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Author: WeBalkans

Statement by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, President of the Republic of Kosovo

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

First of all, let me say that we strongly condemn the violent attacks of 24 September. My deepest condolences to the family and the friends of the police officer. Such an attack is totally inacceptable, it clashes with EU values. And the perpetrators must be brought to justice.

 

Dear Madam President, dear Vjosa,

 

It is good to be here again. And thank you very much for welcoming me here again in Pristina. At the very beginning, let me reassure you that the EU is fully committed to a future with all six Western Balkan countries as part of our European Union. Looking at Kosovo, my first message is: Kosovo is making steady progress on EU reforms. So, congratulations for your hard work and your efforts. Especially in strengthening your democracy, with your cross-party electoral reform. Of course, there is more work to be done, as we have just discussed in our meeting. But I want to reassure you: We will walk this path together.

 

At the beginning, perhaps a word on the visa liberalisation. I remember very well last year when the two of us were at the press conference, and there was this strong call for the visa liberalisation. Now, this year, I would say that we have basically made it. So this is a big step forward. As of 1 January, Kosovo citizens will be able to enjoy visa-free travel to the European Union, like the rest of the region. We all know this is a fantastic way to bring our people closer. It is a very important milestone in our relations. So, well done. This is the result of years of hard work from the side of Kosovo. I know it.

 

My second message is: We have to bring our economies closer. This is what we have been doing in the past. You recall that we have our EUR 30 billion European Investment Plan for the Western Balkans. It is delivering fast. For example, the Railway Corridor X that connects you, Serbia and North Macedonia. And the Solar4Kosovo-Photovoltaic Plant that you are currently preparing. These are beautiful projects. Last year, we went together side by side through an enormous, severe energy crisis. We supported you with EUR 75 million. I hope this helped cushion the impact of high energy prices on households and businesses. These were very testing times, but we overcame the difficulties together.

 

As I said, we have to bring our economies closer. If we look at the figures, the economy of Kosovo is at 27% of the EU average income. So, there is a lot of untapped potential. And we should try to double your economy in a decade. This is why we have put forward the Growth Plan. If I may summarise it very briefly, it contains four pillars.

 

The first pillar is: We open our Single Market in several crucial sectors to your businesses, your companies.

 

In return, and this is pillar number two, we expect you to open your borders to your neighbours and complete the Common Regional Market of the Western Balkans. This is very important because we then have the Single Market and we have the Common Regional Market, which has an enormous potential. Actually, the Common Regional Market could increase the GDP of the Western Balkans by 10%, if completed.

 

The third pillar says that, for this opening of the markets, we need a level playing field. For that, some reforms have to be done. For example, for Kosovo, improving the business environment, equipping people with the right skills, or greening your energy sector. You are doing a lot, but we have to do more. And of course, there are still very important horizontal priorities, like strengthening the judiciary, as well as fighting corruption and organised crime.

 

The fourth pillar says that, with the reforms you are doing, comes investment. This is a principle we have adopted in the European Union in our so-called NextGenerationEU plan: investment and reforms. And it works very well. So if it works in the European Union’s Member States, I am convinced it will also work in the Western Balkan countries.

 

This Growth Plan is supposed to boost your economy. Most importantly, it will create good jobs. And it will support you on your accession path to the European Union. I believe this is the right offer at the right time. As I said, the Plan has the potential to double your economy within a decade. And it will play an important role in your path to the European Union.

 

My last message: We all know that we can only achieve all these steps forward and successes if Kosovo and Serbia normalise their relations. It is absolutely crucial for both to engage, to cooperate.  And we have discussed the topic together that Kosovo could launch the procedure to establish the Association of Serb-majority municipalities – that is the draft statement of last week. Serbia should deliver on de facto recognition. This is what I will discuss tomorrow in Serbia. And of course, the EU Dialogue is the place to discuss these topics.

 

We are deeply convinced that this the only way to go forward, not only to access the Growth Plan but also towards a future in which Kosovo – and we really hope it is going to happen – is part of the European Union.

Statement by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with Serbian President Vučić

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Thank you very much Mr President, dear Aleksandar, for hosting me again here in Belgrade. We had a very good conversation.

