and Jovana Tomić from CINS, for their investigations ‘Domestic Violence Against Children: The Invisible Victims’ and the podcast series ‘Traces’ — particularly the season ‘The Pit’. 

The third prize in Serbia was awarded to Stevan Dojčinović, Bojana Jovanović, Sofija Parojčić, and Dragana Pećo for two investigations: ‘Police Report: Nebojša Stefanović and Marko Parezanović Aided the Šarić Clan’, which reveals links between top officials, the judiciary, and organized crime; and ‘Tešić Uses SNS “Pawns” to Evade Sanctions and Earn Millions of Euros’, which uncovers how political connections enabled a primary arms dealer to circumvent U.S. sanctions. 

We congratulate all the winners on their awards — but most importantly, on their commitment to the truth! As we wait for Kosovo’s awardees to be announced, we are preparing a series of interviews with first-prize winners across the Western Balkans that will be shared on our channels in the coming weeks.

Nordic Green and Smart Cities: Building Sustainable Futures in Podgorica

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA Blogs.

By Vasilisa Batrićević
This October, the Science and Technology Park Montenegro became a hub of ideas, innovation, and collaboration as it hosted the conference “Sustainable city as a service, with focus on transport and mobility – inspired by experiences from Finland.” A Nordic vision for the Western Balkans The conference was organized under the regional initiative “Nordic Green and Smart Cities – Building Partnerships in the Western Balkans,” supported by the Nordic Council of Ministers and implemented by the Nordic Embassies and the Nordic Business Alliance. This initiative aims to foster collaboration between Nordic and Western Balkan countries by sharing Nordic expertise in sustainable urban planning, mobility solutions, and green innovation. The Podgorica event marked an important step toward translating this knowledge into practical, local solutions that can make cities across the region cleaner, more efficient, and more livable. Sustainable mobility at the heart of smart cities Focusing on transport and mobility, the discussions explored how smart technologies, data-driven planning, and innovative infrastructure can transform urban mobility systems. From electric transport solutions and integrated mobility services to urban design that prioritizes people over cars, participants shared insights on how to make cities not only sustainable but also inclusive and enjoyable places to live. The Finnish experience served as a central inspiration, showcasing how data, design, and environmental awareness can shape entire urban ecosystems. Examples of Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) models from Finland sparked particular interest, as they demonstrated how digital tools can simplify daily life and reduce carbon footprints simultaneously. Beyond presentations and panels, the conference created a platform for networking and collaboration. Policymakers, business representatives, and researchers explored ways to connect regional strategies with Nordic best practices, paving the way for new partnerships, pilot projects, and long-term cooperation on sustainable urban development. Youth engagement and future cooperation In the spirit of collaboration, the conference also served as an opportunity to strengthen links between the Nordic Embassies and young leaders from Montenegro and the wider Western Balkans region. During the event, a meeting was held between representatives of the Embassy of Sweden in Belgrade and Vasilisa Batrićević from the Young European Ambassadors (YEA) Network. Discussions focused on future cooperation, including the upcoming “Pop-up Embassy of Sweden” initiative, which aims to engage young people and raise awareness of Sweden–Montenegro relations through creative, youth-led activities. The conference in Podgorica was not just about exchanging ideas, it was about creating partnerships, inspiring change, and building a shared vision for greener, smarter cities across the region.

Defending Democracy in the 21st Century: Lessons from Europe’s Youngest Republic

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA Blogs.

