New flagship investments endorsed through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF)
The fact sheet provides information on additional flagship investments through WBIF from the 2 July 2024 Operational Board Meeting.
Author: WeBalkans
Maglaj Spirit Weekend: Where Culture Connects
Cultural ambassadors from Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Serbia, along with the city mayor, representatives from the European Commission and Young European Ambassadors, gathered in Maglaj to open the Maglaj Spirit Weekend film festival, demonstrating how culture connects people and artists in the Western Balkans. On this occasion, stakeholders wrapped-up the Culture Connect campaign, which highlighted the EU’s long-standing support for culture and arts in the region.
Maglaj, Bosnia and Herzegovina – 26 July, 2024 –
The picturesque town of Maglaj was abuzz with excitement as the third annual Maglaj Spirit Weekend unfolded under the stars at the historic Maglaj Fortress. The Festival, organised by UM “Dictum Factum” and led by Adi Softić, a Young European Ambassador (YEA), has become a cornerstone of cultural celebration in the region. Running from July 26th to 28th, 2024, the festival aims not only to entertain but also to provoke thought and inspire through a carefully curated selection of films and discussions.
The festival attendees had the opportunity to enjoy a screening of the acclaimed film “Professor Kosta Vujić’s Hat,” directed by Zdravko Šotra, BiH film “Excursion” by Una Gunjak, along with the short film “All with Will” by Nerminka Emrić.
This year’s festival is especially significant as it hosted the closing event of the Culture Connects campaign, a celebration of the European Union’s unwavering support for arts and culture in the Western Balkans. The Culture Connects campaign, developed by the EU-funded Regional Strategic Communication Programme for the Western Balkans WeBalkans, showcases the region’s dynamic cultural landscape and celebrates the diversity and richness of Western Balkan cultural heritage.
Over the past decade, EU programmes including Creative Europe, have successfully supported thousands of cultural projects in the region. The Culture Connects campaign provides a flavour of the impact these have had. As part of the Culture connects campaign presentation, distinguished cultural ambassadors, including filmmakers, artists, and musicians, engaged in panel discussions sharing insights on the impact of cultural initiatives and the importance of EU support.
The event gathered Goce Nenevski, visual artist from North Macedonia, known for his work in sculpture, installation, multimedia, video, photography, and sound; Ivan Petrović, one of the key figures in the management and organisation of the EXIT Festival in Serbia and president of the Managing Board at the EXIT Foundation; Faruk Šehić, a prominent poet, novelist, and short story writer from Bosnia and Herzegovina, whose books were translated into multiple languages; and Nihad Kreševljaković, author, screenwriter who has been one of the initiators of the Memory Module, MESS.As part of the campaign, in addition to the main video underscoring the messages of unity in diversity, five thematic videos featured representatives from different artistic disciplines and Western Balkans entities testifying to the importance of the support they received.
A series of articles have also been developed during the campaign to provide more information about EU’s support to cultural projects. Among the highlighted projects is the story of Mirdita in Albania, where the EU4Culture grants programme has helped transform the region through sustainable tourism development and cultural heritage routes. Finally, the Young European Ambassadors have developed a serial of reels testifying to the strong links between each of their six entities and different parts of Europe.
WeBalkans is an EU-funded project that promotes the Western Balkans’ integration into the EU through various cultural, social, and economic initiatives. The Culture Connects campaign that reached millions of people in the Western Balkans is part of this broader effort, showcasing how EU funding supports cultural projects that foster unity in diversity, collaboration and understanding.
To learn more on our “Culture Connects” campaign, please visit our dedicated landing page.
The #CultureConnects campaign is coming to an end
After a month full of activities and excitement, portraying the EU’s support to the arts and culture scene of the Western Balkans, we are wrapping up our #CultureConnects campaign. Join us at the enchanting Maglaj Fortress from July 26th to 28th for the Maglaj Spirit Weekend 2024, marking the closing of our #CultureConnects campaign. This celebration of culture and community will feature an array of artistic talents and foster connections across the Western Balkans.
