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Author: WeBalkans

Celebrating the European Day of Languages in Serbia

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

On the occasion of European Day of Languages, has been celebrated on September 26 in all European cities since 2001, the Children’s Cultural Centre Belgrade in cooperation with the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia, the Council of Europe, the Ministry of European Integration, the network of EU National Institutes of Culture (EUNIC Cluster) and the City Administration of the City of Belgrade organized a program for children and young people on the Republic Square in Belgrade. Celebrating European Day of Languages promotes multilingualism throughout Europe and language learning regardless of age and surrounding.

 

The youngest visitors had the opportunity to learn about the cultures and languages of different European countries at the stands of embassies and cultural centres, enjoy delicacies, take part in a prize quiz and thus test their knowledge, but also to familiarize themselves with the work of Create Europe Serbia, EU Delegation to Serbia and the Ministry of European Integration at their stands.

 

In addition to the Belgrade Children’s Cultural Centre, which is the main organizer of the event, this year’s event participants are the embassies of Finland, the Kingdom of Denmark, Slovenia, Sweden, the Republic of Portugal, Ukraine, the Kingdom of Belgium, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Kingdom of Spain, Austria and the Republic of Poland, as well as the Italian Cultural Institute, the French Institute, Goethe Institute, the Austrian Institute,  the Czech Institute Belgrade, Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – Turkish Cultural Centre Belgrade, the Association of Single Parents and Families of Children with Disabilities “Plava skoljka”, Delegation of the European Union, Council of Europe, Ministry of European Integration of the Republic of Serbia and Desk Creative Europe Serbia

Creative women of Montenegro present: “European Music of Montenegrin Cultural Diplomacy”

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

On Thursday, 28 September, the audience in Cetinje will have the opportunity to hear, for the first time, musical pieces that are part of the National Museum collection, composed by European composers and inspired by 19th century Montenegro. Composers from Germany, Austria, Poland, Italy, and France have composed pieces, dedicated to Montenegro or members of the royal family, for various musical ensembles. The concert will feature the premiere of Danilo’s Waltz, the composition “King of Montenegro,” and a composition dedicated to Victor Emmanuel III and Queen Elena of Italy.

 

The orchestra, consisting of students from the Music Academy in Cetinje and members of the Montenegrin Symphony Orchestra, will perform at 20:00 at the Government House. The concert and the exhibition are part of the project “European Music of Montenegrin Cultural Diplomacy,” organised by the Creative Women of Montenegro Foundation with the aim of revitalising the European-Montenegrin music and cultural heritage. Additionally, it addresses the issue of the lack of research on the mentioned topic and the revival of Montenegro’s cultural diplomacy. The project is implemented within the ReLOaD2 programme, funded by the European Union, and implemented by the UNDP in cooperation with local self-governments, including the Royal Capital of Cetinje.

 

The orchestral performance will be accompanied by a video collage composed of little-known short videos and photographs from diplomatic events at the court during the Kingdom of Montenegro.

EU Awards for Investigative Journalism in Montenegro

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Laureates of the award included journalists from Montenegro whose stories were published last year and were assessed as the best by the expert jury.

 

The first prize went to journalist Đurđa Radulović (Centre for Investigative Journalism) for the article “Silence That Speaks – Maternity Hospitals Violate WHO Recommendations.” The second prizewent to journalist Olivera Lakić (Libertas Press) for the series of articles on high level corruption in Montenegro’s judiciary system and for the series of articles on crime and corruption within the structures of the Montenegrin police and  the third prize was awarded for the stories “Pandora Papers: Russian Offshore Millions for Luxury Real Estate in Montenegro,” by Dejan Milovac (MANS Research Centre), and “The Secret E-Gambling Affair” by the group of authors that includes: Vladimir Otašević, Jovo Martinović, Marko Vešović, and Andras Kiraly (RTV Nikšić, LUPA Research Centre).

 

The winners were chosen by the jury members who are prominent experts in the field of journalism: Boro Kontić, Nataša Ružić, and Tena Perišin. The national award ceremony is part of a broader project titled “EU Awards for Investigative Journalism in the Western Balkans and Turkey,” which is supported by the European Union.

