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Author: WeBalkans

New expressway boosts North Macedonia’s connectivity

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

13 January 2025 – The much-anticipated Kriva Palanka – Dlabochica – Stracin expressway has officially opened in North Macedonia on 4 January 2025, marking a major milestone in regional infrastructure development.
The €36.7 million project has been co-financed by the EU with a grant of €13.9 million through the Western Balkans Investment Framework, and a World Bank Group loan of €20.3 million, complementing the €2.4 million national contribution. Road users can now travel from Stracin to Kriva Palanka in only 10 minutes, compared to 30 minutes previously. With the section from Kriva Palanka to Deve Bair open since 2020, there is an even faster link to the Bulgarian border. These investments are part of the wider upgrade on Corridor VIII, an east-west route connecting Albania’s Adriatic port of Durres to the Bulgaria’s Black Sea port of Varna via North Macedonia. This 23 km expressway, expecting to carry 16,000 road users per day (instead of current 5,000 passengers), will allow speeds up to 110 km/h.
  • Two driving lanes (3.5 metres wide) and two stopping lanes (2.5 metres wide)
  • Three interchanges, 13 viaducts, nine overpasses, and 44 slopes.
The official opening ceremony brought together key authorities, including North Macedonia Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation Ben Nupnau, Minister of Transport Aleksandar Nikolovski, and Director of the Public Enterprise for State Roads (PESR) Koce Trajanovski. Prime Minister Mickoski highlighted the project’s collaborative spirit: “This road represents the collective effort of our citizens. Built with their contributions, it stands as a symbol of progress and unity. Enjoy it!” He announced that this expressway is just the beginning. Future projects include key sections of Corridors VIII and X – also part of the Western Balkans – Eastern Mediterranean European transport corridor – and routes like Gostivar – Bukojčani, Kichevo – Ohrid, and Prilep – Bitola. Minister Nikolovski emphasised the economic significance of the route: “This expressway is vital for connecting North Macedonia with Bulgaria and advancing the development of our eastern regions. It’s a crucial step toward making Macedonia a transport and energy hub.” Ben Nupnau, representing the EU, underscored the broader implications: “This project aligns with Corridor VIII, linking the Adriatic and Black Sea. This project increases the competitiveness of North Macedonia, attracts investments and facilitates trade. This road is not only a symbol of connectivity, it is a symbol of our commitment to build a stronger and more united Europe.” PESR Director Koce Trajanovski celebrated the teamwork that delivered the project on time: “Despite challenges, including winter conditions, our team ensured successful completion by the end of 2024.” The project ‘Corridor VIII: Cut-Slopes Stabilisation on Express Road A2, Kriva Palanka – Stracin Section’ has been identified as Flagship 1 – Connecting East to West in the Economic Investment Plan for the Western Balkans.

EU-funded initiatives drive inclusive social care in Albania

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Tirana, 09 January 2025 – The European Union continues to play an important role in strengthening social care in Albania, most notably through the EU4SocialCare programme. Funded by the EU and implemented by UNICEF and World Vision in Albania, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, this three-year programme aims to expand and enhance community-based and specialised social care services for children and families facing social challenges. To this end, a recent ceremony marked the official launch of partnerships between 14 municipalities and 13 civil society organizations, which will benefit from a total of 1.47 million EUR in support.

Emphasizing the critical importance of these efforts, Mr. Silvio Gonzato, Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Albania, stated: “With our support 14 municipalities in Albania will establish or expand community-based and specialised social services for children and other vulnerable groups. And this is precisely the objective we should have in mind as Albania makes progress towards joining the EU – accession is not only fulfilling economic criteria, but more importantly, building an inclusive society that is welcoming and catering for everyone, no matter their background. A society that will leave no one behind.”

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He further remarked that EU integration extends beyond administrative processes, as it requires tangible improvements in the lives of people throughout Albania’s local communities.

Through the newly launched initiatives, the EU4SocialCare program will support mobile units providing services to marginalized groups, multifunctional centers, and specialized social care services for children with disabilities, victims of violence, minorities, and unemployed youth. These initiatives exemplify the transformative power of combining compassion with innovation at the local level, aligning strongly with the EU’s broader vision of an inclusive and equitable society.

Alongside the EU-funded efforts, the Albanian Government, through the State Social Services, has signed cooperation agreements with 11 municipalities that will be financially supported in 2025 under the Social Fund. This mechanism bolsters the existing basket of social services and facilitates the creation of new ones to address diverse needs within families and communities.

