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Moderate progress of the Western Balkan economies regarding the European pillar of social rights

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The Employment and Social Affairs Platform 2 (ESAP 2) project of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) presented the 2022 edition of individual economy and regional overview reports on performance of the Western Balkan (WB) economies regarding the European Pillar of Social Rights (EPSR)  at the two-day hybrid event „Western Balkans 4 Decent working in living“, which concluded in Skopje on 28 April 2023.

 

The reports showed that up to 40.4% of young people in the region is not in employment, education of training  (NEET). Even the lowest rate recorded in the WB is significantly higher than the EU average rate of 13.1%. Gender employment gap in the WB economies goes up to 29.4%, which is far from the EU average of 10.8%.

 

The event, organised by the RCC ESAP 2, gathered over 40 representatives of partner institutions and organisation from WB economies coming from the ministries in charge of employment and/or social affairs, representatives involved in Chapters 2 and 19 alignment with the EU, EU DG EMPL, International Labour Organisation (ILO), European Training Foundation (ETF), and other guests.

Ceremonial opening of the renovated Fetislam fortress in Kladovo

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The renovated Fetislam fortress with a reconstructed summer stage was officially opened yesterday, on April 26th, on Kladovo Municipality Day, in the presence of the President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić, Head of the Delegation of the European Union Emanuele Giaufret and the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany Anke Konrad, Minister for European Integration Tanja Miščević, as well as Vice President of the Government of the Republic of Serbia and Minister of Culture Maja Gojković, Minister of Tourism and Youth Husein Memić, representatives of the diplomatic corps and a large number of citizens of Kladovo.

 

“Today we see the concrete results of the cooperation between the European Union and Serbia to preserve something we all care about – our common European heritage, to preserve it for our common future. After Golubac and Bač, the EU supported the restoration of the Fetislam fortress in Kladovo, another impressive fortification on the Danube and its summer stage, with co-financing from the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany. By investing in the preservation of cultural heritage and the development of tourism capacities, we are also creating opportunities for employment and economic development,” Ambassador Giaufret said.

 

The official opening was followed by the concert of “Cine and Rock” orchestra, which breathed new life into the summer stage of Fetislam fortress with its performance.

Equipment worth €940,000 as support for the transport sector in Montenegro

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“The EU and Montenegro have a common interest in identifying and addressing challenges related to the protection of the environment as well as maritime security and safety at sea,” said EU Ambassador to Montenegro Oana Cristina Popa during the ceremonial handover of equipment to the Administration for Maritime Safety and Port Management in Bar.

 

The equipment worth €940,000 is intended for search and rescue operations and the protection of the sea from pollution and represents a donation from the European Union to support the transport sector. The donated equipment was displayed to the public at the anchorage of the Montenegrin Army at the Port of Bar.

 

“This new equipment complements the one we provided to Montenegro back in 2013, which is still in use. The equipment is worth almost one million Euros and will support Montenegro to better protect the marine environment and respond efficiently in case of pollution accidents. It will also help in responding to potentially dangerous situations at sea, thus improving Montenegrin search and rescue capacities. This is especially important in the context of the migratory crisis” said Popa, adding that the EU will continue to support efforts to protect the sea and strengthen maritime security for the benefit of citizens, businesses, and ecosystems in Montenegro and the EU.

 

The new equipment includes, among other things, a multipurpose vessel for open sea, an oil collection device (skimmer), a propulsion package (diesel generator and hydraulic pump) with hoses, a floating protective barrier for collecting light oil sludge, a floating absorbent barrier, granulated absorbents, and accompanying training.

Europe Day 2023: BiH is always in the Heart of Europe

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In May 2023, Bosnia and Herzegovina will mark its first Europe Day as a candidate country for EU membership.Europe Day will be celebrated across BiH with a programme of events in Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Mostar, Brčko, Travnik and Jajce. Together, the richness of our continent’s culture, tradition and heritage will be celebrated, as well as our common goals to improve the quality of life for people across Europe.