A New Era of Energy Efficiency Subsidies in Kosovo

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In a landmark move designed to promote energy efficiency and bolster the use of renewable energy in Kosovo, while also improving the social well-being of its inhabitants — an initiative supported by the European Union — the application for the comprehensive subsidy package was officially opened on August 18, 2023. Kosovo’s Ministry of Economy announced this subsidy package for families willing to invest in energy-efficient home appliances and solar water heating systems. “The EU’s support in this initiative underscores our mutual commitment to sustainable development and social inclusion,” said Alessandro Bianciardi on the day of announcement, illustrating the European Union’s integral role in this progressive move.

 

As part of the larger Energy Support Package backed by the EU, the new subsidy package has been crafted to alleviate the financial strain on households, making vital household appliances and utilities more accessible and aiding Kosovo in its pursuit of a sustainable, green transition. The subsidized items include washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, and even solar systems designed for heating sanitary water. While the package is open to the general public, there is a special emphasis on aiding financially vulnerable groups. Specifically, self-supporting parents and citizens who are beneficiaries of categories I & II social assistance schemes stand to benefit the most from these new measures. For washing machines, while a standard subsidy of 200 Euros is available, single mothers and those on social assistance will receive higher subsidies of 300 and 400 Euros respectively. Dishwashers are subsidized at 150 Euros generally but rise to 250 and 300 Euros for the self-supporting and socially assisted categories. Refrigerators or freezers are subsidized at 100 Euros for the general population, with an increase to 150 and 200 Euros for the targeted vulnerable groups.

 

This initiative represents the first-ever energy efficiency scheme specifically designed for the residential sector by the institutions of the Republic of Kosovo. The program is administered by Kosovo’s Fund for Energy Efficiency. As winter nears, the urgency for these energy efficiency upgrades intensifies, offering the people of Kosovo both cozier homes and a smaller carbon footprint. These initiatives are part of the EU’s decisive response to pressing needs, with the rapid allocation of a notable EUR 75 million from its substantial EUR 1 billion Energy Support Package for the Western Balkans.  This package, a decisive counteraction to the skyrocketing energy prices in the aftermath of Russia’s unexpected aggression towards Ukraine, earmarks substantial funds to combat the prevailing energy crisis in Kosovo and its neighboring nations.

The EU and UNICEF launch a public campaign to promote inclusion of children with disabilities in Kosovo

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On 20 September, as part of an EU-funded initiative, UNICEF Kosovo, launched a new campaign to raise public awareness of the barriers facing children with disabilities, and to call for the full realization of their rights. This campaign is part of the three-year project ‘Protecting Vulnerable Children in Kosovo,’ implemented by UNICEF with financial support from the European Union in Kosovo.

 

The campaign, which will run for 22 months online and in municipalities throughout Kosovo, in partnership with the Office of Good Governance, advocates for the rights of children with disabilities with a specific focus on increasing accessibility of public spaces, expanding availability of quality inclusive services, and combatting stigma and discrimination against children with disabilities and their families. The campaign also aims to raise awareness of the draft Law on the Status and Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which will be a milestone reform in Kosovo, if approved.

 

The highlight of this campaign will be the unveiling of a symbolic “knot” installation designed to represent the numerous and interconnected challenges facing children with disabilities in Kosovo. Open to the public for a week in the center of Pristina, this installation will serve as a visible and powerful platform for parents and children to demand change and promote inclusion within their communities.

Saving energy for sustainable urban mobility: European Mobility Week in Bosnia and Herzegovina

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Together with numerous local partners and organisations and the local administrations of Banja Luka, Mostar and Sarajevo, the Office of the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina organised a series of educational and recreational activities for all generations in order to highlight the importance and numerous advantages of sustainable urban mobility. The popular and traditional leisure ride “Two Wheels are Enough” marked this year’s Car Free Day in Banja Luka on September 22. One of the goals of riding on the streets is to make cities suitable for cycling and to highlight the need to provide cyclists with urban cycle paths and the right to equal and active participation in traffic. On the same day, September 22, as part of the second celebration of European Mobility Week in Mostar, numerous citizens took part in the Third Mostar Bike Ride including a bike ride through the city streets and a race for the youngest.