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Reiterating the importance of human capital development, Mr. Murat Şahin, Representative of UNICEF Albania, highlighted the need to empower social services in order to support vulnerable groups effectively: “EU integration doesn’t happen in the corridors and offices of our institutions; it happens at the local level and in the lives of people that we are supporting and working with.”

In partnership with the EU and the Albanian Government, UNICEF’s work under the EU4SocialCare program focuses on strengthening the social service workforce and ensuring that no one—especially children—falls through the cracks.

Hana Kunić

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

YEA of the Month December 2024

“I hold a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from the Faculty of Political Sciences at the University of Sarajevo. Currently, I am pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Law at the same university.
During my studies in International Relations and Diplomacy, I extensively explored topics such as conflict resolution, international law, and global governance, providing me with a robust understanding of the complexities surrounding human rights issues. Transitioning to the field of Law has further has additionaly further equipped me with the legal knowledge and skills necessary to advocate for justice and equality, complementing my passion for human rights.
My journey started with volunteerism during secondary school, broadening my horizons and fostering a passion for activism and youth work. Over the years, I’ve organized numerous youth events and projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina and abroad, honing my skills and gaining valuable insights into myself and my aspirations. As part of my commitment to making a tangible impact, I have actively participated in community outreach programs, legal clinics, and other initiatives aimed at addressing socio-legal challenges faced by marginalized communities. From my involvement in a local NGO to my role as National Vice President of AIESEC in Bosnia and Herzegovina, each experience has been a stepping stone towards my goal of advocating for human rights.
My dedication lies in working with and for people, fueled by my educational background and years of activism.
Looking ahead, I am eager to leverage my interdisciplinary background and practical experiences to pursue a career dedicated to promoting and protecting the fundamental rights and dignity of all individuals.”

Transforming Luka Brčko – A gateway to regional growth and connectivity

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA Blogs.

Armin Poljak, Young European Ambassador from Bosnia and Herzegovina   The end of November marked the right time for an EU Project Visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina! Ademir and Armin, YEAs from Bosnia and Herzegovina, traveled to Brčko to visit the Luka Brčko, the largest river port in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Located strategically along the Sava River, Luka Brčko is a vital logistics hub, linking Bosnia and Herzegovina with regional and international markets. River Port of Brčko is currently successfully implementing the project Reconstruction and Modernization of the River Port of Brčko, which includes the construction and arrangement of the port plateau, the purchase of a new crane, the reconstruction of the access road from the port to Bijeljinska cesta as well as the industrial railway from the port to Brčko Novo railway station. During the visit, the YEAs had the chance to explore the port’s facilities, learn about its transformative impact on the region’s economy and connectivity, but also to interact with its management team. Among other things, they had the opportunity to speak with the director of JP Luka Brčko, Mr. Perica Josić, who stated that the Port of Brčko received the revitalization project through support from the EBRD and WBIF, from which we received 3 million in grants and 8 million in loans to implement this project. This visit highlighted how EU investments in Luka Brčko are fostering sustainable development. Through its contributions, the EU has enabled infrastructure upgrades, boosted trade efficiency, and created job opportunities, directly benefiting local communities. On the other side, for the YEAs, witnessing these changes deepened their appreciation of how such projects translate EU’s values into practical, impactful actions on the ground. It also reinforced the crucial role of young leaders in shaping a future that is inclusive, sustainable, and deeply connected to European ideals. After visiting Labudovi Kindergarten, Voćar Company, Milo Selo Farm, and Luka Brčko, the YEAs continue their journey with new activities and preparations for upcoming EU Project Visits.

Beyond Stage Mastery: Building Connections and Transforming Theatre Behind the Scenes

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in Stories.

“It was an intense and exciting experience. Over the 5 days, we gained a lot of valuable and practical information, from the process of conceptualizing compositions and sounds integrated with a theatrical performance to the practical use of applications and websites for creating or editing various compositions,” says Belkisa Zhelegu, a student of Acting from Tirana, about her participation in the Sound Design masterclass ran by Alessandro Olla in Belgrade in March 2024.

The masterclass is one of the three masterclasses aiming to improve the backstage working quality in theatres in Serbia, Kosovo and Albania, organised within the Beyond Stage Mastery Program, supported by the British Council through the CC4WB project funded by the European Union that aims to foster dialogue in the Western Balkans by cultural and creative sectors for increased socio-economic impact.