 

In Sarajevo, celebrations will centre around the Eternal Flame building, which houses Europe House – the EU’s new centre for events and for members of the public to find out more about the EU’s activities. In front of Europe House, on 9 May at 20:00, a colourful array of young, talented BiH artists, including Zoster, Helem Nejse, Lela and Laka, Marija Šestić, Aida Aršić Mušanović and Nedim Bašić, will perform.

 

Europe House will open to the public in June 2023. Following a public competition, a new visual identity and slogan has been selected, with Ajša Beširević from Sarajevo winning the competition to design the logo and Ana Lukenda from Ljubuški winning the competition for the slogan with the proposal ‘We create together’.

 

The refurbishment of the Eternal Flame building is supported by the European Union as part of ongoing initiatives to support the renovation of cultural heritage objects and urban development in the centre of Sarajevo. The first phase – interior refurbishment – will soon be completed. The next phases foresee the reconstruction of the building’s facade, with ongoing works on urban development in the vicinity to be developed in close consultation with the local authorities.

 

Sarajevo’s renowned Meeting Point Cinema will host European Film Days from 10-19 May. The Film Days will open with a screening of the Swedish Film Cold Case (2019). Sweden is currently holding the Council Presidency of the European Union.

 

Following the events in Sarajevo, Europe Day 2023 activities will move to Travnik and Jajce, with events to celebrate the achievements of young people, civil society and entrepreneurs, as well as a classical music concert in Travnik’s historic fortress on 11 May. In Banja Luka on 13 May, to celebrate both Europe Day and European Night of Museums, there will be an open air concert outside the Museum of Contemporary Art of Republika Srpska, featuring Konstrakta and Zemlja Gruva, and Letu Štuke.

 

For children, treasure hunts will be organised in Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Mostar and Brčko, so that young adventurers can explore the richness of BiH’s natural wonders, while learning new things. In Tuzla and Mostar ‘Eurovisionaries’ events with a quiz and karaoke will take place.

 

Lastly, as a traditional, important sign of solidarity, unity and togetherness, cultural heritage sites in Sarajevo, Banja Luka, Mostar, Brčko, Travnik and Jajce will be illuminated with the EU flag on 9 May.

European Union launches the third phase of its Roma Integration programme in partnership with the Council of Europe

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The European Union is launching the third phase of the Roma Integration programme in partnership with the Council of Europe. It will contribute to the socio-economic integration of the Roma population in the Western Balkans and Türkiye. The programme will work with the governments in the region to increase their capacities to tackle challenges faced by Roma in the fields of housing, education, employment, health, civil registration, and the green and digital transition.

 

The first two phases of the programme wereimplemented by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC). While the newly launched third phase will be implemented by the Council of Europe, the RCC will continue its work on Roma integration through focusing on mainstreaming the inclusion of Roma in the Western Balkans green and digital agendas, which are areas where the RCC has a leading role when it comes to coordination in the region.

 

About Phase III of the Roma Integration Programme

 

The third phase of the Roma Integration programme started its activities on 1 May 2023and is expected to last 36 months. The European Union finances EUR 2 700 000. It will support the progressive alignment with the European UnionRoma strategic framework for equality, inclusion and participation, the implementation of thenational Roma Strategies, the Poznan commitments taken by all Western Balkans leaders in 2019, and of the Council of Europe Strategic Action Plan for Roma and Travellers Inclusion (2020-2025).

 

The programme will focus on three workstreams:

  -The mainstreaming of Roma issues in relevant public policies and fight against anti-gypsyism; -Support to Roma socio-economic integrationand Roma equality in the areas of housing,education, employment, health, civil registration, and in the green and digital transition; -The reinforcement of the institutional capacities of the governments to tackle challenges faced by Roma in the region.

