Skip to main content

Author: WeBalkans

With a little help from the EU, an intriguing past becomes a promising future

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in Stories.

With almost €2 million in support from the European Union, the Romans Wine Danube project has brought together Roman archaeological heritage and long-standing wine-making traditions, transforming them into a sustainable, internationally recognisable tourism product. As a result, the Festival of Roman Emperors and the Wine Festival will become part of the European Cultural Route of Roman Emperors, while the partnerships established through the project have evolved into a platform for developing new products and testing innovative solutions for enhancing the region’s tourism offer.

The project connects 12 partners from 11 countries, including both EU Member States and non-EU countries. These include governmental and non-governmental organisations, small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as tourism and cultural institutions from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Croatia, Hungary, Germany, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Serbia and Ukraine.

Project activities encompass historical research, the identification of sites linked to Roman wine production, the development of interpretative presentations and innovative tourism products aligned with green policies (such as walking and cycling routes), and the strengthening of cooperation between heritage institutions, wine producers and tourism organisations. All activities actively involve marginalised population groups in regions affected by depopulation and uneven development.

The project newsletter notes that this vibrant cooperation has helped build a shared storytelling concept while preserving the unique spirit of each destination along the Danube.

“From Ptuj to Sremska Mitrovica, from Alba Iulia to Pécs, our partners have breathed life into Roman heritage, local wine traditions and authentic experiences that resonate with both residents and visitors alike. Alongside these festivals, a great deal of significant professional work has been taking place behind the scenes”, the newsletter states, adding that ideas developed during meetings and walks were gradually transformed into tangible expressions of the #RWD brand.

The project runs from January 2024 to June 2026, with a total value of nearly €2.2 million, 80 per cent of which is provided through the EU’s Interreg cooperation programme aims to promote balanced economic, social and territorial development across the Union, focuses on strengthening cross-border cooperation as a framework for joint action and policy exchange among stakeholders.

“Tourism can serve as a tool for the sustainable preservation of cultural and historical heritage — enabling visitors to discover that heritage, while also generating higher income for the sites involved. This, in turn, helps local communities recognise the heritage as their own and invest revenues back into its protection. Communication and cooperation are challenging, but our diversity has proved to be an advantage in defining activities and filtering ideas”, explains Siniša Čamernik from the Centre for Competence for the Danube (DCC), an association of tourism stakeholders based in Belgrade and the project’s lead partner.

From Ptuj in Slovenia, partners note that transnational cooperation is always demanding, but ultimately delivers results.

“The main challenges related to harmonising methodologies, aligning timelines and ensuring that all partners had access to the same information. So far, we have learned — among other things — that through strengthened transnational cooperation and joint learning, Roman heritage and wine culture can be transformed into sustainable, high-quality tourism products”, explains Nataša Mršek, Project Officer at the Bistra Research and Development Centre.

From Široki Brijeg in Bosnia and Herzegovina, partners emphasise that regular communication, a clear division of roles and shared objectives helped transform differences among partners into complementarity, enabling higher-quality and more applicable solutions, as well as visible and tangible results on the ground.

“One of the key lessons is that sustainable tourism is not possible without the genuine involvement of the local community. Cultural heritage has proven to have far greater development potential when interpreted in a contemporary, interdisciplinary way and in partnership with the business sector. The project has also confirmed the importance of institutional coordination, and our local Office — acting as a bridge between the local level and European policies — proved crucial for the long-term sustainability of the results”, says Ivana Pešorda from the Office for European Integration of the West Herzegovina Canton.

Čamernik underlines that the EU provides both the financial and institutional framework and initiates cooperation, while Mršek notes that the EU ensures local actions are aligned with broader European priorities for sustainable and inclusive cultural tourism.

Ivana Jurić from the Osijek-Baranja County Tourist Board in Croatia explains that, in all EU co-funded projects, it is essential that they form part of a broader vision on which individual partners work in the long term.

“The EU recognises existing engagement, initiatives and products with a strong regional dimension and development potential — potential that would be far more difficult to realise without EU territorial cooperation programmes”, Jurić adds.

Partners involved in Romans Wine Danube are already preparing new project proposals with the aim of continuing their joint work on developing sustainable cultural tourism.

“The networks, research findings and tourism concepts developed within the project provide a solid foundation for future initiatives in the field of cultural heritage, the preservation and promotion of Roman and wine heritage along the Danube region, and cross-border storytelling”, says Mršek.

While some people travel physically along the route, those driven by curiosity can follow the project through its social media channels.

