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Exhibition on biodiversity at Gorica Hill showcases 18 permanent panels

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

To mark the World Environment Day, in cooperation with the Agency for the Management of Protected Areas of Podgorica, Europe House installed eighteen permanent panels which will serve as a permanent exhibition space on Gorica Hill. Representatives from Europe House and the Capital officially opened the first exhibition titled “Protect What You Love – Biodiversity of the Protected Areas of Podgorica.”

 

Nearly 50 years since the first commemoration and the slogan “Only one Earth,” we can also say “Only one Gorica. Only one Montenegro,” said Nataša Beširević, from Europe House, during the grand opening of the exhibition. Beširević expressed gratitude to the city of Podgorica and the Agency for the Management of Protected Areas of Podgorica for being part of the daily and concrete efforts to preserve biodiversity and the environment alongside the European Union.

 

The tale about the biodiversity of the Capital’s protected areas unfolded through a captivating display on eighteen permanent panels. The exhibition showcased a diverse array of animal and plant species, along with alluring destinations nestled within the protected areas where they thrive.

Shadow Report for Chapter 27 “Progress on Hold” presented at Europe House Podgorica

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Ahead of the European Green Week, Coalition 27 presented the Shadow Report for Chapter 27: “Progress on Hold,” aiming to provide an overall picture of Montenegro’s progress in the EU accession process from January 2022 to May 2023, regarding the improvement of the environmental protection and climate change situation.

 

The assessment of the implemented activities in this field is already implied in the report’s title, “Progress on Hold” (draft). Aside from analysing substantial issues, the report also includes a set of recommendations to strengthen the process of transposing and implementing the EU legislation covered by Chapter 27.

 

The report was prepared as part of the project “Empowering Civil Society Participation in the Environmental Sector in the EU Accession Process (4E),” which is financially supported by the European Union through the Civil Society Facility 2021 and the Thematic Programme on Human Rights and Democracy 2021.

President Ursula von der Leyen Presents Growth Plan for the Western Balkans at GLOBSEC 2023 Bratislava Forum

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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered a speech on 31 May at the GLOBSEC 2023 Bratislava Forum, where she primarily focused on the war in Ukraine but also addressed issues related to the Western Balkans. In her speech, she emphasized the need to strengthen the ties between the European Union and the aspiring members of the Western Balkans. Von der Leyen highlighted that it is no longer sufficient to simply wait for these countries to move closer to the Union; rather, the responsibility lies with the EU to actively bring them closer.

 

The shockwaves of Putin’s war of aggression have reached the six Western Balkan partners, but this has only served to bring them closer together. The EU has extended its solidarity measures to the Western Balkans, offering support to vulnerable households against high energy costs. Additionally, the EU is investing in the construction of new infrastructure to reduce the region’s dependence on Russian fossil fuels. This practical cooperation is taking place in parallel with progress on the EU accession path.

 

While recent tensions are a cause for concern, President von der Leyen echoed calls for all sides to step away from confrontation and take measures to restore calm. To seize this important moment in the region, she presented a new growth plan for the Western Balkans. The plan aims to build upon the progress achieved in recent months and bring some of the benefits of EU membership to the people of the Western Balkans at present.

 

The proposed growth plan rests on four pillars. Firstly, it aims to bring the Western Balkans closer to the EU Single Market, allowing them to join the Digital Single Market in areas such as e-commerce and cybersecurity. This would facilitate trade in goods and payments. President von der Leyen emphasized that the Single Market should be a driver of change not only for current EU member states but also for those on their way to membership.

 

Secondly, the plan seeks to deepen regional economic integration through the establishment of a common regional market. This market is crucial for unlocking the economic potential of the region and making it more attractive to European investors. Adherence to EU rules and standards within this common regional market can also expedite the accession process.

 

The third pillar of the growth plan is to accelerate fundamental reforms in the Western Balkans. These reforms, such as building an independent and efficient judiciary, ensuring sound public procurement, and intensifying the fight against corruption, are essential for boosting investor confidence.

 

Lastly, President von der Leyen highlighted the EU’s readiness to support the Western Balkans with increased pre-accession funding. Recognizing the need for investment in the region, she emphasized that these investments would not only improve the lives of people but also facilitate their path to EU membership. In these turbulent times, the four-point plan presented by President von der Leyen offers a comprehensive approach to support the Western Balkans. The European Commission’s growth plan for the Western Balkans demonstrates the EU’s commitment to bringing these countries closer to the Union. By offering access to the Single Market, encouraging regional economic integration, promoting necessary reforms, and increasing pre-accession funds, the EU aims to expedite the Western Balkans’ journey towards EU membership.

