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100 High Schools from the Western Balkans Strengthen Their Capacities at the Superschools Teachers Training in Ohrid

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

Ohrid, North Macedonia – In one of the signature gatherings of the Superschools Program, RYCO’s flagship EU-funded initiative implemented in partnership with GIZ, more than 100 teachers from across the Western Balkans came together in Ohrid for a four-day training designed to strengthen their capacities to lead meaningful youth exchanges under the Superschools label.  

As teachers remain at the heart of every Superschools story, the event served as both a learning opportunity and a celebration of the people shaping the future of regional cooperation. The interactive agenda combined workshops, practical exercises, and inspiring discussions, all designed to help teachers enhance their approaches to intercultural learning and exchange, under the lead of the main expert and trainer, Nedim Krajišnik.  

The training officially opened with a warm welcome from RYCO Local Program Officers, Anja and Dejan, who introduced the goals and structure of the program.   

Firstly, the teachers were officially greeted by the RYCO team, including the Superschools Project Manager and the Head of the Local Branch Office, alongside RYCO’s key partner GIZ, represented by Team Leader, Jasmin Valjevac. 

In his remarks, Mr. Valjevac emphasized the importance of having an EU-funded initiative such as Superschools, which ensures that connections among teachers and youth across neighboring economies are not merely theoretical but put into practice—yielding tangible results and building lasting bridges. Meanwhile, Vladimir Gjorgjevski, Head of RYCO’s Local Branch Office in North Macedonia, reaffirmed RYCO’s commitment to supporting schools on this exciting journey ahead. 

“Through the annual Teachers Training event, we at RYCO want to contribute as much as possible to the capacity building of teachers, soft-skills development, and agenda design in the most effective way,” shared the Superschools Project Manager, Mimoza Gavrani-Simo. 

This year’s call introduced several new elements that make the program even more dynamic. One of them was the introduction of the Superschools Champions, a group of motivated Supereducators who will continue to amplify the program’s reach and impact within their local communities. Their role stands as a true example of how collaboration and dedication can build bridges beyond classrooms.  

During the panel discussion on the 1st day, moderated by Bojana Lalatović, RYCO Program Coordinator, the Champions shared their personal journeys and insights with fellow teachers, motivating them for the journey ahead. The panel featured Superschools Champions: Ms. Joana Liko, Ms. Katarina Ristanović Acović and Superschools Teacher, Ms. Biljana Iskovska.   

Another new feature of this year’s edition was the Sports for Development (S4D) component, where teachers explored how sports and play can promote trust, dialogue, and cooperation among young people. Through playful yet purposeful activities, participants experienced firsthand how S4D principles can enrich their exchange projects and strengthen social bonds among students.  

Reflecting on the experience, one participating teacher shared:  

“Superschools is a great opportunity for teachers and the region because it allows us to have more time to tackle topics that are not addressed through formal education hours. Organizing extracurricular activities thanks to Superschools makes kids confident to express themselves and share their thoughts. I’m so proud and humbled to be considered a Superteacher.”  

The training concluded with the farewell remarks from Superschools Project Manager, Mimoza Gavrani-Simo and Lead Trainer, Nedim Krajišnik, following an open Q&A session for teachers.   

Lead Trainer, Nedim, in his inspirational talk added:  

“We trust you, teachers! Behind the closed doors of the classroom, we trust you will do the best for what kids need. We trust you – in your safe space” 

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This programme is part of a multi-donor project, co-financed by the EU and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) together with RYCO. 

Von der Leyen reaffirms EU commitment to the Western Balkans’ European path

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen is visiting the Western Balkans this week, reaffirming the European Union’s strong commitment to the region’s EU path and to the implementation of the €6 billion Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. Her visit includes stops in Albania, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, and North Macedonia — each underlining a key aspect of closer political and economic integration with the EU.

In Tirana, the President addressed the EU–Western Balkans Investment Forum, celebrating tangible progress in bringing the region closer to the EU’s Single Market. “The people and companies of the Western Balkans are already starting to experience the European Union in their daily lives,” she said, highlighting the latest milestone — the inclusion of Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA). This change now allows money transfers between these countries and the EU to be faster, safer, and free of extra fees. The reform, she noted, will save Western Balkan businesses an estimated €500 million annually.

In Tivat, Montenegro, von der Leyen praised the country’s role as a frontrunner in the accession process, commending its progress in judicial reforms and digital transition. She announced the first disbursement of €8 million under the EU’s Reform and Growth Facility, encouraging Montenegro to continue on its reform path to unlock the full package of over €380 million in EU support.

