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Author: WeBalkans

Winners Announced: 3 Best Entries of the Berlin Logo Competition 2023 Awarded by RYCO, Albanian and German Governments

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The Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO), in partnership with the Albanian government and German Federal government, proudly announces the top three winners of the highly anticipated “Open Call for Young Designers: 2023 Western Balkans Berlin Summit Logo Competition.”

 

The outstanding winners are:

 

-First prize: Marvi Hoxha (Albania)

-Second prize: Enida Mulamujic (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

 -Third prize: Nikola Stojanovic (Serbia)

 

The awarding ceremony commenced on Monday, July 24th, where Marvi Hoxha, the first prize recipient, received the financial award. Awarding ceremonies will be organized by the Local Branch Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the second place winner Enida Mulamujic, as well as by the Local Branch Office in Serbia for the third place winner Nikola Stojanovic.

 

The competition, held from June 2nd to June 18th, attracted some 150 aspiring young designers between the ages of 18 and 30 from across the Western Balkans. Their task was to create a compelling logo for this year’s Western Balkans Berlin Process Summit, scheduled to take place in Tirana this October.

 

After an extended evaluation process, the selection committee, consisting of last year’s first place winner of the Logo Competition, the RYCO Secretary General, a representative from the Ministry of Youth and Children in Albania, a representative of the German Embassy in Tirana and the RYCO Head of Programs, evaluated all the eligible applications according to a well-defined methodology.

 

The logos submitted reflect the diverse and dynamic perspectives of the youth and resonate with the spirit of the Berlin Process. RYCO Secretary-General Albert Hani highlighted during the process that the logo submissions serve as a testament to the region’s youth’s visionary aspirations. The upcoming Western Balkans Berlin Process Summit in Tirana promises to be an exceptional platform for regional cooperation and growth, championed by the shared visions of the youth.

Support for regional cooperation among Western Balkan business people has risen from 69% last year, to 74%

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Last week, the Regional Cooperation Council published the results of the annual Balkan Barometer 2023 Public Opinion Survey. To complete the picture of our region’s opinions about regional cooperation, EU integration, trust in the public institutions and media, their biggest concerns, employment, climate change, security, digital life, transport, rule of law, travel, etc, the opinion of the Western Balkan business community is now published and available at https://www.rcc.int/balkanbarometer/.

 

“When asked to grade factors that affect the growth of their business, Western Balkan business people placed macroeconomic instability at the top of the list, followed by the labour availability and brain drain plus the political or social instability. The support to EU membership has increased by 11% for businesses and now is at 71%, reaching an all-time high since the launch of Balkan Barometer in 2015. Nonetheless, support for regional cooperation among business people has risen from 69% last year, to 74% this year, since it is perceived as important for their business. Western Balkan businesses see the situation as slightly more favourable than in the previous year, as their satisfaction index rose by 5 points to 58” the RCC Secretary General, Majlinda Bregu said.

 

“The red alert is that 70% of businesses do not see climate change as a significant concern for their business environment. Yes, in the Balkans, this may still not sound like an emergency, and unlike an illness, it is not directly perceptible to our senses. But this is quite alarming. From pollution, rising insurance costs, agriculture, wine, energy, goods transport to the diminished availability of food and water, all are influenced by climate change. Almost all industries are threatened by the effects of climate change, either directly or indirectly. But there is some good news too. Half of regional businesses said they have experienced direct benefits from the Regional Roaming Agreement. These findings might not be to everyone’s liking. But whatever the Balkans is, it is never bland, but a colourful region,” concluded Bregu.

Serbian Firefighters Helping Greece

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A fire-rescue team of 36 fire-rescuers and 14 fire trucks will help extinguish the fires that have engulfed Greece. Aid to Greece comes through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Together with them, two members of the medical team will go to the affected areas with an ambulance. EU Ambassador to Serbia Emanuele Giaufret also welcomed the gesture.

