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The New Theatre Market bringing together practitioners from the region

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in Stories.

Six open calls aimed at different theatre and cultural practitioners mark the full-force emergence of The New Theatre Market (NTM) project in the region’s cultural scene.    The Industry Pitch, Theatre Market, Showcase, Industry Professionals, and Residencies for Critics and Producers as well as Directors, are all open calls that are part of a joint initiative of SARTR from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Heartefact from Serbia, Ulysses Theatre from Croatia, Binario Vivo from Italy, Para Film & Teater from Norway and Real Stage from Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the goal to position Southeast European theater on the international stage while promoting innovation, sustainability, and diversity in the industry.  Heartefact’s Andrej Nosov says that STS is an important bridge that connects the region but also encourages all of us to collaborate and network. “Here in the Balkans, we are constantly positioned on the periphery of Europe—this is yet another opportunity to engage in dialogue with the centers, both internally and outward toward the world,” he continues, stating that a platform like STS is important especially for theatre, looking at how budgets shrink and civic space narrows. “STS is like therapy in a long-term healing process,” Nosov says, “We speak different languages, face similar challenges, and deeply believe that our own problem is the greatest. This is an ideal opportunity to hear and see others.”    The New Theatre Market (NTM) aims to create a platform for co-production, talent development, and promotion of sustainable practices in the theater industry across Southeast Europe. The project will take place over two years, primarily based in Sarajevo, with additional activities in other partner countries. It aims to position Southeast European theater on the international stage while promoting innovation, sustainability, and diversity in the industry.    “While reflecting on the potential for a joint project involving both the region and European theatre professionals, we raised a series of questions about the underrepresented Balkan theatre, which remains largely unrecognized and unacknowledged within the broader European context. We believe that STS will primarily serve as a platform for connecting theatre workers and artists. It will enhance visibility and offer our colleagues from Europe and beyond valuable insight into our work, poetics, and production challenges. Advancing theatre art and all of its segments also means strengthening institutions, independent productions, authors, and all other professionals—moving toward more open, high-quality, and contemporary expressions. The opportunity for all of us to speak in one place and exchange experiences is the most valuable resource artists can have. By sharing knowledge with colleagues, respecting diverse perspectives, and keeping up with current developments, we contribute to building a healthier and more stable theatre environment,” says Maja Salkić Burazerović, when speaking about the situation that made the conceiving of this initiative an urgency.   Increased co-productions and international collaborations, enhanced skills and visibility for Southeast European theater professionals, improved sustainability practices in theater production, strengthened networks between artists, institutions and decision makers; new business models and funding opportunities for the theater sector are what the six project partners are aiming to achieve through various programs of the project.  Most of the project’s programs center in and around the Sarajevo Theatre Showcase, which is an annual theater industry event held during the second week of September, providing a vital platform for theater professionals from Southeast Europe. The showcase will foster international collaboration and consequently empower the regional theater sector, thus serving both as a networking hub and a catalyst for innovative, environmentally responsible theater-making.   The Sarajevo Theatre Showcase this year will take place between September 12-14 in Sarajevo and will feature several programs, which are the pillars of The New Theatre Market Project.   The Theatre Market  In this platform, through pre-arranged one-on-one meetings, theater makers will have the chance to connect with potential partners and co-producers with the aim of fostering collaboration and opening new opportunities for Southeast European theater productions. The Theatre Market will be taking place from September 12 to 14. The open call for participation at the theater market can be found here.  

Residency 

The residency program features an intensive five-day program in Sarajevo designed for thirty emerging theater professionals from Southeast Europe. Combining practical workshops, mentorship sessions, and networking opportunities, the residency enables participants to develop their skills, expand their networks, and explore new approaches to theater-making under the guidance of experienced international mentors. The Residency program will be taking place from the September 9 to 14. The open call for participation in the residency program (for critics and producers) can be found here, whereas the open call for participation in the residency program (for directors) can be found here.    

Atelier Program 

The Atelier Program collaborative writers’ room, where selected playwrights work together on new plays on a year round basis, with the support of dedicated mentors. The call for participation in this program has been closed and the beneficiaries are already working on their plays that are going to be presented in the Sarajevo Theater Showcase taking place in Sarajevo from September 12 to 14.    

Showcase 

Up to ten recently produced theater productions from the region will be presented in front of a carefully selected audience of industry professionals. This part of the program connects theater makers with international programmers, festivals, and producers.The Showcase will be taking place from September 12 to 14. Theater companies and collectives from across the region can apply with their productions here, and a carefully selected committee will select the ten pieces that will be presented in Sarajevo.    

Stage Talks 

Key issues in contemporary theater, such as diversity in programming, sustainable production practices, audience development and international collaborations are some of the topics that will be discussed upon on the Stage Talks program that will take place on September 13 and 14.    

Green Lab 

The Green Lab program is a conference program exploring various issues in contemporary theatre making, bringing togetherindustry experts, practitioners, and decision-makers to share knowledge and shape the future of theater in Southeast Europe.   

Industry Pitch 

The Industry Pitch is a dynamic platform for emerging theater makers to present their projects to industry professionals in a focused format. This program highlights new voices in theater, with special attention to projects from underrepresented groups and with innovative approaches that address contemporary social and cultural challenges. The Industry Pitch program will be taking place on September 13 and 14 and the open call for participation in the industry pitch program can be found here.  

Youth Voices for a Water-Resilient Future: Reflections from EXPOAPA2025

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA Blogs.

