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Author: WeBalkans

Discovering the beauty of sustainable farming at Milo Selo

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA Blogs.

Hello, my name is Džulisa, and I am a Young European Ambassador from Bosnia and Herzegovina!

 

This summer, I had the opportunity to visit Milo Selo, a farm located in the small town of Lukavac in Bosnia and Herzegovina, along with my fellow YEAs – Ademir, Amina, Armin, Dragana, and Hana. The farm spans 25 hectares of untouched nature near Mount Ozren and is about 5 kilometres from the beautiful Modrac Lake. What makes this farm so special, besides its stunning location, are the two small rivers, Bukovica and Lukavčić, that flow through the property, along with several natural springs scattered across the land.

Milo Selo is in the perfect spot for growing organic products, adhering to strict farming methods that respect and care for the natural world. It is a place that evokes old traditions, where every step is taken with great care for nature and the environment. The farmers here are dedicated to upholding these values while also growing high-quality, healthy food. To me, this farm stands out as a shining example of sustainable farming in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In the past two years, Milo Selo has received funding twice from the EU4AgriRecovery project, which has helped the farm grow and improve. First, in 2022, they received funds for new machinery that enhanced the production of cheese and milk. These machines have made a significant difference, enabling the farm to produce more, maintain high quality, and meet the demand for their dairy products. Thanks to this support, they have been able to expand their business and reach more customers. In 2024, they received funds to set up greenhouses for growing vegetables. These greenhouses have allowed the farm to cultivate a wider variety of vegetables throughout the year, regardless of the weather. This has increased their production and enabled them to provide fresh, organic produce to the local community all year round.

The untouched nature around Milo Selo adds a unique charm to the entire experience. With its clean waters, fresh air, and rich soil, the environment is perfect for growing food that is both delicious and healthy.

 

Our visit to Milo Selo opened our eyes to the importance of sustainable farming. With help from the EU4AgriRecovery project, the farm has not only bounced back from past challenges but has also set a high standard for organic farming in the region. It demonstrates what can be achieved when we work together with nature, respecting its cycles and resources. I left feeling inspired and hopeful for the future.

YEAs at Sarajevo Film Festival 2024

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA Blogs.

Hello! My name is Emilija Novaković, and I’m a third-generation Young European Ambassador (YEA) from Serbia. Together with my fellow YEAs: Jovana Jaćimović from Montenegro, Suhel Ahmeti from Kosova, Amina Hodžić from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Olta Shehu from Albania, and Gent Salihi from North Macedonia, I participated in the Sarajevo Film Festival (SFF) Human Rights Day programme this year.

 

The Human Rights Day programme has been implemented for three years now, and I’ve heard nothing but the best from the YEAs who have participated in previous years. This year’s programme was organised by the Institut za razvoj mladih KULT and the YEA team, and it mainly took place at the Europe House in Sarajevo. The Institut za razvoj mladih KULT had their own participants, who were a diverse group representing the voices of youth from various places in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Occasionally, we had some activities together with the group from the ‘Dealing With The Past programme’, which had participants from all over Europe.

 

Our agenda was full, and I had a wonderful time in Sarajevo. We had the opportunity to talk about statelessness with the UNHCR, and we talked to Almin Zrno about his exhibition Pleonexia II – Stolen Future, which we had previously explored at the Europe House. Together with the group from the ‘Dealing With The Past’ programme, we remembered the history of Sarajevo during our memory walk with Nicolas Moll, and we visited the History Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina as well. We had a lecture about the cost of democracy and its impact on the natural environment and how sometimes people get together to protect those things. We had a UNW panel in which we got to hear more about feminism, femicide, and freedom in the region.

We watched the film Milk, and we talked to Stefanie Kolk about the film, the milk, and her career-changing paths. A local film called The Sky Above Zenica discussed the cost of democracy and human lives, and it made a great impression on me. I’m very thankful I got to talk to the activist from that film and to learn more from the whole process. An animated film called GAIA was inspired by Sarajevo, and we got to talk to Nermin Hamzagić and Enis Ćišić about the creative and animation process of the film. From WB6, we moved on to Lebanon and Greece, thanks to the films Diaries from Lebanon and Avant-drag! I got to learn so much about other cultures, history, etc. During the conversations with Myriam El Hajj and Fil Ieropoulos, we found out more about the creative thought and the process of filming that went into these two films, considering that one is about the political situation in Lebanon and the other is about being a drag queen/king in Greece.

