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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.

Commissioner Marta Kos bolsters Albania’s EU accession efforts

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Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, has embarked on her first official visit to Albania from 12 to 14 March, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to the country’s accession process. The visit featured high-level meetings and engagements focused on advancing reform and fostering closer EU–Albania ties.

In a high-level meeting, Commissioner Kos met with Prime Minister Edi Rama in Tirana. During the joint press conference, she expressed optimism about Albania’s reform process, “Dear Prime Minister Edi Rama, thank you for your warm welcome to Tirana! While the world is changing, the unity of Albania towards the EU remains an important guarantee for peace, freedom and security. 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.” Following this dialogue, she also met with the Speaker of Parliament, Elisa Spiropali, further underscoring the significance of high-level engagement in Albania’s EU journey.

Additionally, Commissioner Kos visited the College of Europe Tirana Campus, where she engaged with students and faculty. Reflecting on her own youthful aspirations for a united continent, she remarked, “When I was their age, we dreamt of the unification of our continent. Today, this dream is closer to reality – also because of countries like Albania, who are committed to the accession process.” Her address highlighted the vital role of youth and civil society in shaping Europe’s enlargement policy, particularly in the Western Balkans.

By connecting with top decision-makers, civil society, and the next generation, Commissioner Kos’s visit reinforces a shared vision of a more united and resilient Europe.

Montenegro: European Union provides a €22 million grant to enhance sustainable water use and climate resilience on an EIB Global-financed project

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  • The EU grant will enable the construction and extension of water supply and sanitation infrastructure in three Montenegrin municipalities
  • The funds provided through the Western Balkans Investment Framework will support the construction works and provide technical assistance for the project’s implementation
  • These efforts will improve living conditions for around 30 000 people and support sustainable and climate-resilient growth
At the event held today in Podgorica, the European Investment Bank (EIB Global) and Montenegro’s Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, and Northern Region Development have signed a €22.5 million grant agreement, funded by the EU, to develop sustainable water supply and wastewater systems in the municipalities of Kolašin, Rožaje, and Mojkovac. These projects aim to improve the quality of communal water and sanitation services, safeguarding both public health and the environment. By upgrading water quality in areas downstream of the Tara and Ibar rivers, these efforts will also promote sustainable tourism and enhance the living conditions of approximately 30 000 people. The EU grant channelled through the Western Balkans Investment Framework will support the construction works and technical assistance to ensure the project’s implementation aligns with relevant national and EU standards. The overall cost, estimated at over €34 million, will be primarily financed with this €22.5 million EU grant, as well as a €10 million EIB loan signed previously. Responsive Image EIB Head of Regional Hub for the Western Balkans Damien Sorrell said: “Together with the European Commission, we are glad to be able to bring forward these financial and technical resources under Team Europe for the benefit of people in Montenegro. Beyond improving water management and ensuring a reliable supply of water, this investment and technical assistance grant channelled through the Western Balkans Investment Framework will contribute to sustainable use of water resources and higher climate resilience in line with the European Union’s Green Agenda, while increasing attractiveness for investors.” Damjan Ćulafić, Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Region Development, said: “We thank the European Union and the European Investment Bank for their continuous support in improving infrastructure in Montenegro. These projects are of great importance for our country as they directly impact the improvement of the quality of life of our citizens, environmental protection, and increased resilience to climate change. By investing in water supply and sewage systems in Kolašin, Rožaje and Mojkovac we are taking a significant step toward sustainable development in the northern region and laying the foundation for future economic growth and ecological stability.” Johann Sattler, the European Union’s Ambassador to Montenegro, remarked: “This grant is another clear example of the European Union’s continued support for Montenegro in its efforts to meet EU standards while prioritising the quality of life for its citizens. The EU Delegation in Montenegro is proud to see that our joint efforts with national and local authorities, as well as the EIB, are yielding tangible results. In the coming period, we look forward to the implementation of additional wastewater projects in the municipalities of Pljevlja, Nikšić, Ulcinj, Kotor and Tivat. We are confident that these projects will not only bring Montenegro closer to the European Union and its accession agenda and improve the lives of its citizens, but will also contribute significantly to climate change mitigation efforts.” In terms of the project scope, the investment supports the construction of a wastewater treatment plant for a population of *6 000 (PE) and the extension of the water supply and sewerage networks in Kolašin. The municipality of Rožaje will benefit from an expanded 15km wastewater collection network, along with a new wastewater treatment plant for a population of 20 000. In Mojkovac, the project will enable the reconstruction of the existing wastewater treatment plant to serve 5 250 people, the installation of a 10km sewerage network. The project is part of the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans. As one of the largest lenders to the global water sector to date, with €90 billion provided for well over 1 700 projects, water security and climate change adaptation are priorities for the EIB.   Background information About the EIB and EIB Global The EIB is the long-term financing institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. It makes long-term finance available for sound investment in order to contribute towards EU policy goals. The EIB supports projects in four priority areas: infrastructure, innovation, climate and environment, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance, and a key partner of Global Gateway. We aim to support €100 billion of investment by the end of 2027 – around one-third of the overall target of this EU initiative. Within Team Europe, EIB Global fosters strong, focused partnerships alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the EIB Group closer to local people, companies and institutions through our offices around the world. About the EIB in Montenegro: About the EIB in the Western Balkans The EIB is one of the leading international financiers in the Western Balkans. For detailed information on the EIB’s activities in this region, visit www.eib.org/en/publications/the-eib-in-the-western-balkans.

