Skip to main content

Author: WeBalkans

Albania opens Cluster 1 – Fundamentals as a significant step on its EU path

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

Albania has taken a significant step toward joining the European Union. At a meeting in Luxembourg, Albania formally opened talks on Cluster 1 – Fundamentals, as part of its EU accession negotiations.     The meeting was attended by leaders from both the EU and Albania. Hungary’s Foreign Minister, Péter Szijjártó, represented the EU, along with EU Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi.     Albania was represented by its Prime Minister, Edi Rama.    The talks focused on several crucial areas: 
  • Strengthening democratic institutions 
  • Improving public services and administration 
  • Reforming the justice system and upholding fundamental rights 
  • Enhancing justice, freedom, and security 
  • Improving public procurement processes 
  • Economic criteria 
  • Developing better statistics systems 
  • Strengthening financial controls 
  These areas are part of the “Fundamental Cluster” which is the first group of topics countries discuss when joining the EU.    The EU has set certain goals that Albania needs to achieve before moving on to the next steps. This includes progress in the rule of law and meeting standards in justice and security.    Péter Szijjártó expressed optimism about Albania’s progress, saying: “Albania has reached another important milestone on its journey to join the EU. We are eager to see continued progress as the country moves closer to membership.”    This development shows Albania’s commitment to joining the EU and making necessary reforms. The EU will continue to monitor Albania’s progress and will meet again to assess developments and plan future steps.    In 2020, the EU updated its process for accepting new members, organizing discussions into six main areas, called clusters. The “Fundamental Cluster” is the first to be opened and focuses on key reforms that set the pace for the rest of the membership talks. 

CEFTA boosts regional market integration with numerous new agreements

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

Belgrade, 9 October 2024 – In a landmark move towards achieving the objectives of the Common Regional Market, the CEFTA Joint Committee adopted numerous transformative agreements yesterday. These new agreements are set to enhance economic integration across the Western Balkans, bringing tangible improvements for businesses, workers, and consumers alike.    These developments, aligned with the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, pave the way for improved economic collaboration within the region, bringing the CEFTA markets closer to the EU Single Market. The agreements aim to simplify business operations, foster job creation, and enhance consumer rights, in line with EU standards.    Danijela Gačević, Acting Director at the CEFTA Secretariat, emphasised the importance of these steps:    “CEFTA plays a crucial role in ensuring the free movement of goods and services, a key component of economic growth and integration within the region. With these agreements, we are not only building a unified economic space but also aligning closely with EU market standards.”    Key agreements supporting the Common Regional Market vision:   
  • Recognition of AEO programmes: Customs benefits for authorised businesses will now apply across all seven CEFTA markets, streamlining procedures and reducing operational costs. 
  • E-Commerce facilitation: A unified framework will allow businesses to seamlessly conduct online sales across the region, ensuring a consistent and safe shopping experience for consumers. 
  • Parcel delivery standards: New rules will simplify cross-border parcel delivery within CEFTA, incorporating EU standards for transparency, pricing, and service quality. 
  • Prevention of unjustified geo-blocking: The new regulations prohibit discriminatory practices in online shopping based on consumer location, supporting unrestricted access to products and services across CEFTA markets. 
  • Harmonised intellectual property rights (IPR): The agreement establishes consistent IPR standards, protecting businesses and consumers against counterfeit goods, thereby promoting innovation. 
  • Electronic risk management system: An electronic data exchange system will enhance customs efficiency, improving security and expediting the movement of goods. 
  • Trade facilitation in tourism: Travel agencies and tour operators will benefit from easier access across CEFTA markets, boosting tourism and regional cooperation. 
  • Dispute settlement mechanism: The introduction of a fair and transparent system for resolving trade disputes enhances business confidence in CEFTA’s trade facilitation measures. 
  • Simplified motor insurance procedures: The recommendation facilitates motor insurance processes, allowing travellers seamless cross-border movement without concerns over insurance coverage. 
  Additionally, the CEFTA Joint Committee has adopted new internal reforms. Three agreements were adopted: one for the new Rules of Procedure for the Joint Committee, another updating the Decision that governs the Secretariat’s operations, and a third establishing new bodies to manage cooperation in emerging areas such as parcel delivery, intellectual property rights, and professional qualifications.  With these agreements, CEFTA reinforces its role as a critical instrument for economic unity in the Western Balkans, aligning with the EU’s best practices and contributing to the broader ambitions outlined in the EU’s Growth Plan for the region. 