 

Basically, the first message is: Enlargement is at the top of the agenda of the European Union. It is a time of global turbulences, so we must strengthen the unity and the security of our continent. And enlargement is the way to do it. We want Serbia to join our Union. The offer is based on trust, reciprocity and partnership. It is a promise of peace and prosperity. And it is a unique opportunity that no one else can match. I very much hope, and I am convinced, that you will seize this moment. Serbia is already one of the most advanced countries on the EU path, due to the good progress made in the past. We want you to take the next steps to get closer to us, including in foreign policy. Because we want to count on Serbia as a reliable European partner, standing up for our common principles and values.

 

My second message is on the economy: Indeed, Mr President, dear Aleksandar, you described that the Serbian economy is doing well. It is now at 44% of the EU average income per capita. That is good. But we want more. And we want to get closer. This is very important for us. To get closer, we already have our EUR 30 billion Investment Plan for the Western Balkans. It is delivering fast. For example, with the Kostolac Wind Farm and the Serbia-Bulgaria gas interconnector, which I indeed had the chance to visit.

 

Last year, as you described, we went through a severe energy crisis. But working together, helping to cushion the impact of high energy prices on households and businesses – as you just described –, enabled us to overcome this severe crisis together. And this is the best principle of all: If you are in testing times, work together, we can overcome difficulties together.

 

This is looking back. What I want is to look forward on the new Growth Plan to getting our economies closer to each other. This new Growth Plan for the Western Balkans has four steps.

 

The first step is: We open our Single Market to the companies and businesses of the Western Balkan countries.

 

The second element is: In return, the Western Balkan countries open their markets to their neighbours, so as to really create the Common Regional Market of the Western Balkans. The potential of this Common Regional Market of the Western Balkans is enormous. If completed, it could increase the GDP of the Western Balkan economies by 10%.

 

The third element is: If we open the Single Market of the European Union and we complete the Common Regional Market of the Western Balkans, we need a level playing field. And for that, reforms have to be done.

 

And here comes the fourth element: If you do the reforms, we come with investment. For Serbia, for example, this would be: improving the business environment, making the energy sector ready – we are working on it – for the green transition, the focus on education and on training people for the jobs of tomorrow. Just to name of few topics where there can be reforms and investment together. In addition, reforms for judicial independence are essential. On media freedom, you just finalised important reforms. Congratulations on that one. Now you need to implement it and keep on working on this sector. So this is the package of reforms plus the investment.

 

This new Growth Plan includes EUR 6 billion for investment in the Western Balkan economies. We made a very good experience in the European Union if we combined investment and reforms. We did that after the pandemic with our investment plan, NextGenerationEU. And it worked very well to have the investments accompanied by reforms. So if it works for the Member States, I think it will also work for us together. This Growth Plan will boost your economy. It will, most importantly, create good jobs. And, of course, it will also support you on your path to accession. I believe this is the right offer at the right time.

 

My last message is: We need normalisation between Serbia and Kosovo. The violent attack of 24 September in North Kosovo is completely unacceptable. The perpetrators must be held accountable and brought to justice. This is absolutely crucial for both to engage and to go the path of normalisation. In this respect, it is important that Serbia endorses the statute of the Association Community. Kosovo has to implement this statute. In addition, it is essential that Serbia begins the implementation of the existing agreements and does not lose time on this.

 

Going forward with that, the right place to discuss all these issues is the EU-facilitated Dialogue. This is the only way forward. It is a good way to access the Growth Plan but, more importantly, it is the best way towards a future in which Serbia is part of the European Union.

 

Thank you.

Statement by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with Montenegrin President Milatović

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Thank you very much Mr President, dear Jakov,

 

It is a pleasure to be here. Thank you very much for the excellent talks we had. Enlargement is at the top of the agenda of this Commission. This is one more reason why I am very happy to be here today. Especially because I know how committed the people of Montenegro are to join the European Union – it is a very pro-European country.

