Skip to main content

Author: WeBalkans

Border management: EU signs status agreement with Montenegro

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

Today, the European Union and Montenegro have signed an upgraded agreement on operational cooperation in border management with the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex). The agreement was signed by Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, and Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer representing the Swedish Presidency to the Council, on behalf of the European Union, and by Interior Minister Filip Adžić, on behalf of Montenegro.

 

The signature of this agreement is a tangible deliverable on the EU Action Plan on the Western Balkans, presented by the Commission in December 2022. Strengthened operational cooperation between Western Balkans partners and Frontex will contribute to addressing irregular migration and further enhance security at the EU’s external borders.

 

Frontex already deploys around 500 officers in the region, including through joint operations at the Union’s external borders with Albania, North Macedonia and Serbia, as well as via the previous status agreement with Montenegro, which entered into force on 1 July 2020. Two ongoing joint operations are conducted under the previous status agreement with Montenegro, and will continue under this new agreement.

 

The new agreement will allow Frontex to support Montenegro through the deployment of personnel to its borders with its neighbouring Western Balkans partners, in addition to the country’s border with the European Union (as it was the case under the previous agreement).

Commissioner Oliver Várhelyi in Bulgaria to participate in the “EU meets the Balkans” Forum

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Oliver Várhelyi, will be in Sofia on Tuesday 16 May to participate in the “EU meets the Balkans Forum” which will gather EU leaders, foreign ministers, policymakers, NGO representatives, and youth to discuss the European integration of the Western Balkans as well as the next steps towards enhanced regional cooperation. This year’s Forum is framed in the context of the 50th anniversary of the first enlargement of the EU but also in the context of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine as 14 months has passed since the beginning of the war.

 

Commissioner Várhelyi will address the conference on common challenges faced by the EU and the region.

 

In the margins of the Forum, Commissioner Várhelyi will hold bilateral talks with Rumen Radev, President of the Republic of Bulgaria, leaders of GERB and Change Continues (CC) / Democratic Bulgaria and Danijela Djurovic, President of the Parliament of Montenegro.

 

The Commissioner’s speech at the Forum as well as videos and pictures of the mission will be available on EbS.

EDUINO: How North Macedonia’s Largest Digital Education Library was Born

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in Stories.

From Short-Term Solution to National Resource: The Journey of EDUINO in Digital Education

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, when schools closed and remote learning became necessary, it became clear that North Macedonia was ill-equipped to handle the transition from traditional education to digital remote learning. There were insufficient digital resources to support this and teachers were generally unprepared for digital education. As in other parts of the region, the authorities were struggling to cope with the challenge and required assistance.

The non-governmental organization SmartUp – Social Innovation Lab, with the financial and technical support from UNICEF, Bureau for Development of Education (BDE), and the key educational institutions in the country, had been working for the past four years to support innovation and co-creation within the education sector. They had already trained a solid group of collaborators and developed some initial platforms, which they could rapidly restructure to address these challenges. They accepted the challenge and began creating what is now known as the largest digital education library in North Macedonia.

“We expected to receive maybe 100 or 200 video lessons at the beginning. However, in the first two or three days, we had over 600 video lessons submitted by the teachers across the country. It was thrilling.”

Aleksander Lazovski, co-founder of SmartUp, has revealed that the organisation with support from BDE advisors immediately launched a call for teachers to submit short video lessons for the EDUINO platform, after they took on the task of providing digital resources to support remote learning in North Macedonia. “We expected to receive maybe 100 or 200 video lessons at the beginning. However, in the first two or three days, we had over 600 video lessons submitted by the teachers across the country. It was thrilling,” said Aleksandar.

This initial success led the founders to see the potential for EDUINO as a long-term national solution for digital education in North Macedonia. The platform shifted towards this goal after the crisis period, becoming what the founders call a “Collective portal for digital educational solutions.” The platform is built on the idea of co-creation and community action, offering resources for teachers, parents, and learners in pre-primary, primary, and secondary education.

EDUINO now includes three main sections: EDUINO Teaching and Learning, EDUINO – Early Childhood Development (ECD) and EDUINO Laboratory. EDUINO Teaching and Learning houses a video lessons library, tutorials on 21st digital skills for educators, digital games, and learning resources. EDUINO ECD offers play-based activities and professional development opportunities. Lastly, EDUINO Laboratory is a 2D virtual science lab that offers experiential learning about scientific concepts and climate change.