EU provides support to Bosnia and Herzegovina amid devastating floods

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

In response to the severe floods and landslides impacting Bosnia and Herzegovina, the European Union has swiftly activated its Civil Protection Mechanism following a request for assistance on 5 October 2024. The EU has deployed search and rescue teams and emergency supplies to aid local first responders as they manage the disaster.

 

A total of 12 countries have extended their support through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Search and rescue teams from Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, and Serbia were mobilized over the weekend, working to locate missing persons and clear debris, thereby helping to restore essential infrastructure. Emergency supplies, including shelter items, have also been dispatched from Albania, Hungary, Montenegro, Romania, and Türkiye.

 

The EU is providing high-resolution satellite images through the Copernicus system to assist local authorities in assessing the flood damage and planning response efforts.

 

Janez Lenarčič, EU Commissioner for Crisis Management, expressed his gratitude: “Over the past days, Bosnia and Herzegovina has been battling devastating floods. But their first responders are not facing this deadly disaster alone. Through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, 12 countries have offered to send emergency assistance. Search and rescue teams from Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, and Serbia are already on the ground, supporting the local crisis response. I thank all the countries that have stepped up to support Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is a strong expression of EU solidarity in a time of great need.”

 

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, reiterated this solidarity in a tweet: “Our hearts and thoughts are with the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina, hit by devastating floods. We have activated our EU Civil Protection Mechanism and are sending rescue teams on the ground. This is EU solidarity in action.”

 

Luigi Soreca, the EU Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, visited Donja Jablanica, one of the most affected areas. “Deeply saddened to see the destruction caused by the recent floods in Donja Jablanica, which I visited today with the EUFOR BiH Commander and fellow ambassadors. Thank you to Mayor Šabanović for taking the time to meet us. Bosnia and Herzegovina is not alone—the EU stands with you,” he stated. He further expressed his commitment to supporting rescue operations and the eventual reconstruction efforts, highlighting that EU solidarity is in full action on the ground.

Working with nature, not against it

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in Stories.

Sustainably managing forests for livelihoods and environmental protection. Rrahim Zeqiri, now the head of the Association of Charcoal Producers in Llabjan, Novobërdë/Novo Brdo, has been working with wood forests for over 35 years. Growing up in a mountainous area, his connection to the mountain is both spiritual and economical. Like more than 20 more families in his village, himself and his families have found ways to turn their environment into a source of income. Despite his lack of formal education, he always dreamt of working in forestry, as he puts it “I have always loved the forest and dreamt of professionally working in forestry, however, due to a lack of proper education, my dream was never fulfilled”. In 2015, at his own initiative, Mr. Zeqiri started, as he says, “to clean forests,” which is a method of collecting thinned branches and deadwood and using them to produce charcoal that is mainly used for heating in domestic economies.     However, throughout all this time, with the mission to use the forest while not damaging it, he had one wish, to have a professional assessing whether he was damaging the forest or not. This brought him to contact with local authorities and fundamentally with the team of the EU Funded project “Support on Strengthening Sustainable and Multipurpose Forest Management to Address Climate Change and Improve Rural Livelihoods in Kosovo,”  through which his intention is to bring together all the other families working in charcoal production, and to collaborate with state authorities to not only clean private forests, but also public forests.     Community initiatives like his, in places where, “many of the families rely on social assistance and worry that a formal regulation such as this will prevent them from working,” are always a challenge. However, Rrahim is convinced that working together for cleaner and healthier forests, while making good use of them,” is beneficial for everyone and he is committed to bringing more locals together around this initiative.      Similarly to Rrahim in Novobërdë/Novo Brdo, Kumrije Kadriu in the village of Vrellë of the Municipality of Istog, is trying to gather women who are already making use of forests’ goods to provide for themselves, into a more organised and sustainable initiative. Kumrije is the head of the Melissa Association, which was initially founded as a Beekepers’ Association, but as she puts it, they “soon realised the potential in gathering plants like herbs and berries from the mountains”. The income from selling these products helps many of the women supplement their household income, particularly in a region where job opportunities for women are scarce.     Living in a region surrounded by mountains, for Kumrije and her fellows it was almost a natural thing to collect raw herbs and berries in the mountains for domestic use. Seeing the potential of this activity, they started looking into opportunities to turn this into a profitable business that will benefit women of the region. However, up to now, they were only able to collect and dry the herbs and berries, making it difficult for them to launch their products in the current market. For Kumrije and her fellows, the machine that allows them to package their herbs, adds significant value to their products and has changed everything.