More than an initiative, a reconciliation movement

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“The reason I joined this camp was to socialise more, to overcome interethnic and interfaith differences, which are often exploited for political purposes. In reality, these differences do not exist because every family has its struggles and difficulties, and sometimes help comes from unexpected places,” says Milisa Ristović from North Mitrovica, Kosovo, about his participation at one of the Youth Peace Camps organised this winter by REC – Reconciliation Empowering Communities organisation in the framework of the EU funded project “Harmony Talks: Fostering Inter-Ethnic Understanding among Youth”.

However, youth camps were only one component of this successful initiative that through different activities, brought together over 350 youths of Albanian, Serbian, Romani, Ashkali, Egyptian, Turkish and Bosniak communities living in Mitrovica.

In addition to the three youth peace camps that gathered more than 100 young people from various communities living in Mitrovica, The Harmony Talks: Fostering Inter-Ethnic Understanding among Youth project, carried out a few other initiatives aimed at fostering understanding among youths. The Harmony Talks sessions were structured discussions tackling some of the most pressing issues for different communities in Kosovo, including reconciliation, civic activism, the role of women in peacebuilding, and environmental sustainability. As a tool to raise awareness and influence public discourse on matters related to peacebuilding, the project carried out a number of Op-Ed articles, which had an outstanding impact on the social debate regarding reconciliation, peacebuilding and civic activism in Kosovo. Through this platform, intellectuals, activists, journalists, and young people have had the opportunity to address critical issues that directly affect reconciliation processes and build positive narratives about cooperation among different communities.

“More than an initiative, the project turned into a movement for reconciliation,” says REC’s Executive Director Besnik Uka, when reflecting on the achievements of the project, while also highlighting the importance of financial backing for such initiatives, “Support from the EU and UNDP has been vital in making this project possible. Through their funding, we have created safe spaces where young people from different communities have had the opportunity to get to know each other, share experiences, and work together for a better future.”

Reconciliation Empowering Communities (REC) is a non-governmental organization known for its leadership in promoting inter-ethnic dialogue, youth empowerment, and building a more united society in Kosovo. By addressing historical divisions and social challenges that hinder cooperation among communities, REC is committed to creating powerful platforms for social transformation and sustainable reconciliation. REC has been one of the key partners in implementing the project “Harmony Talks: Fostering Inter-Ethnic Understanding among Youth,” in collaboration with the Alternative Dispute Resolution Center (ADRC).

REC has played a critical role in promoting equality, social justice, and civic activism through innovative methodologies and inclusive projects. By adopting an approach based on citizen empowerment and building strong cooperation networks, the organization has helped foster trust and address deep-rooted social challenges in Kosovo. REC is the primary catalyst for change in Kosovo, building bridges of cooperation and creating an inclusive culture that aims for a sustainable and peaceful future for all citizens.

This project has marked an important moment in the reconciliation process and youth empowerment in Kosovo. The camps organised within the project were particularly impactful, because the participants had the opportunity to intensively spend time together and understand each other’s backgrounds, as shared by Edin Lahi, one of the camp’s participants, “Such initiatives [camps] are incredibly important, because they help us foster understanding, not just discuss it. They encourage us to actively contribute to peace and dialogue.”

Initiatives like the youth peace camps and the Harmony Talks project, show that through open dialogue, education, and cooperation, young people can become a catalyst for change and the construction of a more united future.