Decrease of data roaming fees between the Western Balkans and the EU

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38 telecommunication operators from the EU and the Western Balkans have agreed to make data roaming between the Western Balkans and the EU more affordable for citizens and businesses in both regions, in a process supported by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) and the European Commission. This agreement aligns with the Roaming Declaration signed at the December EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tirana.  
Through their voluntary agreement, the operators committed to significantly reducing the gap between roaming and domestic fees for data usage in both directions between the EU and the Western Balkans. Maximum retail price levels (‘price caps’) for 1 gigabyte will decrease from October 2023 to 2028 as follows: €18 from 1 October 2023, €14 from 2026, and €9 from 2028. Yearly reviews are foreseen to assess impacts and next steps.  
Ahead of the agreement, Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, said: “Building on the success of the Roam Like at Home regimes in both the EU and the Western Balkans, I welcome the signature of the voluntary agreement between the 38 telecommunication operators. Lowering roaming charges between the EU and the Western Balkans from 1 October this year will bring benefits to the EU and Western Balkan citizens and businesses alike. We are committed to do our utmost to speed up the real integration of the Western Balkans into our Single Market.”  
Introducing the price caps is expected to decrease data roaming prices for consumers traveling between the EU and Western Balkans. This price capping encourages and simplifies business, cultural, tourism, and other exchanges between the EU and the Western Balkans, strengthening the links between neighbouring regions. The operators are currently working on creating products with prices below the agreed price caps, which will be available for purchase to the broadest possible number of consumers.  
Other EU and Western Balkans telecommunication operators are invited to join the initiative.

Winners of the 2023 EU Award for Roma Integration in the Western Balkans and Türkiye announced

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On 27 April, the European Commission announced the 14 winners of the fifth EU Award for Roma Integration in the Western Balkans and Türkiye. This year’s award recognises achievements promoting the Roma inclusion dimension in the Digital Agenda and Green Economy. The award ceremony took place in the framework of the 2023 EU Roma Week (24-27 April 2023) hosted by the European Parliament.

 

Olivér Várhelyi, Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, said: “Congratulations to all the winners for their great work! I hope this award will help expand their important activities, so that they can inspire other actors who want to change Roma community for the better.”

 

Launched almost 10 years ago, the EU Award for Roma integration in the Western Balkans and Türkiye aims to highlight the importance of Roma integration in the EU Enlargement process and to show the EU’s determination and commitment to improving the social inclusion of Roma people into society and to provide tangible results on the ground.

 

With the Award, the EU recognises all efforts and tangible results to empower Roma people to reach their full potential as full members of the societies where they live and work. The focus of this year’s edition was Roma inclusion in the digital agenda and the green economy, which represent new opportunities for improving the position of vulnerable Roma women and men, and young Roma in the region in the future. Roma inclusion dynamics is affected by the society progress, including the field of digital agenda and green economy and we need to be sure that Roma are not left behind. Therefore, in order to be ahead in improving the living conditions of Roma people and their participation, it is important to build strong measures that respond to these challenges, by providing opportunities to facilitate the access in education and employment, health and social services and as well community mobilisation.

 

The winning civil society organisations received a monetary award of €7,500 for the first prize, and €4,500 for the second prize. While private and public sector winners received non-monetary awards. All winners were awarded with a study visit in Brussels, a trophy and an award certificate.

MADE OF US campaign reaches North Macedonia today

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Made of Us – An EU-Western Balkans road trip” campaign, funded by the European Union and brought to you by WeBalkans reached North Macedonia this week.  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 North Macedonia hosted a media brunch today to announce the start of the journey in North Macedonia. David Geer, the EU Ambassador to North Macedonia, welcomed the vloggers and commended them for their contribution to the promotion of the EU and North Macedonia.

 

The vloggers, Elena Vasilevska (@vasilevska_elena) from North Macedonia and Nick Van Putte (@traveltower) from Belgium, set off on their journey today. They will be on the road for a total of seven days between 2-8 May, showcasing the best of North Macedonia as well as EU investments in the region.  They will visit various locations, including the historic city of Ohrid, innovative projects, and tourism businesses supported by the EU.  Among the EU-funded projects they will be visiting are Adventure Park Skopje, a project which allows people of Skopje to have adventurous fun, and scout camp Struga, a well-known holiday camp near city of Struga as well as Heraclae Bitola, one of the most significant archaeological sites in North Macedonia.

 

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.