Transforming a Simple Hobby into a Thriving Business

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in Stories.

EU Support empowers a young Montenegrin entrepreneur to establish her own business and produce eco-friendly toys.

Jasna Radenović, a young female entrepreneur from Montenegro, runs a creative company that specializes in manufacturing eco-friendly toys. Residing in the town of Plav, located in the northeastern region of Montenegro, Jasna is a mother of three. With a population of over 3,000 inhabitants, Plav serves as the central hub of Plav Municipality, which boasts a population exceeding 9,000 residents. A decade ago, Jasna aspired for her children to have toys crafted from natural materials. Given the limited selection available in Montenegrin stores at the time, Jasna conceived the idea of creating the toys herself. “Wood was a readily available material in our city. Initially, I began crafting stacking toys, gradually tailoring the designs to suit the age and needs of my children,” reflects Jasna. However, over time, this humble pastime transformed into something more substantial, leading Jasna to transform it into a full-fledged business.

“Today, we create eco-friendly toys using wood and fabric, catering to children of all ages. Our toys facilitate learning in areas such as mathematics, first letters, musical notes, and geography. They contribute to the development of motor skills and stimulate children’s imagination.”

In 2020, Jasna seized the opportunity and applied for the National Employment Agency’s business start-up scheme, which received funding from the European Union and the Government of Montenegro. This financial support enabled her to establish her company, “Three Wolves.” “Today, we create eco-friendly toys using wood and fabric, catering to children of all ages. Our toys facilitate learning in areas such as mathematics, first letters, musical notes, and geography. They contribute to the development of motor skills and stimulate children’s imagination,” explains Jasna.

Aside from the grant provided by the EU through the Employment Agency, which Jasna utilized to acquire machinery and essential materials for toy production, she also received valuable mentoring support to enhance her strategic planning and marketing skills. Through the regional project titled “Promoting Inclusive Labour Market Solutions in the Western Balkans,” funded by the Austrian Development Agency, the UNDP Country office offered mentoring assistance to participants of the self-employment program. “Since I had no prior business experience, I was uncertain about which products to focus on and how to effectively present myself in the market. However, I received exceptional support from mentors,” shares Jasna.

While Jasna aspires for her products to become a trademark brand of Montenegro, she acknowledges the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in the country. “The most challenging aspect is balancing personal and business responsibilities. It requires effective time management with three boys of different ages, ensuring their schooling and extracurricular activities are well-taken care of while simultaneously developing the business,” admits Jasna.

“If you don’t try, you’ll never know the extent of your capabilities. I am confident that, like me, you will receive help and support from the system.”

About the project

The grant program aimed at supporting self-employment and business start-ups is a direct grant worth €3.5 million. It is co-financed by the European Union and the Government of Montenegro. This initiative, known as the “Self-Employment Grants Program,” is part of the broader EU-Montenegro Employment, Education, and Social Welfare Program (SOPEES), which has a total funding of €18 million from EU pre-accession funds (IPA II). The implementation of the program is carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Development and the Ministry of Finance and Social Welfare, receiving support from the EU Delegation in Montenegro.

Supporting women in business is crucial, especially considering that they spend an average of 10 years of their lives on unpaid work and household care. The significance of this support has been further highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, with women’s unpaid work and household responsibilities surpassing male labor by 92%. A recent UNDP survey revealed that while 11% of women reported not usually engaging in housework, the proportion among men was much higher at 42%.

Jasna acknowledges the existence of prejudices against women entrepreneurs, which can discourage those embarking on their own business ventures. She shares her experience, stating, “When people discover that a woman is the director, there is often a lingering question of whether she is up to the challenge. However, I remained determined to succeed and overcome such biases. Fortunately, I did not encounter significant barriers within the system. On the contrary, everyone was supportive and helpful.”

Jasna encourages unemployed women to believe in themselves and apply for programs that promote women’s entrepreneurship. She firmly believes that taking the initiative is essential, remarking, “If you don’t try, you’ll never know the extent of your capabilities. I am confident that, like me, you will receive help and support from the system.”

EU Support Strengthens Kosovo’s Civil Status Registration System, Paving the Way for Efficiency and Reliability

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The Civil Registration Agency of Kosovo has announced the successful integration of over 3 million missing civil status records into their identity management system. This achievement was made possible through funding from the European Union (EU) and with the support of the Danish Refugee Council, spanning from 2012 to 2023. The project aimed to fulfill the agency’s mandate under the dialogue process between Kosovo and Serbia.

