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Author: WeBalkans

Empowering Youth to Preserve Prozor-Rama’s Cultural Heritage

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in Stories.

EU-Funded ReLOaD2 Backs Youth Education for Cultural Heritage Preservation and Promotion in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Prozor-Rama, situated in the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, boasts a captivating history that spans centuries. This town played a pivotal role during the Ottoman rule and served as a vital trading centre. Presently, traces of this historical epoch still grace the town’s architecture, with the streets adorned by traditional Ottoman-style houses. Among the notable landmarks in Prozor-Rama stands the Prozor medieval tower, an ancient stronghold that offers sweeping vistas of the surrounding countryside. Erected in the 14th century, this fortress has borne witness to numerous battles and stands as a testament to the town’s tumultuous history. Other historical sites encompass the Gradac archaeological site, the Prozor medieval tower, the Šćit Franciscan monastery, and the Lizoperci mosque.

 “Lately, we have been working on the Gradac archaeological site, where I am professionally engaged as a history master. During this period, I realized the need for an organization dedicated to promoting our rich cultural heritage.”

Antun Kovcalija, a history professional, recently established the NGO “Association Hereditas” with a primary objective to enhance the local and wider promotion of Prozor-Rama’s cultural heritage. He states, “Lately, we have been working on the Gradac archaeological site, where I am professionally engaged as a history master. During this period, I realized the need for an organization dedicated to promoting our rich cultural heritage.”

Earlier this year, Mr. Kovcalija participated in meetings with young people organized by United Nations Develpment Programme (UNDP) within the EU-funded Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 2 (ReLOaD2). These meetings aimed to identify the interests of young people and explore ways to support them. Cultural heritage emerged as one of the topics of interest among young participants. Consequently, Mr. Kovcalija and other members of the organization devised a project proposal and commenced its implementation with the backing of ReLOaD2.

The project, “Youth Active in Culture,” led by the Citizens’ Association “Hereditas” in Prozor-Rama, seeks to involve young individuals in the promotion and preservation of the municipality’s cultural, historical, and natural heritage. Initial activities included issuing a public call for youth participation, conducting project presentations, and delivering a module on youth activism and volunteerism. The second phase of the project entails educational workshops at culturally and historically significant sites, led by experts in relevant fields. These workshops take place at locations such as the Gradac archaeological site, Prozor medieval tower, Šćit Franciscan monastery, and Lizoperci mosque. These activities provide young people with insights into the context and significance of these sites, engaging them in creative workshops and volunteer ecological initiatives associated with these locations. Volunteer efforts encompass cleaning and landscaping the neglected medieval tower in Prozor. Moreover, the project aims to install permanent information boards and establish pathways connecting these significant sites.

“The response from the young people has been fantastic. They are enthusiastic about acquiring new skills, particularly in photography. We conducted the photography workshop at various cultural heritage sites, and the tangible evidence of their dedication is evident in the excellent quality of the photos they have produced.”

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.

The project has now reached its midway point, having successfully organized a photography workshop, a module focusing on youth volunteer activism, a workshop dedicated to cultural heritage, and a volunteer cleanup operation in the vicinity of the castle. Mr. Kovcalija highlights that thus far, the interest and engagement of young participants in these project activities have been exceptionally high. He remarks, “The response from the young people has been fantastic. They are enthusiastic about acquiring new skills, particularly in photography. We conducted the photography workshop at various cultural heritage sites, and the tangible evidence of their dedication is evident in the excellent quality of the photos they have produced.”

Opening of 2024 Erasmus+ European Universities call

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The fifth Erasmus+ call for proposals supports the further rollout of the European Universities initiative, allowing an expansion to at least 60 European Universities by mid-2024, in line with the European strategy for universities.

 

This latest Erasmus+ call for proposals comes with a total budget of €189,2 million and it runs from 3 October 2023 to 6 February 2024. The call will allow the European Universities initiative to expand to at least 60 European Universities alliances with more than 500 universities by 2024. It is delivering on one of the flagship initiatives of the European strategy for universities [pdf].

 

The call is an open competitive call based on qualitative criteria. New alliances are eligible to apply. In addition, one important novelty is the opportunity to set up a Community of Practice of European Universities to support closer cooperation.

Regional EU Awards for Best Investigative Journalism Announced

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On October 5 in Europe House in Sarajevo, the winners of the Regional EU Awards for Best Investigative Journalism were announced. BIRN’s journalist Sasa Dragojlo was among the winners. The Regional award was created and awarded for the first time this year with the goal of fostering collaboration and supporting stories with regional impact produced by journalists from different countries from the Western Balkans region and Türkiye.

 

The jury consisted of Brent Sadler, a multi-award-winning journalist, including a BAFTA for Gulf War coverage and an Overseas Press Club of America Award for reporting from South Lebanon, with 18 years of working experience in CNN; Janine Gibson, an editor of FTWeekend, and editor-in-Chief of BuzzFeed UK and Deputy Editor of The Guardian, who oversaw Pulitzer Prize-winning coverage of the Edward Snowden leaks; and Marko Milosavljević, a well-known academic at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia.

