This fact sheet provides information on the EU support to Roma integration in the Western Balkans
This fact sheet provides information on the EU support to Roma integration in the Western Balkans
Author: WeBalkans
Mayors in the Western Balkans and Türkiye honoured for championing Roma communities
The European Commission announced the winners of the ‘Most Roma Friendly Mayor’ awards on 9 April. These mayors have been chosen for their work in supporting Roma communities and promoting equal rights and dignity for all. This award is part of a commitment to changing how people think about including Roma people in society.
The ‘Most Roma Friendly Mayor’ award celebrates the achievements of those local administrations who are genuinely proud of empowering Roma communities and meeting their needs actively. Valentina Superti, the Director for the Western Balkans at the European Commission’s DG Neighbourhood and Enlargement, presented the awards.
Olivér Várhelyi, Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, emphasised the award ceremony’s role in encouraging better relationships between local governments and Roma communities. “Tonight’s award ceremony celebrates the outstanding efforts by these mayors to break down walls between local administrations and Roma communities, sending a clear message to politicians, civil society, and experts that change is possible,” he said.
Commissioner Várhelyi shared that EU funding for Roma integration has increased by 50% between 2014 and 2023, now more than EUR 130 million.
The European Union is home to between 10-12 million Roma, roughly 1 million of whom in the Western Balkans and 2.8 million in Türkiye. These awards demonstrate the EU’s commitment to the inclusion of Roma and recognise the positive impact Roma communities can have.
The “Most Roma Friendly Mayor” award is part of a larger project supported by the European Union and managed by Roma Active Albania. This project works in several countries and aims to get Roma communities more involved in conversations with authorities. A panel chose the winning mayors from each country, and they received their awards in Brussels.
Background
The primary purpose of Romani Week is to consolidate the European Parliament’s and other institutions’ commitment to fighting against antigypsyism and formulate this commitment into action. The award ceremony is the peak of the campaign in Brussels and aims to create strong synergies with the actions that took place across the Western Balkans and Türkiye, as well as the EU Member States at the local and national levels.
The “Most Roma Friendly Mayor” award is organised as part of the regional project of the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance ‘Romani Women Power of Change in the Western Balkans and Türkiye. Roma Active Albania coordinates the project with financial assistance from the European Union, and it supports the network of Roma civil society organisations in the enlargement region.
The Power of Change project is implemented in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Türkiye. It is part of a regional campaign aiming to mobilise Roma communities and strengthen their ability to engage in dialogue with public authorities. The local advocacy took place in all the Western Balkans region and Türkiye, and the independent selection panel was chosen among the nominated mayors, with only one winner per country – The Most Roma Friendly Mayor – to receive the award in Brussels.
A Big Step: Bosnia and Herzegovina Starts Joining the EU
A sign for BiH for better things and togetherness for the people.
Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) has got the green light to start joining the European Union. This news has made people across the country feel very hopeful about the future. It’s not just a change in world politics; it’s a sign of better things and togetherness for the people living there.
Businesses Getting Ready for Changes
Milijan Mirković, a well-known person from the Employers’ Association in Brčko District, shares what the business people think. “The EU is giving us good news. We are ready to get better and follow EU rules,” he says. “It’s like getting ready for a big football match. We have to work hard.” This shows that businesses are excited but also know they have a lot to do. Being part of the EU will make trading easier and help BiH businesses be more successful.
Schools and Universities Want to Grow
Teachers and students are also excited. Professor Srđan Lalić, head of the Economics Faculty in Brčko, talks about the big advantages. “This is a great chance for us to improve how we work,” he says. “We want to make our courses better and work well with local and international jobs.” He’s proud that they are working with top universities in the EU.
Hopes for a Better Future Together
The thoughts of Mirković and Lalić are just small examples of the excitement in BiH. Young people, especially, see how joining the EU could change things for the better. Arijel Kurtagić from Bihać is looking forward to travelling more easily and finding work in the EU. “The future seems nearer,” he says, excited about what could happen.