  On 1 June 2023, the Civil Registration Agency of Kosovo can officially announce the successful completion of the integration of data from over 12,000 civil status registers into their system.  This accomplishment marked the finalisation of the “Digitalisation of the Certified Copies of Civil Registry Books – Phase III” project, which aimed to link the certified-copy e-archive and the Central Civil Status Register in Kosovo. The project, funded by EU, had a budget of EUR 2 million and was implemented by Danish Refugee Council over a 42-month period, starting on 2 December 2019.  

The main objective of the project was to contribute to the creation of a single, comprehensive upgraded system of civil status data towards enhancing the reliability of Kosovo’s registration system in the framework of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue. Key staff of the Civil Registration Agency of Kosovo, Ministry of Interior as well as Municipal Civil Status Offices, (providing services on local level) participated in the project.

Advancement of digital trends and market competitiveness in BiH with the support of the EU and the German government

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The first Digital Innovation Hubs Forum (DIH Forum) was held in Sarajevo this weekend, as part of the Sarajevo Maker Faire, which is also the first initiative of the Centre for Digital Innovations (DIH) in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Sarajevo Maker Faire, which was visited by about 12,000 visitors and innovation enthusiasts during the weekend, is among the world’s largest family-friendly festivals of invention, creativity, and technology, where all digital innovation centres presented their activities in Sarajevo.

 

The EU4DigitalSME project established four digital innovation hubs (DIHs) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (two in Sarajevo, one in Tuzla and one in Banja Luka), with the aim of developing digital technology in order to increase the competitiveness of domestic goods and services on the market, which would result in new jobs, economic growth and development. DIHs are of vital importance for Bosnia and Herzegovina because they enable small and medium-sized enterprises to develop skills, stimulate innovation and attract investments by mastering the possibilities of digital technology. An important moment is certainly the establishment of a platform for cooperation, whereby Bosnia and Herzegovina remain a competitive player on the global market.

 

The establishment of digital innovation hubs and the establishment of a digitalization ecosystem in Bosnia and Herzegovina are jointly financed by the European Union and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of the Federal Republic of Germany (BMZ) through the project Innovation and Digitization of small and medium-sized enterprises in Bosnia and Herzegovina/EU4DigitalSME.

Kosovo Journalists Trained on Digital Rights Reporting

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On May 26–28, BIRN Kosovo held a National Training on Digital Rights Reporting for journalists in Brezovica. The three-day training program was designed to address rising concerns over digital rights and freedoms violations in Kosovo and in the Balkan region. The training brought together 14 journalists, of whom eight were women and one from the Serbian community. They received a comprehensive understanding of the issues at stake, helping them to identify and report on digital rights violations more effectively.

 

Special focus was put on topics including: Reporting Digital Rights in Kosovo and their impact on journalism; Digitalization and Protection of Privacy based on the Legislation of Kosovo; Violations in the Collection of Data in Kosovo; Data Protection of Children and other Marginalized Groups in the Era of Digitalization; Identifying and Collecting Digital Rights Violations in Kosovo; Reforms, Strategies and Challenges in the Process of Digitalization; Fact-Checking and Verification Techniques for Digital Rights Reporting; and Open-Source Investigations for Journalists.

 

Participants heard case studies on successful reporting on Digital Rights Violations and received guidance on how to develop their ideas for investigative stories. The training was organized as part of the “Reporting Digital Rights and Freedoms” project that is funded by the European Union.

Keynote speech by President von der Leyen at the GLOBSEC 2023 Bratislava Forum

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Keynote speech by President von der Leyen at the GLOBSEC 2023 Bratislava Forum

“Check against delivery”

Fellow leaders,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The war against Ukraine is a pivotal moment for Europe. And we must meet this moment. It is of course a blatant attack against the principles of the UN Charter. Principles we have collectively signed up to. But it is also a war against our values, and a war against the idea of a united and free Europe. For the first time in our history, a country is under attack because of its desire to be part of the European family. It is Ukraine’s sovereign decision – and the clearly expressed will of its people – to embrace our Union’s values. And in doing so, they are also fighting for our freedom and our values; democracy and the rule of law, free speech and the freedom to determine your own destiny. That is what Ukraine is fighting for, and that is what President Putin is trying to extinguish. President Putin is trying to destroy the work of peace that we have built together since the end of the Second World War and later the fall of the Iron Curtain. And this, Ladies and Gentlemen, is the origin of this war. Here at GLOBSEC, I understand you have been discussing the causes of this war.