Addressing the need for qualified theater professionals in sound, lighting and video operation while fostering dialogue and collaboration among young artists and professionals from the Western Balkans makes it possible for The Beyond Stage Mastery program to serve a dual mission.

Led by world class industry professionals like Luigi Bondi (lighting design), Alessandro Olla (sound design), and Lazar Nikolic (video operation), the workshops not only equipped participants with technical expertise but also created an environment of commonality and cultural acceptance.

Bondi, a renowned lighting designer and professor at the Silvio D’Amico National Academy of Arts,  when asked about his experience in Belgrade said, “teaching is always a great opportunity for confrontation. By teaching, I learn what I do not know from people of different experience, age and background. In the case of the students I met at the masterclass in Belgrade, I was able to discover more about countries like Kosovo, Serbia and Albania as well as meeting motivating and people who stimulate me on a human level.”

Beyond the trainings and lessons, the workshops were fruitful for the participants to create connections and exchange more with each other, which is a sentiment shared by Ms. Zhelegu as well, “The relationships built within the group were inspiring, fostering potential future and artistic collaborations. We were a diverse group, with participants from Albania, Kosovo and Serbia, but our passion for theatre was bigger than anything, at a certain point we all felt like we all belonged to the art”.

The project was also beneficial for the mentors, as confirmed by Bondi, who says that he just recently started attending some theatre in Sarajevo, and it is thanks to the exchange that he had with the students of the masterclass that he is able to better understand the theatre, “though economic resources and tools are limited, there is great rigour and creative ferment not only in theatre, but more generally in artistic disciplines. I feel that in the Western Balkan Region, art is held in high regard for what it really is: a powerful engine of socio-cultural development,” says Bondi.

The Beyond Stage Mastery project aims to not only create the opportunities for better representation of the Western Balkan scene in the European context, but most importantly empower local artists and professionals and foster meaningful connections between them by creating opportunities for them to directly work with each other and learn from each other.

Project participants will further be able to benefit from a job-shadowing program in one of the theatres in the Western Balkan region, whereas participants from the three countries will work in a country different from their home country, further contributing to their professional and personal growth and creating opportunities for the participants to better understand the culture of each respective country by living and working there.

Three manuals for non-formal teaching about sound, light design and video operation for theatre were produced within the framework of the project that will be disseminated to public and independent theatres in the countries involved in the project implementation, ensuring a sustainability to the project beyond its official duration.

While the magic of theatre often happens on stage, the real mastery lies in the bonds that we build and the lessons that we learn behind the scenes. This initiative is not just about technical capacities – it’s about—it’s about empowering artists and fostering human connections and exchanges.

Nikola Mihail Angelovski

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

YEA of the Month November 2024

My name is Nikola Mihail Angelovski, but my friends call me Nino. I am from Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia. In 2022, I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from The University of Sheffield, City College, in Thessaloniki, Greece. After graduating, I moved back to my home country and decided to put my knowledge into practice as the Head of Marketing in a company which produces bread and alimentary goods. One of my many interests is environmentalism, which developed as early as middle school through art projects created from recycled materials. It grew into passion during my high school days. In addition, the multicultural environment in the school showed me the importance of tolerance, integration and diversity. As a result, I hope to motivate the people in my community to use creativity while showing respect for the environment.

My experience of living abroad showed me the key values of the EU and in turn inspired me to become a Young European Ambassador. I am devoted to implementing these values in my work and social life in North Macedonia.

Empowering Youth: Reflections on the YEA Award Ceremony in Zlatibor

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA Blogs.

Hana Kunić, Young European Ambassador from Bosnia and Herzegovina

 

Hello! My name is Hana Kunić, and I am a Young European Ambassador (YEA) from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Alongside my colleagues from the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generations—Rexhina Pelivani from Albania, Emina Balota from Montenegro, Sava Dokmanović from Serbia, Marija Bugieva from North Macedonia, and Fatbardh Kabashi from Kosovo—I had the privilege of attending the YEA Award Ceremony in Zlatibor, Serbia.

As many of you know, the Young European Ambassadors Network was established in 2020 to bring together young activists from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. Over the years, this network has grown into a powerful movement, uniting three generations of changemakers who work tirelessly to inspire positive change in their local communities, the Western Balkans, the European Union, and beyond.