 

These teams will leave for Greece on Tuesday afternoon and will be deployed to locations where help is most needed, the Ministry of Internal Affairs said in a statement. In 2021, Serbian firefighters also participated in extinguishing fires in Greece, when they were deployed on the island of Evia. The Ministry of Interior and the Department for Emergency Situations then sent a team of 37 firefighters, 14 vehicles and three helicopters to Greece.As of June 2021, 27 state-of-the-art fire trucks specialised in forest fires are available to the Emergency Department. These vehicles are worth more than one million euros, are intended for municipalities and cities in all parts of Serbia, and are a donation from the European Union. The EU Civil Protection Mechanism facilitates cooperation in emergency response, preparation and prevention between the Member States, as well as several other European countries. Serbia became a member of the Mechanism in 2015, but even before that, during the devastating floods in May 2014, Serbia felt the benefits of European solidarity through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. That operation was one of the largest since the mechanism was established.

Serbia: First section of the Peace Highway opened

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The first 5.5 km section of the Niš-Merdare highway was opened today by Republic of Serbia President Aleksandar Vučić and the Ambassador of the European Union to Serbia Emanuele Giaufret, in the presence of representatives of EIB Global, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Serbian ministers. The contract for this first section of the highway was signed in September 2021 during the visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

 

The project is expected to cost around €650 million in total. The cost of the 33 km Niš-Pločnik section is estimated at €255 million, partly financed with a grant of over €40 million from the European Union channelled through the Western Balkans Investment Framework. Over €180 million is secured through favourable loans from EIB Global and the EBRD, while the rest will come from the Serbian government. The 40 km Pločnik-Merdare section of the motorway will be constructed in the second phase of the project. The Niš-Merdare Highway E-80, also known as the “Peace Highway“, forms part of the arterial route linking Bulgaria with the Adriatic Sea towards Albania, and thus has a wider regional dimension.

Revitalizing Tourism in Northern Montenegro: A Trailblazing Project

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An EU funded project supports empowerment of rural tourism in Montenegro

The northern part of Montenegro boasts a wealth of natural and cultural treasures, making it an enticing destination for visitors. In recent years, rural household tourism has experienced significant growth in the region, with the number of visitors steadily on the rise. This can be attributed, in large part, to the availability of high-quality homemade food and drinks, as well as the opportunity to experience traditional environments. However, despite these positive developments, the number of overnight stays among visitors had yet to reach desirable levels. The reason for this was the lack of additional attractions or entertainment options that would entice visitors to prolong their stay. Recognizing this challenge, the Rural Tourism Association an NGO operating in the northern part of Montenegro embarked on a project aimed at addressing this issue and improving the overall situation.

“While the rural households in northern Montenegro offer excellent food and accommodation, they lacked the experience in providing entertainment for visitors.”

Dalibor Sekularac, a representative of the Rural Tourism Association, highlights that the issue of limited entertainment options for visitors has been a regular topic of discussion within the association for over a year. “While the rural households in northern Montenegro offer excellent food and accommodation, they lacked the experience in providing entertainment for visitors,” explains Dalibor. To address this, the association devised a plan to establish a nine-kilometre hiking trail connecting the villages of Lubnice and Kurkikuce. This trail would offer visitors an easy and enjoyable walk, allowing them to explore the region’s natural attractions. The focus was specifically on family tourism, as the area already had challenging trails for experienced hikers but lacked options suitable for families with children who prefer recreational hikes.

To implement their vision, the Rural Tourism Association applied for funding through the Programme for Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 2 (ReLOaD2) , which is supported by the EU and implemented by UNDP. Their project aligned with the programme’s criteria, and they were granted the necessary support. With the assistance from the ReLOaD2, they identified and cleared the trail, used professional GPS marking to ensure accuracy, installed necessary signage, and created a map and leaflets providing information about the trail. Furthermore, they promoted the trail on outdoor tourism platforms such as Vikilock and their own website. To enhance visibility, they produced three promotional videos—one showcasing the trail, another highlighting rural households, and a third providing an overview of rural tourism in the region. The trail information also includes geocaching tags, reflecting the current trend in modern tourism.

“The trail has been well-received by visitors, and some rural household owners have even started offering trail guide services.”

About the project

The Regional Programme for 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). The overall objective of the project is to strengthen participatory democracies and EU integration in the Western Balkans by empowering civil society and encouraging young people to actively take part in the decision-making process, and by improving a supportive legal and financial environment for civil society.