In smaller places like Lukavac, Ademir Ćosićkić sees how joining the EU can help not just big cities but also small towns grow, like in tourism.
Anastasija Katić from Gradiška thinks this is a chance to start projects that can make big changes, like reducing poverty.
In Mostar, Amila Memić hopes that joining the EU will mean better protection for everyone.
Ajla Kuluglić from Tuzla is excited for more projects and better ways of living. “Living better isn’t just a hope, it’s a real plan,” she says, ready for the good changes that joining the EU will bring.
Many people in BiH are dreaming about joining the EU. They include business leaders wanting successful markets, teachers hoping for better education, and young people like Arijel, Ademir, Anastasija, Amila, and Ajla, who are waiting for easier travel and better chances.
With the happy celebrations in Sarajevo, it’s clear that joining the EU is a big deal for BiH. It will add to Europe’s rich mix with its special culture and big hopes.
EU commits record €6 billion to Western Balkans for growth
Good news for the Western Balkans: on the 4th of April 2024, the Parliament and the member states reached a political agreement to give €6 billion to help Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. This money is for them to get ready to join the European family.
The money, which includes highly concessional loans and grants, will help make their economies strong and change things for the better. With this support, the Western Balkans can move faster towards becoming part of Europe.
Ursula von der Leyen, who leads the European Commission, shared: “It’s not only about money. We are creating a path for the Western Balkans to join us more quickly.”
The funds will be spent on making services and infrastructure like roads, energy, and the internet better. This will make people’s lives better in the Western Balkans and help the region meet European standards.
The EU says it will give this money if the Western Balkans do their part. They need to improve how their governments work and how they handle money. Working together for a better future is key.
This support is part of the Growth Plan, which the EU made last year to prepare the Western Balkans for joining the EU. The plan aims to help people and companies there and to speed up the joining process.
Now, the plan just needs a final okay from two important institutions – the European Parliament and the Council. Once they say yes, the plan can start.
The Yeast grows, the business thrives: How Dragana’s baking business supports her returnee family reintegration
How Regional Returnee Reintegration Project, implemented by UNDP and funded by the EU is helping vulnerable returnees build a better future back home.
In Novi Sad’s Night Bazaar, Dragana, a Roma baker, and her mother work at their stall, making sourdough bread. This market happens twice a month, where local people like Dragana sell their goods.
Dragana didn’t plan to start a business. She learned to bake to support her family when they couldn’t find jobs. “Baking sourdough is like doing maths. It needs careful planning and the right conditions,” Dragana explains. Her skills in making bread are helping her family.
The bakery brought hope when moving away from Serbia felt like the only choice. Many people in the Western Balkans move to other countries for work, including Dragana’s family members. But after a time in Germany, her family came back. Her family’s return experience made Dragana want to build a future in Serbia, a future that would also welcome her family back to their hometown.
The Regional Returnee Reintegration Project has helped Dragana a lot. Thanks to the project, Dragana is making her bakery official and hopes to involve her whole family. This regional project is run by the UNDP with the EU’s support is active in three WB countries: Albania, North Macedonia and Serbia. In Serbia, in three partner municipalities, this project is helping vulnerable returnees build a better future back home.
“I want to include my family in the business,” she says with hope. “My mother will join first, and maybe my brother later. It’s more than just making money; it’s about working together as a family.”
