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Author: WeBalkans

A New Boost in Cooperation in South Adriatic Region through the EU Funds

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Through projects funded by the trilateral Interreg IPA Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Italy – Albania – Montenegro 2014-2020, Montenegrin institutions and organisations have utilised around €20 million in non-refundable EU funds, which represents nearly a quarter of the total funds allocated through this programme within the financial perspective of the IPA II.

 

This information was relayed by Bojan Vujović, Director General of the Directorate for European Funds at the Ministry of European Affairs of Montenegro, during an event in Bari which marked the conclusion of the mentioned programme and the beginning of the new cross-border cooperation programme between Italy, Albania, and Montenegro, titled Interreg IPA South Adriatic.

 

Montenegrin institutions will be the leading partners in two strategic projects. The Ministry of Culture and Media will be the leading partner in the strategic project “Creative South Adriatic,” which will focus on the development of culture and creative industries, while the Institute of Marine Biology at the University of Montenegro will be the leading partner in the strategic project “Competent South Adriatic,” which will focus on the development of competencies for the blue economy.

 

The event concluded with the announcement of the Call for Standard Projects, expected to be issued by the end of 2023.

“Youth With No Barriers”: A story about youth cooperation

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“Youth With No Barriers ” project of the European Union in BiH, which was implemented in four cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, came to end today in Sarajevo. During the events in Ljubuški, Kakanj, Ugljevik and Prnjavor, which brought together young people from these and neighbouring municipalities and cities, an effort was made to discuss EU integration and values through panel discussions, art workshops and performances, but also to connect young people from these areas in joint activities.

 

Project participants from Banja Luka, Prnjavor, Tuzla, Ugljevik, Mostar, Ljubuški, Sarajevo and East Sarajevo gathered today in Sarajevo and enjoyed the final event, together with representatives of partner organizations that participated in the project.

 

The aim of the project was to involve and educate young people through cultural workshops that examine different art forms. The workshops were led by experienced professionals and included street art, painting, music and theatre. Special focus was placed on the importance of youth activism in strengthening democracy and initiating positive social transformation. This project was an excellent opportunity for young people to spend a day in a different way and to get acquainted with a new art form for them, as well as to meet young people from other places. The final event in Sarajevo highlighted the achievements of the young people who participated in the project and showed their skills in music, flashmob and stand up.

 

With this project, the European Union in Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to support initiatives that contribute to connecting young people and youth activism. “Youth With No Barriers ” is implemented with the participation of non-governmental organizations. Young people from 14 municipalities and cities participated in the project.

Further advancement towards independent migration management in Bosnia and Herzegovina

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The Minister of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Nenad Nešić, and Minister of Human Rights and Refugees, Sevlid Hurtić met with the Head of the EU Delegation to BiH and the EU Special Representative in BiH, Ambassador Johann Sattler on 19 September in Sarajevo to discuss the ongoing transition plan for transferring responsibility of the migration response to the BiH authorities.

 

Following the transition meeting held in Trebinje in May, the meeting on 19 September marks another significant step in the transition towards a State-led migration response. As one of the fourteen key priorities to initiate accession negotiations with the European Union, the authorities in BiH need to ensure the effective functioning of the border management, migration, and asylum systems. In the area of migration management, positive progress has been achieved with BiH institutions playing an increasing role in the management and coordination of the mixed migration response. One key area where progress has been achieved is in the management of Temporary Reception Centers (TRCs), with TRC Lipa managed by the Service for Foreigners’ Affairs with the technical support of IOM.

 

Since the opening of TRC Lipa, under the leadership of the BiH Ministry of Security and with generous financial support from the European Union and other donors, the capacity to accommodate migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees has surpassed the number of individuals present in the country. This significant achievement is the result of collaborative efforts from various stakeholders. Overall, since the beginning of 2018, the EU has allocated over 140 million euros to BiH to strengthen migration management capacity.

 

Over the past year, the BiH Ministry of Security and BiH authorities have demonstrated their commitment to assume greater coordination and management of the mixed migration response from UN agencies and other humanitarian actors.

#BiHCoolTura: One-of-a-kind journey across Bosnia and Herzegovina

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#BiHCoolTura, a one-of-a-kind road trip across Bosnia and Herzegovina for young people, finished today in Banja Luka. This unique project of the European Union was an exploring and experience-gathering opportunity for a group of 20 young people from all over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the abundance of cultural, historical and natural heritage of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The 7-day inspiring tour was also an excellent opportunity for young people to network and create lasting friendships.

 

The tour kicked off in Sarajevo, where the youth first visited the EU Office in BiH, to discuss issues relevant to the EU accession and how this process addresses issues of importance for youth.

 

After Sarajevo, the trip continued to Konjic, where they explored Tito’s bunker, and then headed to Mostar to visit the Old Bridge and many other city’s historical landmarks. The next stops were Stolac, Neum and Jajce, cities with a rich history and natural beauty.