WiFi4WB officially launched in Albania from the Castle of Kruja

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

From vision to digital reality, the WiFi4WB initiative was officially launched in Albania at the iconic Castle of Krujë, marking the start of free public Wi-Fi deployment across all 61 municipalities in the country.

Implemented by GIZ under the EU4Digital project, and co-funded by the European Union and the German Government, the initiative will expand reliable and secure connectivity in public spaces across Albania.

Public squares, parks, libraries, schools and cultural heritage sites — including the Muzeu Historik dhe Etnografik, Krujë — will soon offer citizens and visitors free internet access, helping bridge the digital divide and strengthen local digital infrastructure.

A key moment of the launch event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between GIZ Albania and the Municipality of Kruja, formalising cooperation for the installation, operation and long-term maintenance of the network.

WiFi4WB is part of the EU’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, reinforcing digital transformation as a driver of inclusion, opportunity and regional integration. By investing in accessible connectivity, the EU and its partners are bringing digital opportunities closer to citizens, from students and entrepreneurs to tourists and local communities.

 

The path towards a water resilient Europe

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in YEA Blogs.

By Megi Marku Europe is the fastest warming continent and for many Europeans climate change is felt through water. Yet the water sector remains under-managed and under-governed, while water itself continues to be the most undervalued and under-priced resource. Last year, I led the production of the Youth Position Paper on Water Resilience Strategy along with WYPW and EYPW, to deliver what young people want to see on the pathway toward a water resilient Europe. Since then, the Commission has indicated an interest in engaging young people in the strategy’s implementation, and we look forward to working together to shape how this can evolve into meaningful action. Following the adoption of the European Water Resilience Strategy, I was invited by DG Environment to participate in the first ever Water Resilience Forum, where policymakers, scientists, industry leaders, and civil society gathered to share solutions and explore new possibilities through an inclusive dialogue addressing urban water challenges, digital transformation, and upskilling initiatives – all essential for building a water-secure Europe by 2050. The three pillars of strategy But what is the goal of the European Water Resilience Strategy? This strategy is built on three main pillars:
  • Restoring and protecting the water cycle: Focused on retaining more water in soils, forests, and wetlands while tackling pollution to ensure water quality.
  • Building a water smart economy: For an economy that grows sustainable and its water efficient, by reducing demand, promoting reuse, and increasing efficiency across sectors.
  • Ensuring clean affordable water for all: While recognizing water as a human right, raising awareness, supporting policies, and promoting resilience worldwide.
It includes over 30 actions, mostly aimed at governments, but with implications for sectors including agriculture, energy, and industry. You can check out the full strategy here. Partnerships and cooperation have taken a central role in the implementation of the EWRS, and it also reflected as the main theme and priority of this forum. It is indisputable that we need a multi-stakeholder approach to make sure we strengthen Europe’s water security agenda, that includes an imperative need to bring young people at the table to take part in today’s decisions that will shape their near future. The Global Commission on the Economics of Water has demonstrated that current water mismanagement will shrink global GDP by up to 15% by 2050 – a challenge my generation will inherit, and one we must confront together. Bridging the skills gap Among the six solution-oriented parallel sessions I followed the discussions focused on Upskilling (specifically on Water Academy) and Water Finance, two topics that closely resonate with me, especially as a young professional. The European Water Academy is a promising initiative aimed at strengthening the current work force through hands-on training and upskilling with further potential to engage young professionals more directly. A vision in bridging the generational skill gap is required, knowing that this sector is often described as an ‘aging’ one makes it even more fundamental to invest in the young professionals who are going to manage the very systems we are working on today. We can expect a more modern and innovative sector if we provide access to knowledge and cutting-edge solutions for young professionals, while at the same time supporting them as they build and scale their ideas. Having young people engaged, involved and leading ensures sustainability, and this is how we can strengthen Europes long-term water resilience. A new lens for finance During the forum, it was highlighted that we need to “look at the economy though a water lens, not look at water though an economic lens”. However, barriers such as unclear financial metrics for water risks, low bankability, fragmented projects and regulatory uncertainty are making it harder to secure investments for water projects. It is true that there has to be a fundamental shift in how water sector policies are managed and how water sector regulatory practices are adopted. This is why we need new and long term approaches to give private sector the security and confidence in coming in to invest in these projects. If we are serious about closing the yearly $1 trillion investment gap needed to meet the SDG6 targets by 2030, we must rethink how we evaluate water investments. Water projects approved today will determine water security for the next 50 to 100 years, yet we evaluate them on 10-15 year return. With young people on board, we can bring a new lens of intergenerational justice within these financial frameworks. The Water Resilience Forum created the space to establish a unified vision for water resilience in Europe by 2050, it showed that if we act boldly now, we can ensure that future generations will inherit security instead of scarcity. 2025 proved that water has always been about resilience; 2026 must show that resilience means action. Together with you, my generation is ready to lead that shift.

