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Author: WeBalkans

Made of Us- An EU Western Balkans Road Trip

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in Stories.

From EU Member States to the Western Balkans: A journey highlighting how the benefits of EU Membership enrich everyday life.

 

“During my trip to Ljubljana, Slovenia, visiting Ekologi brez meja, an environmental organisation supported by EU green initiatives, I marvelled at how clean and green the city was. Recycling dumpsters, thoughtfully placed and clearly labelled for glass, paper, packaging, and other waste, were visible throughout the city. On a whim, I snapped a photo and shared it on my Instagram story. I had no idea this simple act would resonate so widely. 

Within hours, my inbox was inundated with over 100 messages from followers in North Macedonia, all saying, ‘We need this system in our country!’ The enthusiasm and passion of so many was overwhelming. People shared their frustrations about waste management and their desire for a cleaner, more sustainable environment, emphasising how vital it is to raise awareness and inspire action. 

I was moved by how much people in my country genuinely care about living in a cleaner, greener environment. Their heartfelt responses gave me a renewed sense of hope—a belief that small actions, like sharing ideas and examples, can lead to meaningful change.” 

This testimony from Jelena Spendzarska, a North Macedonian influencer, beautifully illustrates that the benefits of EU membership and the values it represents are not abstract, complex notions. They manifest in the tangible details of everyday life—details that improve our communities, inspire us to think differently, and make us believe in the possibility of a better future. 

Made of Us- Hits the Road Again 

Jelena was part of the “Made of Us – An EU Western Balkans Road Trip” campaign, which brought together 12 influencers split into two teams: Team Blue and Team Yellow. While Jelena’s team visited Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy, Team Yellow explored Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria.  

The campaign, launched in Brussels on 20 October, began with intensive training sessions with DG NEAR and a pool of experts. Equipped with this preparation, the influencers embarked on a road trip in minivans, to visit EU-supported projects and capture how EU Membership transforms societies. 

Throughout the journey, the influencers engaged with locals who shared both positive and critical perspectives, painting a balanced narrative of the EU as a community of benefits, responsibilities, and hard work. Across six EU capitals, the teams documented real-life examples and potential solutions that could inspire the Western Balkans, offering hope and actionable ideas.  

As soon as the “Made of Us” campaign launched in collaboration with influencers, it immediately captured audience attention, leading to a noticeable spike in followers on the WeBalkans Instagram account. The influencers’ visits to EU-funded projects sparked increased engagement, with the audience actively interacting with the content, sharing their thoughts, and amplifying the campaign’s reach. 

In Hungary, they highlighted workforce and education mobility, including the freedom of travel within the Schengen Zone. By showcasing Teqball, a sport supported by EU funds, they illustrated how NextGenEU fosters sports innovation, infrastructure, and cross-border collaboration.   

In Slovakia, they explored access to the single market in education and business, meeting with the Slovak Academic Association for International Cooperation and speaking with entrepreneurs and Erasmus students. 

Austria provided a glimpse into the digital future, as the influencers visited digital hubs driving entrepreneurship and innovation. Social enterprises showed how small businesses could grow and thrive with EU-backed support. 

In Croatia, the focus shifted to youth empowerment, as they attended the European Youth Event (EYE) and explored how programmes like Erasmus+ and NextGenEU promote mobility, skill development, and participation. They also uncovered stories of resilience, such as the EU-funded “Safe and Equal in Emergencies” project, which supports people with disabilities during disasters. Visits to health facilities in Varaždin revealed how EU membership has tangibly improved public health services and overall quality of life. 

Opportunities and work behind 

Slovenia posed a physical challenge as the influencers delved into its ambitious Zero Waste hunt following meeting with Ekologi brez meja. They also visited Komunala Kranj, a company and zero waste resort on Bled.  

Even Venice, a jewel of tourism, revealed the extensive efforts needed to ensure sustainability. The influencers witnessed how projects like REEL and TESTEAT, funded by the EU (Interreg Italy-Croatia Programme), blend tradition and innovation to preserve this iconic destination. 

