Can the region capitalise on the momentum to overcome its region-specific hurdles? The European Commission's Growth Plan aims to integrate the Western Balkans more closely into the Single Market by accelerating reforms in the region, and encouraging more trade and investment. The region’s growing manufacturing sector could be strategically important for the green transition, and the recent visit by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was intended to encourage greater EU private investment ahead of accession. However, country-specific challenges and geopolitical threats present barriers to further economic integration and eventual EU membership. This panel discussed a range of questions: How to overcome the remaining hurdles to investment, including trade tensions and unpredictable global supply chain developments? Will the Growth Plan achieve its objectives by the end of 2027? When will each of the candidate countries be able to compete in the Single Market?

The relationship between the United States (US) and the countries of the Western Balkans has long been a defining factor for stability, democratisation, and Euro-Atlantic integration in the region. Yet, as the second Trump administration continues to challenge the global order and favour a protectionist approach both to foreign and economic policy, this relationship is put under increased pressure. The ambivalent and, at times, hostile messages coming from Washington should encourage European countries to have a more principled and coordinated approach to the US – one that does not follow American policies blindly. In light of these changes, how do Western Balkan countries view their bilateral relations with the US in 2025? And what are their expectations for future cooperation? These are the themes explored in TEPSA’s latest book: “The United States and the Future of Europe: Views from the Capitals”, a volume which looks at 40+ national perspectives from across Europe, edited by Michael Kaeding, Johannes Pollak, and Paul Schmidt. How can recent experiences from the Western Balkans help us navigate this pan-European debate? To discuss this question, TEPSA and the Institute for Development and International Relations (IRMO) hosted an online public debate on Wednesday, 15 October from 10:00 to 11:30 am CET. The event featured interventions from Irena Pandeva, Professor at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Sava Mitrović, Researcher at the European Policy Centre (CEP), Danijela Jaćimović, Professor at the University of Montenegro, and Hrvoje Butković, Scientific Advisor, IRMO. The discussions were moderated by Paul Schmidt, Secretary-General of the Austrian Society for European Politics (ÖGfE) & co-editor of the book. TEPSA Website: https://www.tepsa.eu/ TEPSA Twitter: https://x.com/tepsaeu TEPSA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tepsa.eu TEPSA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tepsabrussels/ TEPSA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tepsaeu/ Editing: Barbara Vanotti Music: Alive, Wondershare Filmora X This video is co-funded by the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values programme of the European Union Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

With the support of the European Union, we are working with North Macedonia to transform its railway system into a greener, safer and more sustainable mode of transport. The EBRD is financing the construction of the eastern section of Rail Corridor VIII, a strategic line that will connect Skopje with the Bulgarian border. Once fully delivered, the project will provide almost 100 kilometres of modern railway infrastructure, representing the most substantial investment in North Macedonia’s rail sector in decades.

In this episode of The Sound of Economics, Rebecca Christie speaks about migration trends in the Western Balkans with Bruegel’s Nina Vujanovic and Nina Ruer, as well as Professor Herbert Brücker from Berlin’s Humboldt University in Germany, Since 2015, workers have been heading to Germany from Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Kosovo, aided by a regulation specific to that region. How have those workers assimilated? What has been the effect on the countries they leave behind? Can better policy address youth unemployment and skills shortages? The discussion tackles the data, the outlook and the political context for Germany, the Western Balkan countries and the EU accession process.  Relevant research: • Ruer, N. and N. Vujanović (2025) ‘Migration flows from the Western Balkans to Germany: implications and recommendations (https://www.bruegel.org/working-paper/migration-flows-western-balkans-germany-implications-and-recommendations) ’, Working Paper 19/2025, Bruegel • Ruer, N. and N. Vujanović (2025) 'Understanding Serbian youth discontent through the lens of the labour market' (https://www.bruegel.org/analysis/understanding-serbian-youth-discontent-through-lens-labour-market) , Analysis, Bruegel

Hear from the participants of the regional knowledge-sharing event on land administration and disaster risk management (DRM), held in Ankara, Türkiye from January 28–30, 2025. In this series of short videos, each participant shares insights and reflections from the three-day event, which brought together land and DRM experts from across Europe and Central Asia to exchange experiences, showcase innovations, and explore how geospatial and land data can strengthen disaster and climate resilience. Learn more about the event: [gfdrr.org] #DisasterResilience #LandAdministration #GeospatialData #ClimateAction #DRM #EuropeAndCentralAsia #worldbank ABOUT THE GLOBAL FACILITY FOR DISASTER REDUCTION AND RECOVERY (GFDRR) is a global partnership that helps low- and lower-middle-income countries better understand and reduce their vulnerabilities to natural hazards and adapt to climate change. GFDRR provides grant financing, technical assistance, training and knowledge sharing activities to mainstream disaster and climate risk management in national and regional policies, strategies, and investment plans. The Program Management Unit, located within the World Bank, manages http://www.gfdrr.org grant resources to carry out GFDRR’s mission. ABOUT THE WORLD BANK GROUP 🌐 The World Bank Group is one of the world’s largest sources of funding and knowledge for low-income countries. Its five institutions share a commitment to reducing poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. http://www.worldbank.org

What challenges does the EU face from Russia and China in the Western Balkans and Eastern Neighbourhood—and how does it respond? In this video, Asya Metodieva presents findings from her research on how the EU perceives and navigates the growing influence of these external actors in its neighbouring regions.

In December 2024, EU and Western Balkans leaders met in Brussels to strengthen their partnership and accelerate integration efforts. Key discussions focused on the EU’s new growth plan, deepening political engagement, advancing economic development, and addressing shared security challenges—key pillars for building a united future within the EU framework. In this video, Diana Mishkova reflects on the significance of the summit and its implications for the region.

This episode of the Global Economy Podcast, hosted by Philipp Lamprecht, features Dr Bernd Christoph Ströhm and focuses on the geopolitical and economic relevance of the Western Balkans for the European Union. The conversation explores the region’s strategic importance amid increasing competition from China and Russia, challenges in the EU enlargement process, and the growing frustration among Western Balkan countries over stalled accession talks. The episode highlights how EU regulations can impose unintended costs on neighbouring countries and calls for more flexible, credible, and inclusive policies. Bernd and Philipp advocate for a more responsive, strategic, and geopolitically aware EU approach to its neighbourhood. You can listen to an audio-only recording of the conversation here ➡️ https://ecipe.org/podcast/episode-114/ You can read a transcript of the chat here ➡️ https://ecipe.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/25-06-30_GEP-Episode_114_Final-Transcript.pdf - Dr Bernd Christoph Ströhm is a Senior Fellow at the European Centre for International Political Economy (ECIPE), a Senior Research Associate and Country Expert at the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (wiiw), and a Political Risk / OSINT Analyst at S&P Global. At ECIPE, his research focuses on Russia’s foreign policy dynamics, the influence of non-EU actors such as Russia and China on Southeastern Europe, the EU integration of the Western Balkans, and the economic and political development of the entire Western Balkan region. He holds a PhD in East European Studies and a master’s in Advanced International Studies. At the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (wiiw), he regularly drafts comprehensive macroeconomic analyses and policy forecast reports, assessing economic trends and policy impacts in the Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe (CESEE) region. At S&P Global, he crafts analytical pieces on political risk-inducing events in the CESEE region, including policy changes and protest risks. He also monitors the outcomes of national and regional elections in the Western Balkans, while drafting country reports that evaluate political and governmental stability within the CESEE region. Bernd worked on numerous publications and different projects, including in-depth analyses of Chinese infrastructure investments in the Western Balkans for the European Parliament, a thorough cohesion policy study on Germany for the European Commission, or a study on free trade policy recommendations for the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA). He teaches as a Postdoctoral Teaching Fellow at the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, where he holds interdisciplinary lectures and seminars. His lectures and seminars cover the evolution of the international system, the political and economic situation in the Western Balkans, and the geopolitical and geoeconomic influences of China and Russia on the region, as well as the evolution of Russia’s domestic and foreign policy dynamics. #eu #europeanunion #russia #china #westernbalkans #integration