Online platform cuvaj.me – showing citizens that things can be done better

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in Stories.

The European Union strongly supports environmental protection and the active participation of citizens in this field. In Montenegro, this support has been extended to the cuvaj.me platform, which enables the reporting and monitoring of activities harmful to the environment. Through the platform, anyone can anonymously report pollution by uploading the location on the website and describing the problem. In this way, more than 300 incidents have been identified in less than a year.

“The national environmental protection campaign ‘Protect to Be Protected’ was launched on 5 June 2025, World Environment Day, with the financial and technical support of the European Union. Its main objective is to improve the environmental protection system through a combination of preventive and operational measures, strengthening institutional capacities and involving citizens. The EU-funded Čuvaj.me platform is one of the key operational tools”, representatives of the Europe House Bar explain.

Representatives of the platform say that public interest has been high. Citizens most frequently report illegal dumping sites, facilities, gravel extraction, watercourse pollution, improper waste management and illegal activities in protected areas. The platform’s operational team, led by the Let’s Green Montenegro initiative, forwards reports to the competent institutions and monitors the implementation of measures in line with established procedures. In the first months of the campaign, actions were carried out in Podgorica, Ulcinj, Nikšić, Kotor and other towns.

“In less than a year, we have received more than 320 reports, and around 200 cases have been resolved so far. The platform’s administrators verify citizens’ reports, forward the information to the competent institutions, monitor developments and, where necessary, send reminders. Citizens and institutions often have different views of the situation on the ground: institutions may believe the matter has been resolved, but our aim is to prevent the reported situation from recurring. For example, in the case of an illegal facility, it is not enough for an inspection simply to seal it; it must also ensure that it cannot be put back into operation. We in the civil society sector then monitor the situation on the ground to make sure the job has truly been completed”, explains Vuk Vujisić from the cuvaj.me platform.

Six young people trained by the Environmental Protection Agency are engaged on the platform. They are trained to understand cases, carry out preliminary assessments, submit reports to institutions and follow up on what happens next.

“We make an effort to monitor locations with the highest number of cases and to work with local communities. For example, we dealt with two large, organised illegal dumping sites where individuals charged for waste disposal, resulting in the creation of major environmental black spots. In such cases, we seek to put pressure on institutions to seal the sites and install cameras so that we can monitor what is happening. Through the campaign, we also try to encourage institutions to respond more promptly to citizens’ reports”, Vujisić says, stressing that “the essence lies not in the number of inspections, but in solving problems and achieving real changes on the ground”.

“It is not the same if someone photographs a few bags next to a container, or if someone reports the organised dumping of hazardous waste, or a site where 800 tonnes of tyres have been discarded, as in the case of Orjen — which also poses a security risk if the tyres catch fire”, Vujišić adds. He believes it is important that “citizens can see what has been done and the history of each case, and this is also important because journalists can follow everything”.

“We want citizens to see that something is genuinely changing and that change is possible. Wherever we have managed to achieve results, we have subsequently received even more reports. Citizens have taken on part of the responsibility — they report, put pressure on institutions… This gives us renewed hope that things really can change”, Vujisić concludes.

This campaign in Montenegro brings together state institutions, local authorities, civil society organisations, companies and citizens, thereby creating conditions for long-term solutions in the field of environmental protection and contributing to Montenegro’s fulfilment of its obligations on the path towards EU membership.

“A particular step forward is the establishment of a specialised unit to combat environmental crime within the Police Directorate, as well as the procurement of the first shredder for processing car tyres for the company Deponije DOO”, representatives of Europe House say. They add that preventive mechanisms will continue to be strengthened, along with the further involvement of schools and citizens.

In the coming period, priority will be given to reports where individual responsibility can be established. Plans also include the introduction of regular bi-monthly reminders to institutions that fail to act on reports, as well as the publication of monthly reports on institutional efficiency. Activists envisage that the Čuvaj.me platform will remain with institutions as a permanent tool through which citizens can report pollution cases. There are also plans to establish the website crnetacke.com, linked to cuvaj.me, which will cover the entire region.