 

So let me be clear, Russia started this unprovoked and unjustified war. Without cause, it invaded Ukraine to wipe the country off the map. And Russia refuses to accept Ukraine as an independent country. But Ukraine’s will to fight and to be free has amazed the world. They know with ironclad certainty where they belong. The Ukrainian people have for years been the architect of Ukraine’s move towards the European Union and they have proven their courage and determination time and again. Never can we match the sacrifice and the bravery of the Ukrainian people. But we can and must stand firmly by their side.

 

The immediate need – you know it – is the military assistance to sustain the efforts of the Ukrainian armed forces. This is why we have just proposed an ammunition production act – we call it ASAP. We want to push our defence industry to ramp up production of badly needed 155-millimetre and 152-millimetre artillery shells. And those who can, should provide long-range artillery and weapons systems that can help Ukraine level the battlefield gap in range to the invading forces. Our support is also needed for military training of Ukrainian forces. The Member States are doing a lot and we, at the European level, are doing our fair share, too. By the end of the year, we will have trained 30,000 servicemen and servicewomen.

 

Second, there is much discussion of peace plans and ceasefires. Above all, there must be the principle: nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine. Together with Ukraine, we want a just peace, one that does not reward the aggressor, but one that upholds the principles of the UN Charter and the Ukrainian people’s right to be masters of their own future. President Zelenskyy is very clear on that. A ceasefire resulting in a frozen conflict will not bring lasting peace. After all, a ceasefire was in place after 2014 and we know what happened to that agreement last February when Russia invaded. A ceasefire would be inherently unstable and would destabilise the region along the contact line. Nobody would invest or rebuild, and the conflict could flare up again at any time. No, a just peace must result in the withdrawal of Russian forces and their equipment from the territory of Ukraine. President Zelenskyy has come forward with a Peace Formula that we wholeheartedly support. Every one of his ten points is based on the UN Charter or UN resolutions. And he has invited countries around the world to join in and build on the Peace Formula. So that our starting point for peace is the rules-based order.

 

A just peace for Ukraine must also be a lasting one. And to be a lasting peace for Ukraine, it must be strengthened in two vital ways. The first is: ensuring the long-term security of Ukraine. I welcome ongoing discussions on how Ukraine’s security can be guaranteed. There are different models and historical examples that can be used. A collection of such guarantees by like-minded states can offer what some have called ‘deterrence by denial’. In other words, providing Ukraine with the military equipment to fortify itself against Russian attacks in the future.

 

What is important is that, at the end, there is clarity. Clarity that Ukraine’s friends will be there for the long haul for Ukraine’s security. Such an arrangement with security guarantees will need to be accompanied by a broader framework of Ukraine’s democratic reforms. And here, Ukraine’s path towards joining our Union will play a fundamental role. Although everyone knew that we were embarking on a challenging journey, we have given Ukraine candidate status – rightly so. Now we must be by their side every step of the way. Fact is that even as they fight for their survival, Ukrainians are passing crucial reforms to strengthen their democracy. Ukraine keeps advancing towards our Union against all odds. And we will keep doing our part to bring Ukraine much closer and much faster towards a just and lasting peace.

 

Today, there is a new awareness inside the European Union. We finally realise that it is not enough to just wait for our friends outside the Union to move closer to us. It is not enough to say that the door is open. We must also take responsibility to bring the aspiring members of our Union much closer to us. The shock waves sent by Putin’s war of aggression have also reached our six Western Balkan partners. But this has only brought us closer together. We extended to the Western Balkans the very same solidarity measures that we have taken inside our Union. We have supported vulnerable households against high energy costs. We are building new infrastructure to reduce the Western Balkans’ dependency on Russian fossil fuels. And this practical cooperation has run in parallel with progress on the EU path. Recent tensions are of course concerning. I echo calls on all sides to step away from confrontation and to take measures to restore calm.

 

Today, I want to present a new initiative to seize this important moment in the region. It is a new growth plan for the Western Balkans. We want to build on the progress achieved in recent months. But we also want to bring some of the benefits of EU membership to the people of the Western Balkans already today. The growth plan we are proposing today is built on four pillars: First, to bring the Western Balkans closer to the EU Single Market. Second, to deepen regional economic integration. Third, to accelerate fundamental reforms. And fourth, to increase pre-accession funds. To a certain extent, this is a new approach for the European Union: We do not only ask our partners to take new steps towards us. We also take a big step towards them. Our shared goal is to speed up their journey towards the EU. And for this, we bring our Union closer to the Western Balkans. Let me introduce these four points briefly.