🌱 What if the next big green business idea came from a teenager? In North Macedonia, it already has – again and again, for 18 years running! NCDIEL Centre of Excellence in Green Innovation has been shaping the future of sustainable entrepreneurship in North Macedonia. Evolving from a national business plan competition into a leading platform for green innovation, this initiative empowers over 100 students and 50 teachers each year to develop and pitch real business concepts that make a difference. With strong support from the Erasmus+ GREENOVET project, NCDIEL has gone global—scaling its impact through international competitions and cross-sector partnerships that ensure sustainability and lasting change. 💡 Key Highlights: 25+ innovative green business concepts submitted annually 16 student teams pitch to expert juries each year Awards for top 4 teams and their mentors Seamless collaboration between secondary and tertiary education Lifelong skills in creativity, entrepreneurship, and green thinking 💼 “Quality education = employability.” ✅ VOTE for this project and support the green skills development: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/VoteGreenSkillsAward2025Winner 👉 Voting is open until June 30 at 13:00 CEST #GreenSkillsAward #VocationalExcellence #greeninnovation #northmacedonia #sustainablefuture #unionofSkills

What’s the key to developing a competitive, future-ready workforce – and how can education and industry work together to build the skills we need today for tomorrow’s jobs? Closer cooperation between vocational education and training (VET) and the industrial sector is essential in developing a workforce with the skills, knowledge and competencies that match the evolving needs of the labour market. By applying strategic foresight to imagine the world of work in 2050, companies and educators can identify current and future skills gaps and address them through innovative, future-focused partnerships. Over the past two decades, North Macedonia has made significant progress in aligning its education and training systems with European standards, supporting its journey towards EU membership. The adoption of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and the integration of flexible micro-credentials are helping to shape a dynamic, internationally recognised workforce. 🎙️ Hear from Goran Spasovski, Director General for VET in the Republic of North Macedonia, as he shares how strategic foresight is driving education reform, labour market relevance and innovation in workforce development. 00:00 Introduction 00:02 How can education and companies work together to prepare the workforce for the future? 1:02 How could EU membership enhance opportunities for learners and workers in North Macedonia? 2:12 Closing 📍Read how ETF is Navigating the Future https://www.etf.europa.eu/en/news-and-events/news/navigating-future-shaping-future-work-and-skills 🔗 Connect with us 👉 Learn more about the ETF: www.etf.europa.eu 📌 Follow us on Facebook: /etfeuropa 📸 Join us on Instagram: /etfeuropa

Skiing, hiking, cycling – Hotel Bistra is the perfect base to explore the many activities in Mavrovo National Park, the largest one in North Macedonia. Together with the European Union, we helped the hotel to invest in solar power and energy efficiency. It is just one of many examples of how we help to build a greener economy and future in the country.

The Western Balkans are often seen as Europe’s periphery, but they are in fact embedded within the continent’s history and future ambitions. Despite close economic ties with the EU, these six countries—Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia—remain outside the Union, navigating a complex path toward accession. In this episode of The Sound of Economics, Rebecca Christie (https://www.bruegel.org/people/rebecca-christie) is joined by Simonida Kacarska (https://www.bruegel.org/people/simonida-kacarska) , Nina Vujanović (https://www.bruegel.org/people/nina-vujanovic) and Anna Fiore (https://www.bruegel.org/people/anna-fiore) to explore the economic realities, trade dynamics, and political hurdles facing the region. How integrated are these economies already? What barriers remain, and can the new EU growth plan bring about meaningful progress? This podcast was produced with financial support from The Open Society Foundations Western Balkans. 

Current tectonic changes in Europe’s security environment have opened the way for rethinking the EU enlargement process. Western Balkan countries are an immediate neighbour to the EU and their stability is of strategic importance. As their closest EU partner, Croatia strongly advocates for the European path of the Western Balkans countries and is committed to finding solutions to challenges in the accession processes. In this address as part of the IIEA's Future-Proofing Europe project, supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Minister Grlić Radman will tackle some of the focal challenges and questions on EU enlargement, as well as opportunities and possible ways forward. Speaker bio: Gordan Grlić Radman is the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, a post he has held since July 2019. Additionally, Minister Radman is also the President of the Danube Commission. Prior to his current position, he was Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to the Federal Republic of Germany from 2017 until 2019 and to Hungary from 2012 until 2017. He has also held a number of high-level roles within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Head of the Central European Department and Secretary General. Minister Radman holds a PhD from the Faculty of Political Science of the University of Zagreb.

Current tectonic changes in Europe’s security environment have opened the way for rethinking the EU enlargement process. Western Balkan countries are an immediate neighbour to the EU and their stability is of strategic importance. As their closest EU partner, Croatia strongly advocates for the European path of the Western Balkans countries and is committed to finding solutions to challenges in the accession processes. In this address as part of the IIEA's Future-Proofing Europe project, supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Minister Grlić Radman will tackle some of the focal challenges and questions on EU enlargement, as well as opportunities and possible ways forward. Speaker bio: Gordan Grlić Radman is the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, a post he has held since July 2019. Additionally, Minister Radman is also the President of the Danube Commission. Prior to his current position, he was Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to the Federal Republic of Germany from 2017 until 2019 and to Hungary from 2012 until 2017. He has also held a number of high-level roles within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Head of the Central European Department and Secretary General. Minister Radman holds a PhD from the Faculty of Political Science of the University of Zagreb.

Current tectonic changes in Europe’s security environment have opened the way for rethinking the EU enlargement process. Western Balkan countries are an immediate neighbour to the EU and their stability is of strategic importance. As their closest EU partner, Croatia strongly advocates for the European path of the Western Balkans countries and is committed to finding solutions to challenges in the accession processes. In this address as part of the IIEA's Future-Proofing Europe project, supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Minister Grlić Radman will tackle some of the focal challenges and questions on EU enlargement, as well as opportunities and possible ways forward. Speaker bio: Gordan Grlić Radman is the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, a post he has held since July 2019. Additionally, Minister Radman is also the President of the Danube Commission. Prior to his current position, he was Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to the Federal Republic of Germany from 2017 until 2019 and to Hungary from 2012 until 2017. He has also held a number of high-level roles within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Head of the Central European Department and Secretary General. Minister Radman holds a PhD from the Faculty of Political Science of the University of Zagreb. Recorded on the 1st of April 2025

