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Author: WeBalkans

First Robotics League for Primary School Students with EU Support

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

Europe House and the Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro supported the First National Robotics Competition for primary school students. The teams, comprising 4 pupils each, were formed from 43 primary schools in Montenegro. A total of 58 teams tested their programming skills at the competition held at the Sports and Cultural Centre of the University of Montenegro.

 

“This is a STEM competition aimed at helping children think creatively, seek logical solutions to various problems, and above all, gives children a chance to socialise and become team players. These days, teamwork is necessary for every organisation and profession. Our goal was to teach children from an early age to respect the team, respect each other, consult, and find solutions to everyday problems together,” said Nina Drakulić from the Montenegro Robotics organisation.

 

The robotics competition emerged from the synergy between Codepixel company and Montenegro Robotics organisation. The competition was organised in two categories. Prizes were provided for the top three teams in both the junior and senior pupil categories.

Kosovo and European Union adopt joint economic policy guidance at the annual economic and financial dialogue meeting of the Council of EU

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On 16 May 2023, representatives of the Western Balkans and Türkiye discussed their Economic Reform Programmes (ERPs) with representatives of the EU Member States, the European Commission and the European Central Bank at the annual economic and financial policy dialogue meeting in Brussels.

 

The meeting resulted in the joint agreement of six specific economic policy guidance points to be implemented by Western Balkans partners and Türkiye in the coming year. The meeting focused on the major socio-economic challenges created from Russia’s war against Ukraine, and the humanitarian crisis in Türkiye created following the earthquake of 6 February 2023. Representatives reinstated the importance of the joint policy dialogue on economic and financial matters and agreed to take appropriate and well-targeted policy measures if needed to mitigate the potential further impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine, while preserving fiscal sustainability.

 

This year’s meeting reviewed the Kosovo Economic Reform Programme 2023-2025. In the context of economic performance, it was noted that Kosovo’s economic rebound moderated in 2022 at around 3.5% due to decline in investment and a deceleration of household consumption growth because of inflationary pressures stemming from Russia’s war against Ukraine. However, the economic activity was supported by the substantial temporary government support to mitigate the impact of the crisis, meanwhile the banking sector remained sound and resilient. Kosovo was invited to carefully account for emerging downside economic risks in the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, particularly related to the food and energy prices and the trade dynamics with its main trading partners. Discussions focused on the effective implementation of structural reforms to foster sustained recovery, whilst underpinning sustainable macroeconomic and fiscal policy. In the context of fiscal policy, representatives noted improvements in increasing tax collection as a result of high inflation and measures that were taken to tackle informal economy, while the need to reform the social security system was also emphasized.

European Union, Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports, and UNDP visit the historical village of Janjevë/o

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The EU Ambassador in Kosovo, Tomas Szunyog, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Hajrulla Çeku, UNDP Resident Representative, Maria Suokko, accompanied by Counsellor, Deputy Head of Mission at the Croatian Embassy in Kosovo, Nedjelko Špilek, Mayor of Lipjan/Lipljan, Imri Ahmeti, and other distinguished guests and project partners visited the historic centre of Janjevë/Janjevo to observe the ongoing restoration works on nine houses, learn about plans for the final use of 14 houses, and meet participants of tour guide training. “I am proud to witness the remarkable restoration efforts in Janjevë/o. This project, funded by the EU and our partners, is not just about preserving cultural heritage but also about creating opportunities for the local community. Together, we are reviving the historic centre and ensuring a brighter future for Janjevë/o,” said Tomas Szunyog, the EU Ambassador in Kosovo.

 

The restoration of the houses will contribute to reviving the history and memories of Croat families who once lived there, encouraging the return and preserving Janjevë/Janjevo’s rich cultural heritage. The project will benefit all communities by creating opportunities for socio-economic revival and promoting local tourism. In addition, important initiatives are underway, such as the creation of a platform to map cultural and natural heritage assets for rural tourism, training for tour guides, and support to women and youth through skills development programmes contributing to their economic empowerment. Cultural Heritage as a Driver for Economic Revival of Janjevё/Janjevo” project, financed by the European Union (EU) and the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports (MCYS) aims to preserve, protect, and revive the shared tangible heritage while promoting awareness and ensuring its protection as well as expand socio-economic opportunities for its inhabitants.