EU and KfW boost alternative finance for vulnerable businesses

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

Today, the European Commission and KfW, the German development bank, announced the signature of a guarantee agreement worth up to €135 million to expand access to finance through alternative channels for Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Western Balkans, Eastern Neighbourhood, North Africa and the Middle East, and Türkiye. Supported by the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+), the guarantee will focus on MSMEs that face the greatest barriers to finance. This may include innovative start-ups and businesses led by persons and groups in vulnerable situations and/or exposed to discrimination, such as women-led enterprises as these segments are likely to explore alternative financing options. Support will be channelled through the Scaling Alternative Finance for Entrepreneurs (SAFE) fund, which provides guarantees to alternative financial intermediaries including crowdfunding platforms, microfinance institutions, leasing companies and venture capital funds. By widening access to alternative sources of finance for underserved firms, the initiative aims to strengthen innovation, inclusiveness and competitiveness across the MSME ecosystem in the regions concerned. EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, said: “We are increasing our support to startups and entrepreneurs in candidate countries, especially to companies run by women and those facing discrimination. To make sure that as our Union expands, no one is left on the margins.” EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica stated: “This agreement targets one of the key bottlenecks of small and medium enterprises financing, which is the provision of guarantee for banks and microfinance institutions to serve clients they normally would not work with.  This is an excellent way to support economic development and pursue the target of a more integrated Mediterranean region.” Christiane Laibach, member of the Executive Board of KfW Group said: “We are delighted to join forces with the European Union to support this initiative which represents a valuable addition to the financing landscape in the target region,” said Christiane Laibach, member of Executive Board of KfW Group. “The flexible guarantee approach allows alternative finance providers to share part of the risk and thus play a greater role in improving access to capital for MSMEs in the EU neighbourhood regions. This will tackle bottlenecks to private investment and generate new perspectives for growth.”

Background

The European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+) was established in June 2021 to support public and private sustainable investment in EU’s partner countries, and as a key tool of EU’s Global Gateway initiative. EFSD+ makes available grants and guarantees for investment projects through International Financial Institutions (IFIs) and has €39.8 billion in guarantee capacity globally for the period 2021 to 2027.

North Macedonia takes top prize at the European Training Foundation’s Green Skills Award 2025