Current tectonic changes in Europe’s security environment have opened the way for rethinking the EU enlargement process. Western Balkan countries are an immediate neighbour to the EU and their stability is of strategic importance. As their closest EU partner, Croatia strongly advocates for the European path of the Western Balkans countries and is committed to finding solutions to challenges in the accession processes. In this address as part of the IIEA's Future-Proofing Europe project, supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Minister Grlić Radman will tackle some of the focal challenges and questions on EU enlargement, as well as opportunities and possible ways forward. Speaker bio: Gordan Grlić Radman is the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, a post he has held since July 2019. Additionally, Minister Radman is also the President of the Danube Commission. Prior to his current position, he was Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to the Federal Republic of Germany from 2017 until 2019 and to Hungary from 2012 until 2017. He has also held a number of high-level roles within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Head of the Central European Department and Secretary General. Minister Radman holds a PhD from the Faculty of Political Science of the University of Zagreb. Recorded on the 1st of April 2025

Current tectonic changes in Europe’s security environment have opened the way for rethinking the EU enlargement process. Western Balkan countries are an immediate neighbour to the EU and their stability is of strategic importance. As their closest EU partner, Croatia strongly advocates for the European path of the Western Balkans countries and is committed to finding solutions to challenges in the accession processes. In this address as part of the IIEA's Future-Proofing Europe project, supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Minister Grlić Radman will tackle some of the focal challenges and questions on EU enlargement, as well as opportunities and possible ways forward. Speaker bio: Gordan Grlić Radman is the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, a post he has held since July 2019. Additionally, Minister Radman is also the President of the Danube Commission. Prior to his current position, he was Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to the Federal Republic of Germany from 2017 until 2019 and to Hungary from 2012 until 2017. He has also held a number of high-level roles within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Head of the Central European Department and Secretary General. Minister Radman holds a PhD from the Faculty of Political Science of the University of Zagreb.

Current tectonic changes in Europe’s security environment have opened the way for rethinking the EU enlargement process. Western Balkan countries are an immediate neighbour to the EU and their stability is of strategic importance. As their closest EU partner, Croatia strongly advocates for the European path of the Western Balkans countries and is committed to finding solutions to challenges in the accession processes. In this address as part of the IIEA's Future-Proofing Europe project, supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Minister Grlić Radman will tackle some of the focal challenges and questions on EU enlargement, as well as opportunities and possible ways forward. Speaker bio: Gordan Grlić Radman is the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, a post he has held since July 2019. Additionally, Minister Radman is also the President of the Danube Commission. Prior to his current position, he was Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to the Federal Republic of Germany from 2017 until 2019 and to Hungary from 2012 until 2017. He has also held a number of high-level roles within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including Head of the Central European Department and Secretary General. Minister Radman holds a PhD from the Faculty of Political Science of the University of Zagreb.

It's been more than ten years since the launch of the 'Save the Blue Heart of Europe' campaign, an initiative by conservation organisations EuroNatur and Riverwatch to save Europe's last pristine rivers from being dammed, destroying not only their integrity but also the livelihoods of the local communities that depend on them. At the same time, the first report on hydropower development in the Balkans warned of the devastating impact of large and especially small dams across the region. Today we've published an update and the picture is mixed: the crisis has escalated, but so has resistance, Anika Konsek, EuroNatur's Project Communications Manager, opens the interview with EuroNatur's Freshwater Programme Manager, Annette Spangenberg. One of the most worrying findings: Almost 50 percent of hydropower projects in the Balkans are planned or already under construction in protected areas. Find out what this means for Europe's first and unique Wild River National Park Vjosa in Albania and why labelling hydropower as 'green energy' is short-sighted. Want to know more? Check out the report: https://balkanrivers.net/uploads/files/3/Balkan_HPP_Update_2024_100325.pdf and our press release: https://www.euronatur.org/en/about-euronatur/press/press-releases/ten-years-of-hydropower-data-ongoing-threats-and-wins-for-balkan-rivers.

It's been more than ten years since the launch of the 'Save the Blue Heart of Europe' campaign, an initiative by conservation organisations EuroNatur and Riverwatch to save Europe's last pristine rivers from being dammed, destroying not only their integrity but also the livelihoods of the local communities that depend on them. At the same time, the first report on hydropower development in the Balkans warned of the devastating impact of large and especially small dams across the region. Today we've published an update and the picture is mixed: the crisis has escalated, but so has resistance, Anika Konsek, EuroNatur's Project Communications Manager, opens the interview with EuroNatur's Freshwater Programme Manager, Annette Spangenberg. One of the most worrying findings: Almost 50 percent of hydropower projects in the Balkans are planned or already under construction in protected areas. Find out what this means for Europe's first and unique Wild River National Park Vjosa in Albania and why labelling hydropower as 'green energy' is short-sighted. Want to know more? Check out the report: https://balkanrivers.net/uploads/files/3/Balkan_HPP_Update_2024_100325.pdf and our press release: https://www.euronatur.org/en/about-euronatur/press/press-releases/ten-years-of-hydropower-data-ongoing-threats-and-wins-for-balkan-rivers.

It's been more than ten years since the launch of the 'Save the Blue Heart of Europe' campaign, an initiative by conservation organisations EuroNatur and Riverwatch to save Europe's last pristine rivers from being dammed, destroying not only their integrity but also the livelihoods of the local communities that depend on them. At the same time, the first report on hydropower development in the Balkans warned of the devastating impact of large and especially small dams across the region. Today we've published an update and the picture is mixed: the crisis has escalated, but so has resistance, Anika Konsek, EuroNatur's Project Communications Manager, opens the interview with EuroNatur's Freshwater Programme Manager, Annette Spangenberg. One of the most worrying findings: Almost 50 percent of hydropower projects in the Balkans are planned or already under construction in protected areas. Find out what this means for Europe's first and unique Wild River National Park Vjosa in Albania and why labelling hydropower as 'green energy' is short-sighted. Want to know more? Check out the report: https://balkanrivers.net/uploads/files/3/Balkan_HPP_Update_2024_100325.pdf and our press release: https://www.euronatur.org/en/about-euronatur/press/press-releases/ten-years-of-hydropower-data-ongoing-threats-and-wins-for-balkan-rivers.

Over a decade after the first systematic data collection on hydropower development in the Balkans, the latest Balkan Hydropower Update 2024 reveals a mixed reality: While significant advocacy efforts have successfully halted many destructive projects, the region’s rivers continue to face ongoing threats. Despite persistent resistance, thousands of hydropower projects are still being planned, with almost 100 currently under construction. Half of the planned or constructed projects are located within protected areas. The two EuroNatur employees Annette Spangeneberg and Anika Konsek analyse the results of the study.

Over a decade after the first systematic data collection on hydropower development in the Balkans, the latest Balkan Hydropower Update 2024 reveals a mixed reality: While significant advocacy efforts have successfully halted many destructive projects, the region’s rivers continue to face ongoing threats. Despite persistent resistance, thousands of hydropower projects are still being planned, with almost 100 currently under construction. Half of the planned or constructed projects are located within protected areas. The two EuroNatur employees Annette Spangeneberg and Anika Konsek analyse the results of the study.

Over a decade after the first systematic data collection on hydropower development in the Balkans, the latest Balkan Hydropower Update 2024 reveals a mixed reality: While significant advocacy efforts have successfully halted many destructive projects, the region’s rivers continue to face ongoing threats. Despite persistent resistance, thousands of hydropower projects are still being planned, with almost 100 currently under construction. Half of the planned or constructed projects are located within protected areas. The two EuroNatur employees Annette Spangeneberg and Anika Konsek analyse the results of the study.

