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Author: WeBalkans

Screening meetings completed as part of screening process with Albania and North Macedonia

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On 24 November and 7 December, the last screening meetings were held respectively with Albania and North Macedonia. 167 meetings took place for a duration of about one year, with the involvement of more than 1000 experts of the European Commission and more than 2000 experts from Albania and North Macedonia. Screening is the analytical examination of the EU acquis and has been divided in two phases: explanatory and bilateral meeting sessions. It represents the first step in the accession negotiations process. During the explanatory sessions, Commission’s officials thoroughly informed about the main principles and standards of the EU acquis, chapter by chapter, grouped in six clusters. In the bilateral sessions, authorities from Albania and North Macedonia presented their level of alignment with EU rules and policies (also known as EU acquis) and their preparedness to implementing the remaining parts and fulfil the criteria for EU membership. The Commission assessed where both Albania and North Macedonia stand in their preparations to join.  
 
The outcomes of the screening sessions are reflected in the “screening reports”, through which the Commission informs the Member States on where it thinks each country stands and how negotiations should be conducted in the covered policy areas. The Commission has presented to the Council the screening report on cluster 1 Fundamentals and the Council has communicated to each countries the conditions for the opening of this cluster, also known as benchmarks. The benchmarks require each country to prepare plans called roadmaps identifying key reforms they will undertake under the rule of law chapters of the EU acquis – chapter 23 and 24, and a roadmap for public administration reform. Albania and North Macedonia will also need to prepare a roadmap on the functioning of democratic institutions, and progress on its implementation will be monitored through the inter-governmental conferences. The roadmaps aim to make the process simpler and more strategic.  As soon as the roadmaps on chapter 23 and 24, and on public administration reform, are finalised by the countries’ authorities, the Commission assesses the fulfilment of the opening benchmarks.

Kosovo Remains Vulnerable to Disinformation, BIRN Report Concludes

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The report “Story of our lies” which was published on Monday in Pristina has noted that Kosovo remains vulnerable to different to inside and outside disinformation as institutions and other stakeholders have not been able to establish mechanisms that monitor the dissemination of disinformation, whereas judicial institutions have been unable to handle these types of cases. “The Disinformation Report has mapped various forms of disinformation in Kosovo, whose main aim is to change the course of Kosovo towards the Euro-Atlantic Integration and to deepen further the existing barriers between communities in Kosovo,” Jeta Xharra, the Executive Director of BIRN Kosova said.

 

Report shows that social media and internet platforms which specialize in fictitious news remain the key disseminators of disinformation, however, in some cases, even traditional, professional media have been guilty. This report also lists a lack of media literacy programmes and the capacity of the education system to deliver media education as the key challenges for the future. “At times, unprofessional media outlets can contribute to the disinformation, this is why the citizens should make the distinction between fake and verified news while the Institutions should contribute to this by incorporating media education in school curricula,” Imer Mushkolaj, head of self-regulatory body Kosovo Press Council, said.

 

The report emphasized the presence of Russian influence and propaganda as evident especially since the war in Ukraine started.

 

The report offers recommendations to Kosovo authorities and other stakeholders, including media regulatory and self-regulatory bodies on how to work in order to build the necessary capacities to identify sources of disinformation and adequately address them. This conference was attended by 75 participants, including 40 women representatives of civil society, institutions, journalists and others.

European Training Foundation launches #MySkills4You initiative to empower youth in EU neighbourhood