Kick-off for Montenegro Broadband Infrastructure Development Technical Assistance Project

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On 24th March 2023 the kick-off meeting for the Technical Assistance (TA) project for the Montenegro Broadband Infrastructure Development was held in Podgorica. The project includes updating technical documentation, procurement and contract strategies, procurement plans, market models, tender documents, and environmental and social action plan and follows on from the Feasibility completed in 2020. The European Union provided a grant of €525,000 for this project through the Western Balkans Infrastructure Framework (WBIF) which will be implemented by Infrastructure Project Facility 11 (IPF 11) with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) as the lead International Financial Institution (IFI).  
The Government of Montenegro places great importance on the digital sector which is included in all relevant strategic documents in the country. The Strategy of Digital Transformation of Montenegro 2022-2026 acknowledges the need for further development of the digital infrastructure, especially in the context of balanced regional development.  
The current situation in Montenegro includes four main telecom operators, with most rural areas being served by one operator for mobile connectivity. Copper technology is still the main solution for internet service in most suburban and rural settlements with many rural areas are served via ‘broadband wireless access,’ mainly Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks.  
The overall objective of this Project is to strengthen the economic and social development of Montenegro through the deployment of Next Generation Access (NGA) fixed broadband infrastructure. Increased access to information and communication technologies (ICT) will boost digital connectivity between Montenegro and other countries in the region and the EU, reduce the digital gap and contribute to the balanced regional development and inclusion.

Speech by President von der Leyen at the Roma Week 2023, via video message

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Honourable Members of the European Parliament, Dear representatives of Roma communities, Roma youth, academics, social partners and civil society, Ladies and Gentlemen,  
Our democracies are built on a basic promise: Equal rights for all citizens. It shouldn’t matter what you look like, what language you speak, and what surname you have. Democracies must deliver for all of us. We know this isn’t always the case. For too many of the six million Roma Europeans, these equal rights are not fully granted. Roma people still struggle when they look for a job or an apartment. It was sad to see that many Roma people fleeing Ukraine faced difficulties and discrimination when they crossed into our Union. Roma in Europe are still confronted with insults and slurs in the streets, in the media, and too often, even in political discourse. This must change. And it can change. In democracy, progress is always possible, Even the most entrenched prejudices and discriminations can be eradicated, if public authorities and civil society work together with a shared sense of direction, towards equality and equal rights.  
This is why in 2020, we put forward a new EU Roma strategic framework for equality, inclusion and participation. And we have seen some positive change happening all across our Union. In Romania, for instance, our European recovery plan, NextGenerationEU, is helping Roma families get access to healthcare and to a family doctor. In Belgium, young Roma people who look for a job receive training and coaching thanks to EU funds. Poland is hiring more cultural mediators to support Roma children in schools. And in Italy, for the first time ever, a “stumbling stone”, Stolperstein, was laid down to commemorate a young Roma man deported to a Nazi concentration camp. The stumbling stone was laid down in the square where he used to play his violin. These are important steps forward. Towards inclusion. Towards greater awareness of Roma heritage and its contribution to our European cultural heritage. Towards full equality for all Europeans.  
And progress must continue. We need to keep Roma rights at the heart of our political agenda. It is for this reason that last January, we took a first assessment of the new national Roma strategies. We highlighted encouraging initiatives and good practices from across Europe. But also the most critical issues where much more work remains to be done – for instance, in the fight against antigypsyism and segregation. In order to improve Roma’s quality of life the EU Roma Strategy has set precise targets to be met by 2030. They include cutting by half the Roma employment gap and the participation gap in early childhood education. Many Member States have set national targets. This will allow us to monitor and measure our progress. So that we keep advancing in our journey towards equality.  
Building a Union of equality requires the right policies and targets. But also, and crucially, a constant exchange with civil society. With Roma communities, with NGOs fighting for equal rights, with cultural associations promoting Roma culture in Europe. Your voice must be heard. Roma voices must be heard. Both inside our institutions, and in public debates within our societies. So thank you so much for organising and attending this important event. And let me wish to all of you a very good Romani Week.  
Thank you.