By Megi Marku

From June 23-25, 2025, I had the privilege of joining hundreds of experts, innovators, and decision-makers in Bucharest for EXPOAPA2025 and the Regional Water Forum “Danube – Eastern Europe.” Hosted at Romexpo, this gathering brought together over 100 exhibitors, national authorities, international organizations, and water sector professionals united by one mission: shaping a sustainable and resilient water future.

This wasn’t just another conference. It was a call to action and a powerful reminder that the future of water in Europe depends on inclusive, cross-generational collaboration.

Setting the Stage: Opening Day Insights

The event opened with remarks from Ilie Vlaicu, President of the Romanian Water Association, and a compelling keynote by Roxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission. Her message emphasized the EU’s support for innovation and sustainability within the sector.

A standout moment on Day 1 was the #Skills4Water session, which spotlighted the urgent need for education and capacity development in a sector undergoing green and digital transformation. Another key feature was the International Technical-Scientific Conference, where experts shared adaptive strategies to manage the impacts of climate change on water systems- a topic that deeply resonated with all participants, myself included.

Youth Perspectives at the Roundtable on Water Resilience

Day 2 marked a personal milestone: I participated in the high-level Roundtable on “Water Resilience in Eastern Europe”, chaired by European Commissioner Jessika Roswall. I joined an esteemed group of representatives from the European Water Association, IAWD, national water associations, academia, and private sector leaders.

The discussions revolved around the newly launched European Water Resilience Strategy (EWRS), a much-needed blueprint for restoring water cycles, ensuring access to clean water, preparing for disruptions, and building a water-smart economy.

As a youth delegate and co-author of the Youth Position Paper on EWRS, I had the honour of presenting youth perspectives on the Strategy. Our paper, developed in collaboration with young experts from EYWP and WYPW, was acknowledged by the European Commission during the consultation phase- an encouraging sign of institutional openness.

In my intervention, I strongly welcomed two new initiatives under the EWRS:

  • The European Water Academy (EWA), and

  • The upcoming Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) in Water.

However, I also made the case that these platforms must go beyond informing youth- they must actively engage young people in the planning, co-design, and implementation of solutions.

Financing Water Resilience: Investing in Youth Innovation

One critical aspect of water resilience is financing, and I was encouraged by the Strategy’s inclusion of the Water Resilience Investment Accelerator. Still, I urged decision-makers to create dedicated pathways for youth-led projects- a youth funding track that could help turn great ideas into scalable impact.

I also proposed three mechanisms to embed youth structurally within the governance of the EWRS:

  1. A Youth Water Advisory Board

  2. Reserved youth seats in governing structures like the Water Resilience Forum

  3. Regular youth consultations at EU and Member State levels, especially during key milestones like the 2027 mid-term review.

These steps would help ensure that youth are not just invited to the table—but have a real voice and role in shaping the future.

Final Day: Financing the Future of Water

The forum concluded with the International Workshop on “Water Sector Financing”, where experts from across Europe- Romania, the Netherlands, Portugal, Cyprus- shared lessons on investment readiness, integrated funding strategies, and long-term sustainability of the sector.

Looking Ahead

My time at EXPOAPA2025 reinforced a belief I hold dearly: young people are not just beneficiaries of future water systems, we are co-creators of them. The EWRS represents a turning point for Europe, and I’m proud that youth voices are helping shape its direction.

As we move from strategy to action, let’s ensure that the vision we build is inclusive, innovative, future-proof, and that youth remain at the heart of this transformation.

Navigating the AI-Generated Minefield

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in Stories.

AI-generated disinformation and fake news – understanding the role of algorithms in media consumption and how AI shapes information exposure to improve digital literacy skills In the last few years, frequent internet and social media users have likely come across “street interview” videos, where content creators pose lighthearted, humorous, or thought-provoking questions to random passersby. However, have you seen this new video of a street interview of medieval peasants and people about their daily lives?
We showed this video to people in Podgorica, Montenegro and asked them their thoughts about it. One of them, Antonella Balic, commented: “I would recognize it [the video above] is AI generated – it is good for cartoons, movies, for fun. But if it is for real people, speeches, etc, it might be controversial” How did this video make you feel? Did you find it funny? Because it certainly is. However, there is a darker side to this type of content. With the rise of AI-generated videos, some people have been impersonating doctors and medical experts to endorse unlicensed or fraudulent health products, real people about current political events, fake videos of politicians and world leaders engaged in embarrassing, illegal, or controversial acts and many more examples. And this has been happening all over the Western Balkan region. For example, in Albania, the fact-check organization Faktoje reviewed a video which depicts an impossibly large snake swimming on the surface of a large river, all while it is recorded from a helicopter. While some might find it amusing, others might get scared. But, as the reviewers from Faktoje show, it is fake. In neighboring North Macedonia, people have used real footage of a famous doctor Zhan Mitrev, and make a deep-fake of him as he is promoting a herbal tea that is supposedly banned by the country.  As it is noted in this report by the fact-checking organization Truthmeter, it is fake. You can see the video here:
Across the border, a member of the Serbian Parliament posted an AI generated photo on X, showing student protesters on their way to Strasbourg eating food under the Croatian flag. It’s obvious that it is AI generated photo, Raskrinkavanje finds. AI-generated videos and images are often deleted rapidly, complicating fact-checkers’ efforts to archive them as evidence. This ephemerality, combined with swift reposting in altered forms, undermines systematic tracking and allows disinformation to persist across platforms, evading accountability and amplifying its spread before verification occurs. A fact-checker from Montenegro, Nina Đuranović (Raskrinkavanje.me), said that in an era where the boundary between genuine human expression and machine-generated content is increasingly blurred, the ability to discern fabricated material has become essential to safeguarding both the autonomy of human thought and the integrity of informed decision-making. “As algorithms have a growing influence over public discourse, the irresponsible deployment of AI technologies poses a profound risk — from the insidious proliferation of disinformation to the gradual erosion of democratic principles”, she said. She added that concrete examples, such as those documented by the fact-checking organization she is a part of, underscore this concern: when the average internet user encounters a video purporting to show Russian aircraft destroyed by Ukrainian forces, footage of a vessel allegedly discharging sewage into the sea, or an image depicting world leaders engaged in implausible physical gestures, their understanding of reality can be subtly — yet significantly — distorted, shaping opinions and reinforcing false narratives. Similarly, another fact-checker from Kosovo, Hyrije Mehmeti (Hibrid.info), explained why is important to recognize AI-generated content: “It is essential for maintaining trust, transparency, and accountability in digital communication. And as AI tools become more advanced, distinguishing between human and machine-produced content helps audiences critically assess the source, intent, and credibility of information”. She said the consequences of using AI-generated content without disclosure include the spread of misinformation, loss of public trust in media and institutions, and potential manipulation of public opinion. “Furthermore, in academic and journalistic contexts, it also raises ethical concerns regarding authorship, originality, and intellectual honesty”, said Mehmeti. Media and digital literacy have become more critical than ever as AI-generated models grow increasingly sophisticated and difficult to distinguish from authentic content with the naked eye. If fake content is nearly impossible to detect, bad actors can exploit it for their own agendas — potentially undermining political processes and even threatening the foundations of democracy. To protect ourselves from AI-generated disinformation, we must remain vigilant and always double-check suspicious content. Consult tech-savvy friends, family, or fact-checking organizations—and review comment sections for additional context. Before sharing, pause and verify: check before you share to help stop the spread of fake news.   AUTHORS Geri Emiri, Journalist Dallandyshe Xhaferri, Journalist Matej Trojachanec, Fact checker Biljana Matijašević, Journalist Naida Odobašić, Young European Ambassador