 

For all countries that joined the EU in the last two decades, access to the Single Market has been the main driver of economic growth. But countries that are already on a promising EU path should also benefit from our Single Market. For example, the Western Balkans could join our Digital Single Market in areas such as e-commerce or cybersecurity. We could facilitate our trade in goods and payments. I want our Single Market to be a driver of change, not only for countries that have already joined the family but also for those that are still on their way.

 

This closer association with our Single Market should go hand in hand with a common regional market. A common regional market is crucial to unlock the economic potential of the region. It is crucial to make the Western Balkans a more attractive place for European investors. And, if based on EU rules and standards, this common regional market can also help accelerate accession to our Union. We want to offer the Western Balkans some of the advantages to membership in advance. But this means that certain requirements of membership also have to be met in advance. Some of the reforms that are part of the accession process are key for investors’ confidence. Think about building an independent and efficient judiciary, ensuring sound public procurement and stepping up the fight against corruption. Or think about the energy market. The Western Balkan region has a huge potential to diversify away from Russian fossil fuels. But it needs to increase energy efficiency, step up diversification and accelerate the deployment of more renewables. The Western Balkans can achieve both: energy independence from Russia and closer alignment with the European Union to speed up accession.

 

My final point is straightforward. We stand ready to support the Western Balkans with increased pre-accession funding. There is a dire need of investment in the Western Balkans. These investments will make people’s lives better. And they will also smooth the way into our Union. For this reason, we should increase the resources dedicated to the Western Balkans. In these turbulent times, this four-point plan is the right offer for the Western Balkans.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

History is on the move. Putin wanted to grab Ukraine for Russia. He calculated that the European Union would just accept it. Instead, Ukraine resisted bravely and is beating him back. And we in Europe, rightly and steadfastly, stand with Ukraine. We are meeting this pivotal moment in history. And we must stay the course. Ukraine will emerge stronger from this war. Huge crowds are waving European flags in Moldova and Georgia, where the yearning for a place in the European Union burns resolutely. The Western Balkans and the Union are getting closer and closer. This is the moment to seize, to forge a more united Europe.

 

Thank you and long live Europe.

35th WBIF Project Financiers’ Group (PFG) Meeting, 24-25 May 2023

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On 24 and 25 May 2023, the WBIF Project Financiers’ Group (PFG) met in Brussels. The strategic session of the meeting was co-chaired by Holger Schröder, Head of Unit Western Balkans Regional Programmes, Economic Investment Plan at the Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, and Matteo Rivellini, Head of Division at the European Investment Bank. The meeting was attended by about 90 representatives from international financial institutions, EU Member States and Norway bilateral donors, and representatives from the six Western Balkans economies.

 

The beneficiary partners updated on the state of play of the implementation of the Economic and Investment Plan in their territories, notably investments in public infrastructures financed through WBIF. The participants discussed the role of WBIF as a platform to implement policy priorities and reforms through investments, in particular, in areas of strategic importance such as transport and energy. The International Finance Corporation, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the European Investment Bank shared their experiences with crowding-in private investments in view of advancing the socio-economic convergence of the Western Balkans with the EU.

How Creative Europe aims to go green

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A new study sets out the steps that the Creative Europe programme should take to become more sustainable and support the EU’s climate change goals.

 

The European Commission has been seeking insights on how to make its programmes more sustainable. In 2021, it commissioned the study “Greening the Creative Europe programme” to help achieve its objectives of fighting climate change and to support its efforts to make the Creative Europe Programme more environmental-friendly.

 

Cultural and creative activities can support the transition to a green economy by promoting sustainability and environmental awareness. At the same time, the programme itself will strive for carbon-neutrality by promoting sustainable means of transport and environmentally responsible behaviours.

 

The authors of the study worked to elaborate guidance for applicants and beneficiaries develop recommendations for monitoring and evaluating the green aspects of project proposals, collect good practices that support awareness-raising on the need for a green transition in the cultural and creative sectors, document the progress under the previous Creative Europe programme (2014-2020) in terms of projects that pursued sustainability goals.

 

The Commission will work on developing capacity and knowledge in the area of greening at all levels involved in the programme implementation.