The President also pointed to tangible benefits already taking shape — from forthcoming zero roaming charges between the EU and the region to a growing number of joint investments in clean energy, innovation, and sustainable tourism.

“The Western Balkans are firmly on their way to becoming part of the European Union,” von der Leyen said. “Every step taken towards integration brings new opportunities — for investment, for growth, and for our shared European future.”

Following her stops in Albania and Montenegro, President von der Leyen will continue her tour in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where she will visit the Srebrenica Memorial and meet with state leaders, before travelling to Serbia, Kosovo, and North Macedonia to conclude her visit later this week.

EU4Culture: Restoring Albania’s historical heritage

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in Stories.

The 2019 earthquake in Albania not only damaged homes and infrastructure but also left deep scars on the country’s cultural heritage. Recognising the importance of preserving Albania’s identity and history, the European Union stepped in with the EU4Culture Programme, implemented by UNOPS in partnership with the Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation.

With a total investment of 40 million euros, the programme focused on heritage conservation, resilient infrastructure, and socio-economic development. Among its landmark projects was the restoration of the Castle of Bashtova — a centuries-old fortress that stood as both a symbol of Albania’s history and a fragile reminder of its vulnerability.

 

Revitalising a 15th-century fortress: The Intervention at the Castle of Bashtova

Located close to the outflow of the Shkumbin River into the Adriatic Sea in Central Albania, the Castle of Bashtova is one of the oldest fortresses in the country, said to have been erected in the 15th century.

Once a witness to centuries of trade and exchange, the castle suffered severe damage from the 2019 earthquake. Now, it has been revitalised thanks to the EU4Culture Programme. The intervention included repairing the earthquake damage while also giving new life to this important cultural site. Archaeological work carried out during the project uncovered exciting details about the castle’s history, including evidence of its role in protecting the grain trade through centuries and serving as a maritime gateway to the river channels leading to the sea. These findings added a new dimension to Bashtova’s story and now help connect the monument more deeply with Albania’s cultural identity.

To enrich the visitor experience, the intervention introduced augmented reality features, including an app allowing guests to explore the castle through digital storytelling. Severely damaged by the 2019 earthquake, the 15th-century castle stood as a fragile reminder of Albania’s past. Today, it is carefully restored, revitalised, and reimagined as a space where history, culture, and community come together.

On the occasion of the inauguration of the restoration works, H.E. Silvio Gonzato, the EU’s Ambassador to Albania, said: “With the restoration of the castle, we want to pay tribute to Albania’s rich cultural heritage, but also create opportunities for sustainable tourism. Through the EU4Culture programme, we are not only restoring buildings but also creating opportunities for artists, craftsmen, and community engagement. We want to create spaces to discuss, to connect, and to open up. How wonderful that a castle, once built for defence and isolation, is becoming a space for engagement, encounter, and cultural discovery. We need fewer walls and more of these spaces for our communities.”

Thanks to the EU4Culture Programme, the Castle of Bashtova — designated a Cultural Monument of the First Category since 1948 and a candidate for the UNESCO World Heritage List — now stands with strengthened walls and towers, safe access for visitors, and new spaces for learning and discovery.

 

The EU4Culture programme is funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by UNOPS in close partnership with the Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation of Albania. It focuses on the renovation and revitalisation of major cultural heritage sites damaged by the earthquake and represents one of the largest cultural heritage programmes funded by the European Union with a total budget of 40 million euros.

The programme focuses on renovation of major cultural heritage sites in line with the UN Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. In parallel, it aims to enhance Albania’s tourism potential, thus directly contributing to local and regional socio-economic recovery.

The EU and the Researcher’s Night in Sarajevo: Horizon Europe is indispensable for scientists

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in Stories.

Through the Horizon Europe programme, within the framework of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), the European Union supported Researchers’ Night in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the thirteenth consecutive year in September 2025 – this time across 13 cities and at the same time as in several other European countries.

“At first you didn’t want to come, and now we can’t get you to leave”, a father told his tearful little boy at the entrance to one of the venues hosting the activities.

In Sarajevo alone, hundreds of children and their parents truly enjoyed themselves – for some youngsters it was their very first experience of the wonders of VR technology, looking through a microscope or observing the sky through a telescope, while participants proudly showcased their inventions.

Among the exhibitors, there was a quiet rivalry over who could attract the most visitors.