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

Turin, 30 January 2026 – North Macedonia’s “Best Business Concept for Green Innovation” won the ETF Green Skills Award 2025, the European Training Foundation announced today during the EU-Italy Energy Days organised by Politecnico di Torino. The initiative demonstrates how green entrepreneurship can turn education into practical solutions for environmental challenges, empowering young people to develop, test and scale ideas with real-world impact. The North Macedonian project ranked first among five finalists selected from more than 250 applications from over 50 countries worldwide. Türkiye and Spain placed second and third overall, while Tunisia and Kazakhstan were also shortlisted. In a separate category, introduced in 2025 together with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Environment and the European External Action Service, the ETF awarded the #ForOurPlanet Award for circular economy education to a student-led initiative from Malaysia, recognised for inclusive learning through insect-based waste valorisation. Launched in 2021, the Green Skills Award promotes innovative practices supporting circular and carbon-neutral economies. Over five editions, it has received more than 1,350 applications from over 60 countries and generated over 57,000 public votes. “The Green Skills Award confirms that skills for sustainability are a global priority,” said Pilvi Torsti, Director of the European Training Foundation. “The strong international response shows how education and training are increasingly seen as central to the green and energy transition. This year’s finalists demonstrated how skills can turn ambition into action, and how local initiatives can deliver solutions with wider relevance. Investing in green skills is also essential for competitiveness and preparedness, ensuring that the workforce can adapt to technological change and future shocks”. Green Skills Award 2025 – Final ranking #1 prize – North Macedonia. Best Business Concept for Green Innovation This long-running national initiative engages secondary school and university students, together with their teachers, in developing practical solutions to environmental challenges through green entrepreneurship. Active for more than 18 years, it involves over 100 students and more than 50 teachers each year and generates more than 35 green business ideas annually. Supported by universities, vocational excellence centres and EU-funded programmes, it strengthens links between education and employment while enabling young people to develop, pitch and scale green innovations with real market potential. #2 prize – Türkiye. Solar School Project (Antalya) Led by the Antalya Metropolitan Municipality, funded by the EU and partners including Çanakkale University and the Turkish Employment Agency (İŞKUR), the project reaches out to young people aged 18–29 who are out of education system and the labour market, equips them with job-relevant renewable energy skills. It combines online learning with hands-on training at photovoltaic stations and tailored employment support, helping participants transition into the growing solar energy sector. #3 prize – Spain. POWAR STEAM (Barcelona) POWAR STEAM is an initiative which delivers hands-on, data-driven climate education through interactive STEAM tools, including environmental sensors and a climate simulator. Students measure environmental conditions, test hypotheses and explore climate scenarios, strengthening digital skills, critical thinking and sustainability literacy. The initiative also supports teachers with ready-to-use learning scenarios that turn climate science into applied learning.   Other shortlisted finalists Kazakhstan – Mangystau Energy College renewable energy dual training programme. The Mangystau Energy College is preparing a future workforce for clean energy through an accredited renewable energy specialisation delivered in a dual training format. The programme blends classroom learning, lab practice and industrial placements to build skills in installation, diagnostics, maintenance and automation of renewable systems. With strong links to regional employers, it helps align training with labour market needs, including opportunities for graduates to bring energy solutions to underserved rural communities. Tunisia – CBS Training: green skills and entrepreneurship for rural women. CBS Training has been empowering women in southern Tunisia through practical training, entrepreneurship support and sustainability learning that connects skills to livelihoods. By integrating green entrepreneurship and circular-economy awareness across programmes, it supports women to launch businesses, access employment and become community change agents. The initiative combines local outreach with mentoring and partnerships that strengthen both inclusion and scaling potential. #ForOurPlanet Award winner: Malaysia Introduced in 2025 by the ETF together with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Environment and the European External Action Service, the #ForOurPlanet Award recognises excellence in circular economy education. The 2025 award was granted to a student-led initiative from Malaysia, implemented at Sekolah Indonesia Kota Kinabalu (SIKK). The project uses black soldier fly bioconversion to transform food waste into compost and animal feed, combining hands-on science education, behaviour change and inclusive climate learning.   Green Skills Award 2026: new call launched! The Green Skills Award 2026 call for applications was officially launched today. Applications can be submitted via an online platform in English, with submissions in other languages accepted and translated for assessment. Initiatives are evaluated by independent experts based on impact, originality, scalability and inclusion.   About the ETF Green Skills Award Launched in 2021, the ETF Green Skills Award is a global initiative that highlights innovative practices in green skills development led by individuals and institutions. It serves as a source of ideas and inspiration, promoting good practices for circular and carbon-neutral economies and societies.   Past winners: A full list of past finalists is available from a wide range of countries, including: Albania (City of my Dreams; Shipmentt), Armenia (TUMO Labs), Azerbaijan (Inkoel), Belarus (Volma), Belgium (with France: Label Emmaüs), Croatia (with Armenia and Türkiye: The Green Changemakers), Cyprus (Yenesis project), Georgia (Agriculture education in school; Sustainable Development Academy K4S;  Construct2), India (PSS Central Institute of Vocational Education; Carbon Addons; Schneider Electric), Ireland (Fifty Shades Greener; SOLAS), Italy (Atelier Riforma), Jordan (Creating Green Land), Kazakhstan (AUPET), Kenya (Don Bosco Tech Africa; E-waste management), Latvia (Hemp School), Lebanon (Zero Waste project), Madagascar (Don Bosco TVET), Malaysia (Green Putrajaya), Moldova (Training the Green Trainers), Morocco (with Spain: Bouregreg Med-O-Med Gardening School by FUNCI), Netherlands (21CC Education; Blue Hotspot Dordrecht; with Czechia, Denmark, Finland, Romania, and Spain: European Platform Urban Greening); Nigeria (Operation Skill Them Up), Palestine (Gaza Training Centre), Serbia (The Green Art Incubator), Türkiye (Distance Learning Gate;  Always fashion project; Ataturk Vocational and Technical High School), Ukraine (Emau; Professional Qualifications in Energy Efficiency Project; Taras Shevchenko National University), USA (with Liberia, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Zimbabwe: WeCareSolar).   Background The European Training Foundation (ETF) is the EU agency supporting countries neighbouring the EU in reforming their education, training and labour market systems. In line with the objectives of the Union of Skills and the Clean Industrial Deal, the ETF actively promotes progress towards sustainable, carbon-neutral, and circular economies and societies through skills development.   Further information

Heritage Heroes: “Culture belongs to everyone”

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in Stories.

The Heritage Heroes Award for individual contributions to the protection and promotion of cultural heritage in Serbia was established in 2022 by the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia and Europa Nostra Serbia, within the framework of the European Heritage Days.

The recipients of the 2025 award are members of the Ansambl Generalštab initiative. Its representatives include conservation and restoration students Valentina Moravčević and Nikolina Đorđević, and architecture student Ognjen Marković, while the initiative itself brings together a broader circle of professionals, students and citizens. They received the Europa Nostra Serbia Award for their outstanding contribution to the promotion, protection and contemporary interpretation of Serbia’s modernist architectural heritage, with a particular focus on the General Staff building in central Belgrade, which holds the status of a cultural monument.