FRH Talks | Religious Heritage at Risk: Saving our Cultural Treasures I. Church of Santo Estevo de Pousada The Church of Santo Estevo de Pousada is a historic chapel in Northern Spain, dating from the 12th and 13th centuries. Its interior still retains some remnants of these 15th-century frescoes. Unfortunately, this Galician heritage enclave is at risk of being lost due to the deteriorating condition of the building and its location in a sparsely populated area. This talk features Jesús Salvador López and Uxía Aguiar Ballesteros from the Department of Cultural Heritage of the Diocese of Lugo, who presented the Diocese's strategies for the restoration of the church and the recovery of its precious frescoes. TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 | Intro by Jordi Mallarach (FRH) 00:01:10 | The Church of Santo Estevo de Pousada, by Jesús Salvador López 00:11:34 | Sustainability project, by Uxía Aguiar Ballesteros 00:23:02 | Open Q&A 🔗More FRH Talks: https://www.frh-europe.org/frh-talks/

FRH Talks | Religious Heritage at Risk: Saving our Cultural Treasures I. Church of Santo Estevo de Pousada The Church of Santo Estevo de Pousada is a historic chapel in Northern Spain, dating from the 12th and 13th centuries. Its interior still retains some remnants of these 15th-century frescoes. Unfortunately, this Galician heritage enclave is at risk of being lost due to the deteriorating condition of the building and its location in a sparsely populated area. This talk features Jesús Salvador López and Uxía Aguiar Ballesteros from the Department of Cultural Heritage of the Diocese of Lugo, who presented the Diocese's strategies for the restoration of the church and the recovery of its precious frescoes. TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 | Intro by Jordi Mallarach (FRH) 00:01:10 | The Church of Santo Estevo de Pousada, by Jesús Salvador López 00:11:34 | Sustainability project, by Uxía Aguiar Ballesteros 00:23:02 | Open Q&A 🔗More FRH Talks: https://www.frh-europe.org/frh-talks/

BeCircular project cofinanced under Interreg Greece - Republic of North Macedonia not only established physical center in Prilep but also created a interactive tools and capacity-building initiatives to foster entrepreneurship of young people in the circular economy (CE) and bio-economy (BE) sectors. For more information on EU regional policy, please visit our website: https://europa.eu/!Yy67HF Follow us on: - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EUinmyregion - Twitter: https://twitter.com/euinmyregion - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/euinmyregion/

In this episode of The Sound of Economics, Yuyun Zhan (https://www.bruegel.org/people/yuyun-zhan) invites Alicia Garcia Herrero (https://www.bruegel.org/people/alicia-garcia-herrero) and Ana Krstinovska (https://www.bruegel.org/people/ana-krstinovska) to delve into China's expanding footprint in the Western Balkans and its implications for Europe's economic security and strategic autonomy. They explore the region's strategic importance and analyze how China's developments in the region impact the EU's neighborhood policy and economic security.

With Minister @TimcoMucunski , we signed the Security and Defence Partnership Agreement between the EU and North Macedonia. This is a milestone in our cooperation and a tangible step forward to a safer & more integrated Europe. https://eeas.europa.eu/eeas/north-macedonia-new-security-and-defence-partnership-eu-strengthen-capabilities-and-cooperation_en

From 19 - 22 September 2024, the Center for Education and Development with the Macedonian Ecological Society and LAG Sharri as partners organized several events during the European Green Belt Days 2024: a rural cinema, the traditional beans festival and a rich cultural program. During the event, the vision of the European Green Belt and the mission of the European Green Belt Initiative were shared via visuals as videos, posters and photos. The transboundary celebration started in North Macedonia and ended with a closing event and a fair with local products in Kosovo. The celebration was organized as part of the BESTbelt project “Empowering communities in the Shar Mt. region for sustainable management”. Read more: https://www.europeangreenbelt.org/bestbelt/projects-call2-11

Discover the compelling journeys of three young entrepreneurs from the Western Balkans, as we learn about their company origins, the challenges they’ve faced, what motivates them, and how the EBRD’s Youth in Business programme has provided them with the critical support that they needed to grow. Featuring: Hana Qerimi – CEO, StarLabs (Kosovo) Dragoje Vukić – CEO, ProGroup (Montenegro) Jelena Ivković – CEO, Termo Group (Serbia) Youth in Business: The EBRD’s Youth in Business programme is empowering the next generation of business leaders by offering eligible entrepreneurs access to finance and tailored business advice, plus mentoring and networking opportunities across our regions. If you’re under the age of thirty-five and manage or own an MSME in a participating EBRD country of operation, then you could qualify for the programme! Find out more here: https://www.ebrd.com/youth-in-business/finance-and-advice-for-youth-in-business

In this episode of the Stories from the Regions series, we head to the outskirts of Kozani, Greece. In this so-called active urban planning zone, a modern campus is now home to three engineering departments of the University of Western Macedonia. This new infrastructure does not only provide researchers, teachers, and students of these departments with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, but also creates spaces for interdisciplinary collaboration and encounters. With the academic community now thriving, the university is increasing their recruitment and retaining of talent in the area, contributing to the overall social and sustainable development of the region. For more information on EU regional policy, please visit our website: https://europa.eu/!Yy67HF Follow us on: - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EUinmyregion - Twitter: https://twitter.com/euinmyregion - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/euinmyregion/

In this episode of the Stories from the Regions series, we head to the outskirts of Kozani, Greece. In this so-called active urban planning zone, a modern campus is now home to three engineering departments of the University of Western Macedonia. This new infrastructure does not only provide researchers, teachers, and students of these departments with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, but also creates spaces for interdisciplinary collaboration and encounters. With the academic community now thriving, the university is increasing their recruitment and retaining of talent in the area, contributing to the overall social and sustainable development of the region. For more information on EU regional policy, please visit our website: https://europa.eu/!Yy67HF Follow us on: - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EUinmyregion - Twitter: https://twitter.com/euinmyregion - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/euinmyregion/

Hosting the 6 Western Balkan Foreign Ministers at today’s FAC, HR/VP Josep Borrell stressed the importance of alignment & cooperation on foreign & security policy. Ahead of the 26/06 High Level meeting, he reiterated his commitment to move forward the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue. Full transcript here: https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/foreign-affairs-council-press-remarks-high-representative-josep-borrell-after-meeting-15_en

Join us for an insightful exploration of the dynamic energy landscape of the Balkans with our distinguished speaker, Marin Cerjan. With over 15 years of expertise in energy forecasting, market analysis, and sustainable project development, Marin delved into the evolving regional energy mix and its implications on market prices. Discover the innovative integration of solar power and storage solutions, and learn about the frameworks enabling this transformation. In this webinar, we spotlighted a number of countries in the Balkans region, examining their capacities and advancements in renewable energy installations. Marin also addressed the key challenges and opportunities within these markets, focusing on essential technical, regulatory, and financial considerations. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 🔗 For more insights and events, visit - https://bit.ly/3vYZriN

In her speech, Andreja Metelko-Zgombić, State Secretary for Europe in the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, focuses on Croatia’s perspective on the forthcoming EU enlargement process, the institutional changes required to prepare the EU for enlargement, and the range of reforms to be implemented by the Western Balkan countries before accession, including the resolution of historical disputes. She also addresses the proposal of a so-called confidence clause for the region in the accession treaties, which would prevent a newly joined Member State from blocking the accession of another candidate country. Finally, she provides an assessment, ten years on, of how both Croatia and the EU have benefitted from the 2013 enlargement. About the Speaker: Andreja Metelko-Zgombić is the State Secretary for Europe at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia and holds a law degree. Prior to assuming this position in 2017, she held several prominent posts at the Ministry, including Chief Legal Adviser and Assistant Minister for European Law, International Law and Consular Affairs. Metelko-Zgombić is also the Senior Representative of the Republic of Croatia on the Standing Joint Committee on Succession Issues and the President of the Commission of the Government of the Republic of Croatia for Borders.