Miriel Ligata from the First Grammar School in Sarajevo, together with her friends Naida Hadžialić and Zara Hamzić, and with the support of their mathematics teacher, Adha Arapović Osmanović, created a comic book through which trigonometry can be learned with relative ease.

“We wanted to make a comic about trigonometry so that we could understand and learn this branch of mathematics more easily. For the comic we measured many landmarks such as the statue of King Tvrtko, the cable car, the City Hall, the Clock Tower, while another part of the team built models. On site, using various apps, we measured the distance from buildings or the angle at which we observed them and then applied trigonometric calculations. It really helped me, because I used to be afraid of mathematics, and now I find it very easy”, said Miriel, emphasising that their comic has even been published in other school’s magazines.

Their teacher, Arapović Osmanović, explained that mathematics teaching must change and that this is a good way forward.

“They chose to make a comic – and believe me, trigonometry suddenly became interesting and easy”, she said, noting that all of her pupils had joined in innovative learning in mathematics, each in their own way.

At the neighbouring stand, a cluster of small lightbulbs illuminated plants.

“We built a generator that produces electricity from temperature differences. This matters because we waste – or throw away – a lot of energy, and yet we need it for faster development”, explained Esma Brulić, Fatima Čolan and Lamija Bašić from the Second Grammar School in Sarajevo.

Not far from them, a boy stood in front of a screen, moving his hand without touching anything – and the balls on the screen moved in response.

“I’m catching the balls with my hand – actually, by moving my hand in front of the camera I’m moving the balls on the screen”, he said, without taking his eyes off the monitor. His mentor at the stand, Berina Omerašević from the School In School project, a commercial initiative for additional education, explained that this was all about programming.

“The idea is to show children some basic principles of web programming in an engaging way. Here we used a camera and machine vision. At other stands we had an innovation lab and a science lab with chemistry experiments. The children find this really exciting and are highly engaged”, said Omerašević.

At one long table, a group of boys connected components of different colours and sizes – triggering sounds and setting objects in motion.

“We’re doing experiments with electricity – when we connect the ends of a conductor, we create an electric circuit that sets certain objects on this surface in motion. This is important for our future, because we need to know how things work, and everyone should understand how electricity makes things move”, said one visitor, a Year 8 pupil.

Outside the event was buzzing – with some 50 stands featuring various themes, experiments and equipment.

“Do you know what the night-time economy is? Would you like to give us your idea on how to improve the night-time economy in the city?” When you suggest better lighting, public transport, waste collection and road repairs at night, the stand’s host replies: “That’s what most people ask for”.

This year’s coordinator of Researcher’s Night in Bosnia and Herzegovina was Lejla Čamo from Europe House.

“The most important thing is for children to start learning science from a very early age, and for us all to realise that science is a public good, not a private resource. We are now hearing from people who wish to volunteer or propose projects, who themselves attended the very first Researcher’s Nights as children ten years ago. Since last year we’ve also been going into schools, especially in rural areas, and through the Scientists in Schools initiative we connect secondary school competition winners with senior researchers and younger pupils, because we believe it’s important for children to have role models not only among their peers but also among older scientists”, said Čamo.

The European Researchers’ Night 2025 took place on Friday, 26 September, in 13 cities across Bosnia and Herzegovina – Sarajevo, Tuzla, Banja Luka, Bijeljina, Brčko, Goražde, Mostar, Konjic, Neum, Travnik and Trebinje – almost simultaneously with events in many other European countries. This is a pan-European initiative supported by the European Union through Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research and innovation funding programme. Horizon Europe provides scientists and researchers with resources and opportunities for collaboration across Europe, thereby fostering scientific discoveries and strengthening Bosnia and Herzegovina’s position within the global research community.

Researcher’s Night takes place simultaneously in 25 countries and more than 400 cities, and it is not just one night, but a unique opportunity to highlight the key role of science in shaping the future.

Entry – Exit System (EES) starts in October: what Western Balkans travellers need to know

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

From 12 October 2025, Europe will begin rolling out the new Entry/Exit System (EES) at its external borders. The six-month transition runs until 9 April 2026, with full operation from 10 April 2026. During the transition, some border points will introduce EES sooner than others and passports will still be stamped; after full launch, stamps are replaced by electronic records.

 

Who is affected

EES applies to non-EU travellers on short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, including visa-free visitors and those holding a short-stay Schengen visa. EU/Schengen nationals and many long-stay residents are not subject to EES.