However, on 6 December, our YEA family grew even larger as we welcomed new members from the 4th generation of Young European Ambassadors. During the YEA Award Ceremony, we celebrated the expansion of our network, which now proudly includes 240 dedicated young leaders ready to inspire change in all fields of their work.

The event, held from 6 to 8 December, was a great opportunity for our newest colleagues to gain insights into the YEA Network’s mission and their important role within it. They were introduced to the impactful initiatives and campaigns implemented by WeBalkans, which have been at the heart of our network’s activities.

Beyond this, participants had the chance to connect with our long-standing partners, including RYCO (Regional Youth Cooperation Office), the Regional Cooperation Council Youth Lab, the Council of Europe, and the College of Europe. These partners have supported the YEA Network since its beginnings, and they offered our new ambassadors valuable information about opportunities available to them.

Furthermore, the event emphasised the importance of collaboration between the Young European Ambassadors and EU Delegations in Western Balkan countries, highlighting our shared commitment to fostering regional development and cooperation.

A significant part of the event focused on equipping participants with practical skills in areas such as social media management, project development, and leadership—essential tools that will empower them throughout their YEA mandates. Even for us, the more experienced generations, the sessions offered valuable new knowledge and fresh perspectives.

Of course, a youth event is only complete with moments of fun, joy, and connection. Through engaging activities and informal gatherings, we had the chance to meet each other, build friendships, and learn even more about the future potential of our network.

This event in Zlatibor was truly unforgettable—a celebration of our shared mission, growth, and the energy that drives us forward, and it was an honour to be part of it.

To our newest YEA members, I extend my warmest congratulations once again on achieving this well-deserved title. Remember: “The network will give you as much as you give to the network.”

Let’s continue to inspire, collaborate, and create a better future—together.

European conference of single parents in Budapest

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA Blogs.

Stanisha Stankovikj, Young European Ambassador from North Macedonia

 

Given the positive outcomes and efforts, the story of the fight for the rights of young people from single parents and one-parent families is well-known, supported, and accepted among the North-Macedonian citizens. However, I believe that the citizens of the Western Balkans should also be aware of the institutional struggle for young people from various family structures.

In addition to my status as a Young European Ambassador, which in some ways helps me carry out all activities pertaining to people’s rights, I have spent years working as a youth activist, raising awareness of the plight of young people who are from single parents or one-parent families. As a young man who has grown up in a particular kind of family, I know that the struggle for representation, equality, and justice in North-Macedonian institutions never ends.

I can mention three national volunteer recognitions in the youth family story, followed by a World Youth Day recognition award from the state president, five initiatives to improve the rights of these young people, an award from the European Confederation of Youth Clubs, and co-authorship of the first brochure on the rights of young people from family and single-parent families in North Macedonia, the Western Balkans, and Europe.

Prior to last month’s end, I was the youngest speaker at an international conference for single parents in Budapest, Hungary, from November 21 to 23. The representation of North Macedonia and the Western Balkans entails a unique obligation to demonstrate that there is inspiring youth activism for these young people from N. Macedonia, the Western Balkan nations, as well as more broadly while addressing this issue, some for the youth of these kinds of families.

In light of Hungary’s EU presidency, this issue is becoming more and more prominent on the political agenda. Despite the fact that North Macedonia has strategies, documents, and recommendations that we can safely and persuasively present before the institutions, Montenegro leads the Balkans in this regard, followed by Serbia which has a comparatively broad range of policies regarding these families.

Celebrating 30 Years of ETF: Reflecting on the Past, Envisioning the Future

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA Blogs.

Ivan Durgutov, Young European Ambassador from North Macedonia

 

Dear readers,

I am Ivan, and I’m excited to share my experience attending the European Training Foundation’s (ETF) 30th Anniversary event, “Celebrating 30 Years of ETF: Reflecting on the Past, Envisioning the Future!” in Torino. This significant event brought together leaders, experts, and changemakers to honour three decades of ETF’s dedication to enhancing education, training, and labour market development across the EU’s neighbouring regions.

The main event, held on 28 November 2024 at Green Pea, a symbol of sustainable living in modern Torino, celebrated ETF’s achievements while setting the stage for its vision for the future. Over the decades, ETF’s efforts have not only contributed to regional stability and prosperity but have also created opportunities for countless individuals to grow, learn, and succeed.