Beyond the hard work, the campaign included engaging quests inspired by EU-supported initiatives, such as SLIDES and the EU Symbol Hunt, which blended fun with cultural and environmental learning. The campaign highlighted simple yet significant improvements that reflect the EU’s core values—better living standards, mutual respect, tolerance, and peace. 

Winners 

Both, Team Yellow: Farah Hadžiabdić BiH, Martin Jakubis Slovakia, Tamas Majer, Hungary Giorgina (Xhorxhina) Roci, Albania, Laura Falquez Austria and Luka Alerić Serbia and Team Blue– with Juš Čop from Slovenia, Jelena Spendzarska North Macedonia, Floreta Hajdaraj, Italy, Tomislav Pancirov Croatia, Luka Bojanović Montenegro, Agnesa Sejdiu Kosovo, made extraordinary results placing hundreds of posts, reels, appearing on the TV programs in their friendly competition during two weeks travel. They engaged millions of people throughout the Western Balkans and the EU, delivering a compelling narrative of how EU membership may transform lives and showing that the EU is not just about policies and programmes but about diversity, opportunity, and the power of ordinary people to create extraordinary change.  

During the ceremony in Zlatibor, WeBalkans announced winners of Made of Us competition. It was a Blue Team for their great contribution and audience engagement. 

“Since joining the EU, Croatia has prospered immensely, and I am especially delighted to have had the opportunity to share our positive examples with the youth of the Western Balkans. For me, the EU is about people, and this is proof that cooperation and unity bring tangible benefits for all of us” said Tomislav Pancirov, an influencer from Croatia at the reward ceremony

97 new Western Balkan Young European Ambassadors selected to shape the future of the region

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

The Young European Ambassadors network is growing, with 97 new members ready to get active in shaping the future of the Western Balkans. The recent Call for Applications, which ran from 1 October to 31 October 2024, successfully selected a new generation of passionate young people committed to promoting European values, integration, and cooperation. The Young European Ambassadors (YEA) platform is a creative communication network of future young activists from across the Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia).

 

 

The 2024 Call for Applications attracted a remarkable response, with 1,347 applications initiated during the month. Of these, 341 were successfully submitted by young people across the Western Balkans.

 

The communication strategy for the new Call was supported by 50 media pieces across various platforms, including television, radio, and online outlets. Additionally, the YEA members selected during previous Calls helped organise 46 “Info Days” across the region, attracting over 1,300 young attendees. These events provided an opportunity to learn about the programme, ask questions, and understand of the role of YEAs in shaping the future of the Western Balkans within the European Union.

 

One of the key highlights of this year’s application process was the outreach campaign designed to engage young people from diverse and marginalised backgrounds. The initiative specifically targeted those from geographically isolated communities and minority groups, ensuring inclusiveness.

 

After an evaluation process led by the WeBalkans team, in collaboration with the Directorate-General for Neighborhood and Enlargement (DG NEAR), we are happy to welcome :

· YEAs from Albania-Antea Bega, Rixhers Dengo, Kleo Bello, Kevis Beqo, Sibora Sejdini, Mateo Mecani, Geldon Hoxhaj, Maria Vathkruja, Ada Omuri, Sara Kenuti, Fiorela Hoxhaj, Debora Kolgega and Paola Pesjaka

· YEAs from Bosnia and Herzegovina-Amina Hadzic, Alen Kubat, Emina Pasanovic, Petar Spaic, Marija Malic, Mia Selena Lerch, Vanja Gojic, Adna Mujic, Teodora Ruzic, Naida Odobasic, Emina Odobasic, Nudzejma Karajic, Kenan Fehric, Tesnim Karisik Spahic and Azra Mehmedovic

· YEAs from Kosovo*-Aja Gashi, Fatlum Jashari, Mifeta Buhiqi, Embla Dana, Sara Ceshko, Tringa Thaqi, Eljesa Maxhuni, Armira Muqolli, Puhiza Shemsedini, Andrra Kelmendi, Shqiponje Kodraliu, Idea Peja, Visar Kukaqi, Almiea Ljaic, Dea Beslimi, Adriatik Llugiqi, Edlira Dibrani, Dea Barjaktari and Artiola Limani

