Skip to main content

Author: WeBalkans

EU supports helpline to safeguard children in Albania

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

Albania’s national child helpline – ALO 116 111 – has launched a web-based reporting platform, “Raporto Tani” (“Report it Now”), with the help of Unicef Albania and the European Union. The portal is the first of its kind in Albania and allows reporting of any violation of a child’s rights at any time of day and from anywhere in Albania. All children and adolescents in Albania will now be able to report any case of violence, abuse, or bullying via the online www.alo116.al platform and the ALO116111 smartphone app with a single click.  
The www.alo116.al platform and the ALO116111 app have also been designed as a counselling space for both children and parents. In addition to the reporting function, the website includes a dedicated chat function that children and adolescents can use to communicate with counsellors in real-time. Counselling and information is available for children and adolescents who are experiencing violence, bullying, exploitation or neglect. Support is also available for the families, parents and guardians of these young people.  
Speaking at the launch, Head of Operations at the EU Delegation in Albania, Mrs Lenka Vitkova said: “I am happy that two EU funded projects implemented by our partners UNICEF and Terre des Hommes are supporting the national child helpline […] This will enable vulnerable children & families affected by COVID-19 to access social protection, education and mental health & psycho-social services.”

EU and Western Balkans launch a joint Innovation Agenda

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

On 6 October, the leaders of the European Union and its Member States, together with Western Balkans leaders, launched the “Western Balkans Agenda on Innovation, Research, Education, Culture, Youth and Sport”. The document was launched at the EU-Western Balkans Brdo Summit and is a comprehensive, long-term cooperation strategy for the European Union and the Western Balkans to promote scientific excellence as well as reform of the region’s education systems, creating further opportunities for youth, and helping prevent brain drain.

Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth said: “EU cooperation with the Western Balkans offers unparalleled opportunities. The Innovation Agenda for the Western Balkans will open these opportunities to students, researchers, innovators and cultural operators so that they access new markets, become more competitive and build sustainable prosperity. It’s a positive and forward-looking vision for all.”

Through increased investment in research, education, culture, youth and sport, the Western Balkans Agenda and its proposed actions will contribute to the region’s economic and social development and cooperation. The EU will support ever stronger cooperation between stakeholders in the Western Balkans and in EU Member States to facilitate the successful implementation of the Agenda.

EU-Western Balkans meet in summit at Brdo pri Kranju – Sign Declaration

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

Leaders from the EU member states met the six Western Balkans partners at the Brdo pri Kranju summit on 6 October 2021. Hosted by the Slovenian presidency, the EU leaders agreed on the Brdo declaration, with which the Western Balkans partners – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, the Republic of North Macedonia, and Kosovo, have aligned themselves.   Full text of the Brdo declaration of the EU-Western Balkans summit   The Brdo declaration reaffirms the EU’s unequivocal support for the European perspective of the Western Balkans. It sets out initiatives to support connectivity and the green and digital transitions in the region, and commitments in the area of political and security cooperation.   The declaration also refers to a range of concrete deliverables benefiting the Western Balkans, including:  
  • – the €30 billion Economic and Investment Plan (EIP)
  • – the pledge to boost COVID-19 vaccination rates
  • – the path towards lower roaming costs
  • – an Innovation Agenda for the Western Balkans
  • – Green Lanes and Transport Community Action Plans.
  The EU reconfirmed its commitment to the enlargement process and relevant decisions taken, based upon credible reforms by partners, fair and rigorous conditionality and the principle of own merits. EU leaders also recalled the importance for the EU of being able to maintain and deepen its own development, ensuring its capacity to integrate new members.   The Western Balkans partners reiterated their dedication to European values and principles and to carrying out necessary reforms in the interest of their people.   The EU is the Western Balkans’ main political, economic and trade partner. Through the EIP, the EU is now providing unprecedented financial support mobilising some €30 billion for the region over the next seven years.   To reflect the importance of the close relationship between the EU and the Western Balkans, the leaders decided to regularly hold EU-Western Balkans summits, with the next one planned for 2022.

EU support for food safety in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

The European Union is providing 33 new off-road vehicles worth €467,000 to be used by authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina for phytosanitary inspections and food controls and monitoring. The aim of this donation is to help Bosnia and Herzegovina to further build capacity in the food safety and phytosanitary sectors, and help the country to align with EU standards.
 