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Today, the European Training Foundation (ETF) launches its engaging initiative, #MySkills4You: a social media campaign that amplifies the voices of young citizens from the Southern and Eastern Neighbourhood and the Western Balkans, contributing to the conversation during the European Year of Skills. Through dynamic videos, the campaign sheds light on the perspectives of young citizens regarding crucial skills development in their countries. #MySkills4You seeks to answer fundamental questions: What do young people think are the most important skills?and What are their countries doing to support skills development?  
Through a dynamic video campaign, the ETF has engaged with individuals aged 16 to 28 to understand their perceptions of what countries are doing to support their skills development. The initiative is organized in collaboration with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR) and extends its reach through networks of Young European Ambassadors and EU Jeel Connectors from EU Neighbours South, East, and Western Balkans.  
“The European Training Foundation is proud to launch #MySkills4You, a pioneering initiative that places the voices and skills of youth from the EU neighbouring regions at the forefront during the European Year of Skills,” said Pilvi Torsti, ETF Director. “This initiative has been made possible thanks to the support of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations and its invaluable networks of young citizens from EU Neighbours South, East, and Western Balkans: a great example of a cooperative approach for positive long-term impact.”  
Running until April 2024, the campaign encompasses a diverse array of skills and talents, each contributing to the broader narrative of skill development in their respective regions. Beginning with Tamara Stojković from Serbia, highlighting resilience for positive change, the journey continues with Nataliia Balitska in Ukraine, a proponent of self-improvement and proactivity. Montenegro‘s Igor Čulafić joins the ensemble, advocating for creative IT skills to empower local communities. Heading to Egypt, Abdallah Emad blends public speaking and leadership for youth empowerment. Silvana Farruku from Albaniadisseminates opportunities through research, followed by Moldova‘s Daniela Plămădeală and Valeria Cabac, advocating for a holistic approach in data science. Armenia‘s Sophie Abrahamyan and Azerbaijan‘s Nargiz Aliyeva stress balanced public speaking and STEM advocacy, respectively. Finally, in Georgia, Mariam Ketsbaia underscores the vital importance of communication and teamwork skills. Together, their voices harmonise, calling for a skilled and interconnected future.  
The #MySkills4You initiative is open to all, providing a platform for individuals to contribute their perspectives on skills. Everyone can join in this collaborative endeavour under the hashtag #MySkills4You towards advancing skills development and add their voices to the conversation.

Erasmus+ supported 26,000 projects and 1.2 million learning mobility opportunities in 2022, annual report shows

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The latest figures show that the programme continues to grow and positively impact the lives of millions of people who participate in Europe and beyond. The 2022 Erasmus+ Annual Report provides insights into the impact of Erasmus+ during the year. It was presented on Thursday at the 6th European Education Summit. The programme delivered on its annual objectives, with high take-up and efficient use of its funds. Its €4 billion total budget, supported some 26,000 projects, benefitted over 73,000 organisations and provided learning mobility activities to more than 1.2 million students, learners, professors, teachers, trainers, youth workers and young people

Favourable Credits for SMEs in Serbia

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EIB Global and Banca Intesa Beograd to boost Serbian companies’ access to finance and green investments with a €100 million credit line. EIB Global, the arm of the European Investment Bank (EIB) devoted to activities outside the European Union, and Banca Intesa Beograd, a member of the Intesa Sanpaolo international banking group, have signed a €100 million credit line aiming to enhance access to finance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and mid-caps in Serbia and support private sector-led green projects. Made available on favourable terms, including longer maturities, the funds will enable companies to address their liquidity and investment needs amid consecutive challenges, while increasing their capacity to generate jobs, scale up and decarbonise their businesses. Overall, this credit line will boost the resilience of the Serbian economy, increase its competitiveness and support employment.

 

Part of the credit line will be specifically dedicated to supporting green investments by Serbian companies, such as renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. By providing financing for investments that contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases, the funds will bolster the green transition and climate-resilient growth. The EIB has been active in Serbia since 1977, providing finance to support key infrastructure projects as well as SMEs, industry, services and local authorities. Since the start of its activities in the country, it has enabled over €7.2 billion of investment in SMEs and the revitalisation of transportation, education, healthcare and utility infrastructure.