 

What changes at the border

On your first trip after EES starts, border officers or self-service kiosks will capture your travel-document data, the date and place of entry/exit, a facial image and four fingerprints. Subsequent crossings are typically faster because your details are already in the system.

 

Benefits for Western Balkans travellers

EES automates the 90/180-day calculation and, once fully live, removes stamp checks, helping reduce questions at the gate and making repeat trips smoother. Travellers will also be able to check how many days remain in their current allowance.

 

Families and children

Children under 12 will not have fingerprints taken; a facial image and document checks still apply.

 

Pre-registration option

Some countries may offer the “Travel to Europe” mobile app to pre-register passport data and a facial image before you arrive, making the first crossing quicker. Availability varies by country.

 

12 October 2025: EES begins, phased by country and border type

9 April 2026: Transition period ends

10 April 2026: EES fully in place across all external border points; stamping ends

 

To learn more about the EES, see sources below:

• EES overview and traveller guidance, Government of the European Union. Travel Europe
• Data held by EES. Travel Europe
• EES FAQs, including transition, stamps and exemptions. Travel Europe
• European Commission page on EES policy and timing. Migration and Home Affairs
• Information campaign and rollout details. eu-LISA

Inside the Mind of Willem Dafoe: Lessons from His Sarajevo Masterclass

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA Blogs.

By Teodora Ružić

During my stay at the Sarajevo Film Festival, I had the opportunity to meet the incredible Hollywood actor Sir Willem Dafoe and attend his masterclass.

To say that this was the highlight of my stay there would be an understatement. His masterclass was one of the most educational and inspirational sessions I have ever had the opportunity to attend. In this blog, I will take you closer into the mind of Willem Dafoe and share some of the valuable insights I gained from him about acting and film.

At the beginning of the masterclass, Neil Young, who was the moderator, guided us through the life and early career of Mr. Dafoe. We also touched on his upbringing. Mr. Dafoe grew up in Appleton, Wisconsin. He started his career in theatre as a young man and later moved to New York City to pursue acting more seriously. Interestingly, neither of his parents were involved in the industry – they were both doctors. Speaking about his early career and time in New York, Dafoe said:

“Living in NYC there was kind of an amateur love, and there was a community of people making things. Of course, it wasn’t always professional, but the interesting part was, it was never career-minded, it was surfing the energy of youth. It was about who you were hanging out with, who you were inspired by… Nobody was thinking about tomorrow. That was a beautiful condition to grow up in, and this theatre company (where he started his career) was very much that. It was a true company in that we worked every day.”

Masterclass with Willem Dafoe. Credit: Sarajevo Film Festival

We then talked about his first appearance in film. The first movie he appeared in was Heaven’s Gate (1980). We saw a short clip of his performance in this film, and to say that it was brilliant is not enough. Hearing about the paradox between his theatre acting and his film acting was fascinating. As an amateur actress myself, I know that acting on stage and acting in front of a camera are very different. Theatre depends entirely on the momentum and the immediacy of the moment you deliver your line or performance. Film acting, however, requires you to stay in character for a long time, but it also gives you the opportunity to repeat your lines if needed. This is what Dafoe also emphasized and found particularly interesting.

We even spoke briefly about his physical appearance, his hair in particular. In every film, it changes, and he has never had the same hairstyle twice. One of the clips we saw was from Shadow of the Vampire (2000), where he was almost unrecognizable. That, in a way, is his signature: he fully immerses himself in each character, with no repetition, making every role entirely unique. In The Lighthouse (2019), alongside Robert Pattinson, there is a scene where Dafoe’s character is buried alive. Describing this experience, Dafoe said:

“It was cold, I hate the cold. I couldn’t feel my body anymore, I had dirt in my mouth, and it was a pretty long take as well. But this is what it takes to be an actor.”

Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattison in the Lighthouse. Credits: Eric Chakeen

Reflecting on his early days, he admitted he was confused about what he was supposed to do and even ask for. He said:

“I didn’t know anything. What do I ask for? How much money should I ask for? And then I did that movie and I enjoyed it, so slowly I started making movies.”

That first film, Heaven’s Gate, made him realize he wanted to continue with film and that he enjoyed the experience of being a film actor.

Neil Young later asked him whether he had ever considered becoming a director, but Dafoe responded:

“No, I never thought about becoming a director. It’s not for me. When I get a job and I’m working, I listen to what the directors say, what they see, and I try to embody it. Sometimes they see things that aren’t even part of my vision, but that’s part of the fun. Part of the interesting thing, the excitement and learning, is going towards someone else’s vision, because you always learn something and it always challenges your perceptions, your prejudices, and conditioned responses. That’s one of the things I love about performing, it’s the opportunity to challenge yourself. You’re trying to be flexible and see things as they really are, stripping away preferences that are based on conditioning.”