Day 1: Friday, July 26
The event will kick off at 19:30 with media statements from key figures including Mirsad Mahmutagić, Mayor of Maglaj Municipality; Rosalinda Whybrow from the European Commission; and Adi Softić, President of UM “Dictum Factum.”
At 20:00, the spotlight turns to the #CultureConnects campaign with a keynote by Rosalinda Whybrow and a presentation by Samra Lučkin from WeBalkans. A panel discussion will follow, featuring our cultural ambassadors:
Faruk Šehić from , a distinguished poet and novelist;
Nihad Kreševljaković from ,
Goce Nenevski from , a visual artist;
Ivan Petrović from , a key figure in the management and organisation of the renowned EXIT Festival.
The festival officially opens at 21:00 with speeches and an award presentation, followed by a screening of “Professor Kosta Vujić’s Hat” and a performance by DJ Shadowkid.
Day 2: Saturday, July 27
Enjoy screenings of “Excursion” by Una Gunjak and “All with Will” by Nerminka Emrić, capped off with a dynamic performance from the DJ duo Heat.
A symbol of unity
Maglaj Spirit Weekend 2024 symbolizes unity and cooperation, supported by the Municipality of Maglaj, the City of Doboj, the Municipality of Žepče, the Young European Ambassadors, the European Union, and Natron Hayat. This event showcases the best of our region’s cultural richness and creativity.
Join us in celebration at the Maglaj Spirit Weekend 2024 and experience the power of culture in connecting communities from the Western Balkans and the European Union.
Introduction: 35 Degrees is a pioneering social enterprise committed to enhancing health in Kosovo.
Author: Desantila Muriqi, a Young European Ambassador from Kosovo
Recognizing the widespread prevalence of health issues such as hemorrhoids, colitis, constipation, appendicitis, and colorectal cancer, 35 Degrees introduces a scientifically-backed solution to address these conditions.
Research from Stanford University has demonstrated that proper positioning during defecation can significantly aid in the prevention and treatment of these ailments.
This solution is facilitated by specially designed stools used in modern toilets.
Event Overview: On Tuesday, June 25th, the official launch event of 35 Degrees was held at Barbar Center, a key partner of the initiative.
This event marked the culmination of extensive work and the introduction of 35 Degrees to the broader community. The primary goal is to bring this innovative health solution into the homes of citizens across Kosovo, thereby fostering a healthier community.
Guest Attendance: The event was attended by members of the Young European Ambassadors network, including Desantila Murici, Arlind Hamza, and Donarta Fetahu. Additionally, many supporters joined virtually to extend their support.
Product Introduction: The stools introduced by 35 Degrees are designed to promote proper toilet positioning, a simple yet effective solution for preventing and treating common gastrointestinal issues.
Mission: The mission of 35 Degrees is to create a healthier community by spreading awareness and providing practical solutions for better health practices. By integrating these stools into everyday use, 35 Degrees aims to improve the overall well-being of the population in Kosovo.
Conclusion: The launch event was a significant milestone for 35 Degrees, highlighting the collaborative efforts and the shared vision of improving health outcomes in Kosovo.
The initiative’s success relies on continued community support and the widespread adoption of these health-promoting practices.
The EU and its bank EIB Global provide €96 Million for infrastructure improvements in Serbia
The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the EU have committed €96 million to upgrade Serbia’s electricity distribution network and enhance waterborne transport infrastructure.
– Electricity Modernisation: The EIB signed an €80 million loan agreement with Serbia’s Elektrodistribucija Srbije d.o.o to replace around 400,000 outdated meters with smart meters. This project aims to reduce electricity losses, improve billing accuracy, and support the integration of renewable energy sources. The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance energy efficiency and provide a reliable electricity supply in Serbia.
– Waterborne Transport Enhancement: An additional €16 million EU grant under the Western Balkans Investment Framework will be used to remove sunken vessels from the Danube River. This will improve navigation safety and efficiency, ensuring safer and more reliable transport conditions year-round. The project is expected to boost cargo transport on the river, promoting a shift from road to waterways, which is a more environmentally friendly mode of transport.