The keys to 14 of these vehicles were handed over by the Head of the Delegation of the European Union and EU Special Representative, Ambassador Johann Sattler, to the Director of the Food Safety Agency of BiH, Džemil Hajrić, the Minister of the FBiH Ministry of Agriculture, Šemsudin Dedić, and the Director of the FBiH Administration for Inspection Affairs, Anis Ajdinović. As a result of this donation, monitoring of food and the food chain will be faster, the period from the taking of a sample during phytosanitary border inspections to its final analysis will be shortened and the time spent on issuing phytosanitary certificates will be reduced.
 
The European Union is working to build capacity in BiH in the food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary sectors through several ongoing projects. Currently, there are three twinning projects in BiH worth six million euros, aiming to strengthen institutional capacities and bring these sectors in BiH in line with European Union legislation.

Make your school a Superschool

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

 The Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) has opened a call for secondary school exchanges in the Western Balkans. This Superschools programme is a new opportunity for schools, students, and teachers that aims to support peacebuilding and reconciliation processes and intercultural learning and dialogue between schools, students and their communities. Participating secondary schools will have the chance to implement school-to-school exchanges as well as other capacity building, networking and cooperation activities. The deadline for application is 28 October.

 

The programme, which will be implemented in the next three years will focus on supporting schools to develop and conduct youth exchanges as well as to design a regional school exchange scheme which will enable secondary school students to participate in a long-term RYCO exchange program. Every secondary school, public or private, from the Western Balkans is invited to apply and implement these exchanges, and thanks to the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), exchange expenses will be covered for all selected schools.

 

The Superschools programme is part of the multi-donor “Western Balkans School Exchange Scheme” project co-financed by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) together with RYCO.

 

RYCO is an intergovernmental organisation that stewards and promotes the regional and intercultural cooperation of young people within and between six Western Balkans societies.

President von der Leyen wraps up Western Balkans visit

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

“Building bridges between people, countries and cultures is so crucial for our common future. Because […] all the Western Balkans, belong in the European Union.”
 
President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, wrapped up her three-day visit to the Western Balkans yesterday in Bosnia and Herzegovina. On this final day she attended the inauguration of the EU-financed Svilaj bridge, together with Prime Minister of Croatia, Andrej Plenković and the Chair of Council of Ministers, Zoran Tegeltija. The new bridge over the river Sava, part of the major north-south road Corridor 5C, now connects Bosnia and Herzegovina with Croatia and by extension, the EU.
 
Her three-day visit began earlier in the week on Tuesday in Tirana, where she was received by Prime Minister Edi Rama, and President Ilir Meta. Together with the Prime Minister, von der Leyen attended the inauguration of the Korab Muça School and Europa Kindergarten, which was rebuilt with EU funds under the EU4Schools programme after the devastating 2019 earthquake.
 
In Skopje, President von der Leyen met Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, as well as President Stevo Pendarovski and visited a youth cultural centre. In Pristina, she met with President Vjosa Osmani and Prime Minister Albin Kurti and visited the EU-funded Cicërimat kindergarten.
 
Later she travelled to Podgorica, where she was received by President Milo Đukanović and Prime Minister Zdravko Krivokapić, and visited the Institute of Public Health which received support in the fight against the pandemic.
 
On the final day of her visit, President von der Leyen was in Belgrade where she met President Aleksandar Vučić and Prime Minister Ana Brnabić. She then took part in a launch ceremony in Niš marking the start of construction works of a railway section on the International Rail Corridor X, before finalising her tour in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Western Balkans buzzing with organic farming opportunities

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in Stories.