The General Staff building was constructed in the early 1960s and served as the headquarters of the Yugoslav Army command. Its architect, Nikola Dobrović, was awarded the status of academician for his work. The building was damaged during the NATO bombing in 1999, but part of it remains in use. The Serbian authorities subsequently adopted a law revoking its status as a cultural monument, thereby opening the way for its sale and demolition.

Members of The Initiative emphasise that, had the situation concerning the General Staff continued in the direction intended by the authorities, it would have endangered the entire legislative system designed to protect cultural and national monuments.

“The initiative emerged from a desire to raise public awareness of the importance of cultural heritage through education, lectures, public forums and open discussions. Before this, it was unheard of for 10,000 people to attend protests in defence of a cultural monument, or for 500 students from different faculties to listen to lectures on cultural heritage. We succeeded in transferring what had long remained within professional circles to the wider public, because cultural heritage belongs to all of us”, Valentina explains.

Nikolina adds that there is still insufficient awareness that every aspect of culture is worthy of preservation and care.

“As future professionals, we believe that every layer of history deserves to be valued, because it speaks of continuity that should not be neglected or forgotten. Moreover, the building is often described as a ruin, yet it is entirely possible to reconstruct it fully and bring it back into use”, Valentina says.

The Heritage Heroes recognition in Serbia is awarded to individuals, civic initiatives or groups of citizens for individual or collective contributions in the field of heritage that have achieved visible progress — independently of, or even despite, institutional frameworks or dominant social trends — in the preservation of cultural heritage.

The explanation accompanying the award decision states that The Initiative’s work demonstrates that heritage is not a closed professional topic, but a shared public good and a democratic right of the community. It highlights that Ansambl Generalštab underscored the need for a comprehensive, holistic approach — understanding architecture and urbanism in synergy, protecting ensembles and their urban context, as well as recognising memorial values as carriers of identity, continuity and collective memory. In doing so, they affirmed in the public sphere the understanding that a monument does not exist in isolation, but as part of the city’s wider urban fabric. It is also noted that, alongside educational activities, the initiative activated legal and institutional mechanisms.

The award was presented by the EU Ambassador to Serbia, Andreas von Beckerath, who stated that the students gathered around this initiative had succeeded in building bridges between different disciplines, generations and social actors engaged in the preservation, promotion and interpretation of cultural heritage.

“Their initiative has shown that heritage does not belong solely to experts and institutions, but is a living tissue of the community, shaped through dialogue, knowledge, creativity and responsibility. Ansambl Generalštab distinguished itself not only through the defence of heritage, but also by promoting broad public engagement and underlining the importance of the rule of law”, the Ambassador said.

The award recipients do not hide their pride that their initiative has been supported by ICOMOS, ICOM, DOCOMOMO and Europa Nostra.

“This is a real breath of fresh air, as it is almost unheard of for young people to receive such prestigious awards. It is also a step towards a better future in which the opinions of young people will be valued and respected, and where young professionals will be considered just as important as their more senior counterparts. We are no longer merely people protesting in the streets — the international community has recognised our work as significant and our struggle as meaningful.”, Nikolina explains.

She adds that they expressed gratitude to the employees of the Republic Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments, who stood up to all pressures in defence of the ethics of their profession.

Looking to the future, they announce continued determination.

“If someone in Serbia wishes to work in the field of culture, it is always a struggle — for funding or for anything else. Cultural heritage, anywhere in the world, cannot be defined as ‘ours’ or ‘theirs’, because it is shared, and we must cooperate with European and global organisations alike”, Nikolina concludes stressing once again that the whole world is one.

EU and Montenegro provisionally close another chapter in accession negotiations

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

Today, the 25th meeting of the Accession Conference with Montenegro provisionally closed accession negotiations on chapter 32 (financial control).
I am pleased to see Montenegro closing another negotiating chapter today.With this achievement, a total of 13 chapters have now been provisionally closed, marking significant and tangible progress on the country’s path toward European integration. Enlargement remains a strategic geopolitical priority for the EU and a key focus of the Cyprus presidency. I hope we will be therefore able to hold many more accession conferences in the months ahead, not only with Montenegro, but also with other candidates as we continue to advance a credible and merit-based enlargement process. Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, on behalf of the Cyprus presidency of the Council of the EU
  The EU may, if necessary, return to this chapter at an appropriate moment. Chapters 3 on the right of establishment and freedom to provide services, 4 on the free movement of capital, 6 on company law, 11 on agriculture and rural development, and 13 on fisheries had already been provisionally closed at the previous Accession Conference on 16 December 2025. Monitoring of progress in the alignment with and implementation of the EU acquis will continue throughout the negotiations. Montenegro has opened all 33 negotiating chapters in its EU accession negotiations. With the provisional closure agreed today, a total of thirteen of these chapters have now been provisionally closed. According to the negotiating principles endorsed by the Accession Conference, agreements reached in the course of negotiations on specific chapters, even partial ones, may not be considered as final until an overall agreement has been reached for all chapters.