“Before, we could only sell the raw herbs, but now we can dry and package them, which increases their market value,” she says. Now they are not only able to do what they have been doing for all their lives, but will also be able to make a profit out of it.“

  Kumrije Kadriu Kumrije explains that their intention is to create a sustainable network of women collectors which will also be their supply chain and they will buy the collected herbs and berries from women who are already collecting them, with a competitive price as to contribute to the market’s competitiveness, which is something that women of the community will benefit mostly from.   Both Rrahim and Kumrije’s efforts are part of a larger initiative aimed at improving rural livelihoods while ensuring the sustainability of Kosovo’s forests. The EU-supported project has worked in multiple regions, focusing on sustainable forest management practices, reducing illegal logging, and promoting the use of non-timber forest products like the herbs Kumrije and her fellows gather.  Stories like Kumrije and Rrahim’s are just a few among many success stories of individuals, families and communities who have directly benefited from the EU funded and FAO [Food and Agriculture Organisation] implemented project “Support on Strengthening Sustainable and Multipurpose Forest Management to Address Climate Change and Improve Rural Livelihoods in Kosovo”.  Aligning with international standards and best practices, emphasising the balanced integration of environmental, social and economic functions within forest ecosystems, four forest management plans have been completed using a new methodology that shifts the focus from traditional wood value management to an ecosystem-based approach.   It is their holistic approach that makes these plans especially significant, not only for communities and direct beneficiaries, but for policymakers as well. These plans offer layered and wide knowledge on forest management, which considers the broader ecosystem services provided by forests, including biodiversity conservation, carbon sequestration and community benefits including non-wood forest products. Expected to be implemented by the Kosovo Forest Agency in the near future, this new methodology of preparing management plans will mark a significant improvement in the country’s forest management practices, enhancing forest sustainability, contribute to climate change mitigation efforts, and promote the well-being of local communities. 

I have always loved the forest and dreamt of professionally working in forestry, however, due to a lack of proper education, my dream was never fulfilled.

              As part of programme activities, a total of 128 hectares of forest have been successfully afforested. The program also emphasized the involvement of the local community in these activities, particularly within the pilot management units. This engagement provided community members with hands-on experience in planting techniques, and they also benefited financially from their participation. Whereas challenges to good forest management in Kosovo remain still, with illegal logging remaining one of the pressing issues, it is thanks to the programme’s holistic approach and intervention on many levels – from working directly with individuals living in mountain areas not only to educate them how to properly use the goods provided by the mountain, but also how to turn them into profitable activities, all the while changing the culture and mindset regarding the importance of healthy and clean forests; to working directly with the chain of institutions and individuals in charge on a policymaking level – the programme is committed to ensuring a greener and healthier environment for Kosovo people.

