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20 Refugee families receive keys to new homes in Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia

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Keys to 20 newly-built Regional Housing Programme (RHP) apartments were delivered to refugee families in Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia today, bringing the RHP another step closer to successful closure in June 2023. In addition to the beneficiaries themselves, the ceremony was attended by Nataša Stanisavljević, Commissioner for Refugees and Migration of the Republic of Serbia; Gerhard Salzer, Programme Manager at the European Union Delegation to Serbia; Boban Đurović, Mayor of Vrnjačka Banja; Stefanie Krause, UNHCR Deputy Representative in Serbia, and Dušan Kovačević, Head of the Public Sector Projects Implementation Unit Ltd., amongst others.

 

Wishing the beneficiaries happiness in their new homes, Commissioner Stanisavljević additionally confirmed the commitment of the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration of the Republic of Serbia (KIRS) to families in need following the end of the RHP implementation period in June 2023: “We will continue to work to provide decent and permanent housing for vulnerable families to enable them to have safer and better lives,” she said.

 

On behalf of the European Union, the largest Donor to the RHP, Gerhard Salzer also warmly congratulated the beneficiaries, and reflected on the importance of the Programme for the Western Balkans and the EU. “This Programme is an example of the solidarity of the people of the European Union with the people of Serbia and the Western Balkans,” he said. “We are very much looking forward to the successful completion of the RHP this year, when approximately 34 000 people will enjoy new homes.”

President of North Macedonia Official Visit to the RYCO Superschools Exchange in Skopje

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The President of North Macedonia, Mr. Stevo Pendarovski, visited State School for Rehabilitation of Children and Youth with Visual Impairments “Dimitar Vlahov” (DURDMOV) in Skopje, together with the ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of North Macedonia, H.E. David Geer and ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Republic of North Macedonia H.E. Petra Drexler, during the exchange with the partner school from Sarajevo “Centre for Blind and Visually Impaired Children and Youth”.
 
The exchange between schools from Skopje and Sarajevo aims to facilitate the inclusion of visually impaired students in the Western Balkans through a series of activities in music, sport, and art specially tailored to their needs. The director of DURDMOV Boban Spasencovski said that with projects like Superschools, students and teachers can follow the trends, providing the schools with EU perspective, more experience and education.
 
The exchange is organised under Superschools, a project of the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO), that supports schools from the Western Balkan in promoting intercultural learning, dialogue and peacebuilding. The project is co-financed by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and jointly implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and RYCO.

EBRD-financed projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina receive additional EU and WBIF grants

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Projects financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in Bosnia and Herzegovina have received further backing from the European Union (EU) and bilateral donors to the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF). The EU is providing grant funding of €42.8 million for the construction of two sections of Corridor Vc, the key transport link which will connect the country with the EU. The funding comprises €30.8 million for the Rudanka Interchange – Putnikovo Brdo Tunnel section (which was financed by a €150 million EBRD loan) and €12 million to the Putnikovo Brdo Tunnel – Medakovo Interchange (which was financed with a €60 million EBRD loan). In addition, a €1 million grant has been signed for the water supply extension project in Visoko as well as for repairs to the existing network in the municipality. The project has also been financed with a €4.5 million EBRD loan.

 

The signing of the grant agreements today was attended by representatives of the EBRD, the EU and the Minister of Finance and Treasury of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zoran Tegeltija. Manuela Naessl, EBRD Head of Bosnia and Herzegovina, said: “Together with our European partners we are determined to continue supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina in completing the construction of Corridor Vc. The new motorway is already helping to improve the quality of transport and doing business in the country and we look forward to future progress in construction.” Johann Sattler, EU Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, said: “The EU will continue to be a loyal friend and partner to Bosnia and Herzegovina, providing support for projects which have a concrete beneficial impact for people in this country. I am glad that following the signature of today’s grant agreements, further sections of the important Corridor 5c motorway can be built, and also that the water supply around Visoko will be renovated to ensure access to safe drinking water.” The ambassador also added that the EU’s grant contribution over the years has significantly increased, resulting in the current 40 per cent contribution.

 

Corridor Vc is a pan-European transport project. The section in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is 325 kilometres long, will cross the country from north to south, eventually connecting the Adriatic port of Ploče in Croatia with the Hungarian capital, Budapest. The motorway is primarily co-financed by loans from the EBRD and European Investment Bank (EIB) and grant resources from the EU. To date, the EBRD has provided the project with loans worth €821 million from its own resources, while investment and technical assistance grants extended by the EU have totalled more than €570 million. The water extension project in Visoko will enable new consumers to connect to the network and at the same time, by providing running water, improve the living standards of the population in the municipality. It will also help reduce water loss, increase resilience to climate change and improve the quality of supply to existing customers through repairs to the existing network.

Modernisation of Emergency Medical Institute in Belgrade with the support of the EU

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After more than half a century, the City of Belgrade Emergency Medical Institute will be reconstructed thanks to a project financed by the European Union and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The project will include works to improve energy efficiency, as well as the addition and expansion of existing facilities for an additional 4000m2. Energy efficiency improvement measures include thermal insulation, improved heating, ventilation and cooling systems, as well as the introduction of energy-efficient lighting systems.

 

The Agreement on the donation of the European Union in the amount of 8.8 million euros in grants was signed today in the presence of the Mayor of Belgrade Aleksandar Šapić, the Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Serbia Emanuele Giaufret, the EBRD Director for the Western Balkans Matteo Colangeli, the Minister of Health Danica Grujičić and the Minister of European Integration Tanja Miščević.

 

In addition to signing of the donation, a tender for reconstruction works of the Emergency Medical Institute was also announced today. The European Union grants, as well as a previously secured EBRD loan of 5 million euros will be used to finance works on the reconstruction and expansion of the capacities of the Emergency Medical Institute building. The total expected costs of investment are around 14 million euros. In addition, the European Union provided a donation of 1.7 million euros for technical assistance to the City of Belgrade for support in the implementation of the project, supervision of construction works and assistance in reviewing the potential for energy efficiency and introducing a sustainable financing mechanism in the City.

Documentary film on ecotourism across territories of Montenegro, Albania, and Kosovo premiered in Podgorica

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The fifteen-minute documentary takes viewers on a journey through the border areas of Montenegro and Albania, as well as Montenegro and Kosovo, showcasing the results achieved within eight cross-border cooperation projects in this region. Liselotte Isaksson, Deputy Head of the Department for Cooperation in the Delegation of European Union to Montenegro, expressed satisfaction that the EU has supported the development of potential of the tourism sector of Montenegro, Albania, and Kosovo. “I am very proud that the European Union has supported projects that have brought new and innovative products to this area, diversifying and making the tourism offer more accessible and attractive to visitors,” said Isaksson.

 

Following the film screening, a panel discussion was held with representatives of projects participating in cross-border cooperation programmes on the topic of “Opportunities for cross-border cooperation and the significance of rural and ecotourism.”

First Robotics League for Primary School Students with EU Support

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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

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“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.