Background

The European Union delegation was led by Ms Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European affairs of Cyprus, on behalf of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, with the participation of Commissioner for Enlargement, Ms Marta Kos. The Montenegrin delegation was led by Mr Milojko Spajić, Prime Minister of Montenegro.

Montenegro: European Union to invest €175 million to upgrade Bar-Golubovci railway line

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

  • The European Union is committing €175 million to modernise the Bar–Golubovci railway link, a strategic section of Rail Route 4 on the extended TEN-T Core Network.
  • The EIB will provide a €63 million loan alongside an EU grant of €112.6 million.
  • The upgrade will boost train speeds and significantly improve reliability, safety, and capacity.
To strengthen regional connectivity and integration, the European Union is providing a €175.6 million financial package for the reconstruction of 39 km of the Bar–Golubovci railway line, a key section of Rail Route 4 on the extended TEN-T Core Network. This vital corridor connects Belgrade to the Port of Bar, linking Montenegro and the Western Balkans with Central Europe. Once completed, the upgrade will increase train speeds and improve railway reliability, safety, and capacity. The project will raise the quality of rail service, accommodating 1.3 million passengers and transporting 1.85 million tonnes of freight annually. It will promote multimodal transport, strengthen resilience to climate change, and advance Montenegro’s green transition by shifting traffic from road to rail. This package includes a €63 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and a €112.6 million EU grant from the European Commission under the Western Balkans Investment Framework, a landmark investment that underscores the EU’s strong commitment to Montenegro. The total project cost, estimated at €230.8 million, will also be supported by a €50 million loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and €5.2 million from the government of Montenegro. “This investment is another tangible step toward aligning Montenegro’s core infrastructure with EU standards and accelerating the country’s path toward accession”, said EIB Vice-President Robert de Groot. “With these latest agreements, EIB Global’s support for the transport sector in Montenegro will reach a total of €500 million, directly improving regional connectivity, boosting trade and tourism, and helping to create a more integrated common regional market.” “With the conclusion of the €63 million loan agreement with the European Investment Bank, a stable and favourable source of financing has been secured for one of the key infrastructure projects in the railway sector”, said Finance Minister Novica Vuković. “The loan arrangement is fully aligned with the medium-term fiscal policy framework and the public debt management strategy, while enabling the implementation of a project with strong developmental relevance and European significance. Cooperation with the EIB once again confirms the institution’s confidence in Montenegro’s fiscal stability and the country’s capacity to responsibly manage major infrastructure investments. ” The European Commission and the EIB advisory programme JASPERS provided technical support that ensured the project was prepared in line with EU environmental, social, and technical standards. “Modern, sustainable infrastructure is at the heart of Montenegro’s European future. By investing in railways, we are investing in greener transport, better connectivity, and stronger economic integration with the region and the EU. With one of the biggest single grant from EU taxpayers, and help of our partners, it is finally time to start long-awaited reconstruction of the Bar–Golubovci railway,” said EU Ambassador to Montenegro Johann Sattler. “This project represents one of the most important investments in Montenegro’s railway infrastructure in decades and a clear signal of trust from our European partners”, said Montenegrin Minister of Transport Maja Vukićević. “Our long-standing cooperation with the European Investment Bank has been crucial in modernising the Bar–Belgrade railway corridor, which is the backbone of sustainable transport in Montenegro. By upgrading the Bar–Golubovci section, we are not only improving safety, efficiency, and service quality, but also strengthening Montenegro’s role as a key transport hub between the Western Balkans and the European Union. This investment directly supports our green transition, economic development, and EU accession goals.” Background information About the EIB and EIB Global The EIB is the long-term financing institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. It makes long-term finance available for sound investment in order to contribute towards EU policy goals. The EIB supports projects in four priority areas: infrastructure, innovation, climate and environment, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance, and a key partner of Global Gateway. It aims to support €100 billion of investment by the end of 2027 – around one-third of the overall target of this EU initiative. Within Team Europe, EIB Global fosters strong, focused partnerships alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the EIB Group closer to local people, companies and institutions through its offices around the world. About the EIB in Montenegro The EU bank has been an active partner of Montenegro, providing almost €1.1 billion in loans to the country, mostly in support of SMEs, education and transport infrastructure. For more information on EIB projects in Montenegro, visit https://www.eib.org/en/projects/regions/enlargement/the-western-balkans/montenegro/index.htm. For detailed information on the EIB’s activities in the Western Balkans, visit www.eib.org/en/publications/the-eib-in-the-western-balkans.