  European Mobility Week, the European Union’s leading initiative to raise awareness of sustainable urban mobility takes place every year from 16 to 22 September with the increasing participation of cities, organisations and initiatives across Europe and the world. This European initiative promotes behavioural changes in favour of active mobility, public transport and other clean, intelligent transport solutions.  

This year’s theme of the European Mobility Week  “Save energy” with the slogan Mix and move! reflects the connection between energy efficiency and sustainable urban mobility. Energy and mobility poverty are on the rise due to higher costs for residents and businesses. Public transport operations continue to be a high expense for city budgets and reducing these expenses through energy efficient transport supports affordable and sustainable transport infrastructures.

Enhancing elderly care: An EU-Funded Project uplifts lives in Tirana

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There is a saying: “One society is measured by the way it treats its most vulnerable population”. In Tirana, this sentiment resonates profoundly as the European Union has partnered with Tirana Municipality and the Ryder Albania Association to ensure a life of dignity for the elderly living in Albania’s largest municipality through a dedicated project, “Providing Home Care Services for the Elderly in Tirana.” The project kicked off in April 2023.  In the first phase it will target 220 elderly people who need personalised home support, and later expand to assist over 800 elderly persons. These elders were referred through various channels, including administrative units, social centres, non-public organizations, public health institutions, and citizen referrals.

 

Hubert Perr, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation in Albania, present at the project presentation, emphasized the importance of the project, stating: “Providing opportunities and care to all citizens, even the most vulnerable, is one of the key values of the European Union.  For this reason, the EU is very proud to finance this ambitious project that covers the essential topic of long-term care for the elderly.” The project takes a multidisciplinary approach and collaborates with various stakeholders, including local actors, civil society organisations, and relevant ministries. This approach sets a precedent for improved elder care and sets a model of multidisciplinary home care service for elderly citizens across Albania.

 

The 300,000 EUR grant for this project is part of the EU for Social Inclusion programme, which is an EU funded, 5-year, 70 million EUR initiative to support the Albanian Government to expand social protection, education, and employment services to groups at risk of poverty and social exclusion, including at risk youth, men and women, people with disabilities and minorities.  The programme plans to support 19 municipalities around Albania.

EU launches new project: EU for Circular Economy

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With the aim of advancing Albania’s environmental sustainability, the European Union and the French Development Agency launched on Monday, 25 September, the “EU for Circular Economy and Green Growth—Waste Infrastructure in Albania” project. The EU grant, which amounts to EUR 19 million, will be implemented by AFD. The project’s objective is to address the detrimental environmental and health consequences resulting from solid waste in the Kukës and Gjirokastra waste regions. It aims to enhance the quality of life for the 190,000 residents in the Kukës and Gjirokastra regions.

 

In a joint ceremony, Minister of Tourism and Environment Ms Mirela Kumbaro, the French Minister Delegate in charge of Foreign Trade, Economic Attractiveness and the French Nationals Abroad Mr Olivier Becht, French Ambassador to Albania Ms Catherine Suard, Ambassador Luigi Soreca, Chargé d’affaires a.i., EU Delegation to Albania, and AFD Director for Western Balkans Region Mr Arnaud Dauphin officially launched this new project. Chargé d’affaires, Ambassador Luigi Soreca, emphasized: “Protecting the environment is a top priority for the EU, and I am very happy to launch EU’s first ever circular economy program in the region. Now that we have entered the accession negotiation process, Albania will need to significantly accelerate all efforts to implement EU environmental standards, and this is also one of the objectives of this project”.

 

Project activities include a range of strategies, such as intensifying recycling initiatives to diminish waste volumes and constructing contemporary waste facilities and landfills in line with EU standards. These measures are specifically designed to curtail pollution levels and minimize greenhouse gas emissions. The project will aid Albania’s alignment with EU standards, a key step on its journey towards EU membership. This project is an integral part of the broader EUR 30.9 million “EU for Circular Economy and Green Growth” programme for Albania.

Empowering Kosovo’s private sector in the digital Age

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Kosovo is introducing Electronic ID system with the support of the European Union.