Successes in building trust between communities presented in Vareš

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The Municipality of Vareš hosted a visit of Peter M. Wagner, the Head of the EU’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI), Johann Sattler, Head of the Delegation of the European Union/EU Special Representative in BiH, and representatives of seven local communities who are setting a positive example in building trust between different groups.  The meeting took place as part of the “Možemo bolje” project, which is financed by the EU through FPI, and is implemented jointly by the EU, UN, OSCE and Council of Europe.   The project aims to support the work of “champions of peace” – individuals and communities who are creating a positive environment for cooperation across divides. The Municipality of Vareš is one such community, where action for peace is promoted as an individual and collective responsibility. The meeting was also attended by representatives of the City of Prnjavor and the municipalities of Jablanica, Teočak, Čelić, Sapna and Lopare, which are also part of the Možemo bolje project.  
The cooperation of local communities, authorities and citizens is an example of how Bosnia and Herzegovina can do better, especially in opposing narratives of division. “Možemo bolje” project was emphasized as a positive platform that enables people to truly and jointly work on development of BiH society through trust and cohesion. Through the implementation of the project so far in 23 communities supported initiatives include inter-religious learning, youth engagement, women’s empowerment, CSOs development and advocacy, cultural heritage and diversity, performing arts and applied theatre, sports activities, environmental and civil protection. Work has begun on 12 infrastructure projects in 11 communities, and the work of 27 civil society organizations was supported.

EU delivers medical and transport vehicles to BiH Armed Forces to support demining

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On the occasion of the Armed Forces Day, the EU handed over today 21 medical and transport vehicles for the Demining Battalion of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This was the first delivery of a total of 68 vehicles that Bosnia and Herzegovina will receive as part of an Assistance Measure worth €10 million under the European Peace Facility (EPF) to support Bosnia and Herzegovina to become mine free. 150 metal detectors under this Measure were already handed over in July 2022.  European External Action Service Managing Director for Europe Angelina Eichhorst said, “The European Union is fully committed to supporting security and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina. To this end, we have allocated over €20 million in assistance to the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in addition to the support provided for a safe and secure environment through Operation EUFOR ALTHEA.”

 

In addition to the Assistance Measure for demining, the EU approved in December 2022 a further €10 million to provide field equipment, key tools for military engineering and CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) material for the Tactical Support Brigade of the BiH Armed Forces. The Armed Forces of BiH further benefit from a €6 million Assistance Measure under the EPF for the Balkan Medical Task Force. As part of this measure, the EU will deliver ambulances, terrain vehicles, equipment for hospitals and laboratories, and IT and communication equipment to medical military units in the region. Through the EPF, the EU emphasises its commitment to stability and security in its neighbourhood and around the world as well as its comprehensive approach to supporting partners, determination to protect democratic values, and readiness to take the role of security provider.

COP28: North Macedonia: EIB Global co-signs Joint Declaration on the Just Transition Investment Platform

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At the COP28 climate conference, EIB Global, the arm of the European Investment Bank for activities outside the European Union, signed a Joint Declaration on the Just Transition Investment Platform for North Macedonia. Initiated by the Government of North Macedonia with technical support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the platform aims to help mobilise up to €3 billion in investments and policy and technical assistance to accelerate the country’s energy transition and the deployment of 1.7 GW in new renewable energy capacity until 2030, along with grid and storage infrastructure. The support package is designed to ensure the positive outcomes of the green transition, while protecting the jobs and livelihoods of affected communities.

 

As one of the partners of the declaration, EIB Global intends to support North Macedonia in achieving a rapid and just transformation of its energy sector, while ensuring energy security. The Bank has significantly stepped up its engagement with the government, public utilities and the private sector in order to generate new projects in renewable energy, energy efficiency and energy infrastructure upgrades. These efforts have resulted in over €100 million in green investments signed for North Macedonia in 2023 and new technical assistance for sustainable projects.

Empowering art and creativity in Serbia

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EU funded Creative Europe Programme supports artists and cultural institutions in Serbia.