· YEAs from Montenegro-Nevena Jovanovic, Anton Gjolaj, Danilo Bulatovic, Boris Vukotic, Elif Su Cakmak, Anastasija Dobrilovic, Ivana Martinovic, Bogdan Malavrazic, Vasilica Batricevic, Ivan Scepanovic, Milica Radinovic and Vuk Zizic

· YEAs from North Macedonia-Flori Imeri, Dimitar Atanasovski, Ramanda Shehu, Jana Andreska, Zlatka Kuvendjieska, Emilija Panovska, Antonio Grujevski, Mila Anastasova, Sedef Kjamili, Stefan Atanasovski, Artina Haziri, Katarina Marinkovikj, Bojan Ristovski and Teodora Jolakoska

· YEAs from Serbia-Aleksandar Vukovic, Nikola Slankamenac, Andrea Darabasic, Milos Vico, Dusan Simonovic, Marija Milicevic, Masa Cezek, Ugljesa Dimitrijevic, Aleksandar Petrovic, Teodora Danilovic, Suzana Maric Sejdija, Emilija Bojic, Kristina Jevremovic, Katarina Stojanovic, Anissa Ahmetovic, Vuk Stanojev, Dusan Popovic, Uros Sestovic, Nikola Murganic, Nevena Matic, Mihajlo Kovac and Bogdan Dimic

 

These new members will join the existing, expanding the network to 240. Together they will deepen their knowledge of EU policies, engage with local communities, and represent their peers on the European stage.

 

The new YEAs join at an exciting time for the Western Balkans as the region continues its path towards greater integration with the European Union. Through their work, YEAs will promote understanding, build networks, and encourage dialogue among youth from different backgrounds.

 

They will also champion EU like democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights. By strengthening ties between the Western Balkans and the EU, they will showcase the benefits of regional cooperation and integration.

 

The selection of this new generation of Young European Ambassadors demonstrates the European Union’s commitment to investing in youth and equipping them to shape their future. As the YEAs prepare for the year ahead, the hope is to inspire even more young people across the region to engage in active citizenship, drive positive change, and support the EU’s vision for a united and prosperous future.

 

Congratulations to all our new YEAs. For those were not selected this time, we encourage you to join our activities and stay connected with the programme.

Using arts and culture to unite a divided community

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in Stories.

“We always take pride in being a multinational city, but we realized that we had no space to unite and gather across ethnic lines. Culture in Subotica is often a tool for local authorities to foster divisions among different national groups,” says Gordana Vukov Ciganjik, co-founder of the cultural association Klara i Rosa in Vojvodina, Serbia.  “For example, if the local authorities decide to build three monuments, the Croats will get the smallest one, outside the city centre; the Hungarians will get a bigger one, closer to the centre; and the biggest, most central monuments will be for Serbs. We are not completely separated, there are many mixed marriages; but you’re always forced to define yourself as a nation, not a person,” she explains.  With Klara i Rosa, Gordana – who is an actress by profession – and fellow founder Danijela Mamužić – a sculptor – wanted to offer a place for cultural exchange, dialogue and citizens’ engagement through art beyond ethnic origin.   “We believe that art is a key tool for social change,” says Gordana. “In this day and age – particularly after the pandemic – people are more and more alienated, lonely, and society is more closed off to newcomers. For us, the role of arts and culture is to heal and connect, to build community, to start a dialogue on topics that would be taboo otherwise.” 