We also touched on some of his most famous appearances, including Wild at Heart (1990), directed by David Lynch. He recalled:
“When David called me I was flattered – he is an artist. He wouldn’t direct you conventionally; sometimes he’d say abstract things like, ‘Willem, you know when you start this you’re kind of like green, and then you become brown.’ So it was a very interesting experience working with him.”

After this beautiful insight into his career and life, the audience had the chance to ask questions. Unfortunately, I wasn’t lucky enough to ask mine, but one question that stood out to me was: if Willem Dafoe had the chance to work with any director, alive or dead, whom he had never worked with before, who would it be? He replied:
“I know this is a little controversial, and this director is pretty hard to work with – his ideas and ways of directing are very unique, but I would have loved to have had the opportunity to make something with Kubrick.”

Having the chance to see one of my idols in front of me, speaking about film and acting – the two things I love the most – was an unforgettable experience that brought me so much inspiration. I want to thank Willem Dafoe for coming back to Sarajevo after more than 20 years and bringing us closer to the world of cinema.

EU support to culture is not symbolic, it is concrete and lasting

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in Stories.

Art and performance have proven to be extremely powerful tools for driving change and reforms, because audiences understand art more easily than academic symposia, conferences or political analyses. To highlight the unifying power of culture and art, WeBalkans created One Song – One Europe. The European Union offers the Western Balkans not only symbolic belonging, but also real, tangible benefits. It is about building a common space of mutual respect, equal partnership and shared ownership of Europe’s future. Moving toward EU membership does involves more than institutional alignment: it also requires renewing renewing cultural ties and building a future of peace, progress and shared prosperity. As the region’s closest and strongest cultural and economic partner, the EU promotes reconciliation and long-term stability by investing in people, culture and common values. Through its Creative Europe programme alone, in which 40 countries take part, the European Union has allocated €2.44 billion to culture and creativity for the period 2021–2027. Cultural institutions from the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, Serbia and North Macedonia), like theatres, museums, research networks, film centres and publishing houses,receive significant EU funding each year. They see this support as a driver of growth and an opportunity for development. “At the cartoon festival held every September in Kosovo, entries come from 70 countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Albania, the Czech Republic and many others around the world. The significance is clear: we in Kosovo do not often travel to Serbia, and the same is with people from Serbia but our cartoons travel – and people understand the messages perfectly. EU funding enables us to organise such events, or to attend similar ones abroad. It helps us to meet others, discover different cultures and artistic achievements, and improve ourselves”, explains cartoonist Imri Musliu from the Kosovo Cartoonists’ Association Kopriva/Nettle. The association where Musliu works (Shoqata e Karikaturistëve “HITHI”), in partnership with the organisation Moja Kariera from North Macedonia, received support through the “Culture and Creativity for the Western Balkans” (CC4WBs) programme for the project Building an Efficient Network through the Enhancement of Individual Presentation. This programme is funded by the EU and jointly implemented by UNESCO, the British Council and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation. Its aim is to strengthen intercultural dialogue and to increase the social and economic impact of culture and creativity in the Western Balkans – a region rich in diverse cultural heritage and with a vibrant scene for creative industry professionals.

There are also those who emphasise that some cultural and artistic undertakings would never have happened without EU support. For example, the Youth Film Festival (OFF) from Bosnia and Herzegovina received significant funding from the CC4WB fund. “Without that support we would never have been able to deliver the Youth Experience programme. Thanks to EU funding, we launched exchanges within the Western Balkans and between the Balkans and the EU, because we share the same values and criteria. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also in Serbia and North Macedonia, the role of public institutions in financing new projects is very unclear – funds are usually channelled into already established activities. Support from funds such as CC4WB becomes essential, as an initial impulse that can completely transform the perspectives of artists and cultural workers”, explains Kenan Musić, director of the OFF.

Thanks to European funding, citizens of Sarajevo also enjoyed a concert by the Roma rock band Kal, led by musician and activist Dragan Ristić. He is also President of the Roma Cultural Centre citizens’ association in Serbia, which, together with the Serbian association Eutopia and the Roma youth association Aksiom from Bosnia and Herzegovina, received support through a CC4WB project.