New 43.8 million EU grants for important infrastructure projects in BiH

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In the premises of the BiH Parliamentary Assembly, three EU grant agreements to the value of 43.8 million euros were signed today. The new grant funds are aimed at continuing the construction of Corridor Vc and improving the water supply system in Visoko and surrounding settlements, in accordance with the overall objectives of the European Union to support Bosnia and Herzegovina with economic growth, investment and improvements to the quality of life of citizens on the country’s path to the EU.

 

The first two contracts refer to the financing of two new sections on Corridor Vc; the Rudanka interchange – Putnikovo Brdo tunnel and the Putnikovo Brdo tunnel – Medakovo interchange, to the value of 42.8 million euros. The third contract allocates additional funds for the expansion and rehabilitation of the water supply network to a large part of the town of Visoko and Moštre, and the construction of a main reservoir in Dubrava.

 

In addition to grants provided by the EU, these projects will also receive favourable loans from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), which, along with the European Investment Bank (EIB), is a strategic partner of the European Union. EU grants were provided through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), which aims to improve regional connectivity by building new transport links and renovating outdated transport and utility infrastructure.

MADE OF US campaign reaches Albania today

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

“Made of Us – An EU-Western Balkans road trip” campaign, funded by the EU and brought to you by WeBalkans, continues this week in Albania.  This awareness campaign aims to promote a positive image of the EU to the people of the Western Balkans, and vice versa. Its protagonists are 12 young EU and Western Balkan vloggers who travel across the region in pairs. Each of the pairs share their experiences along the way by creating their own online content. The EU Delegation in Albania hosted a media lunch today to announce the start of the journey in Albania. The Head of the Political Section of European Union to Albania Alexi Hupin, welcomed the vloggers and commended them for their contribution to the promotion of the EU and Albania.

 

The vloggers, Ornela Zani (@ornela.zani) from Albania and Natalia Orda (@natalia_orda) from Poland, set off on their journey yesterday. They will be on the road for a total of seven days between 23 and 30 May, showcasing the best of Albania as well as EU investments in the region. Their itinerary encompasses visits to various locations, including tourism, cultural, and artistic projects that have received support from the EU. Among the EU-funded projects they will be exploring are EU4 Culture, which provides assistance in restoring sites and monuments affected by the 2019 earthquake. They will also be covering “Za Fest,” a music festival that draws attention to the northern region of Albania, and the Roman Emperors Vine Route, a collection of virtual tours covering the entire Western Balkan region, including Albania.

 

The campaign started on 18 April and will continue until 30 May, with each week focusing on one of the WB6 partners. The vloggers will cover a total of 18 EU-supported projects, 6000 km by car, and meet interesting and inspiring local personalities along the way, all the while showcasing the natural scenery, extraordinary landmarks and unique cultural heritage that the Western Balkans have to offer. The twelve vloggers will record their experiences using their own equipment and social media channels, translating the journey into high-quality social media and web content, photos and videos, which will be disseminated on the WeBalkans channels.

Commissioner Várhelyi in Kosovo to discuss key reforms and launch EU-Kosovo Programme to strengthen law enforcement

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The Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, will visit Kosovo on 25 May, where he will meet with Kosovo government officials, including President Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu and Prime Minister Albin Kurti as well as opposition leaders and civil society representatives. These meetings will be an opportunity to review EU-Kosovo relations and to discuss recent developments as well as key reforms, including in the area of the justice reform, energy transition and the fight against organised crime and corruption.

 

Commissioner Várhelyi and the Minister of Internal Affairs and Public Administration, Xhelal Sveçla, will launch the EU-Kosovo Home Affairs Programme, aiming to further align Kosovo’s actions on law enforcement and fighting organised crime with EU standards. This €6.5 million EU funded Programme will be implemented over a period of three years with the support of France, Italy and Belgium, and will contribute to strengthening capacities of Kosovo institutions in fighting organised crime and strengthening international cooperation.

 

Kosovo and the EU signed a Stabilisation and Association Agreement (SAA) which has been in force since 1 April 2016. Visa liberalisation for Kosovo will come into effect on 1 January 2024. The Commission will report again on Kosovo’s progress on its European path in the 2023 enlargement package, which will be released in the autumn.

Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings: Transforming Sarajevo’s Infrastructure

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in Stories.

An EU funded project is working on revitalizing Sarajevo’s public buildings for a brighter and greener future.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country characterized by significant energy inefficiency in its building, industrial, and service sectors. Public buildings in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) have an average energy consumption three times higher than the EU average, rendering them completely energy inefficient. More than 70% of public buildings in BiH were constructed over 30 years ago, without much consideration for energy efficiency (EE). Moreover, over 80% of public sector buildings currently rely on fossil fuels or district heating systems, primarily coal-based.