YEA INFO DAYS – Apply now

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

Are you ready to make a difference? Join us for Info Days across the Western Balkans to learn how to become a Young European Ambassador!   Our Call for Applications is officially open! We invite YOU – young people from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia – to attend our upcoming Info Days. This is your chance to discover how you can contribute to positive change in your community and become a key player in bringing the Western Balkans closer to the European Union.   What to Expect: During these events, you will gain insights into the role of Young European Ambassadors, learn about European values, and explore opportunities for involvement in youth projects and initiatives.  Our YEAs will also guide you through the application process, offering tips on completing your application form and improving your chances of selection. If you are ready to act locally and think like a European – register by filling in THIS FORM.   Registrations are mandatory. Mark your calendars and spread the word!    Info Days Schedule    Albania:
  • Tirana: Europe House, 25 October, 4 PM 
  • Berat: Youth Center Berat, 5 October, 11 AM 
  • Gjirokaster: Youth Center Gjirokaster, 12 October 
  • Lac: Youth Center Sebastia, 14 October 
  • Shkoder: Youth Center Arka, 19 October, 11 AM 
  • Bajram Curri (Tropoje): EU Corner, 21 October, 2:30 PM 
  Bosnia and Herzegovina: 
  • Sanski Most: Centar za izgradnju mira, 5 October, 5 PM 
  • Žepče: Dictum Factum, 12 October, 1 PM 
  • Gradiška: Most, 28 September, 1 PM 
  • Kalesija: NGO Trik, 20 October, 2 PM 
  • Tuzla: Revolt, 27 October, 12 PM 
  • Sarajevo: EU DEL, 22 October, 1:30 PM 
  • Sarajevo: EU DEL, 27 September, 5 PM 
  • Zenica: Centar za mlade grada Zenice, 19 October, 1 PM 
  Kosovo: 
  • Prishtina: Student Centre of the University of Prishtina, 22 October, 8 PM 
  • Prishtina: Prishtina Observatory, 6 October, 7 PM 
  • Prishtina: Innovation Centre Kosovo, 19 October, 4 PM 
  • Ferizaj: Youth Library, 12 October, 3 PM 
  • North Mitrovica: Europe House, 25 October, 1 PM 
  North Macedonia: 
  • Skopje: Europe House Skopje, 14 October, 5 PM 
  • Strumica: Europe House Strumica, 17 October, 5 PM 
  • Bitola: Europe House Bitola, 9 October, 5 PM 
  • Tetovo: Europe House Tetovo, 18 October, 5 PM 
  • Gevgelija: TBC, 14 October, 12 PM 
  Montenegro:
  • Podgorica: Europe House, Ministry of European Affairs, 7 October, 10:30 AM 
  • Ulcinj: Bratstvo Jedinstvo Middle School, 11 October, 12 PM 
  • Berane: Ministry of European Affairs, 14 October 
  • Rožaje: Gimnazija i srednja stručna škola, 17 October  
  • Bijelo Polje: Gimnazija “Miloje Dobrašinović” / Srednja elektro – Ekonomska Škola, 18 October  
  • Budva: Ministry of European Affairs, 21 October  
  Serbia:
  • Belgrade: Europe House, 19 October 
  • Nis: Europe House, TBC 
  • Pancevo: Europe Corner, TBC 
  • Becej: Europe Corner/Bum, 12 October, 5 PM 
  • Novi Sad: Europe Corner/OPENS, 12 October, 7:30 PM 

The EU and Western Balkans strengthen cooperation in education, innovation, and culture

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

Skopje, North Macedonia – In a move towards deeper integration, the European Union and Western Balkans have reinforced their partnership on key areas including Innovation, Research, Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport. The discussions took place during the Western Balkans Ministerial Meeting on Education and Training, Research and Innovation, and Culture, organised by the European Training Foundation (ETF).

 

European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education, and Youth, Iliana Ivanova, led the EU delegation, meeting with ministers and representatives from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. The meetings aimed to intensify regional cooperation and accelerate the region’s convergence with the EU.

 

Key outcomes of the meetings include:

– Innovation and Research: €140 million in funding will be allocated to 400 projects aimed at fostering research and innovation within the region. The initiative focuses on enhancing science and technology infrastructure, developing Digital Innovation Hubs, and promoting talent retention.