“For us, EU support is like a window onto the world. It enables us to achieve our aims and the aims of our ethnic community. The EU has made it clear to all Western Balkan countries that priority is given to supporting vulnerable groups, especially Roma“, says Ristić.

His partner from the Aksiom association, Dalibor Tanić, says that through this project he realised how art is an exceptionally powerful means of driving change.

“By fighting together discrimination and prejudice on one side, and corruption on the other, we organised a series of concerts and debates that connected whistleblowers and Roma as equally vulnerable groups. It turned out that art and performance are extremely powerful tools for those who want change, because audiences understand art much more easily than academic symposia, conferences or political analyses. They connect far more quickly with a work of art”, says Tanić.

In early September 2025, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos stated that EU enlargement is at the top of the European agenda, stressing that it is about the unification of Europe. “The doors of our Union are open and will remain open to those who fully, fairly and transparently meet the criteria. Optimism is justified, because things are moving faster than at any time in the past fifteen years”, said Kos.

In close cooperation with the EU Delegation to North Macedonia and Europe House in Skopje, WeBalkans launched the One Song, One Europe campaign. The event gathered musicians from 12 countries, alongside regional and North Macedonian media, international journalists, members of the diplomatic corps, and Young European Ambassadors. The vibrant atmosphere of the kick-off highlighted the importance of culture as a bridge across borders. “One Song One Europe tells the story of Europe’s unity in diversity, embracing all people and cultures. Through the powerful symbolism of Ode to Joy, musicians from twelve countries—Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Germany, France, Kosovo, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Slovenia—come together here tonight in Skopje. Playing instruments that range from classical to traditional, rare to modern, their performance embodies Europe’s cultural strength and unity. By supporting artists, cultural collaboration, and creative exchange, the European Union enables musicians and creators from both the Western Balkans and the Member States to inspire one another, demonstrating that cultural connection is one of Europe’s greatest strengths” said Luciano Scambiato Licciardi, Head of Communications, EU Delegation To North Macedonia In addressing the audience from the WeBalkans, it was also emphasized that the European Union is the Western Balkans’ strongest cultural and economic partner. The EU offers not only symbolic belonging, but also tangible opportunities—building a common space founded on mutual respect, equal partnership, and shared ownership of Europe’s future. The path to EU accession is not only about aligning institutions, but also about renewing cultural ties and shaping a future of peace, progress, and prosperity. As the region’s closest partner, the EU continues to foster reconciliation and long-term stability by investing in people, culture, and shared values what is the message of One Song One Europe campaign To highlight the symbol of closeness through culture and art, WeBalkans created One Song – One Europe. Using the powerful symbolism of Ode to Joy, musicians from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Germany, France, Kosovo, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Serbia and Slovenia came together in harmony. With instruments ranging from classical to traditional, rare to modern, their performance reflects the cultural strength and unity of Europe. By supporting artists, cultural cooperation and creative exchanges, the EU enables musicians and creators from the Western Balkans and Member States to inspire each other, showing how cultural connectedness is one of Europe’s greatest strengths. “For me, Ode to Joy is the EU translated into emotions – a collection of articulated sounds that make music”, says Ristić.

“Ode to Joy”: Why it is still important today?

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in Stories.

Our shared cultural heritage remains the most powerful uniting force in a world that so often seems determined to divide us. In a world marked by conflict and division, people are searching for something that can hold them together, a reason to believe in peace, harmony and the possibility of a normal life. “The world has gone mad,” many will say, but beneath that lament lies a cry for help, a yearning for connection. Can we find a force strong enough to unite us?

“When you, joy, mighty force, bring us together, all discord must vanish. Every man becomes a brother to another when he follows your radiant path,” reads a verse from Ode to Joy. Written in 1785 by German poet Friedrich Schiller, the poem celebrates the timeless ideals of brotherhood and human unity. Decades later, Ludwig van Beethoven immortalised it in his Ninth Symphony, premiered in 1824. In 1972 it was adopted as the anthem of the Council of Europe, and later as the anthem of the European Union.

This universal hymn of unity was brought to life once more in an outstanding performance, as twelve top musicians from across Europe came together to perform it—playing instruments that ranged from classical, rare to modern. As part of the One Song – One Europe initiative, their performance, conveyed a powerful message: Europe and the European Union stand as enduring symbols of unity and harmony.

By bringing together creators from both EU Member States and the Western Balkans, the initiative showed that culture is the heartbeat that binds Europe together. It is an unbreakable thread—one of the EU’s greatest strengths.

