Environment
Europe’s environment and ecosystems are under increasing pressure. Climate change, biodiversity loss, intensive agriculture, and exploitation of forests and marine resources, threaten not only our natural resources but also our quality of life, prosperity and well-being.
The Western Balkans are no exception. Although blessed with pristine landscapes and natural wealth, pollution is high and the region is projected to be severely hit by climate change.
In line with the European Green Deal, protecting the environment and tackling climate change are at the heart of the EU’s support and investment, and the new EU Green Agenda for the Western Balkans.
Opportunities
Innovation and skills
ScienceUs Upscale Academy – Scaling Citizen Science for Climate Resilience
The ScienceUs Upscale Academy offers citizen science initiatives a unique opportunity to scale their impact and support the EU’s mission of "Adaptation to Climate Change." Through a three-phase programme—Seed, Flourish, and Harvest—selected projects will receive funding, expert guidance, and collaboration opportunities with key stakeholders, including policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders. The programme focuses on scaling successful citizen science campaigns, fostering transnational collaboration, and transferring best practices to create a ripple effect of knowledge and innovation. This Open Call will select 25 projects for the Seed Phase, with five advancing to the later stages for larger funding and further support. Eligible projects must address climate adaptation topics such as energy management, public services, or environmental governance. By connecting and enhancing citizen science efforts, ScienceUs empowers communities to co-create practical solutions for climate resilience. Applications are now open and will be accepted until 6th January 2025.
Small and medium enterprises, Students & young people, Other
06/01/2025
Regional cooperation, Environment
EU Funding: Cross-border Cooperation for Kosovo & North Macedonia
The European Union Office in Kosovo has opened a call for proposals under the Cross-border Programme Kosovo – North Macedonia, supported by IPA III (2023). This initiative promotes collaboration between institutions in the region to support social, economic, and territorial development. It focuses on environmental protection, climate resilience, and enhancing competitiveness for SME development, trade, and investment. Proposals should align with one of the programme’s priorities: environmental protection or business environment enhancement. Full application guidelines are available online, with a submission deadline of 9 December 2024 at 12:00 CET. Information sessions are scheduled for 12 November in Ferizaj, Kosovo, and 14 November in Skopje, North Macedonia.
Funding opportunities
Civil society organisations, Public sector bodies
09/12/2024 at 17:00 CET/CEST
Main programmes and initiatives
Find out everything you want to know about EU programmes and initiatives in the field of environment.
Publications
New flagship investments endorsed through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF)
Factsheets | Published in: 2024
The fact sheet provides information on additional flagship investments through WBIF from the 2 July 2024 Operational Board Meeting.
Download English version
WBIF 2023 Endorsed Flagship Projects
Brochures | Published in: 2023
This brochure presents an overview of the 21 projects endorsed by the European Commission in February 2022 to support transport, digital, climate and energy connectivity and health infrastructure projects in the Western Balkans. This is the first major package of project unveiled under the EU’s Economic and Investment Plan for the region, and will be channelled through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) platform.