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Author: WeBalkans

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.

Young European Ambassadors Summit – European Year of Skills

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In light of the European Year of Skills, on 7-10 December, WeBalkans project organized a YEA Summit. The summit organized in Budva Montenegro presented a significant opportunity for YEAs to engage with distinguished speakers and featured peer-to-peer workshops covering a range of topics including environmental protection, communication, project management, and human rights. These workshops served as valuable platforms for YEAs to further enhance their skills and knowledge while sharing their know-how.

 

The opening of the summit featured coffee with Ambassador Oana-Cristina Popa, followed by a plenary session with notable speakers, including Federica Mogherini on the “Future of Education in the Western Balkans.” Afternoon workshops covered green skills, communication strategies, and equality, concluding with group work and vibrant team-building activities.

 

On the second day Dr. Pilvi Torsti, Director of the European Training Foundation, delivered a keynote address, and YEA Awards honored six outstanding ambassadors. All in all, the conference provided a platform for YEAs to engage in impactful discussions, skill development, and community building, fostering a rich and memorable experience for all participants.

Preserving cultural heritage in Sarajevo

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An EU funded projects is supporting the NGO in Sarajevo on promotion of cultural and traditional heritage.

The COVID-19 pandemic has not only had a profound impact on global health but has also left its mark on cultural, social, and economic aspects worldwide. This adverse influence has been keenly felt in Bosnia and Herzegovina. For instance, Vedad Štaljo, representing the Cultural and Artistic Society “LOLA” an NGO based in Sarajevo, points out a significant decline in their activities. This decline persisted even in the post-pandemic period, with a reduced interest among young people in participating in folklore and other traditional events organized by the NGO. Vedad reflects on this situation, stating, “We then began to explore ways to rekindle the younger generation’s interest in our organization’s traditions and activities.”

“Our aim was to involve as many young people as possible in this project, enabling their personal development while simultaneously contributing to the growth of our local community.”

With a focus on these objectives, the Cultural and Artistic Society “LOLA” initiated a project titled Through the alleys of traditions”. This project received support through the EU-funded Regional Programme for Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 2 (ReLOaD2), implemented by UNDP. Through this initiative, a diverse range of cultural and artistic activities were conducted for both young people and adults within the municipality of Novo Sarajevo. These activities played a vital role in preserving the cultural heritage and traditions of the various communities and nationalities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Furthermore, they served as a catalyst for the implementation of the Municipality of Novo Sarajevo’s 2022-2027 Youth Strategy. Vedad elaborates on the project’s goals, stating, “Our aim was to involve as many young people as possible in this project, enabling their personal development while simultaneously contributing to the growth of our local community.”

The project was structured into two distinct modules. The first module encompassed activities such as the preparation and organization of a photo exhibition featuring traditional folk costumes. Additionally, it involved the preparation and organization of the inaugural showcase of traditional costumes representing the diverse peoples and nationalities of Bosnia and Herzegovina. On the other hand, the second module entailed the organization of an all-night cultural and artistic concert.

“The MOST project’s primary objective is to forge connections between different generations and instill in young people an appreciation for cultural traditions in areas such as food, music, and more.”

About the project

The Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 2 (ReLOaD2) is a continuation of EU-supported initiatives – Local Democracy Strengthening Project (LOD, 2009-2016) and the subsequently expanded Regional Program for Local Democracy in the Western Balkans (ReLOaD, 2017-2020). As the previous ones, this project is funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). ReLOaD2 is implemented in the Western Balkans, in particular Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Kosovo*, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia.