“It is surreal how this Ode sounds in such a completely new rendition – incredible that a composition can carry such power when played on these rare and ancient instruments, seemingly worlds apart from Beethoven, yet brought together by musicians from both the EU and beyond. And that is exactly how it should be – we are all neighbours, sharing the same space”, said the journalist who followed the performance and recording.

The performers were: Gent Rushi from Albania (piano and accordion); Hristina Beleva from Bulgaria (gadulka); Petr Harmacek from the Czech Republic (trumpet); Delphine Aurélie Langhoff from France (drums); Marvin Dillmann from Germany (didgeridoo); Driton Bejta from Kosovo (guitar and çifteli); Žana Lekić from Montenegro (flute); Mike del Ferro from the Netherlands (piano); Sercuk Alimov from North Macedonia (trumpet); Miloš Nikolić from Serbia (kaval); Antonija Batinić from Bosnia and Herzegovina (vocals); and Ana Mezgec from Slovenia (violin and vocals).

All of them are artists with established careers in jazz, rock, folklore and other genres, mastering multiple instruments and recognised not only in their own countries but across Europe and beyond. Among the most unusual instruments were the gadulka, didgeridoo, çifteli and kaval.

The gadulka is a traditional Bulgarian bowed string instrument, central to Bulgarian folk ensembles, typically played for dance music. It is held upright and bowed from underneath. The didgeridoo, originating in northern Australia, has been present in Europe since the 1980s. Many European countries now have active didgeridoo communities, workshops, festivals and ensembles – particularly in Germany and France. The çifteli is a two-stringed instrument from northern and central Albania, southern Montenegro, and parts of North Macedonia and Kosovo, often played at weddings, concerts and as accompaniment to Albanian epics and ballads. The kaval is a chromatic shepherd’s flute played in the mountainous regions of the Balkans (Albania, Romania, Bulgaria, southern Serbia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, northern Greece) and Anatolia (Turkey, Armenia).

“I’m excited to be part of the One Song – One Europe project. I’m very glad that the whole of Europe can enjoy the sound of my instrument”, said Marvin Dillmann from Germany. Žana Lekić from Montenegro shared a message on behalf of the Western Balkans: “We from the Western Balkans are also part of Europe, despite our differences, and we wish to send a message of togetherness, love and happiness – which Ode to Joy embodies”.

“Music always connects us, without borders and without words. Every time I perform across Europe I feel there is a connection and understanding, as though we are speaking the same language. This is how we build a strong and united Europe – one that allows us to be unique, yet still one. One Song – One Europe”, said Antonija Batinić.

French drummer Delphine Aurélie Langhoff emphasised: “We in Europe are one. It is a great joy to perform this masterpiece with such wonderful musicians from different countries”. On the other hand, Serbian musician Miloš Nikolić drew a parallel between notes and people: “Just as music exists only through different notes working together, so too do people, connected across all our differences, work best together”.

Ana Mezgec from Slovenia said it was a great honour to be part of the project: “I believe that collaborations like this performance of Ode to Joy have the power not only to unite us musicians from different countries, but also to cross borders and connect people through music – the most powerful medium we can offer”.

For Sercuk Alimov from North Macedonia it was “immense happiness to be part of One Song – One Europe”. His country Norht Macedonia hosted this wonderful performance. Mike del Ferro from Amsterdam rejoiced: “Music is an universal language that connects all people” and Bulgarian musician Hristina Beleva added: “The twelve of us performed Ode to Joy in a single language – the language of music”

As the largest political and economic partner of the Western Balkans, the European Union fosters collaboration among musicians and creators from the EU and the region by supporting artists, cultural cooperation, and creative exchange. This enables them to work together, share knowledge and experiences, and inspire one another. This performance was the highlight of the One Song – One Europe project and will be permanently preserved across social media, local media, and on the website webalkans.eu.

EU and the Western Balkans: Cross-Border Cooperation for Better Practices

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in Stories.

The European Union supports candidate countries in establishing the standards required for equal participation within the Union, including by financially backing knowledge exchanges between Member States and candidates. At present, two cooperation projects are under way between Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro – Cross-Border Cooperation for Zero Waste and Improving the Cross-Border Emergency Response.