Sarajevo, the largest city in the country with an estimated population of 360,000, is situated in the Sarajevo Canton. This regional administrative district encompasses the city of Sarajevo and its surroundings, with a total population of approximately 450,000. The Canton of Sarajevo heavily relies on electricity imports, accounting for 61.6% of its consumed electricity in 2021, while 38.3% was sourced domestically. However, there is progress in this area, supported also by the European Union through the “Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings in Sarajevo Canton” project.

“The EU is delighted to support the efforts of the Sarajevo Canton Government in tackling air pollution through numerous projects. For this specific initiative, which will lead to cleaner heating, improved insulation, and overall better conditions in schools, kindergartens, student dormitories, and outpatient clinics in the Sarajevo Canton, the EU is providing a grant of €2 million. This project represents an important stride towards a collective endeavour to enhance the environment and air quality in the Sarajevo Canton.”

A significant boost to the energy efficiency of public buildings in Sarajevo is underway, thanks to a financing package of €10 million from the European Union (EU) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The EU has granted €2 million, while the EBRD has contributed a €8 million loan for the refurbishment of 40 buildings in the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. These works are a priority initiative under the Green City Action Plan for the Sarajevo Canton.

The investments primarily focus on 29 schools and related facilities, six kindergartens, three student dormitories, and two outpatient clinics. The implementation of energy-saving measures is expected to result in estimated energy savings of approximately 13.7 GWh and an annual reduction of 4,774 tonnes of CO2 emissions. The energy efficiency measures encompass the introduction of cleaner and more efficient heating systems, improved insulation, better lighting, and overall enhancements.

One of the beneficiaries of this support is the Labudovi Kindergarten in Sarajevo, where energy efficiency works have recently been completed. These works involved thermal insulation of the facade, partial replacement of worn-out openings, installation of thermostatic valves on existing radiators, installation of calorimeters and automatic heating control with a circulating pump, replacement of inefficient lighting with new LED bulbs, and preparatory and accompanying measures for building renovation.

Gilles Rebattet, Head of Operations, Section for Economic Development, Natural Resources and Infrastructure at the EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina, attended the ceremony marking the completion of the works at Labudovi Kindergarten. He highlighted the detrimental impact of air pollution, which has significant economic consequences, reduces life expectancy, and increases medical treatment costs. “The EU is delighted to support the efforts of the Sarajevo Canton Government in tackling air pollution through numerous projects. For this specific initiative, which will lead to cleaner heating, improved insulation, and overall better conditions in schools, kindergartens, student dormitories, and outpatient clinics in the Sarajevo Canton, the EU is providing a grant of €2 million. This project represents an important stride towards a collective endeavour to enhance the environment and air quality in the Sarajevo Canton,” remarked Rebattet.

“Our kindergarten has truly received a wonderful makeover that distinguishes us. We have insulated the building and replaced all safety valves for heating, and I believe that both current and future generations will enjoy the beauty of our kindergarten.”

About the project

The “Energy Efficiency in Public Buildings in Sarajevo Canton” project is being implemented as part of the Regional Energy Efficiency Programme (REEP/REEP Plus) for the Western Balkans. This programme has been identified as one of the flagship projects under the “Renovation Wave” in the “Clean Energy” investment window of the European Commission’s Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans. These projects make a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving the living standards and health of citizens. The activities carried out under REEP/REEP Plus align with the EU Regulation and Green Agenda Targets for the Western Balkans, following the five pillars of the European Green Deal. The Regional Energy Efficiency Programme was established by the Western Balkans Investment Framework in 2012. Various organisations cooperate to make it a success, including the Energy Community, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, European Commission and KfW Development Bank. It comprises more than €600 million of investments from the EBRD and KfW Banking Group, which are combined with grants from the WBIF.

Labudovi Kindergarten in Sarajevo is the first facility to undergo a complete renovation, bringing better conditions for the little ones, reducing heating costs, and minimizing harmful emissions into the air.

“Our kindergarten has truly received a wonderful makeover that distinguishes us. We have insulated the building and replaced all safety valves for heating, and I believe that both current and future generations will enjoy the beauty of our kindergarten,” emphasizes Špresa Zenoni, a longtime preschool teacher at Labudovi. She adds that the insulation of the facility has provided a more pleasant and joyful environment for the children in the kindergarten.