During his first visit to Serbia, EIB Vice-President Robert de Groot emphasised the importance of these investments for Serbia’s sustainable development and economic growth. The modernisation of the electricity distribution network and the enhancement of waterborne transport infrastructure are seen as critical steps towards achieving Serbia’s green transition goals.
Minister of Mining and Energy, Dubravka Đedović Handanović, highlighted that the new smart meters will help reduce electricity losses and improve consumption management. Minister of European Integration, Tanja Miščević, noted that the removal of obstacles from the Danube River will make water traffic in Serbia and the region more competitive and environmentally friendly.
Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure, Goran Vesić, expressed gratitude for the EU’s support, noting that the removal of sunken vessels will significantly improve navigation routes and support Serbia’s integration into the European market.
The head of the EU Delegation to Serbia, Emanuele Giaufret, stated that these projects are part of the EU’s broader efforts to support the Western Balkans’ economic and infrastructural development, contributing to a better quality of life for the citizens of Serbia.
About the EIB in Serbia
The EIB has been active in Serbia since 1977, providing finance to support key infrastructure projects as well as small and medium enterprises (SMEs), industry, services and local authorities. Since it began operating in the country, it has enabled over €8 billion of investment in SMEs and in upgrading transport, education, healthcare and utility infrastructure. For more information regarding the EIB’s projects in Serbia, please follow the link.
About the EIB in the Western Balkans
The EIB is one of the leading international financiers in the Western Balkans. Since 2010, the Bank has financed projects totalling close to €11 billion in the region.
For detailed information on the EIB’s activities in the Western Balkans, please follow the link.
Press contacts
European Investment Bank
Gordana Kovačević, g.kovacevic@ext.eib.org, tel.: +381 60 323 343 5
Website: www.eib.org/press – Press Office: +352 4379 21000 – press@eib.org
Ena Porča
YEA of the Month July 2024
I am a dedicated advocate for youth and environmental causes in Bosnia and Herzegovina. With a diverse background in project management, I led initiatives such as Climathon and TEDx, providing platforms for innovative ideas to thrive. I am a committed promoter of entrepreneurial spirit among youth, emphasizing the importance of green entrepreneurship and the development of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s innovation sector as pivotal for the country’s future. My dedication to fostering positive change and nurturing new ideas continues to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders in her community.
EU Support Fuels Cultural Heritage Revival in the Western Balkans
The European Union’s unwavering commitment to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Western Balkans is making significant strides. Through substantial funding and collaborative projects, the EU is not only protecting historical sites but also driving regional cooperation and socio-economic growth. By supporting cultural heritage, the EU aims to foster mutual understanding, peace, and economic development in the region.
As former High Representative Federica Mogherini put it at the UN General Assembly back in 2017, “Cultural heritage helps us learn about each other and ourselves. It builds bridges between people, communities, and between the past and the future.” This sentiment encapsulates the EU’s cultural heritage initiatives, which are about preservation and building a cohesive, resilient, and united Europe.