 

Our YEA Olta Shehu was a moderator of a panel called “Human Rights in Times of Uncertainty”, and the panellists were: Samir Lemeš (Professor at the Polytechnic Faculty, University of Zenica, and one of the activists from the film The Sky Above Zenica), Dino Abrazović (Professor at the Faculty of Political Science, Sarajevo), and Damir Šagolj (the Pulitzer Prize winner), and we got to learn so much and talk about very important topics.

 

I have so many good memories from this trip, and it was truly my honour to represent the YEA network in Sarajevo. After being a part of the SFF Human Rights Day programme, I now strongly believe that art can change how we look at things and how we portray human rights in our everyday life.

EIB marks five years of successful operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

 
  • The EIB local office has helped BiH access the financial and technical support available under the Team Europe initiative.
  • By working closely with the EU Delegation, the EIB has been able to sign over €900 million in financing for new sustainable projects since 2019, supporting connectivity, climate action and the country’s EU accession.
  The European Investment Bank (EIB) is celebrating five years of successful operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, marking a significant contribution to the country’s development and EU integration efforts. Since opening its local office in Sarajevo, the EIB has played a crucial role in facilitating access to financial and technical support under the Team Europe initiative, ensuring that Bosnia and Herzegovina benefits from the opportunities provided by the European Union.   With over €900 million allocated to new investments since 2019, the EIB has provided favourable financial conditions to projects across the country, often combined with grants from the European Union, channelled through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF). A significant portion of these funds, approximately €590 million, have been allocated to the transportation sector, as well as to support small and medium companies (€155 million) through favourable credit lines, followed by investments in the water, energy, healthcare and education sectors. In addition to financial support, the EIB has delivered substantial technical assistance. The Bank has provided around €3 million in grants from its Economic Resilience Initiative (ERI) and €10.5 million in advisory services through the WBIF. This technical support has been instrumental in the preparation and implementation of various development projects across the country.   Over the last five years, the EIB Global has worked closely with the EU Delegation in BiH and the EU institutions in Brussels to deliver financial and technical support for key projects leading to faster economic development and improved living conditions. These projects include the construction of new sections along the Corridor Vc, for which the EIB has already invested over €1 billion, complemented with over €300 million in grants. The Bank has signed over €40 million in EU investment grants under the European Union’s Water and Sanitation (WATSAN) programme, including under the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). In the water sector, the Bank has provided financial assistance for the reconstruction of flood protection infrastructure and implementation of prevention measures.   “Together with our local and Team Europe partners, we have achieved tangible improvements in everyday lives and opened new development opportunities that the country has been able to attain. Thanks to our financial and technical support, people across the country are already benefiting from improved water supply and sanitation services. Earlier this year, new cutting-edge trams arrived in Sarajevo, 40 years after they were last replaced. And on the pivotal transportation route – Corridor Vc, currently under construction, road users will benefit from reduced travel time and better road safety.”, said EIB Vice-President Robert de Groot, who is responsible for the Bank’s operations in the Western Balkans.   “When the EIB representation office was launched in Sarajevo back in 2019, our goal was to strengthen partnerships on the ground and increase our advisory support for our local partners. Not without a sense of pride, I can rightfully say that the EIB teams from the Western Balkans and Luxembourg have been able to help BiH benefit from the available EU opportunities,” said EIB representative for BiH Sandrine Friscia, whose mandate expired as of September 1st. Miha Švent, who was previously an advisor with the EIB’s Public and Infrastructure Finance Advisory, will take on the position of the Bank’s representative for BiH in the coming months.   Background information About the EIB and EIB Global The EIB is the long-term financing institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. It makes long-term finance available for sound investment in order to contribute towards EU policy goals. The EIB supports projects in four priority areas: infrastructure, innovation, climate and environment, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance, and a key partner of the Global Gateway. We aim to support €100 billion of investment by the end of 2027 – around one-third of the overall target of this EU initiative. Within Team Europe, EIB Global fosters strong, focused partnerships alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the EIB Group closer to local people, companies and institutions through our offices around the world.   About the EIB in the Western Balkans The EIB is one of the leading international financiers in the Western Balkans. Since 2009, the Bank has financed projects in the region totalling over €11 billion. For detailed information on the EIB’s activities in the Western Balkans, please visit www.eib.org/en/publications/the-eib-in-the-western-balkans.   About EIB in BiH https://www.eib.org/en/projects/regions/enlargement/the-western-balkans/bosnia-herzegovina/index.htm