 

We are both here to make it happen. All negotiation chapters are opened, three are already provisionally closed. Montenegro has been for a long time the most advanced Western Balkan country on the EU accession path. And I am happy to see that you are determined to keep the pole position. Congratulations also on your 100% alignment with the CFSP, so the foreign and security policies of the European Union. You are a valued member of NATO, without any question. So we discussed many positive topics.

 

Therefore, my first message is that I welcome that you now should be fully focused on the accession objective. Together, we should now go the last mile and bring it over the finish line. And I am very much looking forward to meeting the new Prime Minister after this press conference. It is important – and that is what you outlined – that the whole country is speaking with one voice and going in one direction together. The way to do it is for the whole country to come together – without any question – and build consensus and deliver on the EU reforms. Montenegro is blessed with a very diverse society. This is an asset. And working for justice and prosperity for all will bring Montenegro closer to the European Union. Our motto in the European Union is: ‘United in diversity’. And you know exactly what that means.

 

My second message is on the economy. We have discussed together that we should bring our economies closer. We have worked on that already in the past with our EUR 30 billion Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans. It is delivering fast. For example, with the Montenegro-Serbia Rail Interconnection. And the key transformer station of the Trans-Balkan Electricity Corridor that I will visit later today. It is a real success story made in Montenegro and powered by the European Union.

 

With that, Montenegro has the potential to become a major energy provider in this region. Last year, we also went through the energy crisis together. It was a severe energy crisis. We supported you also financially to cushion the impact of the high prices on households and businesses. And today, we can see that, together, we overcame all these difficulties. So this is another proof of the close cooperation we do have.

 

Now let us look at today’s economy and the way forward. Currently, the size of your economy stands at about 50% of the EU average. So, there is a lot of untapped potential. We discussed that we want to make a strong effort to increase the value of the economy. This is why we presented, on the European level, the new Growth Plan. This Growth Plan has four different pillars.

 

The first one is that the European Union opens the door of the European Single Market, in seven very crucial sectors of the economy, to the Western Balkans.

 

The second element is: The Western Balkans open their borders to their neighbours and complete the Common Regional Market so that we have a much larger market for all of us. The Common Regional Market has an enormous potential. If completed, it could increase the GDP of the region by 10%. We should use that.

 

The third element is: If we open the Single Market and complete the Common Regional Market of the Western Balkans, we need reforms to have a level playing field. You will have to deliver reforms. But then comes the fourth pillar that says that we are investing to accompany these reforms. For Montenegro, this is, for example, to improve the business environment, to embrace the digital transition, or to modernise the energy sector.

 

And with that, if we do it right and open our economies, we are able to double your economy in a decade. So the untapped potential is there, and we should really use and seize the opportunity. We have used this principle of investment and reforms in the European Union with NextGenerationEU, after COVID-19. And it worked excellently. Therefore, we want to apply the same principle for our Western Balkan countries: investment comes with reforms. I believe this is the right offer at the right time. So, Mr President, I hope we can continue to make good progress. Thank you again for hosting me and for the excellent talks we had.

Statement by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with Dimitar Kovachevski, Prime Minister of the Republic of North Macedonia