 

The road trip continued with a two-day visit to Banjaluka, where they visited the Kastel fortress and the city as well as an ethno village of Ljubačka dolina, near Banjaluka.

 

During the road trip, workshops on media literacy and photography were held with a professional photographer, giving young people the opportunity to learn how to think critically about media content and how to take professional photos.

North Macedonia: EIB Global provides a €1 million technical assistance grant to boost the rollout of green financing for SMEs

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EIB Global, the branch of the European Investment Bank for activities outside the European Union, will provide a €1 million technical assistance grant to its longstanding partner, the Development Bank of North Macedonia (DBNM). These funds will facilitate the implementation of climate and environmental sustainability financing under a €100 million credit line that the EIB signed in July this year. By supporting the country’s banking sector to build green finance capacity and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to identify and develop green projects, this technical support will contribute to private sector growth and competitiveness and the green transition of the local economy.

 

Through this technical assistance, commercial banks and small businesses will receive training and advisory support for promoting and developing bankable projects in areas such as energy efficiency and renewable energy.

 

The grant comes as a result of the fruitful cooperation between DBNM and EIB Global, which has enabled the allocation of €550 million to date for the support of over 2 300 local companies. Since 2019 alone, EIB Global has provided €212 million of EU investment to North Macedonian companies through this partnership model, sustaining 46 000 jobs and creating 1 815 new positions.

Border management: EU signs Frontex Status Agreement with Albania

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On 15 September, the European Union and Albania signed a new agreement on operational cooperation in border management with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex). The agreement was signed by representatives of the Council, the Commission, and the Albanian government.  
The agreement is a deliverable of the EU Action Plan on the Western Balkans Strengthened operational cooperation between Western Balkan partners and Frontex will contribute to addressing irregular migration and cross border crime and further enhance security at the EU’s external borders. The new agreement will update the previous status agreement from 2019 by also allowing the deployment of Frontex Standing Corps officers at the borders between Albania and neighbouring Western Balkan partners. After the signature, the agreement may be applied provisionally, upon agreement of the Albanian Parliament. The final conclusion of the agreement is subject to the consent of the European Parliament and a Council decision as well as any remaining ratification steps on the side of Albania.  
The signature took place in the margins of the Berlin Process meeting of Interior Ministers, hosted yesterday in Tirana by Albanian Interior Minister Taulant Balla. There, Ministers from Western Balkans partners, a number of EU Ministers, representatives of EU Agencies, the United Kingdom, and international organisations exchanged on integrated border management, cooperation to fight organised crime and cybersecurity.  

Skopje recommended to become the European Capital of Culture 2028

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After a two-day meeting in Brussels, the chairperson of the European Capitals of Culture Expert panel announced on 20 September that the city of Skopje (North Macedonia) has been recommended for the European Capital of Culture 2028 title in an EFTA/EEA country, candidate country or potential candidate to EU membership.

 

In accordance with the Decision of the European Parliament and the Council, which governs the European Capitals of Culture Union action, there will be three European Capitals of Culture in 2028. One in France, one in Czech Republic and one in an EFTA/EEA country, candidate country or potential candidate to EU membership participating in the current Creative Europe programme.

 

Regarding the competition between cities in EFTA/EEA countries, candidate countries and potential candidates, the Commission invited applications from cities in December 2021. The two cities of Budva (Montenegro) and Skopje (North Macedonia) were pre-selected on 16 December 2022. They had until 28 August 2023 to complete their applications and were then invited to a final selection meeting in Brussels on 19 September. A panel of 10 independent experts appointed by EU institutions and bodies (European Parliament, Council, Commission and Committee of the Regions) examined the applications.

 

Started in 1985, European Capitals of Culture have developed into one of the most ambitious cultural projects in Europe and one of the EU’s most appreciated activities.

Reviving Albania’s Literary Legacy

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EU-Funded advanced technology open doors to rich literary treasures in Albania.

The “Sotir Kolea” Center in Tirana bears the name of a renowned figure in Albanian culture. Serving as the director of the National Library of Albania from 1928 to 1937, he played a pivotal role in shaping the foundations of librarianship in Albania. Furthermore, he significantly expanded the library’s collections with Albanological materials. Situated within a historically significant edifice, the “Sotir Kolea” Center holds dual importance. In 1912, following the declaration of independence in Vlorë, it was here that the Albanian flag was hoisted for the first time in Tirana. Subsequently, in 1920, this venue served as the setting for the establishment of Tirana as the new capital and the formation of the inaugural government following the Congress of Lushnjë.

 

Over the years, the center functioned as an “Annex” of the National Library, housing hundreds of thousands of books, many of which had been confiscated from individuals and institutions during the communist era in Albania. Today, following extensive renovations, this rich literary treasure trove is finally accessible to the public.