Đerdap 1 and 2 YEAs

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA Blogs.

Hello! My name is Adrijana Nikitovic and with Velimir Milosev, a YEA from Serbia, I visited the place where 20% of the total electricity in Serbia is produced. If physics is something that you are passionate about, then the number of 5.65 TWh yearly will sound impressive. But if you study political science as I do, just imagine that every fifth household is getting its electricity from there. Welcome to Đerdap 1 hydropower plant! But we were not the first ones to arrive.

 

 

In 2020, the European Union recognised the importance of the Đerdap I navigation lock as one of the key elements of the Danube River navigational infrastructure, which is part of the international Rhine-Danube corridor. The decision was made—an investment worth over 28 million euros in the modernisation of navigation locks. Ships use a navigation lock that changes the water level and allows passage through the hydroelectric plant. Thanks to the support of the EU, this navigation lock was renewed for the first time since its construction in the 1970s.

 

The modernisation of the Đerdap I hydropower plant was completed three years ago, and it is important to mention that the revitalisation was done in one year. Our host, Davor Maljoković, assistant director of the Directorate for Modernisation of Djerdap Hydro Plant, shared with us many benefits that this modernisation has brought: “The number of unplanned downtimes is reduced to the maximum extent—we have not had any unplanned downtimes in the last three years; maintenance costs are reduced because we do not have any unplanned downtimes; fewer people are needed for maintenance; and the equipment itself works in the best order. The safety of navigation has also been increased. Just because we have no unplanned stoppages, the life of the ship’s lock has been extended to a new working life of 25 years. The impact on ecology is huge because water transport is the best ecologically, and energy efficiency is increased because electricity consumption is reduced.”

 

 

And what has been done in the process of modernisation of the Đerdap 1 hydroelectric power plant lock? “Fourteen systems were completed, including a large number of subsystems. The works on modernisation can be divided into four groups. These are construction works, works on auto hydraulic drives, works on hydro mechanical equipment, and auxiliary systems. Overall, it includes 14 systems and more than 40 subsystems,” says Maljoković.

 

As we dive deeper into the world of renewable energy, the story of Đerdap 1 showcases the path towards a sustainable future. So, whether you’re a future engineer, an environmentalist, or simply someone who cares about our planet, let these innovations inspire you. By investing in water infrastructure, we can ensure a green, sustainable, and European future for our region!

Emilija Novaković

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

YEA of the Month August 2024

My name is Emilija and I am a student at the Faculty of Philology. I am also a bookworm, activist and writer. I am volunteering at Okular, as a content creator primarily for blog ‘Nek se čuje glas’ (Let the Voice Be Heard). I am also volunteering at ‘Novosadska ženska inicijativa’ (Novi Sad Women’s Initiative). I write poetry and some of my poems were published in online love poetry collections. I am working on my own poetry book.
What drives me to continue being active in my community are the changes that I could see after a project as well as reactions of my peers, family and friends but also people in the community. As a disabled person, I am interested in human rights and education for disabled persons.

One click closer: Challenging stereotypes and unleashing creativity

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in Stories.