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Thank you very much, Prime Minister, dear Dimitar,  
It is always a pleasure to be here in Skopje and to visit this wonderful country. I am here today basically to tell you, and the citizens of North Macedonia, that you are on a good track to join the European Union. I am very much looking forward to welcoming you. You, Prime Minister, have described the improvement and the steps forward over the last years. I must say that this is amazing to see the progress that North Macedonia has done. And your determination to move forward in the right direction is also impressive. We know that the European Union has also a long history of accession. It was not always a Union of 27, but we had one step of enlargement after the other. And it was always a history of respect for each other and for every nation, and of respect for the diversity we represent. Therefore, one day, I am absolutely convinced that we will welcome North Macedonia with its unique identity and its own language. Today, we do already have 24 different languages in the European Union. And one day, we will count Macedonian among them. We had very good talks today – thank you very much for this. And thank you very much to the members of the government that were also there at these talks.  
North Macedonia has already come such a long way – and you described it with many impressive figures. My wish is that you should absolutely keep going. The screening process is indeed progressing smoothly. Thank you very much for the excellent work that you have done. The negotiation teams are doing a fantastic job. We aim to open negotiations on the fundamentals’ cluster still this year. And I know we can do it. Of course, I am aware of the ongoing work on amending your constitution. The first steps have been taken in your parliament – and that is good news. Now, I hope that all parties will seize this opportunity to move forward. Because there is a true momentum now, all over the European Union and those countries who want to join the European Union, for the enlargement process. So, it is important to seize that moment. I know how these processes can be challenging, of course. I am sure that you will live up to your reputation as a successful multi-ethnic society. You already embody the motto of the European Union. It is: ‘United in diversity’. This is actually also why Skopje has been awarded the prestigious title of European Capital of Culture 2028. Congratulations for that.  
My second message is: We need to bring our economies closer. This is what we have already been doing. If we look back, we have our EUR 30 billion Investment Plan for the Western Balkans. It is delivering fast. For example, with the Oslomej and Bitola Solar Power Plants, we are investing heavily in renewable energy, and this is good because it gives us energy independence together. And the Bogdanci Wind Park. Sun and wind, you have them, are important resources for renewable energy. Of course, you are right, you mentioned it, last year, we went through a severe energy crisis. But we stood together, and we have moved mountains. We supported you with EUR 80 million to cushion the impact of high energy prices on households and businesses. We worked hard together to secure the energy that was needed throughout the winter, and we were successful. Prices have come down. We are still working on lowering them further. Those have been testing times, but important is that we overcame them together. This was the fact in the past, but we also discussed energy today. So, also for the future, whatever the challenges regarding energy are, let us face them together and let us overcome them together. We are ready to start disbursing the EUR 100 million in macro-financial assistance, that we announced. But, as I said, we need to do more, we need to bring our economies closer.  
If you look at the figures, it shows a very successful development, but your economy is at 42% of the average income in the European Union. So, what we aim to do together is to double your economy in a decade. This is the reason why we present the new Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. You have described it. Indeed, there are more or less four important steps.  
The first is: We give your companies access to key parts of the European Single Market. We basically open the doors to the European Single Market in seven different important sectors.  
The second pillar is: We ask you to also open your Common Regional Market in the Western Balkans to your neighbours and complete this Common Regional Market. Because the potential of the Common Regional Market in the Western Balkans is huge. The Common Regional Market could, if we complete it, increase the GDP of the Western Balkans by 10%. So, it is a huge opportunity to move forward.  
The third pillar is: If we want to open the doors of the Single Market and complete the Common Regional Market of the Western Balkans, this needs positive reforms, for example for the business environment. For North Macedonia, reforms could, for example, include an efficient public administration, sound public finances, and an improved business environment. And it is crucial as well to carry on with the reforms for the independence of the judiciary, and to fight against corruption. All these are reforms to be done to have a level playing field, between the European Single Market and the Western Balkan Common Regional Market.  
As a fourth pillar, as reforms are never easy, these will come with investment. And we have indeed proposed a EUR 6 billion package for our Western Balkan partners. So, it is reforms and investment. Why are we proposing this? Because we made a very good experience with this principle in the European Union. We have an investment plan for our Member States that is called NextGenerationEU. We put it in place after the pandemic. And it works the same way: reforms and investment. It is working excellently. So, we thought: Why not open this principle also for our friends in the Western Balkans? The Growth Plan will boost your economy. Most importantly, it will create good jobs. And in parallel, it will also support you, of course, on your path towards the European Union.  
I believe this is the right offer at the right time. The Plan has the potential to double the size of your economy in a decade. That is the goal. And it will play an important role on your path towards the European Union. You have consistently shown an amazing dedication on this path towards the European Union. For example, with your alignment with the EU’s response to Russia’s brutal war of aggression in Ukraine. I also want to commend you on the great job you are doing as  
Chairperson of the OSCE. So, you have shown time and again that you are a very reliable partner. And I thank you for that.  
Thank you very much.