An EU-funded project supports beekeepers from North Macedonia to shift to organic farming The municipality of Kavadarci is in the Tikveš region of North Macedonia. With fewer than 40,000 inhabitants, like many other rural regions in the Western Balkans the municipality suffers from young people and families migrating to bigger cities in search of a better life. Such migration was the main motivation for launching the EU-funded Vitac incubator project promoting organic beekeeping, as a lack of economic opportunity is known to be the main reason for migration to bigger cities.  Zlatka Milkov is one of those who has so far stayed in Kavadarci. She has a degree in agriculture, but worked as an accountant for some years. Meanwhile, Zlatka’s husband, who works as an electrician, keeps bees. “But I was never really interested in beekeeping; I only helped my husband packaging the honey once we had the final product,” says Zlatka. However, in 2020, her husband heard about a programme offering training on organic honey production, provided by the Vitac project, designed and implemented through the EU-funded Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans (ReLOaD). Zlatka had more spare time than her husband, as she was not working at that time, so he asked her if she would like to join. Reluctantly, she agreed.

“I learned many things, from the biology of bees to interesting details of honey production. Every moment was fun and interesting,”

Organic beekeeping, a future business opportunity

The training lasted for nine months and included theoretical and practical knowledge on organic beekeeping. “I learned many things, from the biology of bees to interesting details of honey production. Every moment was fun and interesting,” says Zlatka. Over the course of a year, the project supported 15 participants, including women and young people from the region. During the practical training, participants created 30 organic bee colonies which were then given to them so they could start or expand their beekeeping businesses with an organic approach. Those taking part were also certified for organic bee-rearing. Participants learned how organic food, including organic honey, is grown without the use of human-made pesticides and fertilisers, and does not contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Because of the widespread belief that organic food is safer, more nutritious, and better tasting, they were thus given access to a developing high-value market for organic food around the world.

“The support from the EU was crucial, as the municipalities in the region have funds only for very small-scale projects. With EU support, we were able to implement a much larger project and address local community needs with long-lasting impact.”

About the project The main goal of the Vitac incubator for organic beekeeping project is to prevent emigration and contribute to the revival of rural settlements in the municipality of Kavadarci. Project activities have included theoretical and practical training for the target group in producing organic bee products and bee colonies. In addition, through the information centre that was established, farmers from the municipality of Kavadarci nowreceive free advice and guidance on how to convert their agricultural production to organic. The project was implemented by the Biovita Association of Organic Producers, financed as part of the EU-funded ReLOaD-Programme and co-financed by the Municipality of Kavadarci. Biljana Georgievska, the project manager, explains that the project required a lot of effort to be implemented properly, but also depended on commitment from participants. “The support from the EU was crucial, as the municipalities in the region have funds only for very small-scale projects. With EU support we were able to implement a much larger project and address local community needs with long-lasting impact,” she says. Zlatka has now become the leader of the family’s bee-rearing business which is now almost 100% organic. Meanwhile, the family won first prize for the quality of their honey in an annual national competition in Tetovo. “I am thinking of opening a shop for organic food in the near future. If we can make this work out then perhaps I could be working here on this full time in the future,” says Zlatka.

Winners of the 2021 EU Award for Roma Integration in the Western Balkans and Turkey announced

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

Today, the European Commission announced the 14 winners of the fourth EU Award for Roma Integration in the Western Balkans and Turkey. This year’s award recognises Extraordinary People Promoting Equality through Employment. The winners include a window-cleaning business in Albania, the Montenegro Red Cross and the Municipality of Konak in western Turkey. The award ceremony took place in the framework of the 5thEU Roma Week (27 – 30 September 2021).

 

Olivér Várhelyi, Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, said: “Congratulations to all the winners for your contribution to such an important issue! You took courageous initiatives overcoming prejudices to promote Roma employment. With your diverse actions and your successful results, you show that progress on Roma employment is possible. I hope this Award will help expand your initiatives as role models for increasing Roma employment and for making our societies more equal and fair.”

 

Launched in 2014, the EU Award for Roma integration in the Western Balkans and Turkey aims to highlight the importance of Roma integration in the EU Enlargement process and to show the EU’s determination and commitment to improving the social inclusion of Roma people. With the Award, the EU recognises all efforts to empower Roma to reach their full potential as full members of the societies where they live and work. The prize will help fund future projects and opportunities benefitting Roma.

 

Of the estimated 10-12 million Roma living in Europe, about 1 million live in the Western Balkans and 2.8 million in Turkey. The full integration and inclusion of Roma people is a key priority for the EU and starts with employment. Roma integration is one of the conditions enlargement partners have to fulfil to become an EU Member State.