Recently, the Cultural and Artistic Society “LOLA” embarked on a new project titled MOST-“Intergenerational Relationship, Cooperation, and Tradition,” which is funded by the Regional Programme for Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 2 (ReLOaD2). This initiative, is being jointly implemented by the Cultural-Artistic Association “LOLA” and the Association Partnership for Public Health within the confines of the Municipality of Novo Sarajevo. Through this project, the implementing partners aim to address the needs of the municipality’s population by providing enhanced cultural and artistic experiences and fostering intergenerational collaboration. They seek to bridge the generation gap between younger individuals and those in the third age group while organizing activities that bring these two demographic segments together. Vedad articulates the project’s purpose, explaining, “The MOST project’s primary objective is to forge connections between different generations and instill in young people an appreciation for cultural traditions in areas such as food, music, and more.”

The MOST project is designed to span a duration of six months, during which a series of diverse workshops will be conducted to engage participants throughout the entire project timeline.

Affordable Data Roaming: Bridging the Gap Between the EU and the Western Balkans

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With the support of the EU and RCC telecom operators provide affordable data roaming fees between the Western Balkans and the EU.

In December 2022, 38 telecommunication operators from the EU and the Western Balkans agreed to lower data roaming prices. This agreement has now come into effect as of October 1, 2023, which means that data roaming between the Western Balkans and the EU has become more affordable for both citizens and businesses in these regions.  These operators voluntarily committed to reducing the gap between data roaming and domestic fees when traveling between the EU and the Western Balkans in both directions. The initial reductions in prices are currently being implemented by the participating telecom operators. Many of them are offering packages with prices well below the agreed maximum limits, making them accessible to a wide range of consumers. Further reductions are planned for 2026, following the agreed glide path, with the goal of making data roaming prices close to domestic prices by 2028.

 

Virtyt Gacaferri, is a Kosovo businessman who regularly travels to EU countries. Mr. Gacaferri holds a significant share and serves as the managing partner in one of Kosovo’s most successful tour operator companies, known as Balkan Natural Adventure. Each year, his company welcomes hundreds of visitors from all corners of the globe, including EU nations, to explore Kosovo’s attractions. Furthermore, he also serves as The President of the board of the Kosovos first fintech company a franchise of the Lithuanian-based company Paysera. Due to the nature of his profession, Mr. Gacaferri frequently journeys to EU countries to participate in tourism exhibitions and collaborate with his EU-based partners. Virtyt highly appreciates the lowering of the data roaming agreement. ”As a frequent business traveller, this will have an important positive impact on our travel and business cost in general,” says Virtyt.

 “Subsequent to the implementation of the regional RLAH, Commissioner Várhelyi convened an inaugural meeting of EU and Western Balkan telecom operators. This meeting injected momentum into the process, underscoring the political support and significance of the forthcoming steps.”

Adrienn Király from the DG NEAR, sheds light on the genesis of this endeavour. It took root following the successful enactment of a regional Roam Like at Home agreement among the six Western Balkan economies, beginning on July 1, 2021. This achievement served as a crucial precursor to deliberations regarding the reduction of roaming charges connecting the Western Balkans and the EU. She asserts, “Subsequent to the implementation of the regional RLAH, Commissioner Várhelyi convened an inaugural meeting of EU and Western Balkan telecom operators. This meeting injected momentum into the process, underscoring the political support and significance of the forthcoming steps.”

In 2018, it was determined that extending Roam Like at Home to the Western Balkans was not legally feasible. Consequently, the reduction of roaming charges between the Western Balkans and the EU had to rely on Commercial Voluntary Agreements, taking into account the operators’ business models, commercial interests, and compliance with relevant competition and trade regulations. The negotiation process was overseen by the Regional Cooperation Council in collaboration with the European Commission and DG NEAR, with advisory input from DG CNECT. Multiple negotiation rounds took place between EU and Western Balkan operators before the final voluntary roaming declaration was agreed upon and signed on December 6, 2022, during the EU-Western Balkan Summit.

Following the signing of the declaration, negotiations resumed to establish the precise price caps for reducing retail roaming charges for data roaming services. By May 1, 2023, a total of 36 operators, including prominent EU groups like DT, Orange, A1, United Group, and 4IG, as well as Western Balkan operators, had signed the final agreement. The agreed glide path is as follows: Starting from October 1, 2023, the retail data price cap will be 18 EUR/GB, followed by 14 EUR/GB from January 1, 2026, and 9 EUR/GB from January 1, 2028.