 

The EU Award for Investigative Journalism 2023 is part of the project “Strengthening Quality Journalism in Western Balkans and Türkiye II”. This aims to recognise and promote outstanding achievements in investigative journalism as well as improve the visibility of quality journalism in the Western Balkans and Türkiye.

Montenegro celebrates the delivery of 28 houses to RHP beneficiaries

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A further 28 beneficiary families received keys to new houses in several municipalities in Montenegro today, thanks to the Regional Housing Programme (RHP). The event – the final delivery of keys event to take place in Montenegro before the close of the RHP at end-2023 – took place in Podgorica, and was attended by RHP families from across Montenegro.

 

In addition to the beneficiaries themselves, the ceremony – which was hosted by Admir Adrović, Minister of Labour and Social Welfare of Montenegro, assisted by Budimirka Đukanović, National Coordinator of the RHP in Montenegro – was attended by Ricardo Serri, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Montenegro; H.E. Barış Kalkavan, Ambassador of Türkiye to Montenegro; Scott Parrish, Head of the Political and Economic Section in the United States Embassy in Montenegro; Zlatko Ivanovic, Political Specialist at the U.S. Embassy, and Aleksandar Čađenović, UNHCR Government Liaison Officer.

 

On behalf of the European Union, Ricardo Serri noted that at the end of 2023, Montenegro would have provided 646 homes for a total estimated cost of EUR 25 million. Commending the Montenegrin government, which coordinates RHP activities in Montenegro, he encouraged continuing efforts in this area. “Sustainability is key, both when it comes to finding good housing solutions for those in need as well as the integration of refugees, internally displaced persons, and other vulnerable social groups. The EU will continue supporting you in this process,” he said, wishing the new homeowners many happy years in their new homes. 

WB Youth Forum 2023 in Tirana: Empowering Youth to Act on Berlin Declaration

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Under the theme “Balkan Youth Express,” this forum brought together more than 90 participants including 36 young participants from the region, ministers, different local and regional stakeholders, institutional representatives, and more. Ultimately, a space and a platform for youth to track the developments stemming from the Berlin Declaration in 2022, set the pillars of the Declaration for 2023, and establish tangible actions and activities to transform these aspirations into reality was created. Additionally, to have the opportunity to address all of this at the high-decision-making table of WB and EU actors.

 

Also, Young European Ambassadors participated in the forum. Some as participants and others as facilitators.

 

The event commenced at the Center for Openness and Dialogue in Tirana, and from there, all participants embarked on a train journey from Elbasan to Durres. Along the ride, youth engaged in productive discussions focusing on the 3 main pillars of the Berlin Declaration in order to shape the action plans. A day later, the youth formally presented the action points to local stakeholders at the concluding event at Piramida Center.

 

The forum played a crucial role in the broader framework of the Berlin Process initiated in 2014, aimed at fostering regional integration and strengthening ties with the EU. Within this initiative, the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) has emerged as a vital institutional mechanism, connecting and empowering the youth of the Western Balkans. The upcoming 2023 Berlin Process Summit in Tirana on the 16th of October promises to not only showcase the region’s commitment to integration but also to empower its youth and solidify collaboration among decision-makers.

 

36 young representatives from the region, participating in the WB Youth Forum 2023, called upon various stakeholders and decision-makers to reflect on the formulated action points and cooperate in different ways.

Opportunities for Cross Border Cooperation

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Projects that increase employment opportunities and social rights, improve the quality of health and social institutions, as well as those that promote tourism, protection of cultural heritage and nature will be the focus of the new Cross Border Cooperation programme between Serbia and Montenegro. The programme is financially supported by the European Union. On behalf of the EU, the new programme was signed by EU Ambassador to Serbia Emanuele Giaufret, on behalf of Serbia by the Minister for European Integration, Tanja Miščević, while on behalf of Montenegro, the State Secretary in the Ministry of European Affairs of Montenegro, Milena Žižić.

 

“Firstly, we are signing a new Cross Border Cooperation Programme between Serbia and Montenegro, amounting to EUR 8.4 million of EU funds”, said Ambassador Giaufret.

 

After the signing, 23 contracts were handed over for cooperation projects between Serbia and Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina, which were approved during the previous cross border agreement IPA II (2014-2020).

 

Cross Border Cooperation is based on needs. That is why the priorities of this instrument are based on clear assessments. Its key elements are the accession or European partnerships established by the EU with beneficiary countries, the Commission’s strategic document for enlargement and annual reports for each of the countries. Through cross border cooperation, various forms of assistance can be provided to countries implementing political and economic reforms on their way to EU membership: investments, procurement contracts or subsidies; assistance of experts from member states for the development of administrative cooperation; activities to support beneficiary countries; assistance for the implementation and management of programmes; in exceptional cases, budget support.

A New Kindergarten in the Užice village of Karan with EU support

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Thanks to the support of the European Union, Užice got its first village kindergarten in Karan, which will soon be attended by about 50 children. With the EU grant in the amount of almost 180,000 Euros extended through the EU PRO Plus programme, and a significant Užice City co-funding of over 200,000 Euros, the kindergarten facility in Karan was adapted and expanded, and now has an equipped kitchen with a dining room, two work rooms for children of different ages age, a teacher room thus providing adequate conditions for preschool education and growing up of children. The kindergarten is also equipped with furniture and didactic material.