In her speech, Andreja Metelko-Zgombić, State Secretary for Europe in the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, focuses on Croatia’s perspective on the forthcoming EU enlargement process, the institutional changes required to prepare the EU for enlargement, and the range of reforms to be implemented by the Western Balkan countries before accession, including the resolution of historical disputes. She also addresses the proposal of a so-called confidence clause for the region in the accession treaties, which would prevent a newly joined Member State from blocking the accession of another candidate country. Finally, she provides an assessment, ten years on, of how both Croatia and the EU have benefitted from the 2013 enlargement. About the Speaker: Andreja Metelko-Zgombić is the State Secretary for Europe at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia and holds a law degree. Prior to assuming this position in 2017, she held several prominent posts at the Ministry, including Chief Legal Adviser and Assistant Minister for European Law, International Law and Consular Affairs. Metelko-Zgombić is also the Senior Representative of the Republic of Croatia on the Standing Joint Committee on Succession Issues and the President of the Commission of the Government of the Republic of Croatia for Borders. Recorded on the 19th of April 2024

In her speech, Andreja Metelko-Zgombić, State Secretary for Europe in the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia, will focus on Croatia’s perspective on the forthcoming EU enlargement process, the institutional changes required to prepare the EU for enlargement, and the range of reforms to be implemented by the Western Balkan countries before accession, including the resolution of historical disputes. She will also address the proposal of a so-called confidence clause for the region in the accession treaties, which would prevent a newly joined Member State from blocking the accession of another candidate country. Finally, she will provide an assessment, ten years on, of how both Croatia and the EU have benefitted from the 2013 enlargement. About the Speaker: Andreja Metelko-Zgombić is the State Secretary for Europe at the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia and holds a law degree. Prior to assuming this position in 2017, she held several prominent posts at the Ministry, including Chief Legal Adviser and Assistant Minister for European Law, International Law and Consular Affairs. Metelko-Zgombić is also the Senior Representative of the Republic of Croatia on the Standing Joint Committee on Succession Issues and the President of the Commission of the Government of the Republic of Croatia for Borders.

North Macedonia is the fifth country outside the European Union to host a Frontex joint operation. It highlights the growing presence of European Border and Coast Guard standing corps in the Western Balkan region. As a vital crossroad, the region is often the stage where human traffickers, smugglers, and criminals attempt to evade the rule of law. Reinforcing border management along North Macedonia’s borders will contribute to further enhancing security at the EU’s external borders.

This testimonial video provide insights on the challenges and the importance of cooperation across borders in addressing natural disasters such as floods, by highlighting a project of great significance in the Greek - Bulgarian cross-border area. Border regions between Greece and Bulgaria are historically vulnerable to floods due to the two transboundary river basins of Struma/Strymon and Evros/Maritsa. The video discusses the importance of bilateral cooperation in increasing the resilience of border regions. It marks out Flood Protection, one of the largest Interreg V-A Greece Bulgaria 2014-2020 strategic projects aiming to improve resilience of the cross-border area in times of crisis. The project brought together authorities from both sides of the border to provide tangible outputs such as large-scale infrastructure upgrades and increased disaster handling capacity. The person featured in the video is the Project Manager Mr Konstantinos Michailidis. For more information on EU regional policy, please visit our website: https://europa.eu/!Yy67HF Follow us on: - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EUinmyregion - Twitter: https://twitter.com/euinmyregion - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/euinmyregion/

The Western Balkans Investment Summit 2024 will be held at the EBRD HQ in London on Monday 26 February. The event will be attended by all six heads of government from the region, who have confirmed their participation. The aim of the Summit is to highlight potential investment and business opportunities in the Western Balkans region and to promote regional and cross-border projects. This is the sixth EBRD summit of its kind; the inaugural Western Balkans Summit took place at the EBRD ten years ago, in February 2014 and, for the first time, brought together all the region’s prime ministers. The Western Balkans is a priority region for the EBRD. Today, the EBRD remains one of the largest institutional investors in countries of the region, with more than €18 billion invested to date. The traditional highlight of the Summit – interactive “Prime Ministers Session” - will see the regional Leaders and the President of the EBRD address the audience with their overall vision for the region, key regional projects and opportunities for investment at both regional level and in each of the countries of the region, which includes Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. The session will feature extended Q&A with foreign investors. 9.00-9.30 Opening of the Summit. Welcome address Odile Renaud-Basso, President, EBRD High level representative of the EU (tbc) 9.30 -11.00 *Interactive session with participation of the six Western Balkans Prime Ministers, including extended Q&A with foreign investors

The Western Balkans Criminal Justice Project, funded by the European Union and implemented by Eurojust, aims to strengthen cooperation within the Western Balkans, and between the region and the EU, on fighting organised crime and terrorism using modern tools and instruments. Discover more about the project on Eurojust’s website: 👉 https://www.eurojust.europa.eu/western-balkans-criminal-justice Eurojust, the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation, supports the fight against serious cross-border crime in all its shapes and forms, strengthening the coordination and cooperation between national investigating and judicial authorities. Discover our website: 👉 http://www.eurojust.europa.eu/ Follow Eurojust on social media: LinkedIn 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/company/eurojust/ Twitter 👉 https://twitter.com/eurojust

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a new growth plan for the Western Balkans at the Tirana Summit in October 2023. The plan includes an accelerated integration of Western Balkans in the EU single market, completing a common regional market of the Western Balkans, and fostering their structural reforms and investments with a new €6 billion fund. How could Western Balkan countries exploit the opportunities offered by this proposal? Will the new fund provide sufficient incentives to realise difficult structural reforms? Will the growth plan accelerate the EU accession process?

North Macedonia chaired the @OSCE in difficult times. National unity is needed to advance key reforms for joining the EU. The Growth Plan for the Western Balkans is an opportunity to boost economies and improve living standards. HR/VP @JosepBorrellF remarks in Skopje.