In today’s digital world, mastering digital skills is no longer a luxury. Digital skills can bridge gaps, unlock opportunities, and challenge deep-rooted prejudices. Consider a young Roma living in the Western Balkans, typically facing barriers to employment and most likely Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET).  According to the 2017 UNDP Roma Survey, NEET rates among Roma range from 73% to 86%, with rates for Romani women reaching as high as 93% in some areas.    Addressing Roma youth unemployment requires integrated solutions, and digital skills are key. With access to digital training, Roma youth can gain valuable skills in digital marketing, coding, or data analysis, unleashing entrepreneurial talent and growing their businesses. This shift can switch the narrative from one of exclusion to inclusion, and from prejudice to opportunities.    The EU-funded, UNDP-implemented Regional Returnee Reintegration Project (RRR) in Albania, North Macedonia, and Serbia works with partners and returnees to highlight the importance of digital inclusion and invest in digital training programmes tailored to returnees’ and Roma’s needs. These initiatives have equipped Roma and returnees with essential digital skills, contributing to a more equitable and just society.    Digital skills also foster innovation and creativity, long present in Roma communities. With digital skills, young Roma can showcase their talents globally, through social media, online businesses, or digital storytelling.    This is the story of Doan Uzeiroski from Prilep, North Macedonia, who completed his digital training with the EU-funded, UNDP-implemented Regional Returnee Reintegration Project several months ago. He is now one of 145 young Roma and returnees training in partner municipalities in North Macedonia who have completed the course.     Doan’s eyes sparkle when he talks about his life dream. “I am so proud of finishing the digital training course and now plan to use the skills I learned to develop my YouTube channel. Later, I want to open my own barber shop, create my own logo and website, shoot my stylist sessions, and promote myself that way. The digital world is so huge and full of opportunities. I have just started, but I feel confident that I can find my ‘digital spot’ in it!” Doan Uzeiroski,  Prilep – North Macedonia  Digital transformation is also changing societies, often moving government services online. In Albania, the RRR project is helping bridge the digital gap for vulnerable returnees in rural communities. With the EU and UNDP support, and in partnership with the Albanian National Agency for Employment and Skills (NAES), 195 young Roma and Egyptians have completed training in digital skills, enhancing their employability, and also helping their communities. 

“Thanks to the IT course, I am now a very important person in my village, Baltez. Every day, I help people access public services through E-Albania!” 

  By equipping returnee and Roma youth with digital skills, the project is helping not only narrow the digital divide, but also challenge prejudices, rewrite narratives, and build a future where everyone can thrive.            Similarly, in Serbia, 150 young Roma and returnees have benefited from a digital training programme, equipping them with marketable skills. The training curricula has been designed in such a way that no specific level of education or prior knowledge is required.  “Completing the WORDPRESS digital training course has significantly boosted my chances of getting a job. Hopefully, I’ll find one where I can continue to learn and break down prejudices against the Roma community!”, – Marina Milosavljevic, Valjevo – Serbia. 

Empowering Kosovo’s youth: Pristina’s new Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA Blogs.

By: Amina Kaja, Young European Ambassador from Kosovo
Dearest reader,   My name is Amina – a veteran Young European Ambassador (YEA) (it’s been 4 years already!) from Kosovo. I’m writing to share a particularly exciting experience I had with our brand new ‘Follow Me!’ club series of activities, which is about organising trips for us YEAs to explore EU-funded projects. This brought me to the construction site of University of Pristina’s newest facility – the all-improved Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Located in the Technical Faculty Zone, this EU-funded project aims to promote inclusivity, increase the quality of education through modern infrastructure and push both students and academic staff towards research-based teaching and learning. This is incredibly important since Kosovo’s youth largely have their sights set on studying abroad.  So our new Faculty is just one of many steps towards ensuring a fulfilling academic life for students in their home country. The project is implemented by UNOPS, and the warm welcome from their team made my visit even more enjoyable! Joined by the EU Ambassador to Kosovo, Tomáš Szunyog, and University of Pristina’s Rector, Qerim Qerimi, the UNOPS team gave me a tour and detailed how the facility will look in just a couple of months. Picture this – a huge 4-storey building with a gorgeous, green, bustling outdoor area for both students and the local community, state-of-the-art amphitheaters and classrooms full of chatter, breastfeeding rooms for students and faculty members, offices with glass walls ensuring a warm atmosphere and social nooks and crannies on every floor for after-class relaxation. Makes you want to join, doesn’t it? Ambassador Szunyog put it perfectly, “The EU’s investment in this project is not just about building infrastructure; it is about building a brighter, knowledge-based future for Kosovo.” The future truly does look brighter, and I’m suddenly jealous I chose to study medicine and not math. This project, funded by a EUR 8.9 million grant from the EU with an additional EUR 5 million from the University of Pristina, will serve over 2,300 students and 133 staff members in the departments of physics, chemistry, biology, math and geography. The specific objective is the construction of accessible, inclusive, safe and environmentally-friendly premises for everyone, all while contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals. As such, through improving quality standards in higher education, the EU is directly supporting future Kosovar scientists and researchers.   With Kosovo’s population proudly boasting 55% of people under 30 years of age, such a faculty is more than necessary. You never know where you’ll meet a new Marie Curie or Thomas Edison, and such opportunities open doors to all who wish to explore the wonders of science – giving them a shot at finding themselves and exceling in their fields. Science has the power to bring communities together, and finding common ground has never been more important – or easy – than now. With the world in disarray, it truly is up to the youth to make a change, and we STEM nerds can’t leave everything up to the social scientists, can we?   With a total investment of EUR 85 million in Kosovo’s education system from 2007 to 2022, the EU is the largest provider of financial assistance in Kosovo. These investments are intended to improve opportunities for students and teachers, bring Kosovo’s education system up to EU standards, and stimulate economic development and job creation. Through it’s support, the EU is committed to contributing to a higher quality and more inclusive education system in Kosovo.   Read more about the EU’s work in Kosovo here.  
 