The To Zero Waste project is being implemented within the Interreg IPA Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021–2027. The Municipality of Tuzi in Montenegro is the lead partner, joined by the Municipality of Konavle in Croatia and the City of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“The project is focused on sustainable and efficient waste management in these three communities, with the aim of introducing more effective separate waste collection, reducing the number of illegal dumpsites, and lowering the volume of waste ending up in landfills. We are procuring vehicles for the removal of municipal and bulky waste, mobile recycling yards, and containers for waste separation. In addition, clean-up and greening actions are planned for illegal dumpsites, alongside educational and promotional campaigns for citizens,” explains Adela Bahović, the project manager in the Municipality of Tuzi.

Representatives from Mostar and Tuzi point out that residents will find it easier to separate waste, enjoy cleaner towns, and benefit from a more efficient bulky waste collection system.

“Citizens can already see the first results through the newly installed mobile recycling yard and containers placed in public spaces for selective waste collection. By the end of the project, the waste management system will be modernised and more efficient – what remains is to remove the illegal dumpsites and install video surveillance,” says Ines Ćorić, project coordinator at the City of Mostar.

Bahović stresses that cooperation lies in joint planning, the exchange of knowledge and experience, and the alignment of activities to ensure that results are sustainable and applicable in different local contexts. A bulky waste management plan for the period 2025–2030 is also envisaged, to be applied in both Tuzi and Mostar.

“The Municipality of Konavle already has more advanced waste management practices and is sharing its experience with Tuzi and Mostar. Joint clean-up actions, the purchase and use of the same type of equipment, and parallel awareness-raising campaigns under the common slogan Be the Change with Zero Waste show that the three communities are working as partners rather than as isolated entities,” Bahović emphasises.

She warns that the biggest challenges are changing citizens’ habits regarding waste separation, insufficient infrastructure for selective collection, and the large number of illegal dumpsites. To overcome this – with the message that a waste-free future is possible – educational workshops for residents are planned, involving even the youngest members of the community. The awareness campaign also features top European athlete Lana Pudar from Mostar, who promotes the slogan Be the Change for Zero Waste!

“The aim is to encourage residents of these communities to separate their waste and to use cloth bags instead of plastic, which can take up to a thousand years to degrade in nature,” adds Ćorić.

Residents are already noticing the changes.

“The city is much tidier than before – they’ve installed recycling machines in busy areas, and I often see refuse workers in uniforms with the project logo. That’s when I realised the EU was involved, which makes me very happy. I’ve also seen Lana Pudar on social media talking about the changes – people will certainly notice and listen to her because she’s so well loved,” says one woman from Mostar we met in the city.

Through the project, all three local communities will acquire specialised equipment for collecting and separating waste, rehabilitate and green several local illegal dumpsites, and install video surveillance at sites where waste is unlawfully dumped. With a budget of €2.3 million, the operation is scheduled for completion in January 2027. Ćorić notes that they have already applied for continuation funding – TO ZERO WASTE 2 – in order to build on current investments and enhance the system with digital solutions.

At the same time, the INEREP – Project for Improving Cross-Border Emergency Response, part of the Interreg VI-A IPA Programme with a budget of €14.84 million, will see Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro working together to strengthen their collective capacity to respond to environmental hazards and protect the natural environment. Over the 48-month period, the lead partner will be Split-Dalmatia County, along with the Firefighters’ Education and Technology Development Centre in Split. Partners in Bosnia and Herzegovina include the civil protection services of the Federation of BiH and Republika Srpska, as well as the Brčko District Development and Guarantee Fund. In Montenegro, the Ministry of Interior – Directorate for Emergency Management is the partner institution.

“The project involves the procurement of specialised equipment and vehicles, the modernisation and equipping of training centres – including VA.C.E.T.RA.S in Split – the development and piloting of the FireGIS digital tool for real-time wildfire risk assessment, as well as joint training and exercises. The goal is interoperability – ensuring that teams from the three countries work according to harmonised protocols and use compatible equipment and tools. For citizens, the benefit is faster, better-coordinated responses, with better-equipped and trained teams. The first results can be expected as early as 2026,” explains Ivica Šitum, Senior Advisor for Coordination and Development at Split-Dalmatia County.

He highlights that the main challenges will be aligning cross-border procurement procedures, delivery timelines for specialised equipment, data standardisation for FireGIS, ensuring training safety during heatwaves, and administrative compliance.

“As the lead partner, we bring extensive experience from our previous strategic project in which we worked with partners from Italy,” Šitum notes.

The overarching aim of INEREP is to reduce the risks associated with climate change and strengthen environmental resilience by enhancing the organisational and technical capacities of emergency services, particularly in firefighting and rescue operations. The project also focuses on raising public awareness and fostering participation in disaster preparedness efforts.