Is your decision really yours? The subtle power of Native Advertising

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in Stories.

“Is my decision truly mine? Only mine?” This may soon become one of the most pressing questions we ask ourselves. In an age when psychological and digital manipulation are more sophisticated than ever, many of us are being gently steered toward choices we believe are our own—when, in fact, someone else has made them for us. The tool of the trade? So-called native advertising.

When Ads Don’t Look Like Ads

Take, for instance, readers of the prestigious The New York Times. While browsing its website, many users unknowingly wandered into a sponsored content section, seamlessly integrated into the platform’s editorial layout. What they encountered appeared to be a heartfelt article on bird conservation and the vital role birds play in preserving our environment. It was well-crafted, visually pleasing, and supported by subtle background music and charming animations of birds fluttering about.   Only toward the end of the article does the reader discover the brand name “AllBirds”—a shoe company whose name conveniently contains the word “bird.” But by then, the promotional intent is so gently embedded that the reader doesn’t feel targeted. There’s no flashy call-to-action, no “Buy Now” button—just an aftertaste of environmental consciousness linked to a brand. The hope is that this emotional and sensory imprint might lead to a purchase later—perhaps when the reader notices they have landed on a retail site or reflects on how their consumer choice could help “Mother Earth.” The president of the Center for Independent Journalism in Bucharest, Ioana Avadani, believes the major danger of this kind of advertising is the fact that it is hidden. “Advertising is a legitimate way of communicating information. Commercial information is legitimate information—people must know what they are buying. But hidden advertising is problematic. Hidden advertising pretends to be news, and instead of presenting options, it presents something like a recommendation. The fact is hidden advertising is dishonest. And that is the major danger,” Avadani says.

Subtle Costs, Powerful Impact

Native advertising is not cheap. Brands pay premium dollar not only for visibility in respected outlets but also for a nuanced, non-intrusive presentation. The goal is clear: to blend in so well with editorial content that the viewers do not realize they are being sold to. These ads are engineered to avoid disrupting the user experience. They match the tone, style, and format of the hosting platform. They appear within a user’s feed, fitting in naturally with surrounding articles or videos—avoiding the “ad fatigue” that traditional banners often cause. And even if marked “paid post”, their strictly commercial intent flies under the radar. And that is exactly the point.   What Happens When This Technique Moves to Politics? Marketers who craft such campaigns might argue that “positive manipulation” is acceptable—after all, no one was forced to buy shoes. But what happens when the same tactics are applied to political decisions? What if we are nudged not toward eco-friendly sneakers, but toward certain candidates in elections? What if we are subtly led to believe in one version of societal values over another, without realizing we have been influenced? “There is an underlying danger because if one technology is used for commercial purposes, it may later be used for political purposes. So, the same way you get hidden advertising for shoes or clothes or food… you may get hidden advertising—or native advertising—in politics. And once again, instead of presenting you with open options and letting you, as a voter, choose, you are just presented with ‘the truth.’ As if this was the reality,” says Avadani. In regions like the Western Balkans, where critical thinking and media literacy are still developing, this becomes a serious concern. A large portion of the population seldom questions what they read—especially when it comes from a “reputable” source.

Who Decides What’s ‘Positive’ Manipulation?

This is the critical question. When the tools of influence are this sophisticated and invisible, who gets to decide which messages are beneficial and which are harmful? The answer, unfortunately, is often the very entities that create and pay for these messages. Avadani underlines that most people are unaware of native advertising—and even media professionals often don’t recognize it. “It is a rather new trend, and as I said before, the main danger is that it is hidden. It’s like playing the people instead of appealing to their judgment and allowing them to form their own opinions based on arguments—just playing with their emotions,” Avadani says, adding that it is a new manipulation technique, mediated by technology.  