“These EU funded webinar series have directly supported the professional development of at least 5000 educators in North Macedonia.”

About the project

EDUINO, North Macedonia’s platform for digital learning, fostered a community of practice and successfully crowdsourced a large amount of educational content from teachers and educators around the country within weeks of the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The project has achieved considerable success in terms of numbers and outcomes. Some notable achievements include the creation of over 4500 video lessons, which have received around seven million views, as well as the development of approximately 800 play-based activities aimed at helping children aged 3-10 learn complex educational concepts while improving their socioemotional skills. The project has also attracted over 25,000 registered members of the EDUINO community.

The European Union has recognized the impact and potential of EDUINO and through UNICEF has supported the project by becoming a partner. The EU has funded the EDUINO Webinar series, which provides interactive events for participants to follow 60-90 minute lectures on innovative and advanced topics in the field of education through examples of good practices and advice from practitioners or experts. According to Aleksandar, the EDUINO Webinar series has been a huge success, with a total of 42 webinars conducted so far and an average of 1800 participants per event. “These EU funded webinar series have directly supported the professional development of at least 5000 educators in North Macedonia,” he adds.

The webinars are designed to provide teachers with opportunity for continuing professional development. They’re also connected to a system that helps teachers advance in their careers in the country. This means that teachers have the chance to become mentors and advisors and make a positive impact on the quality of education in their school. Today, the EDUINO Webinar series is one of the most recognized online resources for acquiring skills in the field of education and, according to statistics from SmartUp, the most viewed online webinars in the country.

 

Empowering People with Disabilities in Montenegro

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in Stories.

From Medical to Rights-Based Assessments: A New Era for Disability Evaluation in Montenegro.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 10% of the global population has some form of disability. This statistic is also reflected in Montenegro, where data from the 2011 Census of Population, Households and Dwellings conducted by Monstat indicates that 11% of the Montenegrin population, equivalent to 68,064 individuals, face challenges in their daily activities due to long-term illness, disability, or age. These individuals encounter difficulties in carrying out essential daily tasks or participating in various activities. It was during this census that data on the existence of such difficulties in performing activities of daily living were collected for the first time.

The process of assessing and determining disabilities is an official procedure necessary to establish eligibility for services, products, or benefits. It serves as the gateway through which individuals seeking disability-related support, whether provided publicly or privately, must pass. In Montenegro, the system of disability assessment and determination has been characterized by complexity, decentralization, lack of coordination, and reliance on an outdated medical model. To address this issue, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is collaborating with Montenegrin authorities and receiving support from the European Union to bring about positive change in this area.

“I enjoy working with machines. We create boxes, baskets, and magnets. We cut and assemble them. It’s a pleasant environment to work in; I feel right at home.”

Ismar Ramović, a diligent and cheerful worker from Tuzi, is someone every employer would want to have on their team, as described by Nebojša Milikić, his employer. After completing his education, Ismar waited patiently for almost three years before finding employment. Today, he is one of ten individuals with disabilities working for the company, where he specializes in crafting souvenirs. “I enjoy working with machines. We create boxes, baskets, and magnets. We cut and assemble them. It’s a pleasant environment to work in; I feel right at home,” shares Ismar.

To secure his right to work, Ismar had to navigate through lengthy and intricate procedures, similar to others with disabilities. Apart from the medical assessment, Ismar also had to face two additional disability assessment commissions. “Meeting those commissions makes me anxious. I worry because I’m unsure if they will approve my allowance,” he expresses.

With support from the “Reform of the National Disability Assessment System” project, funded by the EU and implemented by UNDP in collaboration with the Montenegrin Government and NGOs, a centralized assessment process is being established to evaluate disabilities and the needs of all individuals with disabilities. This reform aims to simplify procedures and eliminate over 30 different commissions.

The primary objective of this reform is to facilitate the exercise of rights for people with disabilities in a more fair manner. The medical model will be replaced by a disability assessment model based on human rights. As a result, over 50,000 individuals with disabilities in Montenegro will experience greater ease in exercising their rights, with significantly reduced administrative procedures.