International Women’s Day is more than just one day

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In the Western Balkans, women are not adequately represented in politics or corporate leadership structures. They have little influence over decision-making and the allocation of public funds, make up a larger share of the unemployed, and bear the overwhelming burden of unpaid domestic and care work. However, women’s empowerment and their position in society are the focus of many European Union initiatives in the Western Balkans, including combatting violence and discrimination, providing legal aid, supporting the rights of LGBTIQ+ individuals, encouraging political engagement, promoting healthcare, ensuring transitional justice, supporting female entrepreneurs, fostering networking, preserving cultural traditions, and increasing the number of women in the police force and at border posts.

International Women’s Day on 8 March is an opportunity to highlight the strength and capabilities of women. To mark the occasion, a series of events and various campaigns are being organised in Montenegro, Kosovo, Albania, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia.

In Montenegro, the campaign “Heroines and Skills” celebrates women who have successfully transformed their careers: an economist engaged in gold embroidery, a professor cultivating mushrooms, a graphic designer creating terrariums, and an economist designing jewellery.

In Serbia, the EU Delegation has introduced the “Dobrila” award to promote greater recognition of efforts towards gender equality. The award is named after Dobrila Vasiljević Smiljanić, who recognised the potential of traditional women’s skills and dedicated her career to achieving economic and social equality for women in rural areas of Zlatibor. This year’s recipient is Radmila Gujaničić from Užice.

“This award is important to me as it rounds off my work after retirement, and I am particularly pleased to be the first recipient in the Zlatibor region. Through the Sirogojno cooperative, Dobrila empowered women from Zlatibor and became known worldwide. This award also gives me social influence, which I intend to share with other women,” said Gujaničić. She believes that the EU’s contribution to empowering women in the Western Balkans is invaluable.

“In order to get somewhere, you need to start somewhere, and the EU, as an external force, has the power to initiate change. It is crucial that they invest in improving the status of women. I would like to see more funding for economic empowerment, as women have realised the power of their economic activities. Perhaps more accessible loans and fewer commercial ones. Many projects would not have been realised, and many organisations would not have survived without EU support,” Gujaničić added. She also highlighted the significant impact of EU-funded initiatives, including partnerships with UN Women, which have yielded excellent results.

The positive impact of civil society organisations extends to the public sector. The INFOHOUSE Foundation from Sarajevo, in cooperation with the Budućnost Modriča Citizens’ Association, has changed public fund policies for self-employment through its project “Economic and Social Opportunities for the Independence of Women Survivors of Domestic Violence.” The project enabled 65 women who survived violence to receive entrepreneurship training and assistance in developing business plans, while 18 women received grants and mentorship to start their businesses.

“As a result of our advocacy, the Employment Bureau in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (one of the two administrative entities in Bosnia and Herzegovina) increased the funds allocated to women for self-employment by 10%,” said Dženana Alađuz, director of INFOHOUSE.

In Kosovo, the European Union in Kosovo is dedicating the month to celebrating the power, creativity, and impact of women through a series of inspiring events! From exhibitions by artists Ulpiana Kurtaj and Andjela Ranković, to masterclasses on women in business, digital innovation, and climate action, the month is packed with opportunities to learn, connect, and be inspired. Educational activities will engage young minds on gender equality and environmental awareness while the International Day of Zero Waste will be marked with a special cooking show promoting sustainability.

Beyond individual projects, the EU also implements regional initiatives involving multiple organisations from across the Western Balkans, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and experience. One example is the “Empowering Women to Tackle Energy Poverty in the Mediterranean” project, worth €2 million, which has been implemented in Spain, France, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, and Albania.

At the Women’s Centre in Užice, representatives stress that collaboration with the EU is particularly important for small organisations that lack their own funds or cannot access public budgets.

“With the EU’s support, we launched a textile recycling initiative, which economically empowered women from marginalised groups. We also established cross-border cooperation with Montenegro, which remains active 15 years later,” representatives from the Women’s Centre in Užice stated. They emphasised that, thanks to the EU, they evolved from a small organisation unable to apply for grants independently into a competitive entity in the field of social innovation.

International Women’s Day on 8 March marks the struggle of women for shorter working hours, better working conditions, and voting rights—a movement that began on 8 March 1857 in New York. In 1910, the Socialist International, at the proposal of Clara Zetkin, established International Women’s Day. The United Nations has officially recognised the day since 1975, and in 1977, the UN General Assembly called on member states to proclaim 8 March as an official UN holiday for women’s rights and world peace.