Awareness Is the First Step

Native advertising, in its most elegant form, can inform and inspire, but it can also manipulate and mislead. As media consumers, we must develop sharper awareness and stronger critical thinking. The more we understand the tools being used on us, the more capable we are of making decisions that are truly our own.   AUTHORS Mladen Savatović, Journalist Neda Dimova-Prokić, Journalist Nina Đuranović, Fact checker Nina Pavičević, Influencer Emina Odobašić, Young European Ambassador

Western Balkans Leaders’ meeting in Skopje reaffirms commitment for swift delivery of the Growth Plan

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos and the leaders of the six Western Balkans partners (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia) gathered in Skopje for a high-level meeting dedicated to the EU-backed Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. The leaders reaffirmed their determination to seize the opportunities that the Growth Plan brings to the region.   After a year of advancing reform and intensive cooperation across areas such as finance, transport, digital connectivity and market integration, Commissioner Marta Kos and leaders took stock of the progress made so far. They also confirmed their determination to meet on a regular basis to maintain the political momentum behind the Plan’s implementation. The leaders intend to meet again in the autumn of this year.

Partners delivering on reforms under the Reform Agendas

The Reform & Growth Facility (RGF), under which the partners have developed Reform Agendas, is an ambitious common tool and commitment to implement more than 600 ambitious reforms for which the EU is providing €6 billion in financial support. So far, pre-financing payments under the RGF have been made to North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro and Serbia. The Commission encourages Kosovo to accelerate the approval process for bringing into force the Facility and Loan agreements to unlock pre-financing. The Commission also welcomes the adoption by Bosnia and Herzegovina of a draft Reform Agenda on 27 June. Following the approval of five Reform Agendas in October 2024, the partners have started the implementation of the reforms. During the meeting, Commissioner Kos recalled that this instrument needs sustained and strong steer and ownership by the political leaders to ensure swift and full delivery. This will accelerate our partners’ growth and ensure they advance on their EU accession path. While results on some important reforms are already visible, partners were invited during the meeting to speed up the delivery of the plan. The Commission is working closely with the Western Balkan partners to achieve just that.

New flagship investments in clean energy up to €487 million

By using the pre-financing made available to the beneficiaries who have completed all the RGF preparatory work, the Commission proposed to the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) Operational Board an investment package of €87.7 million. This is expected to mobilise a total of €487.3 million for eight new investments in clean energy in Albania, Montenegro and Serbia:
  • Electricity: construction of overhead lines, construction of substations in Albania and Montenegro.
  • Hydropower: rehabilitation of hydropower plants in Albania and Serbia.
  • Solar heating: renewable energy integration into Novi Sad District Heating System in Serbia.
These investments will be rolled out in close cooperation with the Western Balkan partners and international financial institutions through the WBIF.

Advancing on regional integration and new areas of gradual integration into the EU Single Market

Under the Growth Plan, to further accelerate gradual integration in the EU Single Market, in addition to reforms committed to under the RGF, partners have taken the following complementary measures: First, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia and Serbia have joined the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA). This paves the way for making financial transfers in euro easier and reduces the cost and processing time of these transactions between their citizens, businesses and other SEPA members. On the Green Lanes – an initiative supported by the European Commission that ensures smoother transit flows of goods within and between the Western Balkans and  the EU – implementation is underway to support the 11 busiest crossing points. The Commission will provide financial support to address infrastructure needs through the Safe and Sustainable Transport Programme. Work progresses on digital connectivity as well.  As a result of the first call, seven European Digital Innovation Hubs that will support SMEs in their digital transformation,  transitions have been selected and activities started in January 2025, with more calls underway. On the EU digital identity wallet, the Western Balkans are working along the same trajectory as EU Member States. In addition, over 300 municipalities have applied for WiFi for the Western Balkans (WiFi4WB) and the first hotspots should be in place in the last quarter of this year. The Commission and the Western Balkan countries will also double down on efforts to reduce roaming rates, which would allow citizens to roam like at home when moving in the EU and in the Western Balkans. Work is also advancing to facilitate the development of the Western Balkans’ tourism ecosystem. This is achieved by integrating regional tourism stakeholders into EU wide bodies and mechanisms, including the Tourism Advisory Committee, and the European Travel Commission. The aim is to support the transition towards a greener, more digital and resilient tourism industry and to boost skills. On consumer protection, cooperation is developing to facilitate access to tools, knowledge and networks to build partner countries’ capacity to ensure the protection of consumer rights and product safety. Finally, the Single Market Highway initiative will focus on romot industrial alliances and strengthening value chains between the Western Balkans and the European Union; acceleration of regulatory convergence and integration of business communities

Next steps

Building on the work already done, participants agreed to double down on reforms, reaffirming their political commitment and working to forge broad national consensus so that key measures are adopted rigorously and on time as well as to boost communication and visibility, ensuring citizens and businesses see the concrete benefits of the Growth Plan and understand the reforms it brings. In the next weeks, the Commission will finalise its assessment of the reforms’ implementation and will proceed with the adoption of the decisions on the disbursements related to the first reporting round-.

