On 27 March, the Western Balkans Six Chamber Investment Forum (WB6 CIF) in cooperation with the European Commission (EC) organised the 4th meeting of the EU-WB6 Business Platform in Brussels.
The event gathered representatives of companies that are members of the Western Balkans 6 Business Council, the chambers of commerce of the region, Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood (ENEST) and experts from EC services, as well as Central European Free Trade agreement (CEFTA) and the Energy Community Secretariat.
The meeting focused on increased engagement for investment and trade with the Western Balkans (WBs) region, and achieving integration in the common regional market and closer integration with the EU single market, via the Growth Plan for the WBs (here).
Business stories from the Western Balkans
Director General Gert Jan Koopman engaged with CEOs from companies active in the WBs. He underlined that strengthening economic ties between the EU and the WBs is essential for enhancing the socio-economic development of the region and further integration into the EU single market. An interactive discussion took place when CEOs presented the potential of future investments of their companies and described the varied challenges experienced doing business in the region and trying to expand to the EU market.
Shaping the future for regional growth
An open discussion led by DG ENEST Director Valentina Superti alongside chairman of the WB6 CIF Managing Board Mr Lulzim Rafuna, highlighted the significant challenges and opportunities for growth in the region in 3 main sectors: 1) trade in goods and services, 2) access to finance and 3) green and digital transition. Participants shared their experiences and perspectives on the current state of trade in the region.
Key challenges raised by companies included: the need for simplification, standardisation and defragmentation of the approach to customs procedures, improved infrastructure, and reduction of waiting time at border crossings. Labour shortages—driven by workforce migration—are pushing up costs, while many businesses, especially SMEs, struggle to access finance or understand available financial tools. Others highlighted the funding gap between the EU and the Western Balkans, and the lack of knowledge on new EU rules like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The high cost of going green and digital also remains a major concern.
Solutions posed included fostering public-private dialogue to ensure the private sector is heard and their needs are addressed in policy-making; pre-notification of certificates at border crossings; common standards and harmonising regulations to facilitate trade and reduce barriers; supporting technological advancements and access to finance to help businesses become more competitive and innovative; investing in education and raising awareness on the importance of sustainability. Predictability is essential for the investment market.
CEFTA progress and EU support
CEFTA recalled progress to date, including on authorised economic operators, roadmaps to tackle waiting times at borders, and veterinary and phytosanitary certification, while referring to the complex nature of mutual recognition programmes and the impact having different levels of acquis alignment in the six economies. DG ENEST informed that along with the success in having candidate countries join the Single Euro Payments Areas (SEPA), other achievements included implementation of measures WiFi4WB (see here) and Digital innovation hubs (see here). Work is also proceeding on implementing the Green Lanes action plans, while the European Commission is actively engaged in developing the legal base to progress on some areas of the Growth Plan e.g. the two-way exchange of customs data and e-commerce.
The event was a valuable opportunity for the European Commission to hear directly from the private sector, gathering insights and practical proposals how to move forward. In her closing remarks, Director Superti recalled the ongoing high level EU-Western Balkans leaders’ meetings that support national authorities make the necessary reforms of the Growth Plan, aimed at unlocking the full potential of the common regional market and the gradual integration in the EU single market.
If you want to learn more about the EU’s support for the private sector in the Western Balkans, see here the upcoming Western Balkans Investment Framework business forum, 9 April in Belgrade.
This event was organised by DG ENEST.B1, managing the EU project Western Balkans Six Chamber Investment Forum and DG ENEST.A3 to develop the dialogue with the Western Balkans’ CEOs.
Following the fire in the Puls nightclub in Kočani, North Macedonia, on 16 March, which claimed the lives of 59 people and left more than 150 severely injured—most of them young—the EU Civil Protection Mechanism played a crucial role in evacuating burn patients to medical centres across Europe. Emergency services from Luxembourg and Hungary facilitated the transfer of patients to Croatia, Greece, Romania, Slovenia, Sweden, Lithuania, Hungary, Luxembourg, and Norway, all of which offered assistance through the Mechanism. The European Commission has stated that it remains available to support the authorities in North Macedonia.
“Without the EU’s assistance, we would not have been able to provide medical care for so many injured people so quickly. Ambulances and a military aircraft from Bulgaria arrived immediately to transport the most critical patients, followed by support from Greece and Serbia. A day or two later, other countries joined in, airlifting patients to Spain, Norway, and Portugal. The EU Mechanism is extremely important, especially for small countries like ours, as we lack the capacity to build our own systems for crisis situations such as fires, earthquakes, and floods. The support system established by the EU is of great significance to all of us,” said Goran Lefkov, a journalist from Kočani whose granddaughter perished in the fire.
The Crisis Management Centre in North Macedonia explained that the call for assistance was issued by the Crisis Headquarters, established by the Ministry of Health and the Operational Centre of the Ministry of Interior. North Macedonia’s Minister of Health, Arben Taravari, reported that 101 patients are receiving treatment abroad.
The EU Civil Protection Mechanism, established in October 2021, aims to strengthen cooperation between the civil protection services of EU member states and ten non-EU countries, enhancing disaster prevention and response efforts. The Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) operates 24/7, monitoring global events and ensuring rapid deployment of aid through direct communication with national civil protection authorities.
Now, any country affected by a disaster—whether in Europe or beyond—as well as the United Nations, can request emergency assistance through the Mechanism. The European Commission coordinates the response, enabling affected countries to communicate via a single contact point rather than multiple channels. This approach consolidates expertise and resources, prevents duplication of aid efforts, and ensures an efficient response.
In addition to EU countries, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism includes Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Turkey, and Ukraine. However, its reach extends far beyond this group. In March 2025, the EU announced an urgent €1.2 million intervention in Uganda to help the World Health Organization (WHO) manage the Ebola outbreak through coordination, surveillance, infection prevention and control, case management, operational support, and logistics.
The Mechanism also facilitates disaster prevention and preparedness coordination among national authorities, promoting the exchange of best practices and the development of higher common standards. This enables emergency teams from different countries to understand various approaches and collaborate effectively in times of crisis.
“My granddaughter was 16 years old and a student at a medical high school. She was a wonderful person who dreamed of becoming a doctor. Our family will never be the same again—nor will the families of others who lost loved ones in this tragedy. In addition, dozens of our children are still undergoing treatment, and the cost of treating a burn patient ranges between €150,000 and €200,000. These are enormous expenses, not to mention the irreplaceable lives that have been lost,” said Lefkov.
Since 2001, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism has been activated more than 770 times in response to emergencies, including 58 times in 2024 alone. It has provided aid to victims of the war in Ukraine, conflicts in the Middle East, and floods in France and the Czech Republic, among other crises. In 2024, the Mechanism also facilitated the evacuation of approximately 1,400 Europeans from conflict zones, and by January 2025, it had enabled the evacuation of more than 4,000 patients for medical treatment.
Both Serbia and North Macedonia are aligned with EU regulations when it comes to waste management in their respective cities. There is still a long way to go to achieve the goal of effective waste management, but the EU is helping with financial support and funds. In November 2020, Serbia linked the European Green Deal by signing the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, which supports strategic development of the region. North Macedonia also integrated the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans to improve its waste management and altogether promote a circular economy. When it comes to the UN’s Agenda 2030, both Novi Sad and Skopje are contributing to SDG 12 (the Sustainable Development Goal) on responsible consumption and production, and in both cases, significant challenges remain.
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.
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
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 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.
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.