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Author: WeBalkans

The Growth Plan in Motion: EU reinforces commitments to the region’s integration and economic growth

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

29 February 2024 – Tirana’s buzzing today as leaders from the Western Balkans got together to chat about how they can amp up their economic game with the EU’s help. EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Oliver Várhelyi, highlighted EU’s focus on the first pillar of the Growth Plan, aimed at integrating the Western Balkans with EU’s single market.  

 

Here’s the run-down on the top priorities under the Growth Plan’s first pillar related to the regions’ integration with EU’s single market: 

 

1.⁠ ⁠SEPA (Single European Payment Area): Imagine sending money without those pesky fees. SEPA’s looking to save everyone in the area a cool €500 million on the remittance front. 

2.⁠ ⁠Green Lanes 2.0: Nobody likes to wait, right? These fast tracks at borders are all about keeping trade moving and making the region a no-brainer for investors. 

3.⁠ ⁠Wifi4WB: This one’s all about getting everyone online, from city squares to the countryside, because hey, who wants to live offline? 

4.⁠ ⁠Digital Innovation Hubs: Think of these as hang out area for networking, where SMEs, start-ups, and public services get buff in digital skills. 

 

Commissioner Várhelyi’s excited about the energy from the region: ‘It is clear that all countries in the region have taken ownership of the Growth Plan. However, progress requires the region to move forward swiftly.’ 

 

As the talks wrapped up, they laid out a great roadmap for a turbo charged Western Balkans. The plan is bold and focused on the region’s swift integration and economic growth. The EU’s not just throwing funds around – it’s a sign they really want the Western Balkans to be part of the EU family. 

 

What comes next is all about getting down to brass tacks with plans and teamwork to make sure these dreams turn into real deals for folks living in the Western Balkans. 

 

As the EU and the Western Balkans join forces, the dream of a tight-knit, booming region is getting closer. This EU Growth Plan is more than just numbers – it’s about crafting a future that’s exciting with chances, stability, and a shared desire for the Western Balkans in the big European family. 

Serbia’s Green Revolution: Elektroprivreda Srbije Sets Up Wind Farm in EU-Backed Energy Shift

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In a bold leap towards a cleaner future, Kostolac, a Serbian town known for its coal-powered roots, is embracing wind energy with open arms. Thanks to a hefty push from the European Union, this pioneering project marks Elektroprivreda Srbije’s first foray into wind farms, signaling a fresh, eco-friendly chapter for Serbia’s energy scene. Set to light up homes and slash carbon footprints by 2025, Kostolac’s wind farm is not just about generating power—it’s about powering change. 

 

In a cool move towards greener energy, the Serbian town of Kostolac is getting ready to bring wind power into the mix, alongside the usual coal. This big change is happening with help from the European Union and marks the first time Elektroprivreda Srbije, the local power company, is setting up a wind farm, not far from Belgrade. 

This new project is all about switching from coal to wind energy, right where coal mines used to be. It’s a big deal because it’s not just about keeping the environment clean, but also about creating new jobs and making sure we’re all thinking about our planet’s future. By 2025, they’re planning to have this wind farm up and running, making it a pretty exciting time for Serbia and showing everyone’s serious about green energy. 

Funded by a combination of a €31 million EU grant through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) and a substantial financial package from KfW Bankengruppe, the Kostolac Wind Farm will feature 20 turbines, boasting a capacity of 66 MW. Anticipated to produce 187 GWh of electricity annually, it will power around 45,000 households and significantly reduce CO2 emissions by 174,000 tonnes each year.  That will make the air cleaner for all of us. 

During a ceremonial signing in Belgrade on January 30, 2024, key stakeholders, including Serbian officials and EU and German representatives, underscored the project’s strategic significance. They spoke about how this wind farm isn’t just about Serbia going green, but it’s a big part of the EU’s plan to make the environment a priority, with the European Green Deal and Just Transition. 

Emanuele Giaufret, the EU Ambassador to Serbia, summed it up perfectly, saying, “This project is not just a proof of Serbia’s commitment to green energy but also a cornerstone of our European Green Deal and Just Transition, promoting economic development while preserving our planet and citizens.” He also mentioned how the EU is investing over €500 million into Serbia’s energy sector to make things even greener and more sustainable. 

So, the Kostolac Wind Farm is more than just wind turbines; it’s a sign that Serbia, the EU, and Germany are all in on this together, working to make energy cleaner, create jobs, and look after our planet. It’s a big step towards a greener future and a clear message to everyone, that green energy is the way to go.  

This initiative is a clear message to all generations about the importance of sustainable development and the role renewable energy plays in securing a healthier planet. 