Background

This leaders’ meeting was meant to take place in March this year,but was postponed due to the tragic fire in Kočani. The Growth Plan for the Western Balkans was adopted by the Commission on 8 November 2023. The Plan aims to integrate the Western Balkan partners into the EU’s Single Market, advance regional economic cooperation, deepen EU-related reforms and increase pre-accession funding to accelerate socio-economic convergence of the Western Balkans with the EU. The Growth Plan incentivises enlargement partners’ preparations for EU membership, by bringing forward some of its benefits ahead of full integration into the EU. This in turn should significantly speed up the enlargement process and the growth of their economies. The Growth Plan has the potential to double the size of the Western Balkan economies within the next decade. To support this process a new €6 billion financing instrument, the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans was adopted for the period 2024-2027. The Plan is based on four pillars, aimed at: 1. enhancing economic integration with the European Union’s Single Market; 2. boosting economic integration within the Western Balkans through the Common Regional Market, based on EU rules and standards; 3. accelerating fundamental reforms, including on the fundamentals cluster, supporting the Western Balkans’ path towards EU membership, improving sustainable economic growth including through attracting foreign investments and strengthening regional stability; and 4. supporting convergence with the EU through increased financial assistance.

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Twelve years of Croatia in the European Union

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in Stories.

On 1st July 2025, Croatia marks twelve years of membership in the European Union. Having joined in 2013 as the 28th – and so far the most recent – full member state, six years after Bulgaria and Romania, Croatia entered the Schengen Area and the Eurozone at the start of 2023, adopting the euro as its national currency.

EU membership has brought Croatian citizens the freedom to move within EU borders, the right to seek employment in other member states, and access to numerous educational programmes. For the country itself, it has meant a seat at the political decision-making table at EU level, as well as access to investment funds. According to the European Parliament’s Eurobarometer winter 2025 survey, 85% of Croatian respondents said their country benefits from EU membership.

“I’ve long been a passionate supporter of the EU and all the opportunities and rights it offers. When we joined, my elder daughter was just starting secondary school, and I was thrilled because I knew that for her generation – and for the younger ones too – new opportunities would open up for education and later for employment across the EU. And I was right – she’s now doing her Master’s in the Netherlands. But the EU isn’t just about young people – it also provides a wide range of lifelong learning programmes that aren’t age-restricted. I know many people will say that everything has become more expensive since joining the EU and that many bright young people have left the country, but I see us as part of a community. We’re connected, all on one continent – you can drive, or take a low-cost flight. And I see in the media how local communities are developing well thanks to EU funds, and I believe we can even support our neighbours who haven’t yet joined the EU… I really like it”, says Marina (51), from Zadar.

According to Croatian media reports, the largest EU-funded investments over the past twelve years include the Pelješac Bridge (€350 million), the modernisation of the Rijeka–Budapest railway line (over €1 billion), the upgrade of Dubrovnik Airport (€250 million), the rural development programme (€2 billion), post-earthquake assistance to Petrinja (€1 billion), and various other forms of financial support.

According to government data, EU membership has helped accelerate Croatia’s economic development. While ten years ago Croatia’s development level was at 59% of the EU average, it is now over 70%. The process of drawing on EU funds has also significantly improved – in the first ten years, Croatia received €10.74 billion more from EU funds than it contributed to the common EU budget.

For now, we truly benefit from being in the EU, but I don’t know how long that will last. I fear we’re entering a period of serious challenges – but then again, I find some comfort in the fact that we’re not facing them alone”, says Ivica (35) from Zagreb.

According to Eurostat data for 2023, which were published in February 2025, Croatia is the safest country in the European Union – only 1.2% of people at risk of poverty reported experiencing crime, violence, or vandalism in their neighbourhood. Among those not at risk of poverty, the figure was 1.5%, the lowest in the EU, where the average stands at around 10%.

 

Alongside domestic reforms, Croatia – through its Ministry of Regional Development and EU Funds – has also been supporting neighbouring countries on their path to EU accession, especially Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. This support has included initiatives in healthcare (early diagnosis of melanoma and bowel cancer, for example), tourism, protection of cultural heritage, disaster risk prevention, and energy efficiency.

The experience of Croatia shows how EU membership can drive economic growth, improve public services, and enhance security. The Western Balkan countries now have a similar opportunity. With continued commitment to reforms, on rule of law, governance, green transition and digitalisation, they too can deliver real benefits for their citizens. Croatia’s journey is proof that transformation is possible when countries seize the momentum and stay the course toward the European Union.

Decode before you share

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in Stories.

Dealing with disinformation is the biggest challenge nowadays. False information puts people’s lives in danger. How can we detect them?  During the three days of work at the Fact Content Lab in Podgorica, organised within the WeBalkans Facts Come First Campaign, journalists, fact-checkers, and producers from across the Western Balkans tried to find answer to this question.