” This process enhances predictability and, most importantly, helps prevent customers from experiencing bill shocks.”

About the project

38 telecommunication operators from the EU and the Western Balkans have agreed to make data roaming between the Western Balkans and the EU more affordable for citizens and businesses in both regions, in a process supported by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and the European Commission. This agreement aligns with the Roaming Declaration signed at the December EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tirana.

 

Through their voluntary agreement, the operators committed to significantly reducing the gap between roaming and domestic fees for data usage in both directions between the EU and the Western Balkans. Maximum retail price levels (‘price caps’) for 1 gigabyte will decrease from October 2023 to 2028 as follows: €18 from 1 October 2023, €14 from 2026, and €9 from 2028. Yearly reviews are foreseen to assess impacts and next steps.

Sara Meić from DG NEAR highlights the significance of the declaration as an initiative that enhances predictability and helps prevent customers from experiencing bill shocks. It also demonstrates goodwill from the market. In the upcoming phases, the European Commission aims to expand this initiative to include telecom operators that are not currently part of the process. Additionally, they will endeavor to further reduce the price caps through the annual review process. Sara states, “In the follow-up steps, we would also like to address the issue of wholesale roaming charges, which would have a positive effect on subsequently lowering retail roaming charges.”

European Commission announces additional €680 million investment package for the Western Balkans under the Economic and Investment Plan

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Today, the European Commission announced a new €680 million investment package to support five flagship investments in rail transport and renewable energy in the Western Balkans. This is the sixth financial package under the EU’s Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans, which is expected to mobilise €16.6 billion in investments. Projects have been prepared in close cooperation with the Western Balkans partners and international financial institutions.

 

European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “In an increasingly fragmented world, we need an even stronger and united community of values. Enlargement is key to achieve this. While we continue to work together on accession, we need to take decisive actions to bring the Western Balkans closer to our economy. With the projects worth €680 million just approved, we are accelerating our shared journey towards a green and better-connected future by upgrading transport links and harnessing renewable energy. Together, we are laying the foundations for sustainable growth and closer integration, demonstrating once again our strong commitment to the region’s prosperity and its path towards EU membership”.

 

The €680 million investment package, includes €253.2 million in EU grants from the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA III), favourable loans from international financing institutions, and contributions from the Western Balkans, has been endorsed on 8 December by the Operational Board of the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF).

 

The five new projects approved cover the following two priority sectors:

  -Sustainable transport: reconstruction of Corridor VIII railway line in Albania and rehabilitation of Bar – Vrbnica railway line in Montenegro. These projects will contribute to upgrade the Western Balkans’ railway transport to TEN-T standards and ensure integration with the EU railway network. -Clean energy: construction of two wind farms in Bosnia and Herzegovina and deployment of a solar photovoltaic power plant in Albania. These projects support the transition to low-carbon economies, and foster sustainable development in the region.  

Background

 

As part of Global Gateway, the EU’s Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans aims to spur long-term recovery, accelerate a green and digital transition, as well as foster regional cooperation and convergence with the EU. Adopted by the European Commission in October 2020, the Plan will mobilise up to €30 billion in investments, including €9 billion in EU grants. Following this new investment package, the EU is expected to mobilise €16.6 billion in investments, including €4.5 billion in EU grants. This includes funding for 59 EIP flagship investments supported through the WBIF.

 

The Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) is a joint financial platform of the European Commission, financial organisations, EU Member States, and Norway aimed at enhancing cooperation in public and private sector investments for the region’s socio-economic development and contributing to the European integration of the Western Balkans. The WBIF is the main financial vehicle for implementing the EU’s ambitious Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans.