 

Background

 

This year’s EU Award for Roma Integration is dedicated to Extraordinary People Promoting Equality through Employment. It recognises private and public initiatives that offer support, recognition and publicity to unemployment in the Roma communities, especially among women, and that support positive role models and practical help.

 

Of the 67 applications submitted, 14 projects representing the Western Balkan partners and Turkey, have been chosen for their outstanding contribution. The nominees often put themselves at risk by being role models and breaking established traditions. They, for instance:

 

-strengthen Roma people employability and women’s empowerment;

-offer career guidance and mentoring support for Roma people, providing professional vocational training and internships;

-increase informed Roma citizen participation in decision-making processes;

-improve access to social rights, quality employment, and public services such as education, healthcare, and housing;

-combat violence against women and child marriage, enabling Roma women to be independent;

-work with public and private sector actors and businesses to change their perspective of Roma people and to reduce illiteracy;

-help micro-businesses with no collateral, and therefore ineligible for business loans, to buy equipment

 

The commitment of these organisations and companies to combatting unemployment through funding, training, and practical support has improved the economic prospects of hundreds of Roma men, women, and young people but has also advanced Roma’s integration into society at large. The EU Roma integration award aims to boost political commitment and support for Roma inclusion in Western Balkans and Turkey, focusing each year differently. The award is funded by the European Union and implemented by Roma Active Albania.

President Von der Leyen visits the Western Balkans

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, is in the Western Balkans this week (28-30 September) ahead of the EU-Western Balkans Summit on 6 October.  
Her three-day visit began with her arrival on Tuesday morning in Tirana, where she was received by Prime Minister Edi Rama, and President Ilir Meta. Together with the Prime Minister, von der Leyen attended the inauguration of the Korab Muça School and Europa Kindergarten, which was rebuilt with EU funds under the EU4Schools programme after the devastating 2019 earthquake.  
She then travelled to Skopje, where she met Prime Minister Zoran Zaev, as well as President Stevo Pendarovski and visited a youth cultural centre  with Prime Minister Zaev.  
On Wednesday morning, President von der Leyen arrived in Pristina, where she met with President Vjosa Osmani and Prime Minister Albin Kurti and visted an EU-funded kindergarten. She travels later to  Podgorica, where she will visit the Institute of Public Health which received support in the fight against the pandemic.  
On Thursday the President will be in Belgrade to take part in a launch event of a railway Corridor X project. Von der Leyen’s last stop will be Bosnia and Herzegovina, where she will attend the opening ceremony of the Svilaj Bridge connecting Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

EU supporting the Western Balkans to combat cross-border crime

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

Cross-border crime can only be eradicated with cross-border cooperation. This was the key message from Olivér Várhelyi, EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, to over 150 public prosecutors and other law enforcement authorities at the launch of the 21st edition of the European Union’s Technical Assistance and Information Exchange (TAIEX) International Forum for Prosecutors, on 28–29 September.

 

Criminals are increasingly operating across the state borders and ruthlessly exploiting the unprecedented pandemic situation. This is why judicial cooperation against cybercrime, terrorism and environmental crime was the focus of this year’s Forum. These topics are central to the EU Security Union Strategy, which calls for closer police and judicial cooperation, including with EU’s closest neighbourhood.

 

The two-day virtual conference was organised jointly with the EU Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation, EUROJUST, and the European Public Prosecutors’ Office. It brought together senior prosecutors and representatives of the judiciary from the EU Member States, the Western Balkans, and the Eastern and Southern Neighbourhoods to exchange lessons from investigating and prosecuting cross-border crime.

 

Speaking at the event, Laura Kövesi, European Chief Prosecutor (pictured) explained the key role played by the EPPO: “The EPPO is a single prosecution office. We have the ability to investigate cross-border in 22 Member States of the EU so far, without cumbersome mutual legal assistance formalities. […] The EPPO has the potential to change the paradigm of cross border investigations involving organised crime.”

 

Over the past year alone, TAIEX has enabled over 30 initiatives mobilising over 70 EU experts from 19 countries to support partners in strengthening their institutional capacities to combat organised and serious crime. Further activities will be designed jointly with partner countries to take forward the outcomes of the Forum.

 

Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2021, TAIEX is the European Union’s tool for mobilising European public sector expertise to support peer learning with partner country administrations.