About the project The Reintegration of Returnees in the Western Balkans project is focused on addressing key barriers for socio-economic reintegration of vulnerable returnees in the Western Balkans. The project is part of the EU Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) II Multi-Country Action, EU support to Fundamental Rights of Roma Community, and Reintegration of Returnees, entrusted to UNDP, World Bank, and the Council of Europe. In all Western Balkan economies, the project assesses policy and institutional gaps and facilitates a dialogue on mechanisms for implementation and monitoring of reintegration policies and programmes. In Albania, North Macedonia and Serbia, the project implements local level programmes and tests innovative solutions for sustainable socio-economic reintegration of returnees. Find out more: Reintegration of returnees in the Western Balkans project Dragana’s bakery is setting an example in her community. It shows how a family can use their skills and work together to succeed. The Night Bazaar in Novi Sad shows the importance of local markets. They help people sell what they make, grow their businesses, and bring people together. Dragana’s bakery stand, with its fresh bread, is more than just a place to buy food. It stands for hard work, new starts, and a better future for people returning to Serbia. The EU and UNDP’s Reintegration of Returnees project is a big help. It’s making it easier for Dragana and others to get the training and support they need to grow their businesses. This is helping Dragana to not just run a bakery, but to bring her family into it. They hope to make a successful business that can offer jobs to other people coming back to Serbia, too. Dragana and her relatives have a vision. They want to turn their love for baking into a business that supports the family and shares their tradition. The bakery has brought hope to Dragana’s family. It’s a chance for them to stay in Serbia and be part of their community. The UNDP and EU are helping them to do this. Dragana is excited to work with her family. Starting with her mother and maybe her brother later, they plan to grow the business. It’s not just about selling bread; it’s about making a life they can share. Dragana’s story is about never giving up. Her bakery is becoming a symbol of hope for her community, showing that a family’s history and goals can come together and succeed. Novi Sad’s Night Bazaar is a place where people like Dragana can share what they make. Her bakery stand, with its fresh bread, is a sign of hard work and new beginnings. It shows that people who come back to their country can make a good future for themselves.
YEAs AL meet with MEP Isabel Santos
On March 27 2024, in Europe House Tirana, Young European Ambassadors (YEAs) convened a meeting with Isabel Santos, the European Parliament Rapporteur for Albania. The gathering aimed to delve into Albania’s endeavors concerning its accession process to the European Union.
With 11 YEAs present out of approximately 16 participants, the session centered on exchanging views on Albania’s progress toward EU membership. A key focus was the youth perspective on the challenges inherent in this process and exploring avenues through which YEAs could effectively communicate the significance of EU accession to young people.
Among the YEAs in attendance were Daniela Kortoçi, Ema Meçaj, Erid Rama, Jursi Temali, Kolindo Vjerdha, Loreta Gjoni, Mirjon Mulgeci, Serona Kolaveri, Stjuart Islamaj, Silvana Farruku, and Xhuljana Mucaj.
The meeting provided a platform for constructive dialogue between YEAs and Isabel Santos, facilitating a deeper understanding of the EU accession journey and the role of youth in advocating for and participating in this transformative process.
A historic moment for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s path toward EU membership
EU officials have emphasised the importance of continued reforms in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In a landmark decision taken on the 22nd of March 2024, the European Union has formally agreed to initiate membership negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina, marking a major milestone in the country’s longstanding aspiration to join the bloc. This development signifies a turning point for Bosnia and Herzegovina, acknowledging its dedication to aligning with EU standards and setting the course for a more unified future within the European community.
The journey to this pivotal moment has not been an easy one for Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the nation undertaking extensive efforts to enforce the requisite reforms mandated by the EU. These reforms have centred on bolstering democratic governance, the rule of law, human rights, and economic restructuring. Today’s endorsement by the European Council is a testament to the progress made by Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The path to EU membership is known for its demanding nature and protracted timeframe, with the accession process typically spanning multiple years. It requires an exhaustive review of the aspirant country’s legislation and policy framework to ensure compatibility with EU directives and regulations. For Bosnia and Herzegovina, today’s decision is just the beginning of a journey that will require sustained effort and cooperation across all sectors of society.
EU officials have underscored the importance of continued reforms in Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially concerning anti-corruption, judicial autonomy, and fiscal stability. The European Union has assured Bosnia and Herzegovina of its continuous backing, which includes expert guidance and financial assistance, to aid in fulfilling the remaining benchmarks for accession.
The decision to open membership negotiations with Bosnia and Herzegovina also sends a strong signal to other Western Balkan countries aspiring to join the EU. It reaffirms the European Union’s commitment to enlargement and integration, based on merit and the adherence to core European values.