“These are books that have never been accessible to the public. They have been kept under different conditions, but now they are made available to readers. It’s a significant event, very important for everyone.”

The Sotir Kolea Center, formerly known as an annex of the National Library, suffered extensive damage during the earthquake in 2019. Thanks to the support of the Albanian government and UNOPS through the EU-funded EU4 Culture project, the library has been revitalized. The Albanian National Library Fund now boasts cutting-edge equipment worth €668,922, encompassing servers, book and barcode scanners, laptops, tablets, specialized book dust and vacuum cleaners, sanitizers, dehumidification chambers, as well as book cleaning and deacidification machines. This technology will play a pivotal role in preserving Albania’s rich culture and heritage while making books accessible online.

Earlier this summer, the library was officially reopened, and it received distinguished visitors, including H.E. Minister of Culture Ms. Elva Margariti, H.E. the EU Ambassador to Albania Ms. Christiane Hohmann, UNOPS Albania Country Manager Ms. Pamela Lama, along with other experts in the field and members of the media. National Library Director Mr. Piro Misha warmly welcomed them and conducted a tour of the library’s remarkable rooms, showcasing the new equipment and elucidating its functionalities for the guests and media representatives. Director Misha remarked, “These are books that have never been accessible to the public. They have been kept under different conditions, but now they are made available to readers. It’s a significant event, very important for everyone.”

“This equipment will guarantee the utmost standards in book preservation and restoration, enhance efficiency by enabling the treatment of a greater volume of books in a shorter timeframe, and broaden access to collections for researchers, scholars, and the general public. Furthermore, it sets a commendable precedent for other libraries and archives nationwide.”

About the project

The EU4Culture project is funded by the European Union (EU) and is implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in close partnership with the Ministry of Culture of Albania. It focuses on renovation and revitalization of major cultural heritage sites damaged by the earthquake and represents one of the largest cultural heritage programmes funded by the European Union with a total budget of € 40 million.

Pamela Lama, UNOPS Albania Country Manager, conveyed her appreciation to the European Delegation to Albania for selecting UNOPS as a reliable partner in executing this project, and she commended the Ministry of Culture for their productive cooperation. She stated, “This equipment will guarantee the utmost standards in book preservation and restoration, enhance efficiency by enabling the treatment of a greater volume of books in a shorter timeframe, and broaden access to collections for researchers, scholars, and the general public. Furthermore, it sets a commendable precedent for other libraries and archives nationwide,” as emphasised by Ms. Lama.

EU Beach Clean Up of Lake Prespa

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On Sunday, 17 September 2023, at 12.00h on Lake Prespa, the Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union Ben Nupnau and the Mayor of Resen Jovan Tozievski, kicked off the first #EUBeachCleanup organised in North Macedonia. The clean up action is an annual global initiative and this year will be organised at Slivnica Beach through the EU-funded “We Balkans” network of Young European Ambassadors.

 

The EU Beach Clean Up initiative takes place globally every 3rd week of September. The #EUBeachCleanup is a campaign organised by the European Commission with EEAS and the United Nations. It takes place all type coasts, with the ultimate aim of raising awareness about to the challenges of marine littering and plastic waste.

 

It is estimated that up to 37 million tonnes of plastic waste will reach the ocean annually by 2040. Plastic pollution is a massive problem nowadays, but even small actions can make a big difference. Every bottle, every straw, every piece of trash that is cleaned up can lead to a cleaner, healthier planet.

 

This year, the coast of Prespa Lake was cleaned by 20 Young European Ambassadors from the Western Balkans who joined their Macedonian peers to clean up Slivnica Beach. This is the 3rd year that Young European Ambassadors from the region participate in the event, organised through the EU-funded “We Balkans” project. This community activity, supported by the Delegation of the European Union, Europe House, as well as the Municipality of Resen will encourage people to rid the beaches of Prespa Lake of the garbage that is plaguing them.

YEA co-organise event on the profession of journalism

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The Young European Ambassadors (YEAs) co-organised an event with Europe House in Podgorica, Montenegro, on journalism.

 

A panel discussion under the event “Journalism: Profession of the future or profession without the future” took place during International Literacy Day. It involved prominent Montenegrin media representatives, including the editor and presenter of the TV Vijesti morning show, Bojana Bojović Golijanin, executive director of the NGO 35mm Darko Ivanović and journalist and editor of the portal RTCG Marko Vešović.

 

In the interaction with the audience, they answered questions about the position of journalists in Montenegro, the impact of digitisation on the media, and the challenges they face every day.

 

All panellists agree that love for work is the most essential asset for success, along with hard work, effort and sacrifice. After the first part of the panel, questions from the audience followed, and then an informal part, catering and informal talking.