“I wish I could complete everything, all administrative procedures, in one place without having to wait. I’m not fond of crowds and waiting.”

About the project

The specific objective of the EU funded “Reform of the National Disability Assessment System” project is the reform of the national Disability Assessment and Determination System. The reform will enable persons with disabilities to enjoy fair treatment, easier and equal access to all social security entitlements and better social inclusion prospects. With this the project is aiming to achieve the following results:  Development and adoption of new standardized, unified, national functionalities/abilities-based criteria for disability and Institutional rightsizing reorganization – by downsizing of current 26 Commissions (with about 120 remunerated expert associates) to one unique Commission.

“I wish I could complete everything, all administrative procedures, in one place without having to wait. I’m not fond of crowds and waiting,” expresses Ismar. In Montenegro, individuals with intellectual disabilities often face a lack of understanding, support, and acceptance from society. However, Ismar’s experience is different. “I socialize with my colleagues at work, and we often go for coffee together. Sometimes we even play football or basketball,” he adds.

According to his employer, Nebojša, Ismar has made remarkable progress and has become an integral part of the team. “Through his work and accomplishments, he contributes not only to himself and our company but also to society as a whole. The contribution of the remaining 15 employees cannot outweigh the contributions made by Ismar and other individuals with disabilities who work here,” states Nebojša.

The government provides benefits to employers who hire individuals with disabilities, including salary subsidies and funds for workplace adaptations. “It is crucial to tailor tasks according to their abilities, and success is guaranteed. I encourage all employers to follow my example and employ people with disabilities. I am confident they won’t regret it,” encourages Nebojša.

Calls Opens for EU Investigative Journalism Award 2023

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

The EU Award for Investigative Journalism 2023 is now accepting submissions. Once again, the prestigious award celebrates the best investigative stories published in the previous calendar year and open to journalists from the Western Balkans and Türkiye.  
This year, as well as national awards, the EU Award is introducing a regional award for the best stories from the entire region based on clearly defined criteria. This new category is an exciting development that will encourage journalists to think beyond national borders and tackle issues that affect the entire region.  
The annual award fund for each of the countries is 10,000 euros and the prize fund for regional awards is also 10,000 euros. The three best stories of the year are awarded, and the amount for national and regional prizes is 5,000 euros (first place), 3,000 (second), and 2,000 (third).  
Stories that can be nominated should contribute to freedom of expression, the rule of law and transparency. They should cover a variety of topics affecting national and regional economies, challenges to countries’ EU integration processes and issues such as organised crime, corruption, the rise of extremism, various forms of foreign influence, human rights violations, including those in the digital sphere, as well as other topics with which the public would not otherwise be familiar.  
Entries can be nominated for the national or regional award, or for both, and this possibility is offered through the application form itself. Additionally, one candidate may apply to the competition with several stories.  
The winners from the national awards in the Western Balkan region and Türkiye automatically become candidates for the regional EU award for investigative journalism, if their application form so states. The jury for both the national and the regional awards consists of local and international media experts, editors, members of academia and journalists with merits.

EU Opportunity Week in Serbia Postponed

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

The series of panels and info sessions EU Opportunity Week is postponed due to the tragic events from the previous week in Belgrade and Mladenovac.  
It was planned for the Opportunity Week to be held from May 15th to 21st in Belgrade, Novi Sad and Niš.  
The public will be informed about the new dates and details in the coming days. All applications for individual days of the EU Opportunity Week will also be valid in the new dates.  
The EU Delegation to Serbia previously canceled all events related to the celebration of Europe Day.

EU Delegation Postpones All Europe Day Events and Campaigns in Serbia

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

EU Delegation postpones all Europe Day events and campaigns in Serbia next week – time is not to celebrate, but to mourn and grieve says EU Ambassador Emanuele Giaufret. All Europe Day celebrations and campaign organised by the EU Delegation next week will be postponed to a later date.

 

Every 9 May, Europe celebrates Europe Day, marking the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration made on 9th of May 1950. This declaration is considered as the founding moment of the European Union, when the vision of a Europe of peace and solidarity, built on cooperation, democracy and human rights was made.