Serbia’s Leap into the Erasmus Plus Programme: Fostering Mutual Understanding and Opportunities

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An overview of the EU support through ERASMUS + programme to Serbia

On February 5, 2019, Serbia made a significant leap into the Erasmus Plus Programme, transitioning from a mere partner country to an active participant. On this historic day, Commissioner Navracsics inked a pivotal agreement with Serbia’s Minister for Education, Science, and Technological Development, Mr. Mladen Sarcevic. The journey towards this status and agreement was marked by numerous assessment procedures, ensuring that Serbia was fully prepared to take on a more dynamic role within the European Frameworks. With this accomplishment, Serbia proudly became the 34th country to join the esteemed league of Erasmus Plus Programme Countries in Europe.

Before 2019, Serbia had been actively involved in this global programme through various projects. The country had weathered many challenging initiatives, and Serbian organizations had accumulated substantial experience as partner entities within Erasmus Plus. A notable illustration of this is the fact that nearly 7,000 Serbian students had embarked on learning journeys abroad, while close to 4,300 European individuals had visited Serbia as part of several Erasmus Plus projects since 2014.

“Through ERASMUS + projects, I had the opportunity to acquire a wealth of new knowledge, forge connections with people and friends from nearly every European country, and gain fresh perspecti4ves. These experiences have undeniably reshaped my life.”

Becoming a Programme country has opened up a plethora of opportunities for Serbia over the last four years within the Erasmus Plus framework. This new status has allowed Serbia to engage in a wider array of projects, encompassing a diverse range of activities. Notably, Serbia has joined projects focusing on sports, vocational education and training (VET), as well as school and adult education. This Agreement has effectively forged connections between Serbia and other EU countries.

Teodora Cekić, a young musician hailing from Serbia with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Musical Arts, stands as a testament to the transformative power of ERASMUS + projects. Teodora is not only a Young European Ambassador but also a dedicated youth activist who has collaborated through volunteer work with numerous non-governmental organizations. Among the many young Serbians who have reaped the benefits of ERASMUS + projects, Teodora’s journey has been particularly remarkable. She has actively participated in over 20 short-term ERASMUS + projects and programmes in recent years, spanning various categories such as youth exchange and capacity building initiatives.

Reflecting on her experience with ERASMUS + projects, Teodora underscores their profound impact on both her professional and personal development. “Through ERASMUS + projects, I had the opportunity to acquire a wealth of new knowledge, forge connections with people and friends from nearly every European country, and gain fresh perspectives. These experiences have undeniably reshaped my life,” Teodora passionately expresses.

“I think promotion is very important because most of the people from Serbia that I meet in ERASMUS + are pretty much the same people. So, we need more promotion so that more young people can benefit from the program.”

About the programme

Erasmus+ is the largest European educational programme that deals with the financing of mobility and cooperation projects in the field of education, training, youth and sports. It was created in 2014, and in 2021 it entered a new seven-year implementation period that will last until 2027. The projected budget for this seven-year period of the new Erasmus+ programme is larger than ever and amounts to 26 billion euros. 

ERASMUS + has proven to be a remarkable avenue for Serbia, offering a unique opportunity to foster people-to-people connections and nurture mutual understanding. Notably, it has allowed Serbia to extend its reach beyond the boundaries of the European Area, forging partnerships with international collaborators. This expansion aligns with the EU’s broader objective of enhancing cooperation with Western Balkan countries, and Serbia’s inclusion in the Erasmus Plus Programme countries represents a significant stride in this direction.

Teodora, reflecting on the impact of ERASMUS + projects, underscores their immense value for young individuals in Serbia. However, she believes that more extensive promotion is essential to ensure that a wider cross-section of young people can partake in this program. Teodora passionately advocates for increased promotion, noting that the majority of individuals from Serbia she encounters in ERASMUS + initiatives tend to be familiar faces. She states, “I think promotion is very important because most of the people from Serbia that I meet in ERASMUS + are pretty much the same people. So, we need more promotion so that more young people can benefit from the program,” emphasises Teodora.

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.