  The people of Kosovo were warned, in May 2019, that a woman is after their children and kidnaps them. The warning, spread on social media all over the country, was illustrated with the picture of NN. The news spread very fast, and people started to panic. What happened the next day was that NN got attacked  by a group of people in broad daylight, on the town square in Lipjan, Kosovo. The attackers believed she had kidnapped and continued to kidnap children. NN was not the only victim in the region. Last year, in 2024, Serbia and the region were shaken with the news that a young girl named Danka Ilić disappeared. Soon after she went missing, the authorities arrested two men suspected of her murder. The media soon published a photo of the alleged murderer, an older man wearing a jacket with a yellow collar and smiling.  His picture was everywhere.  But in real life, the man in the picture wasn’t accused of anything nor did he have any connection to the case. Some journalists simply took the photo from the Facebook profile of a man that happened to have the same name as one of the suspects and falsely presented him to the whole region as a man who killed a two-year-old girl in cold blood. Another case was also the story of N.I, a journalist from Serbia, who felt like her life changed forever after an intimate footage of her was disseminated through a Telegram channel, without her consent. These stories represent three forms of information manipulation: disinformation, misinformation and malinformation. According to the website of Media Defence, an organisation dedicated to legally assisting journalists:
  • disinformation is false information that is spread intentionally with the aim to cause harm
  • misinformation is false information that is not disseminated with the intent to harm
  • malinformation is true information but spread to harm individuals or groups.
These types of manipulations always existed, but nowadays it seems that people deal with them more, especially with the rise of social media. According to the data from the 2024 Youth Survey conducted by the European Parliament, social media is the primary source of information on political and social issues for 42% of the European Union (EU) youth aged 16 to 30, while television serves that purpose for 39% of respondents of the same age. According to the data, the younger the person, the more likely they are to use social media as the primary source of information. The survey also showed that the majority of the respondents believe that they have been exposed to disinformation in the week before taking the survey, and that the majority also believe that they can recognize it. Young people and media professionals from the Western Balkan are familiar with examples of disinformation, misinformation and malinformation from their own countries. As they mentioned during the interviews, dealing with them is difficult. “Since we have a lot of information nowadays, we encounter a lot of unnecessary information that we scroll quickly away, especially on social media and online portals. This is also one of the additional reasons why people do not pay attention to details and do not question everything they see” said Emina Balota, a Young European Ambassador from Montenegro. For youngsters in the region, falsehoods are becoming a daily problem. Emina Odobašić, a university student from Bosnia and Herzegovina, feels that young people in her country are not well versed to recognize all kinds of incorrect information. “I try to fact-check what I see and avoid sharing things too quickly. Young people are more aware now, but many still share things without checking, especially if it supports their views.” The same problem is also faced by the journalists who have to report on a daily basis from their country. For Neda Dimova-Prokić, a journalist from North Macedonia, it is necessary that media literacy should be a part of the general education curricula. “Media literacy needs to be raised to a higher level, and teachers themselves need to be trained on how to present this to children from an early age. Critical thinking should be encouraged in schools and at home, and through examples, children should be guided to think critically.”. The importance of media literacy and critical thinking is not lost on those who have experienced the effects of disinformation, malinformation and misinformation on their own skin. Vullnet Krasniqi, journalist from Kosovo was targeted by disinformation for years, especially when he was part of the Big Brother reality TV show in Pristina. “One vivid example was during and after my time on Big Brother, when online narratives—often driven by clicks, algorithms, or even bad intent—were built around selective truths or outright fabrications about my identity, my opinions, or my relationships.” There are several options to fact-check content through online tools and platforms.  Jona Cenameri, a journalist from Albania, relies on various fact-checking platforms.  “I believe young people have different approaches when it comes to fake news. And the decrease in attention span is making it so that these pieces of news, by staying only briefly on their screens, don’t become subjects of deeper reflection, but instead pass by without much thought about their truthfulness.” False content can impact people at home or abroad.  Elena Prnjić, a social media manager for a fact-checking website from Serbia sees several ways to deal with this problem.  “Manipulative narratives are really dangerous all over the world, not just in Serbia. And there are multiple ways of dealing with them. One part of the public already has a deep mistrust in the media, and therefore often doesn’t automatically ‘fall for’ manipulations and disinformation. Those less digitally and media literate tend to believe such manipulations and disinformation without critical thinking. And there are also those, although rare, who are unsure and wish to investigate further. They do the research by themselves, or they consult experts – such as fact-checkers.” “Re-Setters” group at the “Fact Content Lab” workshop in Podgorica   The spread of disinformation, misinformation and malinformation is something that is beyond the control of individuals, but something that might be managed by collective effort. Still, each individual owes their communities, be them physical or digital, the effort of doing at least a minimal check before spreading the news around. For the young woman that was attacked in Kosovo, the falsely accused man from Serbia and the journalist targeted by malicious Telegram channels manipulative claims are not just pieces of content they scroll through, but things that negatively impacted their lives. In order to prevent such cases in the future – decode before you share. The content of this article does not reflect the official opinion of the European Union. Responsibility for the information and views expressed lies entirely with the authors.   AUTHORS: Vjosa Cerkini, Journalist Hyrije Mehmeti, Fact checker Nerma Šehović, Fact checker Giorgina Roci, Influencer Kleidi Memo, Young European Ambassador

Europe House Opens in Bar

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

The presence of the European Union in the south of Montenegro is now reinforced with the ofiicial opening of Europe House Bar, a new official space for dialogue with citizens. Established through a partnership between the EU Delegation to Montenegro and the Municipality of Bar, this modern space is designed to serve as an institutional platform for dialogue, information dissemination, and civic engagement.