Success Stories and Key Projects
One of the standout success stories in the Western Balkans is the “Centuries of Bač” project, led by Slavica Vujović, Secretary General of Europa Nostra Serbia. This initiative, which won the EU Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Award in 2018, exemplifies a holistic approach to heritage conservation. The EU provided nearly €1 million for the reconstruction of the Franciscan Monastery in Bač, illustrating the substantial impact of EU support. Elma Hasimbegović from the History Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina highlighted the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme’s critical role in supporting their preservation efforts: “Horizon 2020 funding has enabled us to undertake significant restoration and preservation work that would otherwise have been impossible.” Another example is the project led by Goce Naumov, President of the Centre for Prehistoric Research. Naumov emphasised the importance of this collaboration: “Our EU-funded project facilitated the first-ever cooperation between archaeologists from Albania, Serbia, and Macedonia, raising awareness about the need to protect prehistoric sites.” Such projects are instrumental in building a shared cultural identity and fostering mutual understanding.Major Funding for Cultural Projects
The “Culture and Creativity for the Western Balkans” (CC4WBs) project is a flagship EU initiative with an €8 million investment aimed at supporting the cultural and creative sectors across the region. This EU funded project, implemented in collaboration with UNESCO, the British Council, and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, seeks to foster peaceful relations and socio-economic development through culture. Mariya Gabriel, Former European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education, and Youth, has emphasised the importance of such initiatives back in 2018: “Mainstreaming culture can lead to mutual understanding, peaceful cooperation, and stability, especially in a region rich in cultural heritage.”Conclusion
The EU’s investment in the cultural heritage of the Western Balkans is yielding significant benefits, not only in preserving historical sites but also in fostering regional cooperation and socio-economic development. These efforts are essential for integrating the Western Balkans into the broader European context, celebrating shared history, and promoting cultural diversity.Promoting Inclusivity and Cross-Border Cooperation
Inclusivity is at the heart of the EU’s cultural heritage projects. Nina Jocovic from the Museums and Galleries of Podgorica noted, “EU funding has transformed our museums into institutions of inclusivity, making them accessible to everyone.”The Cultural Heritage Route Initiative
The EU’s Cultural Heritage Route initiative aims to connect significant cultural sites across the Western Balkans, boosting cultural tourism and economic growth. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to integrate the region into the European cultural and economic space, promoting intercultural dialogue and understanding.
EU Support Ignites Creative Sparks in Western Balkans’ Film and Theatre Scene
The dynamic world of film and theatre in the Western Balkans is witnessing significant growth, thanks to the robust support from the European Union. Through a combination of funding, international collaboration, and nurturing of local talent, the EU is helping to elevate the region’s cultural landscape to new heights.
A Symphony of Support
The EU’s Creative Europe program is a cornerstone of this cultural revival. This initiative provides essential funding to a myriad of projects, allowing artists to explore bold new ideas and bring them to fruition. Mara Prohaska from the BELDOCS Documentary Festival in Serbia enthusiastically acknowledges the programme’s impact: “Since Serbia joined the Creative Europe Media program in December 2015, we have successfully completed over 20 projects. This partnership with the EU has provided us with tremendous opportunities to develop our festival and industry activities, promoting European films and innovative content.”
These words are echoed by Marija Apchevska, a director and screenwriter, who is currently developing her feature film “Spring Cleaning.” Apchevska appreciates the support received from Creative Europe Media: “This allowed us to start the process of casting, location scouting, doing some tests, and further developing the script, bringing us one step closer to successfully shooting the film.”
Bridging Cultures and Building Bonds
Beyond financial backing, the EU is a catalyst for cultural exchange and co-production, fostering deeper connections between Balkan nations. Aurela Kadriu of Qendra Multimedia speaks passionately about the Reconnection 2.0 platform, which has been instrumental in bridging gaps between Serbian and Albanian artists. “Our platform… managed to foster cultural exchange and co-production… We have translated books between Serbian and Albanian, promoted shows in both countries, and facilitated artistic residencies.”
These residencies have allowed artists from Kosovo and Serbia to work in each other’s entities, presenting their creations to new audiences and fostering a dialogue that transcends borders. Kadriu proudly notes, “Throughout the Reconnection 2.0 programme, hundreds of artists were part of its initiatives, creating a platform for dialogue and fundamentally for reconciliation.”
Nurturing New Voices
The EU’s commitment to the creative arts also shines through in programs like LIM | Less is More, which supports emerging filmmakers. This initiative provides intensive training and development opportunities for filmmakers working on their first to third feature films. With workshops, tailored events, and networking opportunities, LIM empowers new filmmakers to push creative boundaries and innovate within their craft.
The programme’s focus on collaboration and sustainability ensures that filmmakers are not only equipped to create compelling stories but also to do so in ways that are mindful of the ecological and political challenges of our times. This approach aligns with the EU’s broader cultural strategy, which emphasizes creativity, innovation, and cooperation.
The Ripple Effect
The EU’s investments in the film and theatre sectors are paying dividends far beyond the immediate success of individual projects. They are fostering a vibrant cultural ecosystem where creativity thrives, new talents are nurtured, and cultural understanding is deepened. These efforts are helping to transform the Western Balkans into a dynamic hub of artistic excellence, where local stories are told with authenticity and shared with the world.