By Andrra Kelmendi
“Do not accept democracy as a story that has already been told – it is a manuscript that still needs your hands on every page.” – Dr. Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu These words opened the powerful lecture delivered by Dr. Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, President of the Republic of Kosovo, at Humboldt University in Berlin. Her speech, “Defending Democracy in the 21st Century – Lessons from Europe’s Youngest State,” was both inspiring and deeply thought-provoking, offering insights not only about Kosovo’s journey but about Europe’s shared democratic responsibilities. As a Young European Ambassador in the Western Balkans, studying Psychology at Humboldt University, I had the honor to attend this lecture and witness firsthand her reflections on freedom, justice, and European unity. Democracy is an investment, not a luxury President Osmani began by grounding her audience in Kosovo’s unique history: “I come from Kosovo, the youngest Republic, but a place where the struggle for freedom carries the weight of centuries.” Her words emphasized that democracy is never automatic; it is the result of centuries of struggle and commitment. She reminded us that defending democracy is not a cost to be measured in resources or convenience: “Defending democracy isn’t an expense, it is an investment.” She also delivered a powerful message to Europe: “A Europe that remains incomplete weakens itself.” Her argument was clear: integrating the Western Balkans into the European Union is not charity, it is a strategic investment in Europe’s own peace and security. Three lessons from Kosovo President Osmani outlined three lessons that Kosovo offers Europe and the world:
  1. Freedom must never be taken for granted: Freedom requires vigilance and responsibility. It is not a permanent state but a daily commitment, passed from one generation to the next.
  2. There can never be peace without justice: Peace begins where justice is allowed to speak. True reconciliation and lasting peace depend on fairness, accountability, and protection of rights.
  3. Europe’s future is brighter when we stand together: Europe grows stronger when unity prevails over division. By investing in enlargement and inclusion, the EU secures both prosperity and stability.
A message to Europe’s youth President Osmani spoke directly to students, emphasizing the active role of young Europeans: “Your generation carries a double responsibility. You must defend the institutions you inherit, but also improve them. Do not accept democracy as a story that has already been told, it is a manuscript that still needs your hands on every page.” Her words reminded us that democracy is not a static achievement. Every citizen, especially the youth, has a role in shaping its ongoing story.
The role of the Western Balkans diaspora During the Q&A session, I had the honor to ask what the diaspora in Europe could contribute to supporting our home countries. President Osmani’s response was both encouraging and motivating. She highlighted that diaspora communities already contribute significantly through investments and engagement. Yet she emphasized an even deeper role: “Cooperate with the young people in Kosovo while prospering in Germany, but share the strength there.” Her message was clear: our responsibility goes beyond financial support, it involves building bridges, sharing knowledge, and empowering the next generation at home. A personal encounter Following the lecture, I had the unique opportunity, through an invitation by the Embassy of Kosovo, to attend a meeting with President Osmani. In this intimate setting, she connected personally with members of the diaspora, emphasizing dialogue, collaboration, and shared responsibility. It was a reminder that democracy is not only defended in institutions but nurtured through relationships, trust, and mutual support. Conclusion Dr. Osmani’s lecture was a vivid reminder that democracy, freedom, and peace are active responsibilities. Kosovo’s journey teaches that courage, justice, and unity are essential for a thriving Europe. As young Europeans and members of the diaspora, we carry the tools to write the next chapters of this ongoing manuscript, investing in both our home countries and a stronger, united Europe. As President Osmani said, defending democracy is not a burden, it is an investment. And through engagement, dialogue, and action, each one of us can ensure that Europe remains complete, strong, and resilient.

2025 Enlargement Package shows progress towards EU membership for key enlargement partners

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

Today, the European Commission adopted its annual Enlargement Package, presenting a comprehensive assessment of the progress made by the enlargement partners over the past twelve months. This year’s package reaffirms that the momentum for enlargement stands high on the priority agenda of the EU. It also confirms that the accession of new Member States is increasingly within reach. Staying consistent and following a merit-based approach is key to successful EU accession. Montenegro, Albania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo continue their respective paths towards the EU. The pace of their reforms, in particular in the areas of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights, directly impacts the speed of accession. These advancements benefit both aspiring Member States and current EU Member States, fostering prosperity, democracy, security and stability while unlocking new opportunities for citizens and businesses, such as strategic investments and opening of the Single Market. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission said: “We are more committed than ever to turning EU enlargement into a reality. Because a larger Union means a stronger and more influential Europe on the global stage. But it must and will remain a merit-based process. Our package provides specific recommendation to all our partners. And to all of them we say: EU accession is a unique offer. A promise of peace, prosperity and solidarity. With the right reforms and a strong political will, you all can seize this opportunity.” The assessments, accompanied by recommendations and guidance on the reform priorities, provide a roadmap for enlargement partners toward EU membership. The Commission remains fully committed to supporting future Member States in this journey. Gradual integration of the aspiring Members into the Single Market strengthens ties with the Union already before their accession. Significant progress has been achieved over the past year. With enlargement as a clear policy goal in this mandate, the Commission is committed to ensuring both the readiness of aspiring members as well as the EU’s preparedness to welcome them. To this end, a Communication on in-depth policy reviews and reforms will be presented soon. To ensure that new Member States continue to safeguard and maintain their track-record on the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights, future Accession Treaties should contain stronger safeguards against backsliding on commitments made during the accession negotiations. Effective communication, as well as countering foreign information manipulation and interference, including disinformation is a strategic imperative. The Commission also stands ready to support Member States’ effort to further anchor public trust in the process and help enlargement move forward with the legitimacy it needs.