YEA participate at the “Empowered together” – local youth councils in the western balkan region” activity

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“The activity “Empowered Together” took place with 80 young people from Albania part of the Local Youth Councils and participants coming from Montenegro, BiH, N. Macedonia, Serbia, etc, in Durres between the dates 15-16 Dec. 2023. YEA Suhel Ahmeti had an opportunity to represent the YEA Network from Kosovo and talk on behalf of the network in a panel discussion with the topic “Positive youth role models and policies”, in which he presented YEA initiatives as a positive role model in the Western Balkans and promoting EU values.

 

This conference provided a unique platform for sharing insights, exchanging ideas, and building synergies among youth leaders from diverse backgrounds. This event was organized by: Ministry of Youth and Children in Albania and UNFPA and UNDP offices in Albania will be the organizers of the “Empowered together: Local Youth Councils in Western Balkan” regional conference on 15-16 December 2023.

YEAs from Kosovo participate at the event related to International Human Rights Day

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International Human Rights Day was marked in Kosovo with a screening of Visa Morina’s film – Babai (Father), which deals with migration issues. This event was organized with the initiative of YEA, Aida Fejzullahu, in collaboration with Europe House, and in the presence of the EU Ambassador in Kosovo, Tomáš Szunyog. The screening was followed by interesting conversations between the film’s protagonist Val Maloku, the producer Visar Krusha and those present in the audience, moderated by Aida.  Key points of the discussion, the multifaceted issue of migration and the fundamental right to freedom of movement. Moreover, conversation encompassed an exploration of the pivotal role that art plays in addressing crucial societal matters, notably emphasizing its significance in tackling pertinent subjects like migration.

The Horizontal Facility 1st Beneficiary Steering Committee Meeting

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The Horizontal Facility 1st Beneficiary Steering Committee Meeting was held in Prishtina on 30 November where partners and local stakeholders met to address key milestones and discuss the main challenges in the ongoing third phase of the program.  As a representative of the YEAs and ‘Block the Hatred. Share the Love.’ Amina Kaja got to talk about the work the network has been doing in the past two years in the fields of hate speech and anti-discrimination, as well as the steps to be taken in 2024 to further our campaign. This meeting highlighted that the European Union in Kosovo and the Council of Europe Office in Pristina will continue to advance tailor-made support to domestic authorities towards the advancement of strategic reforms in the areas of human rights, rule of law alignment with relevant European standards.

2nd Steering Committee Meeting of the EU-COE Horizontal Facility Action on Combating discrimination and hatred

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The 2nd steering committee of the EU-COE Horizontal Facility Action on Combating discrimination and hatred was held in Prishtina on 24 November 2023. Present were representatives of the EU and Council of Europe, Office of the Prime Minister, Ombudsperson as well as member of the civil society. Representing the YEAs were Amina Kaja and Arjana Rudari. This meeting’s purpose was to discuss the progress and achievements of HFIII as well as introduce the participants with the next steps for 2024.  An important point of discussion was also the rebranding of the campaign “Block the Hatred. Share the Love” and the role the YEAs will have in it during the next period.

YEAs join “The future on hold” panel discussion at the University of Regensburg

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Young activists from the Western Balkans, including Young European Ambassadors have have joined‘The future on hold” panel discussion. The purpose of panel was to discuss the process of EU accession for the Western Balkan countries. YEAs present included Jovana Jaćimović from Montenegro. Agnesa Jashari from Kosovo,  Selma Teskeredžić from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Xhuljana Mucaj from Albania. The focus of this Event was to provide an inner perspective of the real situation in the region by also personalizing the topics and given questions. YEAs had an opportunity to express their opinion about the current political situation, economy, plans and ideas for the future.

YEAs participate at the National Youth Conference in Kosovo

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Young European Ambassador Djellza Ibrahimi has participated in at the National Youth Conference in Kosovo. At the conference she had the opportunity to listen to multiple speeches by important government and non-governmental actors, to learn more about youth opportunities and also network. The conference also included interactive sessions where participants had an opportunity to pick a session. Djellza selected the following sessions: Youth and mental health; programs for youth by the EU and also the cultural heritage session.

Visa Liberalisation for Kosovo: Exploring opportunities for students

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Young European Ambassadors (YEA) from Kosovo participated in a panel discussion focused on exploring the opportunities for students as a visa liberalization for Kosovo. Apart from YEAs participants also included other notable speakers such as:  AnnaCarin Platon – Head of the political sector at the EU Office in Kosovo, Christian Böttcher – Head of culture, media and communication, German Embassy in Kosovo, Fatmir Curri – Office of the Prime Minister of Kosovo and others.

 

The panel had a long discussion with the students, during which they talked about the opportunities that visa liberalization offers them in terms of education and career, beyond the academic scope.

 

Amina Kaja, YEA from Kosovo who is a medical student, was part of the panel discussion too. She said that, she will use the free movement to represent Kosovo in congresses and conferences to present innovative projects. She also mentioned that visa liberalization it is a very big step for us, which may have seemed very small to others.