In a region where historical complexities often overshadow cultural narratives, the EU’s support for film and theatre is a powerful testament to the unifying power of art. Through these initiatives, the Western Balkans are not just finding their voice but singing a beautiful, resonant chorus that celebrates diversity, creativity, and shared human experience.
European Commission invests €100 million for Montenegro’s highway extension
The European Commission has approved a €100 million grant to support the construction of the Matesevo-Andrijevica section of the Bar-Boljare Highway, part of the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans. This investment aims to improve daily life for Montenegro’s citizens by enhancing connectivity between the northern region and the capital, Podgorica, fostering socio-economic development.
Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi stated, “The EU is committed to investing in Montenegro to accelerate the country’s socio-economic development. The construction of the next section of the Bar-Boljare Highway will better integrate the Western Balkan region and unlock trade and investment potential, which is central to the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.”
The total cost for the new section is approximately €600 million, with the initial €100 million grant from the EU’s IPA III funds marking the first phase of support. This funding ensures tangible improvements in infrastructure and services for Montenegrin citizens.
Key benefits for citizens include:
– Quicker journeys between the north and the capital.
– Modern infrastructure for safer travel.
– Easier access to regional markets for businesses.
– Better connectivity to healthcare, education, and other essential services.
The project, supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), will follow competitive procurement and transparent processes, adhering to European standards to maximize benefits for citizens.
EU Election Night in Podgorica: reflecting on the road ahead
EU elections… in Montenegro?
Right when elections to the European Parliament were happening across EU member states, Young European Ambassadors from Montenegro gathered in Europe House in Podgorica for our own “EU Election Night” special event.
Even though Montenegro can not participate in real EU elections before joining the EU, every election night – including ours – has to end with the announcement of some election results. So, in our case, the creative solution was to open the night with a “mock” EU election.
A chance to think about the longer-term perspective.
In the opening remarks, both H.E. Ms. Oana Cristina Popa, EU Ambassador to Montenegro, and Ms. Maida Gorčević, the Minister of European Affairs, shared their hopes that the Montenegrins would be eligible to run and vote in the next EU election (i.e. join the EU before 2029), as well as mentioned the importance of IBAR for Montenegro’s EU accession process.
Unsurprisingly, the discussion about Montenegro’s potential participation in future EU elections continued during the cocktail reception: the idea that some YEAs could even run in 2029 as “Gen Z” candidates to the EU Parliament was among the highlights of several exciting conversations that we had throughout the evening.
The role of YEAs in times of change
The key topic on the event’s agenda was the projected composition of the EU Parliament in 2024-2029 — and how it might affect Montenegro’s EU accession negotiations. At the discussion panel “European Election and Montenegro,” some of the fiercely debated issues were related to the potential rise of far-right parties in the EU Parliament — and subsequent risks for the enlargement process.
As Mr. Augustin Palokaj, Brussels correspondent for “Jutarni list,” said in his speech about the expected outcome of the EU election, the risks related to the far-right should not be exaggerated. Mr. Palokaj emphasized that the “center” led by the EPP is projected to remain a dominating force in EU politics, whereas
far-right parties will find it hard to cooperate with each other due to internal splits and divisions on a wide range of issues.
In other words, the EU institutions will remain committed to the enlargement. However, imagining the possibility of political uncertainty made it clear that the role of YEAs as communicators is vital to the European future of the Western Balkans. We have to continue interacting with a wide range of communities and institutions: not only in the Western Balkans but also on the EU level.
Finally, the long-awaited mock election results
Everyone who joined the event — from YEAs and representatives of civil society to experts and ambassadors of EU countries — could cast their votes in a quirky star-shaped box before proceeding to the main session.
An hour later, the results of our vote were announced. Greens/EFA led the race with 10 votes. Second came EPP with 8 votes. Hopefully, in five years, we will have a chance to compare these mock 2024 results with Montenegro’s real 2029 EU election results.
In the meantime, YEAs will continue to put all their efforts to make this vision a reality. To stay updated, don’t forget to follow @webalkans_eu on Instagram!