EIB Global boosts Albania’s railway transport: €100 million for the EU-financed Vorë-Hani i Hotit railway line
EIB Global, the outward facing arm of the European Investment Bank, has just unlocked a substantial €100 million loan to give Albania’s railway system a major facelift. The cash is going straight into improving the railway line that stretches a good 120 km from Vorë all the way to Hani i Hotit right up against the Montenegrin border. The project’s a big part of the EU’s actions to get rail infrastructure in the Western Balkans on the fast track to better economic ties, trade, and eco-friendly transport.
This funding mix includes the EIB’s loan, plus €126 million grant from the EU through the Western Balkans Investment Framework, and €98.75 million loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The deal was sealed at a ceremony in Tirana with a crowd of officials, including EIB Vice-President Kyriacos Kakouris and Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama.
EIB’s VP Kakouris, in charge of overseeing the Bank’s investments in the Western Balkans, said “This project is proof of what we can do when we join forces under the Team Europe banner. We’re set to beef up the links between Albania, its neighbours, and the EU. We’re paving the way for a smarter, sturdier, and more inclusive railway network. As the go-to bank for climate action in the EU, we’re all in on propelling Albania and the region’s railroads into the future.”
Belinda Balluku, Albania’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, stressed the bigger regional picture, “This rail line isn’t just a win for Albania; it’s a win for the whole neighbourhood, making it easier for people and goods to move around and turbocharging economic growth. With the Tirana-Durrës line already setting the pace, this new Vorë-Hani i Hotit stretch is our government’s next big step in rail transport. We’re counting on the EIB as a key ally in driving our strategic infrastructure ambitions.”
The project’s will wire up the rail track, give a fresh look to 12 stations, introduce advanced communication and signal technologies, and ramp up safety. These tweaks are set to crank up train speeds to 120 km/h, making the passenger and freight game a whole lot more efficient. This line isn’t just any line—it’s part of the big-league TEN-T Mediterranean Corridor and is the only railway rope tying Albania to the rest of Europe.
André Rizzo from the EU Delegation chimed in, “As Albania and the region stride towards EU integration, the perks are starting to roll in. The revamped Vorë-Hani i Hotit line will mean quicker, safer travel for cargo and folks along the Adriatic. It’s boosting connections and trade in Albania and beyond, plus it’s a solid step towards a greener Albania.”
To date, the EIB has been throwing quite the financial muscle behind Western Balkans’ rail projects, with a tally over €1.7 billion in the region and a whopping €40 billion globally over the last ten years. That’s a lot of tracks laid down for progress!
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 a leading international financier in the Western Balkans. Since 2010, the Bank has financed projects worth over to €10 billion in the region. On top of its continued support for the reconstruction and upgrade of public infrastructure, since 2010 the EIB has expanded into many new areas, such as healthcare, research and development, education, and small and medium enterprises. For detailed information on EIB activities in the Western Balkans, please visit: www.eib.org/en/publications/the-eib-in-the-western-balkans.
About the EIB in Albania:
The EIB has been active in Albania since 1995. To date, 26 projects have been financed and over €600 million invested, mostly in key transport, energy, water and wastewater infrastructure. For more information regarding the EIB’s projects in Albania, please see: Albania and the EIB
About the Western Balkans Investment Framework
The Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) is a joint initiative of the EU, financial institutions, bilateral donors and beneficiaries, aimed at enhancing harmonisation and cooperation in investments for the socio-economic development of the region and contributing to the European perspective of the Western Balkans.
Due to its collaborative nature in line with the ‘Team Europe’ approach, the WBIF is the main vehicle for the implementation of the EU’s ambitious Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans.
EIB backs Kosovo’s transition to clean energy with major solar plant
Kosovo is taking a significant step towards a sustainable future with the upcoming construction of one of its largest solar power plants. The European Investment Bank (EIB) is leading the charge with a €33 million investment, a part of a comprehensive financial plan to support the project.
Located near the capital, Pristina, this solar facility will be a beacon of renewable energy, with an impressive capacity to generate clean electricity. This initiative is expected to have a meaningful impact on the nation’s energy supply, contributing to a decrease in reliance on coal and a shift towards environmentally friendly power sources.
