Skopje, North Macedonia – In a move towards deeper integration, the European Union and Western Balkans have reinforced their partnership on key areas including Innovation, Research, Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport. The discussions took place during the Western Balkans Ministerial Meeting on Education and Training, Research and Innovation, and Culture, organised by the European Training Foundation (ETF).

European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education, and Youth, Iliana Ivanova, led the EU delegation, meeting with ministers and representatives from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. The meetings aimed to intensify regional cooperation and accelerate the region’s convergence with the EU.

Key outcomes of the meetings include:

– Innovation and Research: €140 million in funding will be allocated to 400 projects aimed at fostering research and innovation within the region. The initiative focuses on enhancing science and technology infrastructure, developing Digital Innovation Hubs, and promoting talent retention.

– Education: The Erasmus+ programme has been expanded to include all Western Balkan countries, offering students and higher education institutions greater access to EU initiatives such as the European Universities alliance.

– Green and Digital Transitions: Efforts towards climate neutrality are being accelerated, with cities like Elbasan, Podgorica, and Sarajevo leading by example, aiming to become climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030.

– Cultural Cooperation: The region’s cultural and creative sectors will benefit from the EU’s Creative Europe programme, including mobility opportunities for artists and extended support through the European Heritage Hub.

This strengthened cooperation is part of the EU’s broader Western Balkans Agenda, which aims to boost economic growth, promote green and digital transitions, and enhance socio-economic development in the region.

The meetings reaffirm the EU’s commitment to supporting the Western Balkans on their path towards EU integration, offering a range of tools and resources to facilitate this journey.