 

“The European Union and its values, and the cooperation between Serbia and the European Union until it fully becomes a member is something to cherish and celebrate. But in light of the tragedies that happened in the last few days in Serbia that took the lives of too many innocent people, children, school staff… – we consider that times are not to celebrate, but to mourn and grieve. In these hard times, our hearts and thoughts go to the victims who lost their lives in the tragic events and their relatives and friends. There will be other times to celebrate the future and the opportunities we have together”, said Ambassador Emanuele Giaufret, the Head of European Union Delegation to Serbia.

 

The EU Delegation has also decided to postpone its TV / Social Media and Billboard campaign “EU Je Uz Tebe”, promoting the opportunities that the EU offers to Serbia citizens, organisations and businesses. Instead, we will dedicate the already-rented billboards to express unity and solidarity with Serbia in these difficult times.

Joint purchasing of gas with the EU – a possibility for Serbia

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

Energy prices are constantly changing, which brings great uncertainty and destabilises the market. Rising prices and inflation affect the standard of living in Europe, and smart consumption planning and joint procurement of energy are in focus.

 

“For the first time in the history of the EU, we should do our best and buy gas jointly. We know that gas will play the role of a necessary transition fuel for some time”, says European Commission Vice President for Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight Maroš Šefčovič.

 

The European Union launched the “AggregateEU” platform, as a response to the challenges of the prolonged energy crisis and the destabilisation of the energy market due to the war in Ukraine. The platform enables the joint procurement of gas and hydrogen in the future, from different sources, under the most favourable possible conditions. Serbia, as part of the Energy Community has the opportunity to participate and in this way increase the diversification of its energy sources.

 

Through the digital platform, suppliers can report sales volumes of gas. In the next year, Brussels will organise joint gas procurement every two months. So far, more than 80 companies have registered, and Serbia can take advantage of this opportunity in the coming period.

 

The countries of the European Union have been given the task of filling up to 90 percent of gas storages by November. For the first joint tranche, global suppliers must submit bids by May 9th, and Russian companies and Russian gas have been eliminated from the competition. The goal of the Brussels energy solidarity is to provide gas from other sources on time for the next heating season at the most favourable prices.

Europe Day celebrated in Bar

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

The Delegation of the European Union to Montenegro, in partnership with the Municipality of Bar, celebrated Europe Day on the promenade in Bar, with the placement of the flower carpet and the EU Fair. Embassies of EU member states were presented at the fair as well as projects funded by the EU and the Municipality of Bar. The ceremony started with a minute of silence for the victims of tragic events in Serbia. In honour of the innocent victims, the Montenegrin opera diva Tamara Radjenovic sang the traditional Montenegrin song “Još ne sviće rujna zora.”

 

After performing the anthems of Montenegro and Europe, the EU Ambassador to Montenegro, Oana Cristina Popa, said that the decision to celebrate the holiday of a united Europe in Bar was made because it is a unique and diverse place that brings together different cultures and communities, just like the European Union.

 

“I am pleased that we have gathered here in Bar to celebrate Europe Day. We have prepared a rich program and various activities for you. However, in light of the tragedy that struck Serbia and made the whole region mourne, we had to postpone some of them,” said EU Ambassador to Montenegro, Popa.

 

Referring to the ceremony in Bar, the Ambassador expressed gratitude to the local business community for supporting the creation of the flower carpet, whose 24,000 plants will be planted in the city’s green areas. The Tourist Organization of Bar, as well as the companies: 2. decembar, Gold, Racc, Allegra Cruises, and Kalamper, supported the making of the flower carpet.

“Coffee with Ambassadors” marks the beginning of Europe Day celebration

Written by WeBalkans on . Posted in News.

ABBA, Pippi Longstocking, aromas, and tastes of Sweden filled the atmosphere at Europe House.Young EU ambassadors, students of the Faculty of Political Science and Faculty of Economics, accompanied by young engineers, had the opportunity to sit for a “coffee break” at Europe House with the Ambassador of Sweden, Annika Ben David, and learn more about her beautiful country.

“Coffee with Ambassadors” is the name of a new activity, which was organised for the first time in honour of Europe Day with the Ambassador of Sweden, who is currently presiding over the Council of the EU. “This is a great way for young and future leaders to learn about EU member states and the roles they have. I believe that the best way is to have an open dialogue so that young people can ask all the questions they need answers to,” said the Ambassador of the EU to Montenegro, Oana Cristina Popa.