Bringing people together through cultural activities 

For the first nine years of its existence, Klara i Rosa had to use public spaces – parks, squares, streets – for its activities. They transformed the yard of an abandoned old cinema into the first open gallery in Subotica, with arts exhibitions every month. EED funding has changed this, enabling the group to rent a space for their activities for the first time.   These events range from movie screenings and concerts to ceramic courses and theater workshops, all in the spirit of cultural exchange and community-building through art.   They have also opened Plac, a radio station that allows everyone to be a creator. In their space, a local high school philosophy teacher hosts public discussions on all kinds of topics, from politics to love and death. Their activities are held in Serbian-Bosniak-Croatian (BHS) BHS and Hungarian, but more and more often also in English, to include foreigners who have just moved to Subotica and to give citizens an opportunity to practice the language.  Gordana describes an annual retreat for female artists and activists as one of the organization’s biggest successes to date: “Some participants said it changed their life. They came from all over the Balkans, and had a unique opportunity to meet, make new connections, start new projects.”  Another successful initiative was a Romeo-and-Juliet-inspired interactive theater workshop with high school students from Subotica, half of them BHS-speaking and half of them Hungarian-speaking. “These teenagers are going to the same school, but are usually divided along language lines,” says Gordana, “This project was a unique space for them to meet. Without opportunities to interact with peers from different language communities, political polarization grows.”  Sometimes ideas for new events are born by chance: a conversation on food with a volunteer from Russia sparked the idea of ​​a cooking class. Other times, people come to the Klara i Rosa office with ideas. “It’s important for us to keep our door open to new initiatives,” says Gordana, “This helps us develop an audience and keeps our program varied and interesting. It’s also empowering for the community, so they can feel ownership of our cultural space.”  Community support also came through with a fundraising campaign that allowed Klara i Rosa to raise the equivalent of €3,800 for future activities. “It might not seem like much, but it showed that we are supported by a community with shared interests and goals,” says Gordana.  This article reflects the views of the grantees featured and does not necessarily represent the official opinion of the EED and WeBalkans.            

Growing with EED support 

As Gordana sees it, EED’s support has empowered them to have ambitious goals for the future. They have begun a dialogue with local authorities, and are further developing their youth audience, particularly among Hungarian speakers. They also plan to increase collaborations and capacity-building activities with like-minded actors to serve their community in the best way they can.  “We have big plans and dreams, and I think that thanks to our team we’ll succeed. Our biggest treasure is people,” says Gordana. “We want to continue to connect people through art and to bring people together from other places. We want to share our culture, and we want to help people understand that they don’t need to leave Subotica for a better life, that they can be happy here.” 

New Leadership for EIB in the Western Balkans: A Step Towards Growth and EU Integration

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

The European Investment Bank (EIB Global) has named Damien Sorrell as the new Head of its Regional Hub for the Western Balkans. With this fresh leadership, the Bank is doubling down on its efforts to support the region’s economic development, green transition, and progress towards joining the EU.

 

From its base in Belgrade, the EIB’s regional hub works closely with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia. Over the last decade, the Bank has invested more than €11 billion to help transform the region—funding everything from safer transport routes to modern schools, hospitals, and renewable energy projects.

 

“We’ve built a strong presence on the ground, helping the Western Balkans prepare for EU membership with better infrastructure, greener energy, and stronger market connections,” said EIB Vice-President Robert de Groot.

 

Damien Sorrell, who brings a wealth of international experience, is excited to take on the role. “The Western Balkans has enormous potential, and we’re here to help unlock it—whether it’s creating opportunities for businesses, improving quality of life, or supporting their EU ambitions,” he said.

 

This new chapter in EIB’s work promises to deliver even greater impact as it partners with the Western Balkans to build a brighter, more connected future.

 

About EIB Global

EIB Global is the international arm of the European Investment Bank. It supports projects worldwide that align with EU goals, like green energy and sustainable growth. For more information about EIB Global’s work in the Western Balkans, visit www.eib.org.

Young European Ambassadors Spark Youth Engagement: Fresh Voices in the Western Balkans make change happen

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

On 1 October 2024, the Young European Ambassadors (YEA) network launched its call for new members, kicking off an energetic tour across the Western Balkans. Throughout October, 31 YEAs organised 46 info sessions in over 30 communities, spanning cities like Tirana, Teslić, Ferizaj, Veles, Ulcinj, and Pančevo. During these sessions, YEAs shared stories of their mission, experiences, and the future of the YEA network as the region’s most influential communicators. The campaign inspired youth to take an active role in their communities, promoting engagement and positive change. 