A farewell party and thank you notes

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA Blogs.

By: Andjela Radulovic, Marija Blazevic (Young European Ambassadors from Montenegro) Photo credits: Europe House Montenegro
Four years have already passed since H.E. Ms Oana Cristina Popa was appointed EU Ambassador to Montenegro. On July 22nd, we had a chance to have a farewell coffee with Ms Popa and exchange constructive thoughts on developments in Montenegro. Four years flew by so quickly. Yet so many significant events have happened in Montenegro during the time of Ms Popa’s mandate, with the positive IBAR being just the cherry on top.   Positive notes and reflection of Ms Popa’s work Over a very casual coffee with Ms Popa, we had a chance to hear about so many significant events that the Ambassador took part in. Many NGO representatives expressed their gratitude to Ms Popa for her continuous support of their work. The Ambassador also highlighted the importance of the various events, organised by Montenegrin NGOs, that have happened over the years, and we talked about the role of NGOs in the negotiation process. The Ambassador shared with us that the Women’s 8th of March Marche was her favourite (our fave as well).   A tennis lover Ms Popa spoke about maintaining a good work-life balance —something we so strongly strive to achieve in modern times. The Ambassador shared with us that the tennis lover community was the first to welcome her to Montenegro four years ago and that over that time, they have become friends for life. She explained that tennis was an escape of sorts from her formal and demanding diplomatic activities. It was a perfect activity, beneficial for mental and physical health at the same time. We were all reminded of how important it is to always take care of ourselves, despite out tight schedules.   Boka Bay fan Ms. Popa and we two YEAs share many similarities. Love for the Boka bay is certainly one worth mentioning. The Ambassador described this part of Montenegro as her favourite, and she also spoke of the” amazing Bokeška torta “(Boka cake). The extraordinary nature, unique Mediterranean cuisine and significant hospitality of Boka residents is a perfect mix that will always remain in the Ambassador’s memory, and we are so happy that our country has all this to selflessly offer to everyone.   And a lot of work to be done… The Ambassador shared the good memories she created during her mandate as EU Ambassador to Montenegro. However, a long road lies ahead before Montenegro joins the EU. We must all stay on the same page and work together towards our EU goal. Many things still need to be done and a joint effort is required. Youth participation is crucial on this road, because the youth are the future. The EU has a lot to offer to Montenegrin youth, but we must do our best to positively influence the authorities to work as most Montenegrin citizens want – to improve all segments of our country to achieve the standards required for EU membership.   A special thank you A special thank you goes to Ms Popa from the two of us personally, for being a good team leader and a reminder that success is for those who dare to dream big. The two of us had the honour of doing a traineeship at the EU Delegation to Montenegro during the time of her ambassadorship, and this opportunity is just the first step towards many more opportunities in life.