Creative Europe is an EU Programme for support to the sectors for culture and media. The Programme consists of two sub-programmes: Culture – for promoting the sector of culture and the Media Programme – to support the audio-visual sector. Creative Europe, with a budget of EUR 1.46 billion supports Europe’s cultural and creative sectors providing funding for 2,500 artists and cultural professionals, 2,000 cinemas, 800 films, 4,500 book translations and financial guarantee facility of up to €750 million for small businesses active in the sector. Notably, Creative Europe has also extended its reach to cultural institutions and artists in the Western Balkans, including those in Serbia, in recent years.

“Both of these experiences were very valuable for my artistic portfolio. Besides the professional fulfillment, I also had the opportunity to forge new friendships and connections. All in all, it was a rewarding learning experience”

Damjan Jovičin is a talented Serbian composer and pianist based in Belgrade. He is a prominent figure among the emerging generation of creative artists and composers in the Balkans. Damjan boasts an extensive body of musical compositions, and his works have been performed by esteemed ensembles such as the RTS Orchestra and Choir, Hermes Ensemble, Mivos Quartet, Manojlović Quartet, Zagreb Flute Ensemble, String Orchestra of the Faculty of Music in Belgrade, Belgrade Guitar Duo, and numerous others.

His compositions have been showcased at prestigious events and venues, including the Summer Course for New Music in Darmstadt, the International Summer Academy of the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna, Finland’s Time of Music festival, the Walden Creative Music Retreat in New Hampshire, USA, and the Belgrade Music Festival (BEMUS).

Damjan is among the Serbian artists who have reaped the benefits of the Creative Europe program. His artistic creations found a stage in the EU-funded Balkan Youth Jazz Orchestra and formed part of the “Opera: Past present Perfect!” project. In his own words, “Both of these experiences were very valuable for my artistic portfolio. Besides the professional fulfillment, I also had the opportunity to forge new friendships and connections. All in all, it was a rewarding learning experience,” Damjan reflects.

The international initiative, “Opera: Past, Present, Perfect!”, was initiated under the Creative Europe-Culture: European Cooperation Projects in 2020. The project run from September 2020, to February 2023. Alongside MOTO – Music, Opera, and Theater Organization, which serves as the project lead, collaborators include Nieuw Geneco from Amsterdam (Netherlands), Young Musician International Association of Georgia from Tbilisi (Georgia), University of Donja Gorica in Podgorica (Montenegro), and the Little Theatre “Duško Radović” in Serbia.

“We were provided with online tutoring sessions on opera composition, which also included valuable feedback on our musical compositions. Receiving guidance from experienced composers was an exceptionally enriching and meaningful experience.”

About the programme

The Creative Europe programme 2021-2027 has a budget of € 2.44 billion, compared to €1.47 billion of the previous programme (2014-2020). Creative Europe invests in actions that reinforce cultural diversity and respond to the needs and challenges of the cultural and creative sectors. The main objectives of the programme are to safeguard, develop and promote European cultural and linguistic diversity and heritage and to increase the competitiveness and economic potential of the cultural and creative sectors, in particular the audiovisual sector The novelties of the programme will contribute to the recovery of these sectors, reinforcing their efforts to become more inclusive, more digital and environmentally more sustainable.

The primary objective of the “Opera: Past, Present, Perfect!” project is to foster connections and offer education to young professionals, aiming to facilitate cross-sectoral, cross-national, and intergenerational dialogues (particularly between young professionals and mentors). The project seeks to promote collaboration and the exchange of expertise, ultimately repositioning opera as an interdisciplinary and genuine European art form.

Within the framework of this project, Damjan Jovičin’s opera “Mercy Street” was performed in Belgrade, in theater Duško Radović. However, in addition to the opportunity to showcase his work, Damjan also took advantage of mentoring opportunities made available through the Dutch Composers’ Union, thanks to the project’s support. In his own words, “We were provided with online tutoring sessions on opera composition, which also included valuable feedback on our musical compositions. Receiving guidance from experienced composers was an exceptionally enriching and meaningful experience,” Damjan acknowledges.