 

The events drew more than 1,250 young participants, resulting in over 340 applications from eager candidates looking to join the network. The newest members will be announced on 6 December, injecting fresh enthusiasm into the mission for 2025. 

 

Expanding Media Reach with a Fresh, Youthful Tone 

The campaign’s vibrant and upbeat approach attracted substantial media coverage, reflecting the dynamic spirit of the YEA network. With 25 television segments (over 250 minutes of airtime), 17 online articles (totalling about 5,000 words), and 8 radio features (adding 60 minutes of broadcast time), the YEAs effectively amplified their message. The youthful, high-energy tone showcased how EU-backed initiatives empower young people, encouraging them to seize the opportunities offered through the YEA programme. 

 

Strengthening Regional Ties and Promoting EU Support 

Through this extensive outreach, the YEAs underlined the EU’s commitment to youth development, dialogue, and cultural exchange across the Western Balkans. The campaign emphasised the programme’s role as a bridge connecting young people in the region with the EU, fostering collaboration and shared values. YEAs highlighted how joining the network empowers youth to become changemakers in their own communities, further strengthening regional cooperation. 

 

What’s Next? 

As the application phase concludes, the YEA network gears up for the YEA Winner Announcement Event on 6 December, where the new wave of young changemakers will be introduced. Stay tuned and say #YEStoYEA! 

Culture Connects people and initiatives

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The “Culture Connects” campaign of WeBalkans was featured at the Regional Conference on Youth Cultural Cooperation that was held at Europe House Belgrade and organised by the Regional Cooperation Council’s (RCC) Western Balkans Youth Lab 2.

 

The event assembled artists, EU representatives, and officials from the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) and the RCC to delve discuss cultural collaboration across the region.

 

Ognjen Marković, the Team Leader of RCC’s WB Youth Lab 2, opened the conference with a strong call for enhanced support systems to tap into the full creative and visionary potential of the youth. “By investing in our young talents and supporting their initiatives, we are fortifying the cultural fabric of the Western Balkans and laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and dynamic future,” he said.

 

The presentation of the “Culture Connects” campaign underscored the importance of cultural collaboration and emphasized how diverse cultures of the Western Balkans strengthen the region’s vibrancy and resilience, highlighting the significant role of EU support through programmes like the Creative Europe programme, CC4WB which bolsters cultural initiatives in the region.

 

That was also highlighted by Richard Maša, Head of Operations, Section II, at the EU Delegation to Serbia, who reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to nurturing youth potential and empowerment.

“Supporting culture and cultural exchange is crucial in bringing people together and fostering unity in our diversity,”

The conference highlighted the cultural sector’s key role as a catalyst for economic growth and community cohesion, marking a vital step toward a more unified cultural landscape where young artists do more than participate—they actively shape the region’s cultural narrative.

Marija Bulat, Head of the Local Branch Office at RYCO, discussed the transformative power of cultural exchanges. “Exchanges are crucial for breaking down barriers, fostering empathy, and promoting regional cooperation,” she explained, adding that RYCO’s Western Balkans Youth Cultural Fund is paving new paths for peacebuilding through art and culture.

In addition to presenting the “Culture Connects” campaign, the conference featured a strong collaboration with WeBalkans. Young European Ambassador, Adi Softić moderated the session “Creating Sustainable Cultural Networks.” Our cultural ambassador, Mara Prohaska, joined campaign expert to present a segment on documentary art production. Additionally, the keynote speech was delivered by young artist Hanna Dujmović, who also carries out a role of Culture Connects cultural ambassadors.