 

Restored Albania’s Iconic Mosaic Regains its Original Shine on Tiranas’s Main Square

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

16 May marked the official unveiling of the restored facade Mosaic at the National Historical Museum in Albania’s Skanderbeg Square. The ceremony was part of the Europe Week celebration and was attended by representatives of the EU Delegation, Ministry of Culture, UN and UNOPS, media, heritage experts, and the creators of the Mosaic. The Mosaic was restored under the EU-funded EU4Culture programme, implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in close partnership with the Ministry of Culture of Albania.

 

The mosaic of the façade of the National Historical Museum is considered to be one of the finest examples of late Albanian Socialist Realism. Installed in 1981, it showcases, across its 565 m2 surface area, some of the important milestones of the country’s history, spanning from antiquity to the Communist era. Its design was crafted by the renowned artists of the time, including Vilson Kilica, Josif Droboniku, Agim Nebiu, Anastas Kostandini, and Aleksandër Filipi.

 

In November 2019, Albania was struck by the deadliest earthquake in the past 50 years. Its effects were devastating, causing extensive damage across 11 municipalities, including numerous cultural heritage sites, with the Mosaic being one of them. In response to this crisis, the European Union launched the EU4Culture project, implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in close partnership with the Ministry of Culture of Albania. This project focuses on renovation and revitalization of cultural heritage sites that were damaged by the earthquake, and is one of the largest cultural heritage programs funded by the EU worldwide, with a total budget of €40 million.

MADE OF US campaign reaches Serbia today

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

“Made of Us – An EU-Western Balkans road trip” campaign, funded by the EU and brought to you by WeBalkans, continues this week in Serbia. This awareness campaign aims to promote a positive image of the EU to the people of the Western Balkans, and vice versa. Its protagonists are 12 young EU and Western Balkan vloggers who travel across the region in pairs. Each of the pairs share their experiences along the way by creating their own online content.

 

The EU Delegation in Serbia hosted a media lunch today to announce the start of the journey in Serbia. Ms. Plamena Halacheva, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia welcomed the vloggers.

 

The vloggers, Jelena Radovanović (fluorescentni_producent) from Serbia and Joshua Steib (joshua.steib) from Germany, set off on their journey today. They will be on the road for a total of seven days between 16 and 22 May, showcasing the best of Serbia as well as EU investments in the region. Their itinerary includes visits to various locations, including technology, culture, and health-related projects supported by the EU. Among the EU-funded projects that they will be visiting are Anoris, a company that invented a “smart glove” for supporting visually impaired individuals, the BioSense Institute, which has created several inventions, including a robot that assists with farming, and a project in city of Ruma that aids young people in professional development and the production of healthy food.

 

The campaign started on 18 April and will continue until 30 May, with each week focusing on one of the WB6 partners. The vloggers will cover a total of 18 EU-supported projects, 6000 km by car, and meet interesting and inspiring local personalities along the way, all the while showcasing the natural scenery, extraordinary landmarks and unique cultural heritage that the Western Balkans have to offer. The twelve vloggers will record their experiences using their own equipment and social media channels, translating the journey into high-quality social media and web content, photos and videos, which will be disseminated on the WeBalkans channels.

High Representative Borrell and Commissioner Johansson host high-level ministerial conference on the Roadmap to comprehensive Small Arms and Light Weapons control in the Western Balkans

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On 16 May, High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell and Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, are hosting a high-level ministerial conference on the implementation of the Regional Roadmap for comprehensive Small Arms and Light Weapons control in the Western Balkans. Gunnar Strömmer, Minister of Justice of Sweden, is participating on behalf of the Presidency of the Council. The conference is attended by ministers of interior and/or foreign affairs of the EU and of Western Balkan partners, as well as by international and regional organisations and several other non-EU countries.  
The conference is an important opportunity to discuss the possible continuation of the Regional Roadmap beyond 2024 and how the EU will continue to support the Western Balkan partners in their efforts to improve the comprehensive control of firearms in the region.  
Cooperation with the Western Balkans on small arms and light weapons is an important element of the EU’s strong engagement on security with the region. The Regional Roadmap is part of the EU Action Plan on Firearms trafficking 2020-2025for South East Europe. It was signed by the Western Balkan partners in 2018. It runs until 2024 and has seven specific goals to improve comprehensive control of small arms and light weapons in the region.  
All six Western Balkans partners are successfully implementing the Roadmap, they have now effective strategies in place for the control of firearms, and have also adapted their national legislation to harmonise it with EU legislation.