The European Union has continued to support the Western Balkans partners to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and provide accurate information about the spread of the virus. In mobilising a substantial recovery package and involving the region in EU programmes, the EU confirmed its commitment to assist the Western Balkans partners in these times of crisis.
As High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell said: “This is a time for solidarity, and it is a priority for the EU to support the Western Balkans, as part of our European family, in facing the impact of the pandemic.”
In Albania, the EU continued delivering medical equipment for hospitals and health centres across Albania. The medical equipment includes 15 mobile ventilators, 50 monitors of vital parameters, 25 defibrillators, 20 electrocardiograms with trolleys, 10 echographers and 2 digital mobile x-rays. Via public events and social media campaigns, the EU has been promoting social distancing, the wearing of masks, personal hygiene as well as the importance of checking reliable sources as measures for preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
The European Union has continued to support the Western Balkans partners to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and provide accurate information about the spread of the virus. In mobilising a substantial recovery package and involving the region in EU programmes, the EU confirmed its commitment to assist the Western Balkans partners in these times of crisis.
As High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell said: “This is a time for solidarity, and it is a priority for the EU to support the Western Balkans, as part of our European family, in facing the impact of the pandemic.”
In Serbia, the EU financed the hiring of 200 qualified medical doctors, medical technicians and administrative staff in July who will support hospitals, clinics and laboratories across Serbia. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, the EU has provided rapid support to the country, including the financing of 15 cargo flights carrying over 720 tons of equipment such as protective medical face masks, respirators and containers.
The EU is also focusing support on the most vulnerable groups, including through the allocation of €100,000 in hygiene and essential foods packages for Roma settlements in Belgrade, Nis, Subotica and Valjevo. The EU has also engaged in the initiative “They are heroes” to raise the profile of people who stood out by helping those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to floods that hit Serbia in late June this year, the European Union is providing €65,000 in humanitarian funding to assist those most affected. This EU funding supports the Red Cross of Serbia in delivering much-needed relief assistance, including safe drinking water, food, hygiene and household items, together with essential psychosocial support.
The hardest hit households will also receive cash assistance to help them buy what they urgently need most following the disaster. Promotional activities will inform the affected population about health threats related to the floods, including waterborne diseases. The humanitarian aid will directly benefit over 20,000 people in 20 municipalities affected by the flooding.
The funding is part of the EU’s overall contribution to the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Continuous heavy rainfall in late June 2020 caused floods that affected over 50,000 people in Serbia. Overflowing rivers caused significant damage to bridges, roads and power lines, and homes, adding to the acute challenges the country is already facing amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
Tomáš Szunyog from the Czech Republic has been appointed EU Special Representative (EUSR) for Kosovo. The mandate of Szunyog starts on 1 September 2020 and will end on 31 August next year, the Council of the European Union said in a statement published today.
The task of the EUSR is to promote a stable, viable, peaceful, democratic and multi-ethnic Kosovo that is committed to the rule of law and to the protection of minorities and of cultural and religious heritage, including through strengthening stability in the region and contributing to regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations in the Western Balkans, the statement reads.
Szunyog will replace Natalya Apostolova who has held the position since 20 July 2016.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed an €11.8 million grant with Bosnia and Herzegovina to finance the construction of the 6.9 km-long Tarčin-Ivan section of motorway along the the pan-European Corridor Vc. The EU grant comes from the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) and complements an earlier EIB loan worth €40.4 million approved by the EU bank for the same section of the Corridor Vc.
The EU Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Johann Sattler, explains why investment in large public investment programmes is very important: “The EU has allocated grants worth more than €200 million of grants under the Connectivity Agenda to help Bosnia and Herzegovina accelerate the construction of the Corridor Vc in the country. The construction work did not stop even during the coronavirus pandemic. The protective measures put in place in all active construction sites are a very positive sign as they mean retaining jobs in these difficult times. Large public investment programmes most importantly generate new jobs and the acceleration of construction is more necessary than ever to mitigate the adverse impact of the pandemic.’
Corridor Vc is the most ambitious investment programme in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Corridor will improve regional connectivity, reduce travel times and increase road safety along the route connecting the main economic and administrative centres in the country. Corridor Vc will also contribute towards faster social and economic integration of the Western Balkans and the European Union.
The European Commission has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kosovo, paving the way for the first disbursement of €50 million in Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA). The second installment of €50 million will be disbursed later in 2020 or early 2021.
MFA funds are being made available in the form of long-term loans on very favourable terms. The funds will contribute to Kosovo’s macroeconomic stability so that the government’s financial resources can be allocated to mitigate the severe socio-economic consequences of the coronavirus.
The total MFA programme for Kosovo is worth up to €100 million. Nataliya Apostolova, Head of the EU Office in Kosovo/EU Special Representative warmly welcomed the agreement and called on the Kosovo Assembly to proceed swiftly with its ratification, so as to avoid any delayed disbursement. The MoU included policy conditions on measures to address public finance and financial stability, youth unemployment, good governance and the fight against corruption.