The trail has been operational for nearly a year now, and recently, representatives from the Rural Households Association, UNDP, and the EU visited the villages to assess its performance. “The trail has been well-received by visitors, and some rural household owners have even started offering trail guide services,” says Dalibor.

According to Dalibor, the project has not only provided support to the households but has also served as a valuable learning opportunity. “Although it was a small-scale project, it has equipped us with important skills in procurement, reporting, and other relevant areas,” Dalibor explains. “With the knowledge we have gained, we feel more confident in applying for larger projects and programmes funded by the EU and other donors.”

YEA participate in an interactive event at the Europe House Kosovo

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The EU office in Kosovo along with the Swedish Embassy and the Europe House organised an interactive event to discuss EU priorities and mark the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.  The purpose of the event was to offer an opportunity to students and youth to engage in a casual setting, in a discussion with the EU Ambassador in Kosovo and the Swedish Ambassador and learn more about the EU’s global priority policies, the role of the EU in Kosovo, priorities of the EU for the current year, and challenges ahead.   The main objectives of the discussion included raising awareness about the policy issues for the EU and the focus/results of the current outgoing Presidency; understanding the relevance of these issues to Kosovo and the support that the EU provided to Kosovoand to inform the students and youth about the EU support to Kosovo, opportunities, and how they can benefit.

  This was the first of a series of events with member state embassies in Kosovo and Young European Ambassadors were an integral part of this discussion.  Amina Kaja, Fatbardh Kabashi, Eris Cunaku, Diellza Ibrahimi, Agmie Osmani, Albin Bushi were among YEAs who participated in the event.  They disccused with the Ambassadors the above mentioned important topic and also had a chance to discuss with their  peers in a semi-formal setting.

YEA meet with journalists from Austria, Czech Republic and Slovakia

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A delegation led by the foreign ministers of Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia visited North Macedonia on 13 July. Journalists from their respective countries accompanied them. The Young European Ambassadors met with the journalists of these three countries. They introduced them to the network of Young European Ambassadors, projects and initiatives undertaken by young people in this network and the thoughts of young people about the European integration of North Macedonia.

“Coffee with Ambassador” event in Europe House Montenegro

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The “Coffee with Ambassador” event, hosted by Europe House in Montenegro, provides a platform for young individuals and representatives from diverse organizations to engage in meaningful discussions with the Ambassadors from the EU member states. In the recent gathering, the Europe House was honoured with the presence Dr. Karl Michael Muller, the Austrian Ambassador. The focus of the discussion was on Austria’s support for fostering stronger alliances among smaller EU member states with shared values and interests. The Young European Ambassadors, who were also present at the event, took advantage of the occasion to inquire about tips and advice for the youth in Montenegro. They sought guidance on how to make the most of the collaboration between Austria and Montenegro. The Ambassador offered valuable insights, encouraging young people to actively engage in cross-cultural exchanges, education, and professional opportunities.

1st anniversary of the Observatory of Prishtina

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On 13 July, was the first anniversary of the Observatory of Pristina. To honour this anniversary, the Astronomy Club of Kosova and the Young European Ambassador Suhel Ahmeti, who is also the head of the observatory, organized an event. At this event, participants, including YEAs Aulon Curri, Diellza Ibrahimi, Ilir Kicmari and others had the opportunity to leanr more about the history of the Observatory of Pristina and its mission for expansion of the science of astronomy further.

The ambassador of the European Union in Kosovo, Mr. Tomas Szunyog, was also present at this event. YEAs and other participants had also an opportunity to discuss with the Ambassador on various topics such as the participation of young people in the science of astronomy and the formation of connections with astronomy clubs in the countries of the European Union. They also had the chance to observe the Moon and Venus and learn many different facts about the science of astronomy.

Revolutionizing agricultural research in Serbia: BioSense Institute’s Groundbreaking New Facility

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With a support from EIB loan, Biosens institute in Serbia gains a new building with highly sophisticated equipment and large work space.