Johann Sattler, the Ambassador of the EU to Montenegro, Maida Gorčević, Minister of European Affairs, and Dušan Raičević, Mayor of Bar, spoke at the opening ceremony. Speakers highlighted the importance of strengthening the EU’s institutional presence at the local level and emphasised the value of direct dialogue with citizens in the process of European integration. Johann Sattler, the Ambassador of the EU to Montenegro, stated: “Europe House in Bar is not just a new address – it is a space where Europe becomes real, tangible, and present in the lives of the citizens of this city and the entire coastal region. We want European values, opportunities, and support not to be something distant but a part of everyday life in the local communities. This is a place of encounter, dialogue, and change – This is an mportant landmark of the European future, already taking shape, right here in Bar.” Maida Gorčević, Minister of European Affairs, added: “The opening of Europe House in Bar comes at a time when Montenegro is demonstrating full commitment to the process of European integration. In a short period, this Government has returned the European agenda to the centre of political action. This is recognised by our European partners, who are now investing in institutions, reforms, and projects across the country with increased trust and readiness. Citizens of Montenegro see this as well. They show one of the highest levels of confidence in the European Union. This clearly demonstrates that, as a society, we are firmly committed to the European path. This also proves that the European path is not just a foreign policy objective but a deep internal necessity of our society.” Dušan Raičević, Mayor of Bar, emphasised that Europe House in Bar confirms the trust that the European Union places in Bar and its local administration. Simultaneously, it is a recognition of Bar’s dedication to adopting and implementing European standards and best practices. Raičević noted that during the last 4 years, the Municipality of Bar has successfully cooperated with the European Union through 12 projects in various areas, including sustainable development, social inclusion, preservation of rich cultural and natural heritage, green policies, and urban mobility. These projects, whether completed or ongoing, total over two million euros. “Europe House is a symbol of solidarity, equality, and respect for diversity. These are the very values championed by Europe and ones that we in Bar have lived and preserved for centuries. I am confident that Europe House will become a space for encounters, new ideas, dialogue, and development. Let it be a bridge between the citizens of Bar and the European institutions, between the local and the global, between today’s challenges and tomorrow’s solutions,” concluded the Mayor of Bar. Located in the premises of Radio Bar, on 24 November Boulevard, Europe House Bar is envisioned as an open space that will bring citizens closer to information about the European Union, its policies, programmes, and values – through educational activities, public debates, exhibitions, and cultural events. The opening programme included a presentation of activities that will commence tomorrow at Europe House. The opening event brought together high-ranking representatives, national and local authorities, members of the diplomatic corps, media, civil society representatives, and numerous citizens. This further underscores the importance of events like this for the strengthening of the institutional dialogue and advancing Montenegro’s European integration. In a country aspiring to join the European Union, the EU’s presence in local communities holds particular significance. European integration is not solely a process taking place at the state level – it rests on the active participation of citizens in all regions. Europe Houses, such as the one in Bar, serve as bridges between local communities and European institutions, enabling citizens to get involved and contribute to a shared European future.

To mark the opening of Europe House, the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro organised an open-air concert for the citizens of Bar and numerous visitors.

The Day That Spoke Without Words

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA Blogs.

By Sara Kënuti, Young European Ambassador Albania

There are some days that leave a mark on your heart. For me, this was one of them.

A few days ago, Olta, Paola, and I had the privilege of visiting two very special institutions in Tirana: one for Children with Hearing Impairments and the other for Children with Visual Impairments. It wasn’t just a visit,  it was a warm hug filled with love, creativity, and strength.

The visit started at the Institution for Children with Hearing Impairments. At first, I wondered what our communication would look like — how we would connect and understand one another. But as soon as I walked in, I realized that the languages of the heart, a smile, and the eyes speak louder than any words. Some of the children showed us their alphabet in sign language, along with a few expressions and simple words – and you know what? By the end, we were able to have a mini conversation with each other, and there was no experience more moving than that. We learned how to applaud, how to ask “How are you?”, how to say “I love you,” and many other beautiful things.

During the visit, we felt not only inspired but deeply aware of the importance of inclusive education and the impact of EU support on these children’s everyday lives. Through the `EU for Inclusive Teaching` project, this institution now has a fully equipped photography lab where students get to learn how to take photos and edit them using professional cameras and software. The kids happily showed us some of their pictures and told us all about their exhibitions. They had made two already, sharing their unique stories and talents with everyone. We even got to watch a fun moment where they showed us how they take photos — it was amazing to see their creativity and excitement up close! 

What the children were most excited about was that, for the first time, they can have their hearing tested on-site in the brand-new Audiogram Room — another EU-funded addition. This space, under the supervision of the institution´s doctor, brings healthcare closer and more accessible. Ola, the director of the institution, showed us that teachers and staff have also benefited through training in Sign Language and inclusive education techniques, delivered by Finnish specialists, enhancing their capacity to support each and every child.

After such a moving experience, we thought our day couldn’t get any more emotional — but we were wrong.

Our next stop was the Institute for Children with Visual Impairments, and from the moment we stepped inside, the feeling shifted into a quiet, grounded one. There’s something incredibly powerful about being in a space where sight isn’t the main guide — where people lead with touch, with sound, with kindness, and with presence.

Thanks to the EU, as Emiliano, the director of the institute, told us, their place is no longer just an institution – it’s transforming into a national resource center. We visited the new training hall, which will train assistant teachers from all over the country. These educators will go on to support students with visual impairments in regular schools across Albania. Everything, from the knowledge and materials to the methodology, will start here.

The EU didn’t just renovate a hall – it built a bridge: a space where change begins. With new infrastructure, better equipment, and a clear mission, this training hall is now a launchpad for inclusive education across Albania. Here, the goal isn’t just to support the children in one building. It’s to empower schools everywhere, so that no matter where a child lives, they’ll have a teacher who understands them, supports them, and believes in their potential.

As the visit was coming to an end, I found myself thinking about everything we had seen, heard and felt. From the quiet strength of the students who communicate through signs, to the gentle confidence of those who read the world through touch, one thing was clear: these children are not defined by what they lack, but by the incredible potential they can create, imagine, and achieve when given the right tools and support.

And speaking of support, what the European Union changed goes far beyond bricks, furniture, or equipment. It’s about investing in dignity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. It’s a powerful message to every child: “You belong. Your voice matters – in whatever form it takes.”

Truth against myths about the EU: The Western Balkans in the mirror of disinformation

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in Stories.

PODGORICA – The European Union, as a political community that upholds the highest standards of human rights and values, is frequently targeted by various actors who, through the dissemination of negative narratives, aim to undermine citizens’ trust in the institutions of this union.

Social networks and dubious media outlets without imprints or professional journalistic standards in Western Balkan countries attempt to manipulate public opinion by appealing to emotions and political developments, turning sentiment against the fulfilment of European standards and the implementation of reforms.

The most common themes found on such websites and social media pages concern the rights of the LGBTQ population and alleged EU efforts to alter traditional norms that the people of the Western Balkans strongly cherish.

Claims are also often made that EU membership would undermine economic standards and lead to the exploitation of natural resources and other economic potentials in these countries.

One Facebook page from Croatia, with around 1,500 followers, claims that Croatia was economically better off while it was part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia than it is today as an EU member.

“Interpret this as you wish, call me a Yugoslav and attack me, but it must be said: Yugoslavia was a sovereign state, unlike Croatia. Decisions were made by the Croat Josip Broz, not by Brussels or foreign embassies. We had agriculture, shipbuilding, industry, top-tier films and series, and an unmatched music scene. We also had demographic growth and some semblance of moral values, as Western materialism, Coca-Cola culture, promiscuity, liberalism, radical feminism, etc., had not yet arrived. We had optimism in society, smiling faces on the streets, and belief in a better tomorrow,” the post reads.

However, the facts tell a different story, as Croatia received €25 billion from the EU from its accession until the end of 2024, which is about four times more than it contributes.  Croatia has a total surplus of € 16.36 billion as the difference between the funds paid to Croatia and its contribution to the EU budget, the Regional Development and EU Funds Ministry’s State Secretary, Domagoj Mikulić, told the parliament on Thursday. The funds withdrawn are four time highers than the country’s contribution to the EU funds since Croatia joined the EU until the end of 2023, said HSLS MP Dario Hrebak during a parliamentary debate, adding that this is also a good message to Eurosceptics.

This money not only helped Croatia improve its standard of living but also to implement reforms that enhanced quality of life. According to EU data, it is clear how much countries have benefited from EU membership.

Another example from the aforementioned propaganda Facebook page tries to establish a narrative that alleged changes in traditional family dynamics within EU member states are leading to the “feminization” of European men. The author refers to media reports claiming that French President Emmanuel Macron was allegedly slapped by his wife.

“The ridiculous EU’s leader was slapped last night by his wife. Can you imagine Putin or Xi getting slapped by their wives? You can’t. And that’s one reason why the decadent EU (unlike the East) is sinking deeper economically and politically. That’s part of the answer to why the EU has become an irrelevant actor in global affairs,” says the Facebook post.

Yet, all such claims are demystified by the clear rules written in the EU’s Founding Treaty.

Article 3 of the Treaty on European Union explicitly states that “the EU shall combat social exclusion and discrimination, promote social justice and protection, equality between women and men, solidarity between generations, and the rights of the child.”

Disinformation narratives are also present in Western Balkan countries that are in the process of joining the EU, such as Montenegro.

The pro-Russian portal IN4S, which, according to some polls, is the sixth most-read in the country, often spreads similar or identical controversial content.

In one of its articles, IN4S claims that “The city of Rijeka has introduced Health Education as a pilot project in six primary schools,” allegedly not as a classical health program, but as a sexual education course based on a left-liberal model. According to IN4S, the material contains numerous examples of feminist and LGBT propaganda.

Another article from the same outlet said “It’s not a question of whether we’ll join the EU, but what will be left of us if we do.”

It asserts that “Under the guise of fighting for human rights, the EU is increasingly pressuring the educational systems, media, and legal frameworks of member states to accept radical gender theories, while criminally threatening those who challenge these views.”

Hungary is cited as an example, allegedly having faced harsh criticism after passing a law that bans the promotion of LGBT content to children — something Brussels reportedly declared a “violation of European values.”

But what’s the truth?

Very little of these claims hold water, because the EU’s founding acts make it clear that the Union offers support to Member States, but holds no authority over education policy. Member states retain full sovereignty in structuring, organizing, and determining the content of their education systems, including curricula, financing, teacher qualifications, and the language of instruction.

In fact, the EU does not aim to eliminate traditional values. On the contrary, in the preamble to the Treaty on European Union, it explicitly states its intention to:

“Deepen the solidarity among its peoples, while respecting their history, culture, and traditions,” and to “reaffirm its attachment to the principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law.”

According to Article 6, paragraph 3 of this Treaty said that “fundamental rights, as guaranteed by the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and as they result from the constitutional traditions common to the Member States, shall constitute general principles of the Union’s law.”

Furthermore, all decisions are to be made “as closely as possible to the citizen,” following the principle of subsidiarity.

Also, Article 2 of the same document clearly states that the Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and respect for human rights, including the rights of persons belonging to minorities.”

These values, as emphasized, “are common to the Member States in a society where pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, justice, solidarity, and equality between women and men prevail.”

From all the above, it is clear that the Western Balkan countries, once they become EU members, will enjoy the same privileges and rights as all other Member States. Furthermore, as evidenced by the earlier examples, they will also achieve economic progress and an improved standard of living for their citizens.

 

AUTHORS:

Dejan Šainović, Journalist

Elena Prnjić, Fact checker

Jovana Đurišić, Fact checker

Marina Trajkovska, Influencer

Bojan Ristovski, Young European Ambassador