Country: Serbia
Interests: Arts and design, Film and photography, Music, Youth activism, Environment
My name is Teodora and I was born and raised in Serbia, where I currently live. I began my studies in Ukraine and completed my first year at the Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University. I went on to continue my studies in Russia at the Belgorod State Institute of Arts and Culture, where I completed my bachelor’s and master’s degrees with honours in Musical Arts. Over the course of my studies, I published several articles on Serbian music, music education and culture, and participated in many events and conferences. I was a member of a number of choirs and vocal ensembles and I’ve also participated in various festivals and competitions. Moreover, I was a participant at the World Festival of Youth and Students in Russia, the World Youth Forum in Egypt and numerous Erasmus+ projects in different EU countries, which offered me the opportunity to gain new skills and meet people from different parts of the world. I find myself focused on the fields of music, culture, pedagogy, youth activism, international relations and leadership, and I’m interested in discovering different cultures, travelling and learning new languages. I plan on starting my volunteer work with the European Solidarity Corps. I’m currently a Young European Ambassador from Serbia and a teacher of Music Culture at the High School of Tourism in Nis.
Country: Serbia
Interests: Environment, Media, arts and culture
My name is Marko Milutinović, and I am a communications strategist and social media expert with extensive experience in engaging diverse communities across Europe. My career has been marked by roles at the European Commission and various international nonprofits, where I have honed my ability to craft compelling narratives and spearhead effective digital campaigns. These positions have enabled me to connect a wide range of audiences with policymaking processes, significantly enhancing public involvement and participation. As a passionate environmental and climate change activist, I actively integrate sustainability into all aspects of my communication strategies. This commitment is driven by a deep dedication to influencing public policy and promoting environmental stewardship through impactful advocacy and community engagement. I am continually seeking dynamic opportunities to leverage my expertise in communications and social media to drive meaningful change. With a proven track record of success in both governmental and non-governmental settings, I aim to advance sustainable practices and foster a more informed, engaged, and active global community.
Country: Serbia
Interests: Music, Youth activism, Environment
My name is Anja Kafedžiska, I’m 19 years old and I’m from Vranje. I’m currently a student at the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Law. I’ve been an activist and volunteer since I was 14. I’m a founder of the Youth NGO “Our world, our rules”, which aims to make young people heard and support their interests in culture, sports, EU integration, media literacy, environmental protection, health and human rights. My experience includes writing several project proposals across different fields and I am always trying to improve my skills by participating in various workshops, seminars, ERASMUS+ training and initiating debates and peer-to-peer training – mostly on the topic of ecology and gender equality. So far I have launched numerous local activities, including eco-quizzes, musical performances, plays and several Ceremonial Academies. I also attended music school, played the piano and sang jazz. I’m a member of the theatre and I’ve combined my love for acting and activism by working on resolving the issue of sexism among young people, which has resulted in the creation of a play called “The Principle of the Decollete” funded by RYCO and UNFPA. I’ve completed the School of Human Rights organised by the Belgrade Centre for Human Rights.
Country: Serbia
Interests: Science, Business and Entrepreneurship
I am Dragana Grahovac, a chemical engineer who obtained her BSc at the Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, with an average grade of 9.93. My passion for scientific research and interdisciplinary education led me to participate in additional faculty courses from other modules as well as academic programs at prestigious universities across Europe, including Humboldt in Berlin, Sapienza in Rome, St. Cyril and Methodius in Skopje and Aalborg in Denmark. My love for scientific research developed in elementary school, when I became part of the Regional Talent Center Belgrade II, and later deepened during high school chemistry seminars in Petnica. I was part of the research groups at departments of organic chemistry, non-organic technology, and polymer engineering at my faculty, after which I published a scientific research paper, which I presented at many conferences. During my education, I excelled not only in technical subjects but also in social sciences, winning numerous awards in Serbian language and literature, English, and German, as well as geography, mathematics, physics, and chemistry. My academic and professional successes were recognized by Brainz television, which broadcasted a special show about me, “Meet the Geniuses of the Capital”. Through a series of professional internships in leading companies in Serbia, I gained valuable practical experience. I am an active member of Mensa, the Association of Chemical Engineers of Serbia, IChemE, and the Union of Engineers and Technicians of Serbia. For four years in a row, I have been acting as the Young European Ambassador for the Western Balkans in Serbia. I am also engaged as a member of the student organization BEST Belgrade, where I actively contribute to the realization of the most important student projects, as well as in the Student Parliament of the Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, where I dedicate myself to improving the quality of teaching. With over 50 local and regional conferences, trainings, and symposiums in STEM and environmental protection, I am constantly working on expanding my knowledge and network of professional contacts. I participated in Hemofarm and STADA’s mentoring program for the best students of all universities in Serbia, as well as in the pilot project of the Miloš Biković Foundation. I was also part of the 10th generation of the American Chamber of Commerce’s Young Leaders program. My academic endeavors and involvement in social initiatives enabled me to receive prestigious scholarships to continue my education abroad. I speak English and German fluently, and I also speak Spanish. In my free time, I learn to play the piano and enjoy traveling, which enriches my personal and professional development.