In spite of the troubled times we are living the @OSCE is the platform where our common European security architecture is and should be discussed, despite the attempts by Russia to undermine it HR/VP @JosepBorrellF following his meeting with PM of North Macedonia @DKovachevski

North Macedonia will launch the in-country platform to accelerate just energy transition and sign the underlying partnership agreement. The platform enables a shift to a more programmatic approach by targeted, large-scale investments and ensures an equitable green transition that protects vulnerable communities. To this end, EBRD, Climate Investment Fund (CIF) and international partners built on the successful experience of Egypt’s energy transition platform NWFE (Nexus Food-Water-Energy). North Macedonia is reliant on coal for 40% of its electricity generation. The Platform will support the country’s coal phase-out by 2030, deployment of renewable energy and associated grid investments. It will also integrate just transition by ensuring that the green economy transition benefits are shared, protecting vulnerable people and regions from falling behind. The event will highlight how in country platforms can be key to enabling private sector mobilisation through addressing marker barriers, especially in the conditions of scarce door resources. Speakers: Odile Renaud-Basso, EBRD President Kreshnik Bekteshi, Minister of Economy, North Macedonia Kaja Shukova, Minister of Environment and Physical Planning, North Macedonia Harry Boyd-Carpenter, Managing Director, Climate Strategy and Delivery, EBRD Gert Jan Koopman, Director General, NEAR, European Commission Rui Lo, Director of the Environment and Climate Programme, Bloomberg Philanthropies Thomas Eriksson, Director ai, Council of Europe Development Bank

On 13 November 2023 HR/VP Josep Borrell chairs the EU - Western Balkan Ministerial in Brussels, with the six Foreign Ministers of the region. The EU counts on its future members for united responses to the current geopolitical challenges through solidarity and close cooperation.

Western Balkans as a Region of the Future Sunday, September 24th 2023 Salzburg Congress, Europasaal KEYNOTE Branimir Jovanović Economist, Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies wiiw, North Macedonia PANEL Gerd Bommer, Regional Manager Southeast Europe, Eastern Europe, Central Asia, Chamber of Commerce Austria Martin Kocher, Minister for Economy and Labour, Austria Getoar Mjeku, Vice Minister for Economy, Kosovo Obrad Tadic, CEO Smart Energy Investment, Serbia Zijad Nišić , Mayor of Brčko District, Bosnia and Herzegowina Nikola Jovanovic, Direktor Center for Local Government (CLS – Centar za Lokalnu Samoupravu) Belgrade MODERATION Franz Schausberger Chairman of the IRE Not least because of the terrible war in Ukraine and the granting of EU candidate status to Ukraine and Moldova, there seems to have been more movement again in the accession process of the states of the Western Balkans. Bosnia-Herzegovina became a candidate country, Serbia passed reforms in the field of justice and positioned itself against the war against Ukraine. Kosovo will get the long desired visaliberalization next year. It is hoped that accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania can finally begin. The geopolitical situation has also shown the skeptical EU member states that the Western Balkans are indispensable for Europe from both a geopolitical and economic point of view and must not be left to the non-European powers. That is why there is an increasing willingness to find pragmatic solutions. There are many opportunities for companies in the Western Balkans to invest in the Western Balkans, especially in the areas of water, energy, infrastructure and transport. The great interest of local companies in these future markets in the immediate vicinity is manifested in the constantly increasing number of direct investments. The EU is helping to implement the necessary, far-reaching political and economic reforms through a wide variety of funding programs. The European Union supports the Western Balkan countries in building a modern, climate-neutral and resource-efficient economy. In this panel, representatives from the various Western Balkan countries will discuss the opportunities for the Western Balkans to become an important economic region of the future. Video: ZUP Media | www.zup-media.at

Join us for an insightful webinar on the current regulatory framework for solar energy development in the Balkan region. Our expert speakers will discuss the main challenges faced by solar energy developers in the region and compare their experience working on projects across the region. From PPAs to energy storage, take this moment to ask your questions to the lawyers active in the region. This webinar is perfect for solar energy developers who want to stay up-to-date with the latest legal developments in the Balkans and the perfect preparation for our full-day conference Solarplaza Summit Balkans on the 30th of November in Bulgaria. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 🔗 For more insights and events, visit - https://bit.ly/3EAqUZ8

In his remarks, Dr Bassuener focuses on the EU’s relationship with the Western Balkans in advance of the country reports which will be published in October 2023. Dr Bassuener’s contention is that, writ broadly, the political elites of the region have demonstrated that they do not want to do the heavy lifting regarding EU accession. Yet, according to Dr Bassuener, the EU’s interest in the region remains its desire to demonstrate its transformative power and geopolitical potency. Overall, in his discussion, Dr Bassuener argues that enlargement should not be abandoned, but rather there should be a reassessment of who the primary EU partners need to be – the citizens of the region. About the Speaker: Kurt Bassuener is a Co-Founder and Senior Associate of the Democratization Policy Council, a Berlin-based think-tank established in 2005. He received his PhD in 2021 from the University of St. Andrews’ Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence. Dr Bassuener is co-author and research director for the Diplomat’s Handbook for Democracy Development Support. Prior to studying at St. Andrews, he lived for 11 years in Sarajevo, starting in 2005 as a strategist for then-High Representative, Paddy Ashdown. He was a political and campaign analyst for the OSCE-ODIHR election observation mission in Ukraine in 2004–2005, and previously conducted analysis-based advocacy in Washington D.C. for the Balkan Institute, the Balkan Action Council, the U.S. Institute of Peace, and the International Rescue Committee. Recorded on the 20th of September 2023

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An international operation across three countries has resulted in the takedown of the biggest drug trafficking criminal organisation in the Balkan region. https://www.europol.europa.eu/newsroom Follow us on: http://www.facebook.com/europol/ http://www.instagram.com/europol.eu/ http://twitter.com/europol http://www.linkedin.com/company/europol http://www.europol.europa.eu Intellectual property rights, including copyright, to the material are owned by Europol. Europol’s advance permission is also required for any further use of this material. Further details can be viewed on https://www.europol.europa.eu/legal-notice . Where permission is given in writing this will require the source to be identified and intellectual property rights to be acknowledged. Any entity reusing the material is responsible for its own publication and for obtaining any additional permissions required (e.g. from individuals appearing, from rights owners of any images or figures embedded in the material). No material or image may be used to endorse or imply endorsement of an organisation or project by Europol. The Europol name and logo are the exclusive property of Europol. They are protected under European and International law and cannot be reproduced without Europol’s prior written permission.

HR/VP Josep Borrell and Commissioner Johansson hosted a high-level ministerial conference on the Roadmap to comprehensive Small Arms and Light Weapons control in the Western Balkans, on 16 May 2023.

HR/VP Josep Borrell press conference on Western Balkans after the Foreign Affairs Council on 22 May 2023.

Lativa, Educational Fund, IAS, HIV, AIDS, International AIDS Society, EECA, Eastern Europe HIV, Asia HIV, HIV seminar

HR/VP Josep Borrell Joint Press Remarks with the President of North Macedonia, Stevo Pendarovski in Skopje, North Macedonia on 17 March 2023.

HR/VP Josep Borrell Press Remarks during the EU-North Macedonia Stabilisation and Association Council in Tirana, Albania on 17 March 2023.

HR/VP Josep Borrell press remarks ahead of his meeting with OSCE Chairman-in-Office and MFA of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani on 31 January 2023.