President von der Leyen in the Western Balkans to present details of the Growth Plan for the region

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The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will start a four-day visit to North Macedonia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina on Sunday. This will be the occasion to discuss bilateral cooperation, and notably to present in more detail to regional leaders the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. On Sunday, President von der Leyen will meet the President of North Macedonia, Stevo Pendarovski. The following morning, the President will meet with the Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Dimitar Kovačevski, in Skopje. Later in the day, she will travel to Pristina, where she will meet the President and the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani and Albin Kurti.  
On Tuesday morning, the President will be in Podgorica, Montenegro. She will meet with President Jakov Milatović and the caretaker Prime Minister of Montenegro, Dritan Abazović. In the afternoon, President von der Leyen will travel to Belgrade. There, she will meet the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, as well as the Prime Minister, Ana Brnabić.Lastly, on Wednesday, President von der Leyen will meet in Sarajevo with the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. She will also meet with the Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers, Borjana Krišto.  The President will hold press conferences during all her visits and they will be broadcast on EbS.  
The visit comes after the meetings of President von der Leyen in Albania earlier this month, on 15-16 October. There, she participated in the inauguration of the liaison office of the College of Europe in Tirana and in the Berlin Process Summit. Her remarks then with the Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, are available online.

YEAs participate in the UNAA Youth Forum ‘Skills for Peace’ in Tirana

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From 23-25 October, YEAs participated in the Western Balkans Youth Forum ‘Skills for Peace’ organized by UNAA during the Peace Week in Tirana Albania. 
First day consisted more of gathering and networking between participants to get to know each other. Also, it was an interesting discussion about peace strategies and the role of youth in sustainability and partnership between countries in the region. The most important part of the event was the signing of the “Memorandum of Understanding” between UNA Albania, UNA Serbia and UNA North Macedonia as a symbol of cooperation and partnership in the region. 
The second day started with interactive training sessions on negotiations. After that, we were divided in groups and worked on the draft of the “Declaration on Youth Skills for Peace”. It was focused mostly on peacebuilding, the role of youth in activism and decision making and also in digitalization and its impact in society. The Public Diplomacy Manager of Webalkans was invited to the Panel Discussion: “Presenting the Declaration on Youth Skills for Peace”. After it, as a side event, the YEA Country Coordinator from Albania presented the YEA Network and how they utilize skills to bring social change.

EU Investigative Journalism Awards 2023: Meet the Winners

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The EU investigative Journalistm Award 2023 has officially concluded. Celebrating the most compelling investigative stories from the Western Balkans and Turkiye, these awards highlight journalism that contributes to freedom of expression, the rule of law, transparency, and delves into a wide array of critical topics affecting national and regional dynamics.

 

The EU Award for Investigative Journalism 2023 is part of the project “Strengthening Quality Journalism in Western Balkans and Türkiye II”. The project is funded by the European Union, and it is implemented by a consortium composed of Balkan Investigative Reporting Network – BIRN Hub, Central European University (CEU) – Hungary, Association of Journalists (AJ) – Türkiye, Thomson Media (TM) – Germany, University Goce Delcev Stip (UGD) – North Macedonia, The Independent Union of Journalists and Media Workers (SSNM) – North Macedonia, Media Association of South-East Europe (MASE) – Montenegro and Balkan Investigative Reporting Network Kosovo (BIRN Kosovo).

Creative Europe call for European cooperation projects open

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This call will support projects to carry out a broad spectrum of activities and initiatives involving artists and stakeholders active in different cultural and creative sectors. With a budget of around €60 million, the action will foster cooperation between organisations active in the field of culture, to increase the cross-border dimension of creation and circulation of European artistic content. It will also encourage the development, experimentation, dissemination, and application of new and innovative practices.

 

The action will support at least 130 projects. European cooperation projects are open to all the cultural and creative sectors. However, considering that this action is part of the Culture strand of the Programme, projects with exclusive audio-visual content and/or exclusively composed of organisations from the audio-visual sector are not eligible to apply.

RCC opens applications for butterfly innovation award 2023

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The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) is inviting creative minds to apply for the 2nd round of Regional Butterfly Innovation Award for innovative, scalable, and market-based solutions from the Western Balkans. The Butterfly Innovation Award fund is set at 30,000 EUR, where the best solution in each of the 6 categories will get the prize of 5,000 EUR.