Serbia to enhance road connectivity with €150 million loan from EIB Global

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

  • European Investment Bank (EIB Global) loan will upgrade an estimated 540 km of roads
  • The upgrade will improve infrastructure, climate resilience, network availability and road safety, while boosting regional cooperation and development
  • The loan will be complemented by a €1.4 million grant provided under the EIB Economic Resilience Initiative and by technical assistance from the European Union to support project preparation and implementation.
The European Investment Bank (EIB Global) is providing a €150 million loan to finance the reconstruction and upgrade of around 540 km of local and national roads in Serbia. The project aims to enhance road safety, build resilience to climate change and safeguard the existing network, while lowering environmental impact and travel time. By upgrading Serbia’s core road network closer to EU standards, the project will enhance connectivity and accessibility nationwide, facilitating movement of passengers and freight and fostering sustainable economic growth. “The project supports smart, sustainable and safe transport, removes bottlenecks, and integrates Serbia’s network into regional and EU corridors. These improvements will boost socioeconomic development by increasing accessibility, facilitating trade, and supporting businesses nationwide,” said EIB Head of the Regional Hub for the Western Balkans Damien Sorrell. The project will also introduce targeted measures to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly on local roads. These include upgraded pedestrian crossings, protective barriers near schools, improved signage, the construction of sidewalks and the development of dedicated cycling lanes. The project builds on the EIB Global-financed Road Rehabilitation and Safety initiative, enabling modernisation of over 900 km of Serbia’s national road network. “We continue to build and improve transportation infrastructure in the Republic of Serbia. said Serbian First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Siniša Mali. “In addition to highways and express roads, of which ten are currently under construction, we are also upgrading local road infrastructure, because we want to have safer and more modern roads in all parts of Serbia, in every town. The construction of transport infrastructure, roads and railways has a positive impact on economic activity, and through the efficient implementation of such projects, we are recording faster economic growth. In this way, we also attract new investors, create new industrial zones, and Serbia becomes an even more attractive investment destination.”. As part of the region’s Economic and Investment Plan, this project will benefit from a €1.4 million grant under EIB Global’s Economic Resilience Initiative, along with technical assistance from the EU Delegation to support preparation and implementation. The project has also received support from EIB Advisory through the JASPERS programme, which assessed the climate resilience of Serbia’s road network to identify the priority sections for upgrading. “This project provides a significant upgrade to Serbia’s national and local road infrastructure, with a strong focus on unlocking regional socioeconomic potential and addressing the needs of citizens and businesses”, said EU Ambassador to Serbia Andreas von Beckerath. “Supported by EU-funded technical assistance, it delivers safer, more resilient and smarter roads, aligned with European standards, benefiting communities and the economy across the country.” According to Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure Aleksandra Sofronijević, the project supports the development needs of the Republic of Serbia which, along with constructing new highways and express roads, is also working on the modernisation and improvement of the existing road transport infrastructure – essential for the overall development of Serbian regions and local governments. “The actual need for the rehabilitation of state and local roads ranges from 500 to 1 000 km, and this project will help achieve that goal. A good road network is key to development, as it contributes to increased population mobility, higher employment, faster flows of goods and passengers, greater attractiveness for business investments, and stimulation of tourism development,” said Minister Sofronijević. Background information About the European Investment Bank and EIB Global The EIB is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It makes long-term finance available for sound investment in order to foster EU policy goals. EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance. EIB Global is designed to foster strong, focused partnerships within Team Europe, alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the EIB Group closer to local people, companies and institutions through our offices around the world. About EIB Global in Serbia The EIB has been active in Serbia since 1977, providing finance to support key infrastructure projects as well as small and medium enterprises (SMEs), industry, services and local authorities. Since it began operating in the country, it has enabled over €8 billion of investment in SMEs and upgrading of transport, education, healthcare and utility infrastructure. For more information regarding the EIB’s projects in Serbia, please visit https://www.eib.org/en/projects/regions/enlargement/the-western-balkans/serbia/index.htm. For detailed information on the EIB’s activities in the Western Balkans, please visit www.eib.org/en/publications/the-eib-in-the-western-balkans.