The European Union promotes cooperation between regions and countries to help their economic and social development and tackle the obstacle of borders. This European Territorial Cooperation (Interreg) is organised under multiple strands: • cross-border (Interreg A), • trans-national (Interreg B), • interregional (Interreg C), • outermost regions’ cooperation (Interreg D) Learn more: https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/... For more information on EU regional policy, please visit our website: https://europa.eu/!Yy67HF Follow us on: - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EUinmyregion - Twitter: https://twitter.com/euinmyregion - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/euinmyregion/

A first in the region, Solarplaza Summit Balkans gathers, connects and inspires regional and international PV professionals to accelerate the sustainable energy transition in the Balkans. With nearly 2 GW of installed PV capacity, and over 26 GW of realistic market potential, stellar growth is forecasted for the region in the near future. The first edition of Solarplaza Summit Balkans took place on 8 December 2022, in Zagreb, where industry leaders discussed opportunities and challenges that are essential to unlocking the potential of the Balkan PV market. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 🔗 Links Watch other videos in this series: https://bit.ly/3hUOKqa Sign up for our newsletter for updates: https://bit.ly/2UwOGy1 👍 FOLLOW US LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sola... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/solarplazain... Twitter: https://twitter.com/solarplaza

The Austrian Institute for European and Security Policy, the Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo in Austria, and the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna, are honoured to invite you to the upcoming discussion with Albin Kurti, Premier Minister of Kosovo.

Subscribe! ► http://bit.ly/2D8bwBDJOIN THE CONVERSATION!Website: http://www.debatingeurope.euTwitter: https://twitter.com/debatingeuropeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/debatingeurope

HR/VP Josep Borrell doorstep ahead of the European Council on 15/12/2022.

HR/VP Josep Borrell exit doorstep after EU-Western Balkans Summit during his visit to Tirana, Albania on 06 December 2022.

Un nouveau sommet UE-Balkans occidentaux se tient le 6 décembre à Tirana. Alors que Jean-Claude Juncker avait fermé la porte à tout élargissement sous son mandat, la guerre en Ukraine et sa candidature ont remis le sujet de l’élargissement à l’agenda européen alors que les processus d’adhésions des pays balkaniques s’enlisaient depuis plusieurs années. Où en sont l’Albanie, la Macédoine du Nord, le Monténégro, la Serbie, la Bosnie-Herzégovine et le Kosovo dans leur relation avec l’UE ? Quel sentiment inspire l’Union dans la région ? A quelle échéance une perspective d’adhésion est-elle réaliste ? Ces questions seront abordées par Lukas Macek, chercheur associé à l’Institut Jacques Delors et directeur du campus de Dijon de SciencesPo. M. Macek prendra la tête du futur centre Grande Europe dédié aux questions de l’élargissement dont se dote notre think tank.

HR/VP Josep Borrell doorstep before EU-Western Balkans Summit during his visit to Tirana, Albania on 06 December 2022.

Kristal 1923 is the only company in North Macedonia that produces sunflower oil from start to finish, from seed to final product. The company will soon turn 100 and it now looks into the future… a greener future with help from the EBRD and the European Union. With our joint programme, Kristal 1923 has bought new equipment, which led to more efficient, more reliable and greener production, and reduced energy consumption by 13 per cent.

Closing statement by the Head of the Delegation of North Macedonia - 29th OSCE Ministerial Council, Łódź, Poland, 1-2 December 2022.

Small businesses are engines of local economies in the Western Balkans. With EU support, we provide them with finance and know-how so they can become more competitive. Over 850 businesses in the region have invested in new equipment, energy saving measures and other areas which is helping them become more competitive in local and EU markets. The SME Competitiveness Programme in the Western Balkans is co-funded by the European Union.

Statement by the Head of the Delegation of North Macedonia at the Plenary Session of the 29th OSCE Ministerial Council, Łódź, Poland, 1-2 December 2022.

With over 850 guests from 21 countries and 64 experts from 17 countries, the three-day 18th Salzburg Europe Summit was a success in the Salzburg Congress. Find here the recording of the session Invest in the Regions of the western Balkans? 25th October 2022 | Salzburg Congress OPENING and WELCOME Josef Schöchl, Chairman of the EU-Committee of the Salzburg State Parliament, Member of the IRE board (Austria) KEY NOTE Helga Berger, Member of the European Court of Auditors, Chamber II Growth, Cohesion and Integration (Austria) PANEL Mentor Arifaj, Deputy Minister for Industry, Enterprises and Trade (Kosovo) Kenan Dedić, Technical Director, HEEZ Aluminium, Brćko (Bosnia-Herzegowina) Max Schausberger, Managing Director Elevator Ventures (Austria) Aleksandar Simurdić, Director of the European Affairs Funds of the Autonomous Province Vojvodina (Serbia) Markus Strasser-Stöckl, Owner and Manager of NetQM Tech Company in Austria and Bosnia-Herzegowina Jelena Tadić, PPP Investment Ltd. (Serbia) MODERATION Marijana Miljkovic, Editor Economics, Wiener Zeitung The so called Western Balkans are the six states in south-eastern Europe that are not yet members of the European Union. Around 17 million people live in this region, which impresses with its wonderful landscape and hospitality, among other things. Austria is one of the strongest and most important partners of the countries in the Western Balkans. This region, which has been waiting for accession to the European Union for over 15 years, is of enormous importance not only politically but also economically. The economic upswing and the opportunities for European companies to invest and develop are also decisive for the positive development of the region. What is the investment climate like in the Western Balkans? What testimony does the EU give the states in this area, what about innovation, entrepreneurial freedom and legal certainty? What do the regions of the Western Balkans offer potential investors? Find all information on the 18th Salzburg Europe Summit 2022 here: www.salzburg-europe-summit.eu Video: ZUPMedia | Florian Zöchling - www.zup-media.at/

Hotel Inex Olgica in North Macedonia is situated by the shore of Lake Ohrid - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its stunning landscapes and unique biodiversity. With support from the EBRD and the EU, the hotel has invested in a major upgrade of the building and will cut energy costs by more than half. We are helping companies in North Macedonia become greener and more competitive.

Briefed EU Foreign Ministers on the latest on the Belgrade - Pristina Dialogue. We are facing the most serious crisis since 2013. Both parties need to find a way forward to lower tensions. From partners aspiring to a European future, we expect readiness to find European solutions

About wiiw: The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (wiiw) is Vienna-based policy think tank with a focus on Central, East, and Southeast Europe. We conduct research on international economics, deliver macroeconomic forecasts, comment the ongoing events, collect statistical data, and organize events to discuss policy-related questions. Follow us: Web: https://wiiw.ac.at/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/WiiwAcAt?sub_confirmation=1 Twitter: https://twitter.com/wiiw_ac_at Repec: https://edirc.repec.org/data/wiiwwat.html Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wiiw.economic.studies/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vienna-institute-for-international-economic-studies/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiiw_ac_at #wiiw #economics

Law enforcement authorities from 28 European countries joined forces to jointly target firearms trafficking, drugs trafficking, migrant smuggling and trafficking in human beings during coordinated EMPACT Joint Action Days between 26 and 29 October. The actions, which included intensified checks on the EU’s external borders, mainly took place in the Balkans and Southeast Europe. Other countries from across Europe contributed criminal intelligence and conducted operational actions at the national level. The operational activities were also supported by Eurojust, Frontex, INTERPOL, SELEC and other international organisations. https://www.europol.europa.eu/newsroom Follow us on: http://www.facebook.com/europol/ http://www.instagram.com/europol.eu/ http://twitter.com/europol http://www.linkedin.com/company/europol http://www.europol.europa.eu Intellectual property rights, including copyright, to the material are owned by Europol. Europol’s advance permission is also required for any further use of this material. Further details can be viewed on https://www.europol.europa.eu/legal-notice . Where permission is given in writing this will require the source to be identified and intellectual property rights to be acknowledged. Any entity reusing the material is responsible for its own publication and for obtaining any additional permissions required (e.g. from individuals appearing, from rights owners of any images or figures embedded in the material). No material or image may be used to endorse or imply endorsement of an organisation or project by Europol. The Europol name and logo are the exclusive property of Europol. They are protected under European and International law and cannot be reproduced without Europol’s prior written permission.