Main conclusions

Montenegro has marked significant progress toward EU accession, closing four negotiation chapters over the last year. Montenegro’s commitment to provisionally closing further chapters by the end of 2025 reflects its dedication to European integration. Maintaining steady progress on reforms and seeking continuous broad political consensus are crucial for achieving the country’s target to close accession negotiations by the end of 2026. Subject to maintaining the pace of reforms, Montenegro is on track to meet this ambitious objective. Albania has made significant progress, with four clusters opened over the last year. Preparations for the opening of the last cluster this year are well advanced. Progress has been achieved on the fundamentals, particularly on justice reform and in the fight against organised crime and corruption. Continued efforts are now needed to meet the interim benchmarks under the fundamentals, which will pave the way to start closing negotiating chapters once the necessary sector reforms have been made. Achieving Albania’s goal of concluding negotiations by 2027 depends on maintaining reform momentum and fostering inclusive political dialogue. Subject to maintaining the pace of reforms, Albania is on track to meet this ambitious objective. The polarisation in Serbian society has deepened against the background of mass protests taking place across Serbia since November 2024, reflecting disappointment of citizens over inter alia corruption and the perceived lack of accountability and transparency coupled with instances of excessive use of force against protestors and pressure on civil society. This has led to an increasingly difficult environment where divisive rhetoric has led to a serious erosion of trust amongst the stakeholders which, in turn, impacts the accession process. Reforms have significantly slowed down. While acknowledging some recent developments, such as the relaunch of the procedure of selection of the new Council of the regulatory body for electronic media (REM) and progress in the legislative process on the Law on a unified voter register, which now need to be completed and implemented, as well as a recent increase in alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy, which needs to be pursued, more needs to be done. Serbia is expected to overcome the standstill in the area of judiciary and fundamental rights overall and urgently reverse the backsliding on freedom of expression and the erosion of academic freedom. The Commission assessment from 2021 that Serbia had fulfilled the opening benchmarks for cluster 3 (competitiveness and inclusive growth) remains valid. North Macedonia continued its work on the roadmaps for the rule of law, public administration reform, and the functioning of democratic institutions, as well as on the action plan on the protection of minorities. Further swift and decisive action is needed on the opening benchmarks, in line with the negotiating framework, with a view to opening the first cluster as soon as possible and when relevant conditions are met. North Macedonia should intensify efforts to uphold the rule of law, by safeguarding judicial independence and integrity, and strengthening the fight against corruption. The Country also needs to adopt the necessary constitutional changes with a view to including in the Constitution citizens who live within the borders of the state and who are part of other people, such as Bulgarians, as outlined in the Council Conclusions of July 2022, which the country committed to launch and achieve. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the political crisis in the Republika Srpska entity and the end of the ruling coalition have undermined EU accession progress, resulting in limited reforms, namely on data protection and border control, as well as the signature of the Frontex status agreement. On a positive note, Bosnia and Herzegovina submitted in September 2025 its Reform Agenda to the European Commission. Following recent institutional changes in the Republika Srpska entity, Bosnia and Herzegovina has the opportunity to deliver on reforms on the EU path. To effectively start accession negotiations, authorities must in the first place finalise and adopt judicial reform laws, in full alignment with European standards, and appoint a chief negotiator. Kosovo has remained committed to its European path, with a high level of public support. The delay in forming the institutions following the February general elections slowed down EU-related reform progress. Forging cross-party cooperation and re-prioritising these reforms is necessary for Kosovo to get back on track of its EU path. Normalisation of relations with Serbia and implementation of Dialogue commitments remain an integral part of Kosovo’s European perspective. The Commission stands ready to prepare an Opinion on Kosovo’s membership application, if requested by the Council. The Commission has taken the first steps to gradually lift measures against Kosovo in place from May 2025. The next steps remain conditional on sustained de-escalation in the north. The Commission intends to further lift these measures provided an orderly transfer of local governance in the north is achieved following the second round of the local elections and de-escalation is sustained.

Next steps

It is now for the Council to consider today’s recommendations of the Commission and take decisions on the steps ahead in the enlargement process.

Background

Enlargement is a strict, fair and merit-based process, based on the objective progress of each enlargement country. The EU supports the strengthening of institutions, democratic governance and public administration reforms across these countries. By fostering gradual integration, the EU brings benefits even before the accession. Initiatives such as the €6 billion Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, the €1.9 billion Moldova Growth Plan, and the €50 billion Ukraine Facility allow countries advance in their reforms, as well establish stronger connection with the EU, such as through gradual integration and the participation in SEPA and “Roam Like at Home”. Each enlargement has made our Union stronger. When ten countries joined the EU in 2004, it marked the Union’s largest ever expansion. In the two decades since, newcomers have seen living standards double, unemployment fall by nearly half, life expectancy rise from 75 to 79 years, poverty and social exclusion drop sharply, and 6 million new jobs created. For the existing members, trade has multiplied more than fivefold ever since, while 20 million jobs have also been created. For the EU as a whole, the Single Market gained 74 million new consumers at the time and the EU economy has expanded by 27% despite global crises.

For more information

For detailed findings and recommendations, see: