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Author: WeBalkans

Edlira Dibrani

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA, YEA of the month.

Country: Kosovo Interests: Education, Climate Change, Social Justice

Edlira Dibrani is a passionate communicator and advocate for youth empowerment through education, with a strong background in marketing, public relations, and social impact campaigns.

Edlira Dibrani is a Marketing Specialist living in Kosovo with over 7 years of experience in several international organisations and institutions. Over the past 5 years, she has been the Marketing and PR Manager at the Finnish Schools International in Prishtina, Kosovo. She has a proven track record of creating impactful initiatives that address environmental and social issues, earning recognition from CNN for a project promoting freedom and environmental stewardship. Combining her expertise in communication with a creative approach to project management, Edlira thrives on building campaigns that inspire and engage communities while achieving organizational goals. During her experience, Edlira has dedicated herself to advocating for youth empowerment through education. Working closely with students, educators, and international partners, she has helped develop programs that encourage critical thinking, creativity, and civic responsibility. Her work in educational outreach has centered on nurturing students’ awareness of global challenges—from climate change to social justice—and equipping them with the tools to become active participants in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable world. Whether through digital storytelling, youth-led campaigns, or hands-on workshops, Edlira remains committed to fostering environments where young people feel heard, valued, and capable of making a difference. Edlira’s academic journey includes a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature and a Master’s degree in English Literature. Immersed in the humanities, she developed a profound appreciation for the power of language to evoke emotions and shape perspectives. Her studies, enriched by the works of Shakespeare, Wordsworth, and Austen, have profoundly influenced her worldview and cemented her lifelong passion for reading and writing. Instagram Facebook Linkedin Twitter

Beyond stress, empowering minds – A journey of connection and growth

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in Stories.

By Olta Shehu, Young European Ambassador

The “Beyond Stress: Empowering Minds” project took a beautiful journey through the Western Balkans, bringing together young people from different corners of Albania, North Macedonia, and Kosovo to talk about mental health, stress management, and self-care. It was supported by WeBalkans and organised by the Young European Ambassadors (YEA), and each event followed the same spirit, but with a personal touch in every city.

The journey began in Berat on 25 January, where we met a group of young participants eager to learn about mental well-being. Dr Enita Metaj, a child and adolescent psychiatrist, led the informative session, providing insights into how stress impacts our lives and sharing tips on how to manage it. From there, the event moved into a space of fun and creativity. We played ice-breaking games, making sure everyone felt comfortable and open. The interactive session, where participants created paintings for each other, was a true highlight. They didn’t just paint—they also asked questions and shared stories, using their art as a way to deepen their connections. The paintings were exchanged, forming a meaningful bond between the creators. As a final touch, we shared a meal together, providing a relaxed environment for everyone to bond.

The event was made possible with the generous support of Qendra Rinore Berat, who provided the venue, and the MindBlooming community, which helped promote the event through social media for the three events. I was also thrilled to involve Sara Kernuti, a 4th Generation Young European Ambassador, who made a great contribution by participating in the Berat event.

In Tetovo, on 1 March, the event was just as engaging, fun and meaningful. The session, led by Nebahate Ziberi-Imeri, a psychologist, explored stress management techniques in a relaxed and welcoming environment. The structure of the event followed the same pattern as in Berat, with both the informative session and later the interactive one. Given that the event coincided with the first day of Ramadan, we thoughtfully provided individual lunch bags instead of a group meal, ensuring that participants could enjoy their meals at their convenience.

The event was made possible by the support of Europe House Tetovo, and I invited my colleague Shpetim Ramadani, 2nd Generation Young European Ambassador, as the YEA facilitating the event.

The final event in Pristina, Kosovo, took place on 13 March 2025, at Europe House Kosovo. The event brought something equally special. Olti Shehu, a fifth-year medical student, led the session, sharing his passion for mental health and inspiring everyone to reflect on their own emotional well-being. After a fun series of icebreakers, we once again gathered for the interactive painting session.

It was an opportunity for the group to not just express their creativity but also to share their thoughts and dreams through the artwork they gifted to each other. It was beautiful to see how art could help foster such deep and genuine connections. I was pleased to have this time Eljesa Manxhuni, a 4th Generation Young European Ambassador (psychology student), who is also my mentee in the Twinning Mechanism, help facilitate the event.

And then, there was the “Letter to My Future Self” activity at the end of each of the three events—a moment for everyone to reflect and set their intentions. Each participant wrote a letter to themselves, expressing hopes and dreams for the future, and I promised to send these back to them in a year—a gift that would hopefully remind them of their growth.

Across all three events, the participants received small yet meaningful tokens—a package filled with notebooks, pens, sticky notes, and colourful stationery. Each item carried a motivational message, like “You can do this” and “Keep dreaming,” designed to inspire confidence and resilience long after the event was over.

As we wrapped up each event, the spirit of togetherness was celebrated in different ways. In Berat, we shared a delicious lunch, creating a comfortable space to connect further. In Tetovo, participants enjoyed their packed lunches in their own time, and in Pristina, we ended the session with a shared Iftar, bringing everyone together over food and reflection—an especially powerful way to nurture both the mind and soul.

This project wasn’t just about mental health discussions—it was about creating spaces for young people to connect, reflect, and grow. Whether it was through art or meaningful conversations, we built a community of support. Together, we empowered young minds to tackle stress, build resilience, and foster a deeper understanding of mental health.

Looking back, I’m beyond grateful for the way each event unfolded. Each city brought its own energy, and every participant added a unique layer to the experience. “Beyond Stress: Empowering Minds” was more than just a project—it was a journey of connection, healing, and growth. Thank you to everyone who made it possible.

Albania receives €64.5 million in pre-financing under the Growth Plan

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Albania has received €64.5 million in pre-financing from the EU’s new Reform and Growth Facility—part of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, which aims to accelerate the region’s path to EU membership. 

The support includes €30 million in concessional loans to Albania’s state budget to help implement its Reform Agenda. Another €34.5 million, in grants and loans, will be directed through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) to upgrade infrastructure across the country. 

“The European Union stands by Albania’s side on its path to EU accession. The Growth Plan helps Albania to achieve this goal and to bring the Albanian economy closer to that of the European Union before Albania becomes a member. We are supporting Albania consolidate its rule of law, to develop its infrastructure, its green economy, its human capital and its private business. Europe is here to support sustainable growth and social cohesion as Albania prepares to access the EU’s single market,” said EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato. 

Chief Negotiator Majlinda Dhuka called the support a clear sign of trust from the EU in Albania’s reform path: “We value this as a clear sign of trust from the EU in Albania’s reform path and steady progress toward joining the European family. We fully embrace the magnitude of this historical opportunity, as well as the commitments ahead, and we are energetically motivated and prepared to continue reforming and diligently delivering on meeting the criteria for Albania’s European Union membership! Europe is here!” 

Albania could receive up to €922.1 million by 2027 through this Facility, as it advances key reforms in governance, human capital, the digital and green economy, and private sector development. 

Background 

The Western Balkans Growth Plan offers a roadmap to bring the economies of the Western Balkans closer to the European Union. It also facilitates gradual access to the Single Market, allowing citizens in Western Balkans to reap some early benefits of the EU integration, as well as supports further regional economic integration. 

The Growth Plan provides EUR 6 billion in additional financial assistance to support socio-economic and fundamental reforms and related investments. Payments are conditional upon the achievement of reforms specified in the Reform Agendas prepared by each beneficiary (https://neighbourhood-enlargement.ec.europa.eu/commission-implementing-decision-approving-reform-agendas-and-multiannual-work-programme-under_en). 

The European Commission is currently working on the assessment of the first set of reform steps. The fulfilment of these steps will entitle Albania to receive the correspondent disbursement under the Facility.  

Interreg and Green-Tex: Recycled textiles – Less pollution

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As of 1 January 2025, all EU countries must separately collect textile waste. However, many member states, as well as Western Balkan countries, lack an efficient system for this purpose. To address this challenge and develop solutions applicable across the region, 11 organisations from 9 countries have come together under the Green-Tex project.

The partner organisations include the Development Agency SERDA (Bosnia and Herzegovina); Municipality of Postojna (Slovenia); Institute for Sustainable Growth Active Nativa (Slovenia); Civic Association Eko Charity Slovakia For Slovakia (Slovakia); Eurotex Ltd. (Bulgaria); Municipality of Majur (Croatia); Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb (Croatia); University “Donja Gorica” (Montenegro); Regional Development Agency Zlatibor (Serbia); Association for Inter-Community Development “Metropolitan Area of Bucharest” (Romania); and the Innovative Association “First Responsible Hungarian” (Hungary).

Textile production is one of the most polluting industries, generating 20% of industrial wastewater and emitting large amounts of greenhouse gases. For instance, producing a single cotton shirt requires 2,700 litres of water—equivalent to what one person drinks over 2.5 years. At the same time, 86% of clothing ends up in landfills or is incinerated after use, with only 1% being recycled.

Green-Tex aims to create and test new solutions in the production chain, from designing new products to collecting textile waste. Digital tools, such as an interactive map with designated collection points, will be an integral part of the Green-Tex learning and innovation platform. For example, the Municipality of Postojna, in collaboration with the association Prostor, raises awareness of the consequences of excessive textile consumption by offering sustainable alternatives to traditional shopping habits through engaging workshops and clothing exchange events.

Slovenia, Slovakia, Croatia, and parts of Hungary and Bulgaria have implemented successful practices that can be adapted in countries still developing their textile recycling systems, including Romania and EU candidate countries Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia.

Founded in 2003, The Sarajevo Regional Development Agency (SERDA) supports economic development in the Sarajevo macro-region and Bosnia and Herzegovina. It implements projects in innovation, entrepreneurship, ecology, and sustainable development, frequently collaborating with domestic and international partners, including the EU, to strengthen economic competitiveness, attract investment, and support small and medium-sized enterprises.

“Working with our partners from Slovenia, we realised that we share a common issue with textile waste and could contribute to its reduction while facilitating the exchange of knowledge and experiences between EU member states and candidate countries,” explains Amela Ikić Suljagić, project manager at SERDA.

“In Bosnia and Herzegovina, SERDA is collecting textile waste. We have acquired ten smart containers equipped with sensors and will analyse local consumption and waste patterns, optimise collection routes, and work on finding the best solutions for the collected waste—whether through recycling, reuse, or repurposing,” says Ikić Suljagić. She adds that SERDA’s partners in this effort include the local utility company and the relevant ministry in the Sarajevo Canton government.

In Bulgaria, at a mechanical recycling plant, samples of collected waste from Bucharest will be used to develop prototypes of new products made from worn-out fibres. In Croatia, Serbia, and Slovenia, the project will test the broader application of locally sourced natural fibres in textile production and develop a prototype of a new non-woven product, combining recycled wool with recycled textile waste unsuitable for reuse. The initiative also seeks solutions for multiple uses of wool, much of which currently ends up discarded in illegal dumpsites. In Montenegro and Slovenia, the project will explore innovative solutions for sustainable and green fashion design by creating eco-friendly fashion collections.

Green-Tex will introduce innovative production technologies such as water-free dyeing, increased use of recycled materials, support for sustainable brands and manufacturers employing eco-friendly methods, and expanding textile recycling by placing easily accessible collection points in visible locations such as shopping centres and schools. Incentives for citizens, such as store discounts or clothing exchange programmes, promote vintage fashion, clothing swaps, thrift shops, and in-store recycling programmes.

Green-Tex has a budget of €1.79 million, 80% of which is provided by the Interreg Programme. Currently, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary and Bulgaria have established best practices that can be transferred to countries candidate.

Interreg is a key European Union (EU) instrument for strengthening cooperation between the Western Balkans and EU member states. For the 2021–2027 period, the programme focuses on addressing challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, and social inclusion. With a budget of €10 billion, part of the funds is allocated to the EU’s outermost regions and neighbouring countries, as well as specific geographic areas of strategic importance to Europe, such as the Gulf of Guinea, the Indian Ocean, and the Mozambique Channel. The programme aims to enhance the EU’s cohesion policy, addressing specific challenges across Europe and beyond. The priorities until 2027 include smart growth, green transition, social inclusion, territorial development, and efficient and sustainable infrastructure.

North Macedonia first to benefit from EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans

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North Macedonia has become the first country in the region to receive pre-financing under the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, following the successful adoption of its Reform Agenda.

The initial €52.2 million will help kick-start key reforms. Of this, €24.5 million will go directly to the state budget to support reform implementation, while €28 million will be channelled through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) to fund infrastructure projects.

Over the 2024–2027 period, North Macedonia stands to receive up to €750.4 million in total from the EU’s Reform and Growth Facility. The support will focus on strengthening public administration, rule of law, anti-corruption, green and digital transitions, better connectivity, and human capital development.

Background

The Western Balkans Growth Plan offers a roadmap to bring the economies of the Western Balkans closer to the European Union. It also facilitates gradual access to the Single Market, allowing citizens in Western Balkans to reap some early benefits of the EU integration, as well as supports further regional economic integration.

The Growth Plan provides EUR 6 billion in additional financial assistance to support socio-economic and fundamental reforms and related investments. Payments are conditional upon the achievement of reforms specified in the Reform Agendas prepared by each beneficiary (https://neighbourhood-enlargement.ec.europa.eu/commission-implementing-decision-approving-reform-agendas-and-multiannual-work-programme-under_en).

The European Commission is currently working on the assessment of the first set of reform steps. The fulfilment of these steps will entitle Albania to receive the correspondent disbursement under the Facility.

Steadily paving Albania’s path to EU Accession

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“While the world is changing, the unity of Albania towards the EU remains an important guarantee for peace, freedom, and security,” said Commissioner Marta Kos, reflecting on her first official mission to Albania. Over three days, from 12 to 14 March, the Commissioner for Enlargement engaged with Albanian authorities, students, civil society, and various stakeholders to discuss the progress on the country’s EU accession process—particularly focusing on key reforms and justice fundamentals.

In this visit, Ms. Kos highlighted the European Union’s commitment to supporting Albania on its path to full EU membership. In her meetings with Prime Minister Edi Rama, EU Chief Negotiator Majlinda Dhuka, and Assembly Speaker Elisa Spiropali, Commissioner Kos highlighted the importance of consolidating achievements in the rule of law and justice sector reforms. She emphasized that Albania’s strides in the accession negotiations must continue to produce tangible results, reflecting the merit-based nature of the enlargement process.

“For Albania, this is a window of opportunity. The EU is on your side to fully support your accession – let’s make it happen together,” the Commissioner said expressing gratitude to the EU Delegation in Albania for their tireless work.

Discussions with independent justice institutions – such as SPAK (Special Anti-Corruption and Organised Crime Structure) were an important part of the Commissioner’s itinerary. In these meetings she took the chance to commend their efforts to tackle corruption and organized crime as Albania’s most secure pathway to EU. She also took a moment to reiterate EU’s firm support to Albania in this process while highlighting that a strong and independent judiciary is at the heart of Albania’s European Integration.

Through support to both public and independent institutions in Albania the European Union has strengthened the belief that the most sustainable way to a better future is to invest in the strengthening of democratic culture among youth. Commissioner Kos’ engagements with students while in Albania stand as a testament to this important value. During her visit to Albania, Commissioner Kos addressed audiences at the College of Europe campus and the University of Tirana, urging them to continue building on Albania’s enthusiasm for EU membership.

“When I was your age, we dreamt of the unification of our continent. Today, this dream is closer to reality—also because of countries like Albania, committed to the accession process.”

High level meetings were only one part of Commissioner’s visit to Albania. During her time there, she also made sure to acknowledge the work of civil society institutions and initiatives standing at the forefront of the promotion of European values in Albania.

In Elbasan, she met with Albanian and Serbian students participating in RYCO’s Superschools scheme, which is an exchange between schools in Western Balkan. Values such as reconciliation and intercultural learning stand at the core of initiatives like this one, funded by the European Union and the German Government, implemented by GIZ in collaboration with the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO). Kos used this visit to reaffirm the EU’s support for regional cooperation programs while reiterating that youth dialogue, “breaks barriers, builds friendships, and shapes the region’s future”.

At a local carpet workshop, she spoke with women who have survived domestic violence and are rebuilding their lives through EU-backed programs. While closely looking at how new skill and financial independence are changing lives, she made sure to emphasize that the EU will continue to support women, “We stand by these brave women for safer, more inclusive communities”, she said.

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Throughout her visit to Albania, Kos underlined the Albanian Parliament’s crucial role in advancing the accession process – particularly when it comes to adopting key reforms that demand cross-party dialogue. Emphasizing inclusiveness, she encouraged continued cooperation among all parliamentary groups to keep Albania’s EU momentum strong.

Through a joint press conference on 13 March, both Commissioner Kos and Prime Minister Edi Rama reaffirmed both parties’ commitment to upholding democratic values and delivering lasting reforms.

During her visit to Albania, Commissioner Kos’s made sure to highlight the achievements but also point out areas that require further attention while offering clear assurance of the EU’s backing on Albania’s journey towards European integration.

“Albania,” Kos reflected, “has demonstrated both aspiration and capability for deeper integration. With perseverance in reforms and broad social engagement—from youth to civil society—we can bring this process to fruition and ensure a stronger, more united Europe for generations to come.”

EIB Global helps improve air traffic control system in Serbia and Montenegro

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  • The EU bank is investing €25 million to make the air navigation system in Serbia and Montenegro safer and more efficient.
  • The loan will help to develop and implement cutting-edge software in line with the highest standards of the Single European Sky initiative.
  • As one of its leading supporters, EIB Global has invested €6.6 billion so far in the transport sector in the Western Balkans, helping to make transport networks in the region safer and more sustainable.
The European Investment Bank (EIB Global) will provide a €25 million loan to upgrade the air navigation control system in Serbia and Montenegro. State-of-the-art equipment and software will enable SMATSA, the air navigation service provider in both countries, to implement the highest operational and safety standards, ensuring interoperability and optimising flight routes. The project aims to make air traffic management over Serbia and Montenegro more efficient, improving safety and delivering environmental benefits to European air travel. The investment will be used to develop a new software solution for air traffic management in line with the requirements set out by Eurocontrol (the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation) and the Digital European Sky strategy, contributing to digitalisation and automation. This initiative will enable SMATSA – which currently manages around 9% of all European flights – to keep abreast of the latest technologies, while also improving the connections between its control centers in Belgrade, Podgorica, Tivat, Batajnica, Kraljevo and Niš. In this way, the project will help reduce operational costs, shorten flight times, minimise delays and CO2 emissions, while improving connectivity within the Western Balkans and with the EU. Co-financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), this project is part of the European Commission’s Economic and Investment Plan aimed at fostering connectivity and regional integration. As one of its leading supporters, EIB Global has invested €6.6 billion in total in the transport sector in the Western Balkans, helping to create safer and more sustainable transport networks in the region.

Inclusive teaching, methods turning classrooms into creative and comfortable spaces

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“We try to create a collaborative environment in the classroom as we implement new teaching methods. The outcomes are obvious: all the children are involved, even the most timid ones or those with special needs. Especially for them, we have noticed that using visual resources turns out to be more effective in the understanding and learning process,” says Igla Osmanaga, a teacher from “Ndre Mjeda” School in Shkodra. She is one of 15,000 teachers in Albania trained under the EU-funded project “EU4Inclusive Teaching”, an initiative aimed at improving Albanian students’ learning outcomes.

During the training, they were introduced to numerous new teaching methods, such as the inner and outer circle, the learning café, the social party, and the incoming and outgoing compasses. These methods aim to create a friendly space, encouraging interaction, knowledge exchange, and experience-sharing among children. “Entertaining activities used to break the ice between children increase their motivation and energy to learn more. This detail inspired me to integrate similar activities into my teaching. Whenever I apply these methods in my classroom, I notice how even the most withdrawn and shy students start to talk and feel more involved,” explains Osmanaga.

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From developing a sense of belonging and participation in the classroom to an approach that helps children learn concepts through different techniques and make deeper connections to new information, these methods have proven to be successful among younger generations, including children from different social backgrounds. Changing the perspective of teaching from merely receiving knowledge passively, these new methods require engagement. This means addressing and overcoming whatever holds children back: hesitation, intimidation, the shame of speaking up in a group, the fear of being wrong or judged. Through group work, images, or plays, modern teaching techniques establish a sense of trust, alternating verbal participation, written assignments, and illustrations to achieve the best from all groups, depending on their expressive capabilities.

“After the training, the new methods became a daily part of my teaching. The most successful one has been ‘inner and outer circles’, which creates a collaborative environment where children can exchange knowledge and ideas. ‘Learning Café’, another method where children are divided into groups to discuss different themes, was also successful because they feel relaxed and engaged in the discussion. I also started using more visual resources and technology, which made it possible for even students who had difficulty learning to be more successful,” says Osmanaga.

As children are very fond of playing, some of these methods imitate games, creating the impression of play rather than a formal lesson. “For them, it is easier to learn if the lesson feels more like a game and entertainment. They become more productive and interactive. The core of the new methods focuses on children, not the teacher, unlike traditional methods where the teacher was the centre of the class,” explains the teacher from Shkodra. Inclusive teaching provides space for all voices, encouraging children to develop their talents and express themselves across various subjects.

 

Background information

EU4Inclusive Teaching is a project funded by the European Union aiming to improve Albanian students’ learning outcomes and close the gap between students belonging to different socio-economic categories, which is crucial for both social cohesion and sustainable development of the country. Implemented by Open Society Foundation for Albania (OSFA) and Tampere University of Applied Science (TAMK), the training of 64 school principals and teachers in Tirana has been completed, and the project has continued with teachers from the other districts. 320 active and motivated teachers have been selected for the ‘Train the trainer’ (ToT) program. Teachers of this nationwide programme pass their knowledge to other 15 000 teachers on geographical coverage and need. Equipping teachers with the necessary competencies and skills to build a motivating and inclusive learning environment is considered as the key to advancing the above priority.

The EU is evacuating burn victims after deadly fire in a nightclub in North Macedonia

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In the early hours of Sunday, 16 March, a fire broke out in a nightclub in Kocani, North Macedonia, killing 59 people and injuring more than 155. In the immediate aftermath, the EU’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre established contact with the civil protection authorities in North Macedonia to offer solidarity and support. North Macedonia activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism requesting assistance to evacuate 15 patients suffering from severe burns. In a swift reaction, 9 European countries – Croatia, Greece, Romania, Slovenia, Sweden, Lithuania, Hungary, Luxembourg and Norway – made immediate offers of assistance via the mechanism.

Already, several patients have been evacuated to Hungary by Luxembourg and Romania is transporting patients to Lithuania. The EU is now coordinating the transportation of further patients to countries that have offered treatment. The EU remains in close contact with the national authorities in North Macedonia and stands ready to mobilise more assistance if needed.

Commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management and Equality, Hadja Lahbib, said: “We express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and all those affected. The EU stands in solidarity with the people of North Macedonia at this difficult time. I thank European countries for quickly offering treatment and assistance to the victims via our Civil Protection Mechanism.”

Greening the books: The Western Balkans take on green budgeting

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How financial planning is being restructured to meet sustainability goals As the effects of climate change intensify, governments are being forced to rethink their fiscal priorities. For the economies of the Western Balkans, this means embedding sustainability into budget planning—a shift that is as much about political will as it is about technical reform. In February 2025, officials from Kosovo and North Macedonia, alongside experts from Austria, the EU, and international institutions, gathered in Prishtina for a two-day Green Budgeting Workshop under the EU4Green initiative. The event served as a capacity-building exercise and a launchpad for integrating Green Budgeting into national fiscal policies. The objective? To ensure that public funds drive climate action rather than undermine it. Beyond the Balance Sheet The idea behind Green Budgeting is deceptively simple: align government spending with environmental objectives. In practice, this means everything from tracking the environmental impact of expenditures to ensuring that fiscal policy does not contradict national climate commitments. In his opening remarks, Vadim Stirbu from the EU Office in Kosovo underscored the urgency of integrating sustainability into financial planning, noting that climate risks—rising temperatures, natural disasters, and depleting resources—must be accounted for in budgetary decisions. Yet, implementation remains a challenge. Kosovo’s Ministry of Finance, Labor, and Transfers highlighted a lack of coordination between finance and environmental ministries, with no clear directives guiding how public budgets should reflect green priorities. This is not unique to Kosovo; across the Western Balkans, institutional silos hinder the effectiveness of climate finance. Austria’s Green Budgeting Model: A Playbook for Reform? The workshop leaned heavily on Austria’s experience with Green Budgeting, where public spending is assessed through a sustainability lens. The Austrian model goes beyond mere “green tagging” (categorizing expenditures as climate-positive or negative) and extends to impact assessments, spending reviews, and the integration of climate finance into the broader budget cycle. Among the more technical discussions was the alignment of Green Budgeting with Green Bonds, a mechanism increasingly used by governments to finance climate projects through dedicated debt instruments. Austria, which issued its first Green Bond in 2022, has since developed one of the most structured green finance reporting systems in Europe. Lessons from Kyrgyz Republic and Georgia The workshop also drew insights from international experiences. The World Bank Group presented case studies from Kyrgyz Republic and Georgia, where governments have experimented with climate budget tagging and taxonomy development—tools that classify and assess the climate impact of public expenditures. Kyrgyz Republic’s approach, for example, started with two pilot ministries, gradually expanding to more comprehensive green budget tagging across government spending. The Georgian model, on the other hand, focuses on linking national climate targets to public finance decisions—an approach that could be replicated in the Western Balkans. From Workshops to Policy Action The second day of discussions moved from theory to application. Participants engaged in a Green Budgeting exercise, applying real budget scenarios to assess climate impact. They also mapped out next steps for local implementation, discussing institutional coordination, funding priorities, and policy integration. The key takeaway? Green Budgeting is not merely an accounting exercise; it is a governance tool that can reshape economic priorities. It requires political backing, technical expertise, and long-term commitment. Green budgeting is not absolutely new and non-existing and the first steps shall be to identify what is in already existing national budgeting processes relate to green budgeting. For the Western Balkans, the transition to Green Budgeting is not a luxury—it is a necessity. With EU integration on the horizon, aligning public finance with climate policy will not only help these economies meet their Green Agenda commitments but also position them as forward-thinking partners in the global sustainability transition. A Long Road Ahead Despite the momentum generated in Prishtina, challenges remain. Political instability, bureaucratic inertia, and competing fiscal demands continue to slow progress. Yet, the workshop marked a critical step forward. The task now is to translate discussions into action, ensuring that sustainability becomes a permanent feature of fiscal policy in the Western Balkans.