Montenegro’s Green Transition

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EU Energy Support Package Fuels Sustainability and Economic Growth in Montenegro.

The EU energy direct budget support package for Montenegro, worth €30 million, was officially launched at a ceremony in Podgorica on March this year. These funds are being used to help the most vulnerable groups in Montenegro to cope with the higher living costs caused by the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, but also to facilitate the country’s transition to green energy. As part of the regional package of one billion Euros meant to support our Western Balkans partners in tackling the energy situation and high prices caused by Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, Montenegro has received a fast-tracked €27 million, while the total value of the direct budget support package for Montenegro is €30 million. The disbursement of these funds includes direct monetary compensation of electricity bills for families receiving social benefits and as an only way to ensure long-term sustainability energy supply-investment in renewables and increasing of energy efficiency.

“Currently, we are executing renovation work on three schools that were built in the 1960s. Our initial estimates indicate that these schools will achieve energy savings of up to 50%.”

Besides the direct budget support, the EU energy support package also includes the second part, consisting of grants to advance the Western Balkans’ energy transition, efficiency, and independence in the short- and medium-term.  One of the initiatives in Montenegro that includes support by the Second part of Energy package is the project “Promotion of Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings – Greening Public Infrastructure in Montenegro” in the administrative, social, and educational sectors implemented by the Ministry of Capital Investments of Montenegro. The objective is to improve energy efficiency in selected public buildings, which will contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving the Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC). In addition, renewable energy (e.g. solar energy or bioenergy) should be used where possible. The project is implemented as part of The Regional Energy Efficiency Programme (REEP).

The Project focuses on public buildings that were mainly constructed between the 1930s and 1980s and which became obsolete. Chronic problems are: outdated heating systems with low efficiency, badly insulated and leaky roofs, worn single-glazed windows, and thermal bridges all leading to mould and many other defects. The energy consumption is correspondingly high, the user-friendliness (indoor climate, comfort) is severely restricted, and many buildings have almost reached the end of their useful economic and technical life. After the implementation of the structural and energy efficiency measures, the terms of use shall be improved and the operating costs shall be decreased significantly. High visibility of the investments in the public sector shall also serve as an example for private households and the private sector. The Project will cover approximately 20 buildings (schools, one dormitory, one home for elderly people and one administrative building).

Overseeing the project is Djordjina Lovric, acting as the project manager on behalf of the Ministry of Energy and Mining of Montenegro. She underscores the project’s profound significance for Montenegro’s public buildings. “Currently, we are executing renovation work on three schools that were built in the 1960s. Our initial estimates indicate that these schools will achieve energy savings of up to 50%,” Djordjina states. She goes on to emphasize that, apart from the economic benefits, the project’s interventions will also play a crucial role in reducing CO2 emissions, thereby contributing to environmental preservation and enhancing the overall comfort levels of students and teachers in these educational institutions.

“Schools operate with a fixed annual budget, and in addition to the various benefits, they will also have the opportunity to allocate the financial surplus generated through energy savings for other purposes. This could include acquiring new equipment, computers, and other resources aimed at elevating the educational standards within these institutions.”

About the project

The Regional Energy Efficiency Programme (REEP) was established in 2013, by the EBRD jointly with the European Commission, the Energy Community Secretariat, WBIF and bilateral donors. The programme blends policy support with loans, technical assistance and incentives to support energy efficiency and renewable energy investments in the public and private sectors in the Western Balkans. The EBRD and the KfW implement the programme, which operates both directly and through intermediaries and is an investment flagshipof the Economic and Investment Plan. Since its inception, the integrated package offered through REEP has reached 1,000 SMEs, over 12,700 households and 290 public buildings across 700 cities and towns. Related investments translate into 842,000 MWh/year energy saved, 540,000 tCO2/year emissions avoided and 120 MW renewable energy capacity installed. Up to end 2021, REEP mobilised €630 million in total investment, with €78.8 million in EU grant contribution. In 2022, REEP received replenishment of €102 million in additional EU grant funding through the Energy Support Package.

By enhancing the energy efficiency of public buildings, these investments are aligned with the commitments outlined in Montenegro’s Law on the Efficient Utilization of Energy, which is modelled on EU directives. This initiative will result in a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, thereby contributing to the achievement of the nation’s predetermined goals in environmental conservation. Furthermore, these investments will play a role in job preservation and generation within the domestic construction and consultancy sectors.

Mrs. Djordjina Lovric elaborates on the widespread recognition and evident advantages offered by the project to schools and other institutions. “Schools operate with a fixed annual budget, and in addition to the various benefits, they will also have the opportunity to allocate the financial surplus generated through energy savings for other purposes. This could include acquiring new equipment, computers, and other resources aimed at elevating the educational standards within these institutions,” Djordjina highlights.