 

The second regional Butterfly Innovation Award aims to continue supporting the Western Balkans’ economic development by embracing digital transformation and fostering environmental sustainability, and promoting the innovation culture in the region through showcasing successful innovative achievements and empowering especially sensitive groups such as youth and women. Road to innovation is not an easy one, but we will be glad if we can help on your path.

Exploring the Cross-Border Charms of Kosovo and Montenegro: Peja and Gusinje Unveiled

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The EU funded project supports promotion of cultural heritage at the Cross Border Region between Kosovo and Montenegro.

Nestled amid the splendid landscapes of Southeast Europe lies a hidden treasure, where the natural splendor of mountains harmoniously blends with a rich tapestry of cultures. The cross-border expanse spanning Kosovo and Montenegro, encompassing the municipalities of Peja and Gusinje, is a captivating destination that beckons intrepid travelers and culture aficionados alike. This cross-border region boasts awe-inspiring scenery that stands as a testament to the grandeur of nature. Towering mountain ranges, notably the Accursed Mountains, offer unmatched opportunities for hiking, mountaineering, and wildlife observation.

 

Yet, beyond the captivating landscapes, this cross-border territory is steeped in history and culture. Regrettably, the cultural heritage of the region has not received the same level of promotion as its natural wealth. Consequently, two cross-border municipalities, Peja in Kosovo and Gusinje in Montenegro, have taken proactive measures to address this discrepancy.

 “We maintain regular contact with visitors at our tourism information centre. Most of our project proposals stem from the feedback we receive from both visitors and the community.”

Blerta Harxhi Begolli holds the role of Senior Project Officer in the Tourism Sector at the Municipality of Peja. She elaborates on the municipality’s consistent success in securing support for Cross-Border Cooperation projects, stating, “We maintain regular contact with visitors at our tourism information centre. Most of our project proposals stem from the feedback we receive from both visitors and the community.”

The municipalities of Peja and Gusinje had established a twinning partnership for some time. Recognizing the shared need for enhanced promotion of their cultural heritage, they jointly decided to initiate and apply for the “Cultural Heritage: A Treasure of the Cross-Border Region” project. This project encompasses a series of measures aimed at enhancing the quantity, quality, and visibility of tourism activities related to the appreciation of cultural and natural heritage.

To enhance the conditions of heritage sites along the cultural route and offer improved services to tourists, audio guides have been acquired for Peja. Additionally, information boards have been installed at three main entry points to Peja to disseminate details about the city’s cultural heritage assets. Signage has been strategically positioned in front of these heritage assets in Peja, accompanied by seating areas for the convenience of visitors.

The project has recently concluded, and within its framework, the partner municipalities conducted extensive research on the cultural heritage assets of the region. They also compiled a study focused on the valorization of cultural heritage, established cultural routes, upgraded facilities at cultural route points to enhance visitor experiences, provided capacity-building opportunities for service providers, implemented signposting to promote the newly developed offerings, and executed various other initiatives to promote the cultural heritage.

“What’s even more important is that feedback from visitors indicates the project interventions are highly beneficial to them. The cultural routes are frequently used, and their quality meets the desired standards.”

About the programme

Under the 2nd Call for Proposals within the IPA CBC programme Montenegro Kosovo, the European Union allocated funds exceeding two million Euros for cross-border cooperation projects. These initiatives led by project beneficiaries have significantly bolstered the region’s quality of life. They’ve achieved this by promoting employment, fostering social inclusion, and enhancing the region’s tourism, cultural, and natural heritage.

Blerta underscores the profoundly positive impact of the project, highlighting one of its most significant achievements: the installation of orientation signs at cultural heritage sites across the city. She remarks, “For instance, before this project, visitors entering the city of Peja had no guidance whatsoever regarding the location of cultural heritage sites. Now, visitors have comprehensive directions to explore the city’s cultural heritage and the surrounding areas.”

Regarding sustainability, Blerta notes that the partner municipalities, working in collaboration with civil society and other stakeholders, consistently maintain the cultural routes and signage. She emphasizes, “What’s even more important is that feedback from visitors indicates the project interventions are highly beneficial to them. The cultural routes are frequently used, and their quality meets the desired standards.”