BioSense, the pioneering Research and Development Institute for IT in Biosystems, is leading the charge in revolutionizing agriculture through digital innovation in Serbia. Since its establishment in 2015, the institute has been at the forefront of exploring the latest scientific and technological advancements in applying IT to agriculture. Its primary objective is to deliver state-of-the-art digital solutions to the farming sector in Serbia and worldwide, empowering farmers to achieve higher yields with optimal investments. The impact of BioSense’s scientific breakthroughs extends far beyond the confines of their laboratories. These innovations are seamlessly integrated into society, benefitting farmers, extension services, companies, policymakers, students, and pupils alike.

To support the BioSense Institute, the EU is providing funding through the ANTARES Project, with a generous grant of €14 million from the Horizon 2020 EU program “Spreading Excellence and Widening Participation. “The Government of Serbia has also made a significant contribution of €20 million, a portion of which was obtained through a favourable €18 million loan from the European Investment Bank. These funds are dedicated to the development of research infrastructure, including the institute’s newly inaugurated state-of-the-art building and cutting-edge scientific equipment.

“Since our establishment in 2015 with just 10 employees, we have experienced remarkable growth, now employing 150 individuals. The scope of our research has expanded significantly, necessitating the construction of a new building, enhanced infrastructure, and upgraded equipment.”

Professor Vladimir Crnojević serves as the Director of BioSense Institute. He highlights the pressing need for additional workspace that has arisen over time. “Since our establishment in 2015 with just 10 employees, we have experienced remarkable growth, now employing 150 individuals. The scope of our research has expanded significantly, necessitating the construction of a new building, enhanced infrastructure, and upgraded equipment,” explains Professor Crnojević.

The newly constructed BioSense Institute building stands out as one of the most innovative structures in Serbia. It has been meticulously designed to cater to researchers working on projects related to micro and nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, biosystem research, cellular agriculture, bioarchaeology, and various other scientific disciplines pursued by the research and development institute for information technology in biosystems. With laboratories and offices accounting for approximately 60% of the building’s total area, ample workspace is provided for the institute’s researchers. Encompassing approximately 6,500 square meters, the building showcases unique architectural elements and intricate engineering solutions. Notably, the building is equipped with base isolation technology, combining seismic isolators and isolating foundations to safeguard it from seismic activity and even the slightest external vibrations. This anti-vibration foundation ensures that the delicate equipment housed within the building remains shielded from external disturbances.

The laboratories at BioSense Institute demand an exceptional level of cleanliness, where even the tiniest particle of dust is considered too large. To meet these stringent requirements, specific laboratories within the facility are designed as cleanrooms. These controlled environments necessitate the presence of clean and uncontaminated air, creating a suitable workspace for handling the most delicate equipment. Access to these rooms is restricted, requiring individuals to change into appropriate attire before progressively entering through increasingly cleaner spaces. Visual communication between different rooms is facilitated through glass panels, while dedicated transfer boxes facilitate the exchange of materials and equipment. Moreover, the institute boasts an optical laboratory, entirely coated in black for specialized optical research.

“Thanks to the ANTARES project and the support from the European Investment Bank, we have been able to acquire the necessary equipment and invest in our new building.”

About the programme

The European Investment Bank, the long-term financing institution of the European Union, supports viable capital investment projects furthering the policy objectives of the Union. In the countries of the Western Balkans, the financing operations of the EIB contribute to facilitating the integration process with the European Union. Since 2001, the EIB has extended over €7 billion in favour of projects in Serbia.

The BioSense Institute has experienced remarkable growth, expanding from 50 employees at the project’s inception to over 140 employees at present, with more than 50 holding a PhD degree. This expansion has been made possible through the support of the EU-funded ANTARES programme. The project has directly created 37 new positions, and an additional 15 positions are expected to be filled by the project’s completion. This substantial boost has significantly enhanced the Institute’s scientific capabilities, resulting in the successful initiation of 36 Horizon projects, 22 other international projects, 9 industrial projects, and 38 national projects, amounting to a total income of approximately €25 million.

Professor Vladimir Crnojević acknowledges the crucial role played by the ANTARES project and the decision of the state to secure funding from the European Investment Bank. “Thanks to the ANTARES project and the support from the European Investment Bank, we have been able to acquire the necessary equipment and invest in our new building,” Professor Crnojević affirms.