The private sector and the digital economy play pivotal roles in the economic development of any nation, and Kosovo is no exception. The manner in which business is conducted today differs significantly from practices before the turn of the millennium. The digital economy presents unparalleled opportunities, revolutionizing economies, markets, and the dynamics between organizations, suppliers, and customers. It has become a crucial driver of growth, innovation, and job creation. In contemporary times, social networks and online platforms have also integrated seamlessly into the digital economy landscape, further enhancing its significance. Moreover, the digital economy represents a promising sector for propelling Kosovo’s economic advancement.

“The core aim of the project is to establish a secure digital identification system for individuals and businesses. Consequently, essential business documentation, such as licenses, business registrations, certificates, and more, will be conveniently accessible via a user’s mobile phone application, forming an integral part of the eID solution.”

A key prerequisite for accelerating the development of e-commerce and e-business is the establishment of an electronic identification and authentication system, commonly referred to as Electronic ID systems (eID). While individuals and businesses are increasingly using the internet for tasks that previously required in-person interactions, there remains a challenge in completing online transactions that necessitate reliable identification, such as accessing government services or refinancing mortgages. Electronic identification also significantly enhances SMEs’ capacity to engage in e-commerce while bolstering transaction security.

In Kosovo, businesses are generally in the early stages of adopting internet and other electronic services for their operations. Nonetheless, it’s noteworthy that the population of Kosovo is progressively becoming more adept in this domain. For example, many SMEs in Kosovo have ventured into social media and established business pages on platforms like Facebook. Moreover, with the backing of the European Union, the government has initiated the implementation of the Electronic ID system (eID) for Kosovo. This EU-funded project commenced earlier this year and is anticipated to conclude in early 2024. The primary focus of the project is to cultivate a robust e-business and e-commerce ecosystem, enhance electronic service delivery for citizens and businesses, and elevate the efficiency and productivity of the private sector through the utilization of ICT.

Ahmet Jetullahu, representing the NGO Prishtina Rea, which is actively involved in the project’s implementation, elucidates that the creation of a widely-accepted form of electronic identification will not only enhance the security of online applications for individuals but will also facilitate the provision of an extensive range of innovative and productivity-boosting products and services by both the public and private sectors. These services often require confirmation of one’s identity or a relevant aspect thereof. In his view, this project lays the foundation for the unrestricted utilization of the digital realm for both business and official personal purposes.

He underscores that the primary objective of the project is to ensure secure digital identification for individuals and businesses alike. This implies that all essential business documents, including licenses, business registrations, certificates, and more, will be accessible through a mobile phone application as part of an eID solution. AhmetJetullahu elaborates on this aspect, stating, “The core aim of the project is to establish a secure digital identification system for individuals and businesses. Consequently, essential business documentation, such as licenses, business registrations, certificates, and more, will be conveniently accessible via a user’s mobile phone application, forming an integral part of the eID solution.”

“This initiative will significantly expedite Kosovo’s transition into the digital realm, fostering an environment where businesses and financial institutions are motivated to integrate and harness the advantages of the digital system.”

About the project

The overall objective of the project is to increase the efficiency and productivity of the private sector through increased use of ICT, create proper and safer e- business/e-commerce ecosystem, and improve electronic service delivery for citizens and businesses.  This action will contribute to Kosovo government efforts to digitalise and increase competitiveness and profitability of Kosovo businesses.  By providing a proper e-ID system and a good environment for e-business/e-  commerce, interoperability between Kosovo and Member States would be more productive and more efficient. The project is implemented by a consortium led by Evoluxer.

In addition to the software solution, the project will offer comprehensive training to institutions at both central and local levels to ensure the effective utilization and implementation of the electronic identification system. Mr. Jetullahu affirms, “This initiative will significantly expedite Kosovo’s transition into the digital realm, fostering an environment where businesses and financial institutions are motivated to integrate and harness the advantages of the digital system.”

Luka Grandić

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA, YEA of the month.

YEA of the Month August 2023

My name is Luka Grandić, Young European Ambassador from Serbia.

I study graphic design, and through my designs and artworks, I try to spread European ideals and values.

I took part in the Sarajevo Film Festival this summer on a Human Rights programme.

Listen to what I have to say about my incredible experience!