European Commission welcomes inclusion of Albania and Montenegro in the Single Euro Payments Area

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Montenegro and Albania advanced on their European integration path by becoming the first-ever enlargement countries to join the geographical scope of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) following the green light by the European Payments Council (EPC). This is a practical example of the impact of the Growth Plan, an EU initiative to accelerate the socio-economic integration of the Western Balkans into the EU, including through progressive access to certain areas of the EU single market based on alignment with the EU acquis Communautaire.   As a result of the European Payments Council decision, the payment service providers of these two countries will have the possibility to adhere to the various SEPA schemes, which is part of a separate process managed by the EPC.   This step paves the way to facilitate financial transfers in euro and reduce the cost of these transactions between the two countries and other SEPA members. The European Commission, through a project funded under the IPA instrument and implemented by the World Bank, will continue to support the preparation of Montenegro and Albania’s payments service providers, as well as the other Western Balkan countries aiming to join the geographical scope of SEPA in the near future.  

Background

The European Payments Council (EPC) is an independent, international not-for-profit association formed of 79 members who are payment service providers (PSPs) or associations of PSPs. The EPC was created in 2002 by the European banking industry to develop European instruments for electronic euro payments. Today, close to 4000 banks and other payment service providers participate in SEPA schemes.   Since then, in close dialogue with the stakeholder community, the EPC has developed, among other things, “schemes”, such as the SEPA Credit Transfer, the SEPA Instant Credit Transfer, the SEPA Direct Debit (SDD) Core and the SDD Business-to-Business payment schemes. These schemes, which facilitate over 50 billion transactions in 36 countries each year, are regularly updated and enhanced by the EPC to help realise easy cross-border euro payments.  

More Information

Factsheet on the Growth Plan EPC press release on Montenegro EPC press release on Albania  

Check our video to learn more about SEPA

CEMPROM’s green revolution: How the EU is helping a Serbian business lead the way in sustainability

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In Preljina, CEMPROM, a major player in concrete production, has demonstrated that sustainability and business success can go hand in hand. Benefiting from the Ecoloans programme—financed by the German Development Bank (KfW) and supported by the EU’s Regional Energy Efficiency Programme (REEP)—the company has made substantial strides towards greener operations.    Founded in 1992, CEMPROM has grown from producing concrete blocks and bagging cement to becoming a leader in concrete production, with projects including Corridor E 763 and local construction partnerships. Today, with a fleet of over 100 trucks and employing 150 people, the company can produce approximately 300,000 tons of concrete annually.    Through a €820,000 investment facilitated by UniCredit Bank, CEMPROM upgraded its fleet to methane-powered vehicles. This has cut fuel consumption by 42%, reduced nitrogen oxide emissions by 32%, and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 56%, with additional significant cuts in unburned hydrocarbons and particulates. Financially, these changes bring savings of around 20% annually, with the investment expected to repay itself within four to five years. Dejan Isailović, CEMPROM’s Director of Production, highlights these initiatives as both economically and environmentally strategic, contributing to the company’s sustainable growth and job creation. 

Our unwavering commitment to environmentally driven business has always been a priority. This journey has opened up new horizons for us, making it possible to deliver larger quantities for crucial projects and expand into new services like cement transport.

CEMPROM’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond its fleet. It integrates wastewater into production and repurposes leftover materials for local use, reflecting its dedication to community support and resource efficiency. This proactive approach inspires peers, as CEMPROM sets a high benchmark for energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.  The Ecoloans programme, integral to Serbia’s path toward a greener economy, addresses two primary challenges for SMEs: limited long-term financing and the need for sustainable business awareness. With €120 million channelled into Serbian banks, the programme aids businesses in cutting energy costs and reducing emissions. It is part of the REEP under the Western Balkans Investment Framework, showcasing strong EU and German support.    Despite the initial high costs of adopting green practices, Isailović urges SMEs to embrace sustainability, emphasising the short payback period and broad benefits.   The Ecoloans program, financed by the German Development Bank and supported by EU has provided €120 million into Serbian commercial banks. The program is a key component of the Regional Energy Efficiency Program (REEP).          “There is a pressing need for more awareness regarding sustainable and green business practices,” he notes. “The best way to dispel doubts is through open dialogue and learning from companies that have already embarked on this journey and achieved savings and improved production.” 