This financial endeavour is supported by a combined effort from European institutions. Alongside the EIB, the KfW Development Bank is providing a €29 million loan, and the EU is adding a €32 million grant. This collective investment underscores Europe’s commitment to fostering renewable energy and promoting energy self-sufficiency in the region.
Once operational, the solar plant is anticipated to significantly contribute to Kosovo’s electricity needs, generating a substantial amount of energy annually and substantially reducing carbon emissions.
The EIB, with its focus on supporting long-term, sustainable investments, is optimistic about the positive effects of this project on Kosovo’s energy landscape. It is considered a crucial step towards meeting the country’s renewable energy targets. The investment also aligns with the broader EU Green Agenda, which prioritises ecological and economic sustainability.
Kosovo’s government is celebrating this milestone as a transformational moment in the nation’s energy policy. The plant not only promises to supply renewable energy but is also expected to drive economic growth, job creation, and skill development.
The EU has expressed that this investment is a strategic and long-term commitment to the prosperity and environmental health of the region. It is seen as an integral part of the collective move towards a green energy transition that benefits everyone.
For more in-depth information about the EIB’s efforts and projects in Kosovo and the wider Western Balkan region, resources are readily available on the EIB website. This solar plant project is more than just an investment in renewable energy—it is an investment in Kosovo’s green future and economic resilience.
About the European Investment Bank (EIB)
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). www.eib.org
About EIB in the Western Balkans:
The EIB is a leading international financier in the Western Balkans. Since 2010, the Bank has financed projects worth over €10 billion in the region. Besides continuing its support for the reconstruction and upgrading of public infrastructure, the EIB has expanded into many new areas since 2010, including healthcare, research and development, education, and small and medium enterprises. For detailed information on EIB activities in the Western Balkans, please visit: LINK
For more information regarding the EIB’s projects in Kosovo, please see: LINK
North Macedonia’s new railway link: A step towards EU integration and economic revitalization
North Macedonia has kicked off the construction of a long-awaited railway, which represents “a missing gateway” in the European rail network that will run from Germany to Bulgaria. The European Union is providing assistance to the 89 km section from Kumanovo to the Bulgarian border, with plans to complete before the end of the decade.
“The European Union is supporting North Macedonia in developing a functional and modern railway system, which will provide better connectivity, quality of life and increased economic development opportunities for citizens. Integrating railway connections into North Macedonia’s transport network is one of the European Union’s priorities, because it will ensure efficient climate-friendly movement for people and freight across the European continent” said David Geer, head of the EU delegation to North Macedonia.
The EU is also financing the segment, which began construction in 2022, from Kumanovo to Beljakovce (31 km), as part of the commitment to electrify the entire line to (Skopje – Veles – Beljakovce – Kumanovo – border with Bulgaria) to connect with Bulgaria, thereby ensuring a modern and efficient railway network.
“This project will improve the working conditions of the railway employees, provide safer railway services, and it will allow for greater possibility for development and growth of the North Macedonia economy as a whole,” said Finance Minister Fatmir Besimi.
For this pivotal rail route, €560 million has been secured under the auspices of Team Europe. The funds entail a €175 million loan from EIB Global and another loan of equal size from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. These loans will be complemented by a €150 million EU grant through the Western Balkans Investment Framework and a grant of as much as €60 million from the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance. The project forms part of the Global Gateway, the European Union’s strategy that aims at narrowing the global investment gap for vital infrastructure.
“This is not just a project about railways. It is about transforming North Macedonia’s railway system for the 21st century! Improving competition and enhancing market quality in the railway sector, as part of North Macedonia’s effort to integrate into the wider European green and connectivity agenda,” said Jürgen Rigterink, First Vice President of the EBRD.
With a 1873 railway history, North Macedonia is reinforcing sustainability and moving closer toward EU integration, highlighting that indigenous determination plus cooperation can take on any lack of significant infrastructure.