 

The European Union, as the largest donor in Serbia, supports the modernization of the education system and harmonization with the standards and practices of EU countries. Since 2003, the EU has donated more than 100 million euros for the reform of the education sector – for the improvement of preschool education and education, the reform of secondary vocational education and adult education, renovation and equipping of schools and colleges, support for inclusive education, etc.

 

The European Union program for local development – EU PRO Plus contributes to a more balanced socio-economic development of 99 local governments in two regions: Šumadija and Western Serbia and Southern and Eastern Serbia. The program works on improved management of territorial development, economic growth and improved social infrastructure and social cohesion.

57th Bitef Festival opened

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This year’s 57th Bitef was officially opened at the Yugoslav Drama Theatre, with a moving speech by director Boro Drašković and the acclaimed German play “Children of the Sun” directed by Mateja Koležnik.  
Before the opening, a festive cocktail was held in the Yugoslav Drama Theater organised by Bitef and the Delegation of the European Union in Serbia. On that occasion, the festival’s artistic director Nikita Milivojević and deputy head of the EU Delegation in Serbia, Plamena Halacheva, greeted the attendees.  
In her opening address, Halacheva pointed out that she is proud that the EU Delegation in Serbia is supporting the Bitef festival for the sixth time.  
Tickets are on sale through the festival website, and can also be purchased at the Bitef box office on the first floor of the MTS hall, as well as before the beginning of the performances at the ticket offices of the mentioned theaters.  
All information about the main and supporting programs of the festival can be found on the official website of the festival, as well as via social networks Facebook and Instagram.

Conference on Sustainable Tourism in the Mediterranean

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The National Tourist Organisation of Montenegro (NTO CG), as part of the “Tourism Dialogue” project, organised a conference in Podgorica on the topic of “First Steps Towards Collaborative Management of Sustainable Tourism in the Mediterranean.” This is a project dedicated to improving tourism management in the Mediterranean region, in which NTO CG is the leading partner from Montenegro, and the associated partner is the Statistical Office MONSTAT. The project aims to create greener and smarter tourism in the Mediterranean through intensive cross-border cooperation. Partners from seven Mediterranean countries (Spain, France, Greece, Italy, Cyprus, and Croatia) attended the conference in Podgorica.

 

The ‘Tourism Dialogue‘project is supported through the INTERREG Technical Support Programme for the Euro-Mediterranean Transnational Programme 2021-2027 (Euro-MED) and will last for seven years. In addition to NTO CG and MONSTAT, who is an associated partner in this project, partners include the Andalusian Public Foundation “El legado andalusi” from Spain as the leading partner in the project, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region from France, the Institute for Agriculture and Tourism – IPTPO from Croatia, the Municipality of Varna from Bulgaria, the European Public Law Organisation – EPLO from Greece, the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Works from Cyprus, the Lazio Region from Italy, and 24 other associated partners from the EUROMED area.”

EU donates a Customized Missing Persons Software to the Missing Persons Institute in BiH

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In a significant step towards strengthening the process of locating and identifying missing persons in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Delegation of European Union to BIH and Embassy of Sweden to BIH have donated essential equipment to the Missing Persons Institute of BiH as part of its continued support to the Institute and the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP). This donation reflects the EU commitment to supporting the Bosnia and Herzegovina and the ICMP in its efforts to locate and investigate the disappearance of missing persons from the conflicts of the 1990s in line with the rule of law.

 

Head of the EU Delegation and EU Special Representative in BiH Ambassador Johann Sattler visited the BiH Missing Persons Institute today to officially hand over the Integrated Data Management System (iDMS), a cutting-edge software solution developed by the ICMP in close cooperation with the Missing Persons Institute of BiH. The ultimate objective was to customize the iDMS to match the Institute’s specific needs and the challenges encountered in safeguarding the Central Record of missing persons as well as ensuring analyses of large amounts of personal and forensic data.

 

The European Union has so far provided 16 million euros to support the ICMP and the BiH authorities to strengthen their capacities in the search and identification of mission persons in BiH.  In addition, with the objective of transferring all the processes to the national authorities, the EU has equipped the DNA state level laboratory and will finance specialized training for the laboratory staff.

 

Furthermore, with EU financial assistance, the ICMP has developed a Case Management database to streamline the processing of unidentified human remains cases in mortuaries across BiH. The Case Management database, a pioneering initiative by ICMP, serves as a central repository for all active NN cases. It is populated with data meticulously gathered during the review of NN cases that was carried out in BiH mortuary facilities from 2013 to 2018. The database not only consolidates this critical information, it facilitates the implementation of recommendations outlined in the NN Review Report, another crucial project funded by the European Union.  It is expected that these efforts will significantly enhance the efficiency of the BiH Missing Persons Institute and the BiH Prosecutor’s Office, leading to the resolution of a higher number of cases and consequently reducing the overall number of missing person cases in BIH.