The European Commission adopts 2024 Enlargement Package

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Today, the European Commission adopted its annual Enlargement Package, providing a detailed assessment of the state of play and the progress made by Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine and Türkiye, on their respective paths towards EU accession. The assessments are accompanied by recommendations and guidance on the reform priorities. 

 

Enlargement is a historic opportunity both for the acceding countries and for the current Member States and the EU as a whole. There are significant socio-economic, political and security advantages of a bigger and stronger Union. 

 

European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “The tense geopolitical context makes it more compelling than ever that we complete the reunification of our continent, under the same values of democracy and the rule of law. We have already taken great strides over the last years towards integrating new Member States. And enlargement will remain a top priority of the new Commission”. 

 

The enlargement process continues to be merit-based and depends on the objective progress made by each of the partners. This requires determination to implement irreversible reforms in all areas of EU law, with special emphasis on the fundamentals of the enlargement process. Democracy, the rule of law and fundamental values will continue to be the cornerstones of the EU’s enlargement policy. EU membership remains a strategic choice. 

 

The enlargement process gained new momentum throughout 2023 and 2024. The fundamentals cluster was opened with Albania on 15 October 2024. Accession negotiations were opened with Ukraine and Moldova at the first intergovernmental conferences in June 2024. Having met the interim benchmarks for the rule of law chapters, Montenegro is on the way to provisionally closing further negotiating chapters. In March 2024, the European Council decided to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The screening process was completed with both Albania and North Macedonia at the end of 2023. 

 

In June 2024 the intergovernmental conference confirmed that Montenegro overall met the interim benchmarks for the rule of law chapters 23 and 24, providing the opportunity to proceed with provisionally closing further chapters if conditions are met. In the rule of law area and judiciary further progress is needed. 

 

The Commission reiterates its assessment that Serbia has fulfilled the benchmarks to open cluster 3 (Competitiveness and inclusive growth). In the coming year, Serbia is expected to speed up the work on the implementation of EU-accession related reforms across the board, with a particular focus on the rule of law interim benchmarks as well as ensuring a truly enabling environment for civil society and media, making credible efforts to shut down disinformation and foreign information manipulation. 

 

When it comes to Albania, the Commission welcomes the opening of negotiations on the fundamentals cluster at the second intergovernmental conference held on 15 October 2024. It is crucial for the authorities to further intensify the pace of EU oriented reforms, notably on the rule of law, consolidating the track record on law enforcement, on effectively fighting corruption and organised crime, and the promotion of fundamental rights, including media freedom, property rights, and minorities. 

 

In the case of North Macedonia, the country needs to continue to deliver on the implementation of EU-related reforms, in particular under the fundamentals cluster, notably the judiciary, the fight against corruption and organised crime. Trust in the justice system needs to be strengthened. The screening sessions for all the six clusters of the EU acquis were completed in December 2023. 

 

Bosnia and Herzegovina demonstrated tangible results including on migration management, full alignment with the EU’s common and foreign security policy, as well as by passing legislation on integrity of the judiciary, anti-money laundering and conflict of interest. In March 2024 the European Council decided to open accession negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Commission is preparing the negotiating framework with a view to its adoption by the Council the moment all relevant steps set out in the Commission’s recommendation of October 2022 are taken. 

 

Kosovo submitted an application for EU membership in December 2022. The Commission remains available to prepare an Opinion on Kosovo’s membership application as soon as the Council requests it. Progress was recorded in the fight against organised crime, and the business environment improved. Visa liberalisation for Kosovo entered into force on 1 January 2024. Kosovo needs to intensify its efforts to strengthen the rule of law and public administration and to protect freedom of expression. 

 

Next steps 

It is now for the Council to consider today’s recommendations of the Commission and take decisions on the steps ahead in the enlargement process. 

 

For More Information 

2024 Communication on EU Enlargement Policy 

Factsheet on the EU accession process 

 

For detailed findings and recommendations on each country, see: 

Albania: Report; Country factsheet 

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Report; Country factsheet 

Kosovo: Report; Country factsheet 

Montenegro: Report; Country factsheet 

North Macedonia: Report; Country factsheet 

Serbia: Report; Country factsheet 

 

Background  

EU enlargement will bring far reaching socio-economic benefits to its current and future members. The increase in the number of consumers in the single market will provide major opportunities for business to expand and trade more freely. To enable sustainable growth in the medium term and make progress in meeting the economic criteria for EU membership, it is increasingly important that enlargement countries accelerate structural reforms. This involves ensuring functioning market economies and demonstrating capacity to cope with competitive pressure and market forces in the EU. Economic policies should also support ambitious goals under the green and digital transition. 

 

New tools and instruments are boosting the socio-economic growth in the Western Balkans partner countries. As the accession process accelerates, the EU is bringing forward some of the benefits of single market and providing increased financial assistance to enable our partners’ gradual integration and anchoring in the EU. In addition to the successful Economic and Investment Plans, the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans with its €6 billion Reform & Growth Facility is incentivising reforms, with justice and the rule of law at the core.  

Ursula von der Leyen’s Western Balkans tour: A path towards closer EU ties

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in Stories.

From 23 October, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, visited the Western Balkans, where she reaffirmed the EU’s support for economic reforms, regional cooperation, and immediate aid for flood recovery. Her visit, following the approval of the Reform Agendas, underscored EU support for socio-economic reforms and regional cooperation. Starting in Tirana, Albania, she inaugurated the College of Europe campus, highlighting opportunities for young leaders. As she travelled through Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, she emphasised economic integration, support for renewable energy, and the promise of closer ties with the European Union. Throughout her visit, von der Leyen praised the reforms undertaken by each country and announced substantial EU investments to bolster infrastructure and clean energy projects. Her message was consistent: the EU is committed to supporting the region’s progress towards EU integration, with the Growth Plan offering both immediate aid and long-term investments. From addressing climate challenges in Bosnia and Herzegovina to advancing energy projects in Montenegro, von der Leyen’s tour reflected a commitment to a future where Western Balkan partners play a vital role within the European Union.

My thoughts are with the victims and the families and friends they left behind. Europe is by your side. Europe stands with you, and we are here not only for the short run but also for the mid and long-term.

Ursula von der Leyen, during her visit to the region hardest hit by the floods in Jablanica, Bosnia and Herzegovina  In Tirana she met with President Bajram Begaj and Prime Minister Edi Rama where she focused on Albania’s EU integration and the EU’s Growth Plan, and highlighted renewable energy initiatives and EU solidarity on climate challenges. The next day, she visited North Macedonia to meet President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova and Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, where she focused on EU support through the Growth Plan and efforts towards economic integration.

We open the door to specific sectors in the Single Market of the European Union to the companies of our Western Balkan partners. In turn, our partners in the Western Balkans are implementing important reforms to establish a level playing field. And these reforms are supported by us, through additional European investments.

              On 25 October, she travelled to Bosnia and Herzegovina, where she met with Chairwoman Borjana Krišto in Sarajevo. There, sheannounced €20 million in immediate aid for flood recovery and highlighted the EU’s Growth Plan to support regional integration. Later that day, she travelled to Belgrade, Serbia, where she met with President Aleksandar Vučić. Their discussions focused on Serbia’s progress towards EU membership, with von der Leyen emphasising Growth Plan investments aimed at bolstering Serbia’s economic integration and infrastructure development. In Kosovo, she met with President Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu and Prime Minister Albin Kurti, where she praised Kosovo’s progress on EU integration, including the recent implementation of visa-free travel, and stressed the importance of regional cooperation. In her final stop in, Montenegro, she met with Prime Minister Milojko Spajić in Podgorica. Their discussions focused on Montenegro’s EU accession efforts, with von der Leyen highlighting key EU investments in energy, infrastructure, and cybersecurity as part of Montenegro’s integration journey.