– Education: The Erasmus+ programme has been expanded to include all Western Balkan countries, offering students and higher education institutions greater access to EU initiatives such as the European Universities alliance.

– Green and Digital Transitions: Efforts towards climate neutrality are being accelerated, with cities like Elbasan, Podgorica, and Sarajevo leading by example, aiming to become climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030.

– Cultural Cooperation: The region’s cultural and creative sectors will benefit from the EU’s Creative Europe programme, including mobility opportunities for artists and extended support through the European Heritage Hub.

 

This strengthened cooperation is part of the EU’s broader Western Balkans Agenda, which aims to boost economic growth, promote green and digital transitions, and enhance socio-economic development in the region.

 

The meetings reaffirm the EU’s commitment to supporting the Western Balkans on their path towards EU integration, offering a range of tools and resources to facilitate this journey.

Ursula von der Leyen hosts Western Balkan leaders to advance €6 Billion Growth Plan

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

19 September 2024 – Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, hosted a working lunch in Brussels with the leaders of the six Western Balkan partners. The meeting focused on reviewing progress on the €6 billion Growth Plan aimed at bringing the economies and markets of the Western Balkans closer to the European Union. Attendees included Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania; Borjana Krišto, Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Albin Kurti, Prime Minister of Kosovo; Milojko Spajić, Prime Minister of Montenegro; Hristijan Mickoski, Prime Minister of North Macedonia; and Aleksandar Vučić, President of Serbia.

 

Gert Jan Koopman, Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, accompanied President von der Leyen and Commissioner Oliver Várhelyi at the meeting. Koopman described the gathering as “a great moment to review progress on the Growth Plan and discuss the reforms which will unlock €6 billion from the Reform & Growth Facility.”

 

President von der Leyen reaffirmed the European aspirations of the Western Balkan partners, stating: “All six countries belong in Europe. This is what we are working on.” She emphasised the EU’s commitment to integrating the region both economically and politically. The €6 billion Growth Plan is designed to foster economic development, support reforms, accelerate the integration of Western Balkan economies with the EU market and boost the region’s economic integration through the Common Regional Market.

 

The plan significantly incentivises the Western Balkan partners to accelerate reforms through gradual integration,  making them one step closer to EU membership.

Every small step matters! #EUBeachCleanup Day

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA Blogs.

Marija Blazevic (Young European Ambassador)

 

One of the key areas for Young European Ambassadors and a core value is environmental protection, so every year we showcase our contribution to nature and ecosystems through various actions! We aim to rase awareness about this issue through activism and include as many people as possible.

#EUBeachCleanup is a global awareness-raising and ocean activism campaign that mobilises people worldwide against marine pollution. Annually, over 40,000 participants engage in coastal cleanup events. In 2023, 45,700 participants took part in 555 events, spanning 44 countries across all inhabited continents.

Empowering Youth and Protecting the Environment

 

This marks the 4th consecutive year that the Young European Ambassadors from the Western Balkans have participated. This year, we had the privilege of hosting Young European Ambassadors from across the Western Balkans in Ulcinj, Montenegro, as part of a traditional EU beach clean-up event. It wasn’t just another clean-up—this time, it took place at the Salina, a site of great environmental significance. The Salina reminds us of the incredible potential Montenegro holds and the importance of safeguarding this precious space. Young European Ambassadors have taken part in this global campaign three years in a row: Albania in 2021, Kosovo in 2022, and North Macedonia in 2023.

Moments That Stood Out

 

What truly made this event unforgettable was the energy and enthusiasm of the high school students from Ulcinj. Despite a cloudy day threatening rain, their spirit brightened the atmosphere and uplifted everyone involved. Luckily, the weather was kind to us, and we divided into teams to get started. Our mission was simple: to make the area more accessible and cleaner while contributing to our community. Along the way, we talked, laughed, and shared our commitment to environmental protection.

We also wanted to send a clear message to the authorities—that there are citizens who care deeply about the ecological state of our country and countries and that we are ready to help. We understand that a healthy environment means a healthy future for us all.

Even though we were physically tired, our minds were buzzing with ideas and conversations. After a short break, we started with the next part of the event—presentations and discussions with guest speakers. We shared ideas, discussed how to implement them, and identified what it would take to make these ideas a reality.

 

Key Messages

 

One of our key objectives was to inspire the high school students to think outside the box, to be persistent, to speak up, and to never doubt their ideas. We wanted them to believe that anything is possible—because it truly is. And they proved us right, quickly showing that they have plenty of ideas and are ready to act on them. As young people who use our knowledge, platforms, and roles to set an example, it meant the world to us to see that every step forward matters.

 Opportunities: What’s Next?

 

We arrived at this beach clean-up a little worried that the rain might leave us heading home with colds, but instead, we returned healthy, full of impressions, and inspired by the young people who are only beginning to tap into their potential. And we’re here to support them every step of the way.

As part of European Mobility Week, from September 16th to 22nd, we’ll continue these impactful activities, this time in the capital city of Podgorica. On Friday, September 20th, we’ll host a clean-up at Ribnica, where we invite all citizens of Podgorica to join us. Together, we can set an example that we are stronger when we act as one.

 

The Role of Youth in Shaping a Greener Future

 

We know that it’s not just about marking specific days or weeks with these actions—it’s about fostering a society that thinks green, acts healthier, and is ready to contribute not just when it’s officially observed, but every day. As young people, we have a crucial role to play in shaping a future for both the EU and the Western Balkans that prioritises sustainability and environmental stewardship. By working together and embracing the values of the EU—democracy, equality, and respect for the environment—we can truly make a difference.

 

Conclusion: Call to Action

 

Our takeaway from this experience is simple: when young people come together, amazing things happen. The enthusiasm and dedication we witnessed during the clean-up are proof that small actions can create meaningful change. We encourage you to get involved, whether it’s by participating in future clean-ups, leading your own environmental initiatives, or smply raising awareness in your community.

Let’s continue working toward a greener, more sustainable future—not just for one week, but every day. Together, we can build a healthier, more inclusive Europe, one step at a time.

 

Connecting Bosnia and Herzegovina to a brighter future

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

The inauguration of the new Herzegovina Bridge which extends nearly 1km across the Neretva River, along with the Počitelj-Zvirovići subsection of the highway, marks a major infrastructure achievement in Bosnia and Herzegovina. As part of Corridor Vc, this important transportation route will improve travel times, increase traffic safety, and strengthen economic relations. In line with the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy, the project has been financed with a €5 million EU grant under the Western Balkans Investment Fund, as well as a €105 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB Global), allocated to the entire Počitelj-Bijača section.

 

“Together with all partners in this project, we are delighted to see the completion of this pivotal section along Corridor Vc, which creates a direct highway link between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, and further to the rest of the European Union. As one of the largest in the region, this impressive new bridge and related road infrastructure will generate new economic opportunities for people in both countries by accelerating trade, commuting and travel. The EIB continues to be a reliable partner for the Western Balkans with over €15 billion invested to date, laying the foundation for improved connectivity and prosperity in the region,” remarked EIB Vice-President Robert de Groot.

 

The Počitelj-Zvirovići sub-section includes an 11.7 km-long motorway, a tollbooth interchange with access roads, a regional junction, three viaducts, and a tunnel. The main feature is the Herzegovina Bridge which rises over 100 metres and carries four highway lanes within a single, unified structure, making it unique and one of the largest bridges in the region.

 

Stefano Ellero, Head of Cooperation at the EU Office to Bosnia and Herzegovina, underlined that the completion of the bridge is a symbol of progress, cooperation and the lasting partnership between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the European Union. “It gives me great joy to see the official opening of the Herzegovina Bridge today. The bridge is more than just a piece of infrastructure- it symbolises the power of connection, linking communities and countries across the Neretva River. It shows what we can achieve when we work together towards a common goal for a better future. This bridge will enable faster and safer travel for people and goods, boost business and tourism and drive regional development,” said Mr Ellero.

 

Prime Minister of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Nermin Nikšić added: “We are committed to taking decisive steps towards joining the EU, and this is one of the crucial projects on that path. By constructing the corridor through Bosnia and Herzegovina, we are integrating into European communication, economic, and broader societal flows. The 11 km section that we are opening today holds special symbolic and practical significance.”

 

Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina Borjana Krišto stated: “This bridge is not only beautiful, but also serves a unique purpose. It is a key link between the north and south  of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as a connection to the EU via Croatia, enabling transport connectivity that will ensure multiple developments in the economy and industry.”

 

Denis Lasić, Director of JP Autoceste FBIH and host of the inauguration ceremony stated that the construction of the motorway was a challenging task, but it also provided a significant economic boost for the country.

 

Corridor Vc is a major Pan-European transport route that stretches from Budapest, Hungary, through Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Adriatic port of Ploče in Croatia. The corridor plays a vital role in facilitating trade and transportation across Southeast Europe, connecting key markets and promoting regional integration.

Reviving old traditions: The pottery journey of Veles teens

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in Stories.

Young artisans in Veles rediscover their heritage through the revival of traditional pottery craftsmanship. Walking through the narrow, steep streets of Veles, North Macedonia, feels like stepping back in time. The town, with its cobblestone paths and traditional stone houses, echoes a past where the art of pottery thrived. Among the most iconic spots in Veles is the alley of poetry, where celebrated poet Kocho Racin was born. Racin wasn’t just a poet; he also dabbled in pottery—a craft that was once the heartbeat of this town. His work, alongside that of other artisans, was so highly regarded that some pieces were even exported to Western Europe. Fast forward to today, and pottery in Veles is almost a lost art. But thanks to a new initiative, the craft is making a comeback, led by a new generation of young artisans. Anastasija Davcheva and Antonio Trajkovski, both 14, are part of a group of 25 students from Veles who have discovered a passion for pottery through workshops supported by the EU and UNDP. These workshops are part of the “Ethnic Creative Workshops for Revival of Old Crafts,” funded under the Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans (ReLOaD). Antonio was initially unsure about the workshops.

When I first joined, pottery felt strange to me. But over time, it became more interesting. Now, I’d rather create with clay than play games on my phone. Pottery is a really interesting craft.

Antonio Trajkovski “When I first joined, pottery felt strange to me,” he says. “But over time, it became more interesting. Now, I’d rather create with clay than play games on my phone. Pottery is a really interesting craft.” Anastasija shares a similar sentiment. She finds the workshops “fun,” especially when working on the pottery wheel and drawing designs. These workshops are led by Goce Stanchev, one of the last four remaining ceramic artists in Veles. Despite initial scepticism, Stanchev has seen a growing interest among the children.

If we manage to turn even two out of 20 children into potters, it will be a great success.

For more information on the EU funded ReLOaD program, visit the website page.               Pottery has deep roots in Veles. In the early 20th century, many families in the town were engaged in pottery, producing pieces that were known far beyond the borders of North Macedonia. This connection to tradition makes the revival of pottery even more significant, both for the town’s heritage and its future. Stanchev believes that for pottery and other traditional crafts to survive, they need to be integrated into the education system. “There is a future in pottery, but it requires encouragement,” he says. “My wife and I have been professionally engaged in this craft for 15 years. There is demand in the market, but not enough people to meet it. I’m proof that one can make a living from pottery.” This initiative in Veles is just one of 50 projects supported by the ReLOaD programme in North Macedonia over the past three years. These projects focus on empowering young people, promoting social cohesion, protecting the environment, and preserving cultural heritage. For these young participants, the pottery workshops are more than just an after-school activity—they’re a way to connect with their heritage and a potential path to a future career. As Anastasija puts it, “It would be nice to keep pottery as a craft because it is part of the tradition of our country.” This story shows how old crafts can find new life through the enthusiasm of young people, guided by the wisdom of those who have kept these traditions alive. It’s a powerful reminder that even in a digital age, hands-on creativity and connection to heritage remain valuable and fulfilling.