I had the honour of serving as a panellist during the closing session, “Envisioning Employment and Education in 2050,” alongside an exceptional lineup of speakers, including: Li Andersson, Chair of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee, European Parliament; Cesare Onestini, Director General for Agriculture, Fisheries, Social Affairs and Health, Council of the EU; Mario Nava, Director General, Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, European Commission; and Mathieu Bouquet, Director, DG for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, European Commission.

Representing the Young European Ambassadors (YEA) network, I offered a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities surrounding education and employment in the Western Balkans. I focused on the importance of youth-led initiatives in bridging gaps between education systems and labour market needs, and the potential for regional cooperation to address systemic issues such as brain drain and skills mismatches.

Drawing from personal experience, I emphasised the critical need to empower youth to lead change and actively engage in policymaking processes. I firmly believe that, as the next generation, we hold the keys to transforming education and employment landscapes in our region and beyond.

The event also provided an invaluable opportunity to connect with global thought leaders, share the perspectives of the Western Balkans, and amplify the voice of the YEA network. Through active participation in panel discussions and strong media visibility, we contributed meaningfully to the event’s success—ensuring its messages resonate far beyond Torino.

The celebrations culminated with a beautiful reception at the Reggia di Venaria, a royal palace and UNESCO World Heritage site, offering an unforgettable backdrop to mark ETF’s three decades of achievements.
With ETF’s continued support, I am confident we can work together to build stronger, more inclusive systems for education and employment, ensuring a brighter future for young people across the region.

Green skills, clean future: How EU4Green is transforming the Western Balkans

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in Stories.

The EU4Green initiative is more than just a project—it’s a movement transforming the Western Balkans into a hub of sustainability and innovation. From tackling pollution to fostering green skills and education, EU4Green is paving the way for a cleaner, healthier future while creating green jobs and strengthening ties with the EU. Here’s how this game-changing initiative is making a tangible difference across the region.   The EU4Green initiative is making significant strides in promoting environmental sustainability across the Western Balkans. One example is the ‘Western Balkans GreenCast,’ a podcast series that explores important environmental issues and green transition strategies in the region and the EU. This series features interviews with experts, real-life case studies, and in-depth discussions aimed at inspiring and educating listeners on sustainable practices and solutions for a healthier planet.   The first episode, ‘Water: Everyday’s Need,’ focuses on water conservation, a critical issue for the Western Balkans and the EU. It features Professor Dragana Tomašević Pilipović from the University of Novi Sad and Harald Loishandl Weisz, a water depollution expert from the Environment Agency Austria. They discuss the challenges of water pollution, why it is important to protect water resources, and strategies for ensuring a sustainable water future.  They highlight common misconceptions, explaining that water issues are about quality as much as quantity. They also discuss the need for better monitoring systems, the problems with outdated wastewater treatment facilities, and the pollution caused by industry and agriculture. The episode underscores the urgent need for comprehensive regional cooperation and effective implementation of environmental regulations. This podcast series exemplifies EU4Green’s commitment to transparency and public engagement, highlighting tangible environmental successes and fostering optimism among citizens while promoting accountability in governance. By showcasing achievements through initiatives like the #WeDidIt campaign, EU4Green celebrates the progress of regional and local efforts in implementing measures and reforms under the Green Agenda directives. This approach not only demonstrates the positive impact of collaborative efforts on the environment and society but also facilitates knowledge-sharing among stakeholders, inspiring other economies to replicate successful strategies. Through such initiatives, EU4Green continues to support the Western Balkans in their journey towards a greener and more sustainable future, aligning with the broader goals of the European Union’s Green Agenda. For more insights, you can watch the first episodes of the Western Balkans GreenCast here: EU4Green Transboundary Podcast   About the project: The EU4Green project supports the Western Balkans – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia – in  implementing the ‘Green Agenda for the Western Balkans’, in greening their economies in consultation with all relevant partners and in enhancing monitoring and reporting.   EU4Green will contribute in the region to:
  • move to a circular economy
  • monitor and reduce pollutants in air, water and soil
  • make agriculture more sustainable and climate resilient
  • preserve biodiversity
  • provide ad hoc high-level policy support
  • strengthen Green Agenda monitoring and reporting
  • improve Green Agenda understanding through communication activities
  • strengthen green education
  • involve civil society and other stakeholders
  • foster financing the green transition