With nearly 2 GW of installed PV capacity, and over 26 GW of realistic market potential, stellar solar growth is forecasted for the Balkan region in the near future. Among the various markets, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Slovenia show exceptionally high levels of untapped potential. Subsidy programs have begun to incentivize the installation of renewables in these markets. Moreover, as investors are increasingly drawn to the region, PPAs will play a central role in accelerating the number of PV projects. In this webinar, we are joined by Evangelos Gazis, the Market Lead for South Eastern Europe, and Panos Kefalas, Senior Research Associate at Aurora Research. Covering Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Slovenia, Evangelos and Panos will be giving an overview of: 🔹 Opportunities for RES market development 🔹 Subsidy-based and merchant deployment solar projects 🔹 The role of PPAs 🔹 Expected power price fluctuations ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 🔗 Links For an overview of upcoming events: http://www.solarplaza.com/events/​​​ Sign up for our newsletter for updates: https://bit.ly/2UwOGy1​​ 👍 FOLLOW US LinkedIn: https://nl.linkedin.com/company/solarplaza_2 Twitter: https://twitter.com/solarplaza

Interview at the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2022 (PP-22), Bucharest, Romania with H.E Admirim Aliti, Minister of Information Society and Administration, North Macedonia. For further information please visit: http://www.itu.int/pp-22

Press Remarks by HR/VP Josep Borell during the Intergovernmental Conference on the Accession of North Macedonia on 19 July 2022.

What is impact investment? How can it be used to create skills, drive forward innovation, and make a social impact? Can it be implemented anywhere? Who needs to be involved?Join our discussion focussing on the experience of impact investment in the Western Balkans based on a joint study by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre and the ETF.️ Nikica Mojsoska-Blazevski, CEO, Macedonia2025.️ Aleksandra Kostova, Programme Manager, European Commission, Directorate General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement negotiations.️ Elena Andonova, Policy Officer, Innovation and Policy, Joint Research Centre, European Commission.️ Siria Taurelli, Senior Human Capital Development Expert, European Training Foundation.Examples of existing initiatives will be shared together with details about tools which can encourage impact investment.#Skills4Change

HR/VP Josep Borrell doorstep, ahead of the EU-Western Balkans Leaders' Meeting on 23 June 2022.

❓ What is impact investment? ❓ How can it be used to create skills, drive forward innovation, and make a social impact? ❓ Can it be implemented anywhere? ❓ Who needs to be involved? Join our discussion focussing on the experience of impact investment in the Western Balkans based on a joint study by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre and the ETF. 🎙️ Nikica Mojsoska-Blazevski, CEO, Macedonia2025. 🎙️ Aleksandra Kostova, Programme Manager, European Commission, Directorate General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement negotiations. 🎙️ Elena Andonova, Policy Officer, Innovation and Policy, Joint Research Centre, European Commission. 🎙️ Siria Taurelli, Senior Human Capital Development Expert, European Training Foundation. Examples of existing initiatives will be shared together with details about tools which can encourage impact investment. #Skills4Change

In a Europe dominated by quick-fire crisis response, it is increasingly important that the voices of European citizens be heard. The EU’s channel for citizens to make suggestions for the future of Europe, the Conference on the Future of Europe, has recently concluded. We want to continue amplifying young citizens’ voices! Since January 2021, European Policies for You (EP4U) has implemented activities to raise awareness of EU policy-making and increase political participation of young European citizens. Building on university debates, high school talks, videos explainers engaging various MEPs, student paper competitions and social media campaigns, the Final Conference “Youth Perspectives on the Future of Europe” concluded the project by offering cross-cutting insights into four policy areas: climate and environment; employment and social policies; migration and asylum; and non-discrimination and protection of fundamental rights. The conference’s first panel was moderated by Tom Chevalier from Sciences Po and Michaela Dénešová from Comenius University in Bratislava. It featured the contribution of Myrthe Bovendeaard, Parliamentary Assistant to Kim van Sparrentak MEP. EP4U Student Contest Winners Stevan Đurić and Niccoló de Vita. TEPSA Website: https://www.tepsa.eu/ TEPSA Twitter: https://twitter.com/tepsaeu TEPSA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tepsa.eu TEPSA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tepssabrussels TEPSA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tepsaeu/ #EP4U #Pride #enlargement Music: Stand (Wondershare Filmora X) The action was co-financed by the European Union in the framework of the European Parliament’s grant programme in the field of communication. The European Parliament was not involved in its preparation and is, in no case, responsible for or bound by the information or opinions expressed in the context of this action. In accordance with applicable law, the authors, interviewed people, publishers or programme broadcasters are solely responsible. The European Parliament can also not be held liable for direct or indirect damage that may result from the implementation of the action.

“True stories always find their way”. Dina Duna is a talented and successful screenwriter and film director from North Macedonia. She is the author of the film Sisterhood, which tackles important social topics related to youth and the use of social media such as online hate speech and cyberbullying. Sisterhood was the first film from North Macedonia and the whole Western Balkans region to be on Netflix.

Panel discussion in cooperation with Bertelsmann Stiftung from 8th June 2022 with Dusan Reljić, SWP Ranka Miljenović, CEP Hannes Swoboda, wiiw and Branimir Jovanovic, wiiw Moderation: Richard Grieveson The Russian invasion of Ukraine poses risks for the Western Balkans, where memories of the war are still present and ethnic disputes have never been settled. The region is slowly cooling towards the EU after spending almost two decades in its waiting room. The announced accelerated EU accession of Ukraine, however justified and likely, threatens to increase frustration in the Western Balkans if the EU does not change its strategy towards the region. In our new study „The long way round: Lessons from EU-CEE for improving integration and development in the Western Balkans“, we make the case for a necessary change in the EU’s strategy towards the Western Balkans, as the current strategy has failed to deliver regional economic integration and development. Instead of doing more of the same, we ask whether and how the successful example of the former communist countries that joined the EU between 2004 and 2013 can be repeated in the Western Balkans. The main issues to be discussed on this event are: How can the EU promote regional economic integration and development in the Western Balkans? What should be the new EU strategy for the Western Balkans? Are there prospects for a new dynamic in their EU accession process? What impact could visible progress have on the region as a whole and on its territorial and constitutional disputes? What is at stake for Europe if there is no visible progress? Agenda: - Welcome by Hannes Swoboda, President of wiiw and IIP, former MEP - Presentation of new wiiw study The long way round: Lessons from EU-CEE for improving integration and development in the Western Balkans by Branimir Jovanovic, Lead author and wiiw Balkan Expert About wiiw: The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (wiiw) is Vienna-based policy think tank with a focus on Central, East, and Southeast Europe. We conduct research on international economics, deliver macroeconomic forecasts, comment the ongoing events, collect statistical data, and organize events to discuss policy-related questions. Follow us: Web: https://wiiw.ac.at/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/WiiwAcAt?sub_confirmation=1 Twitter: https://twitter.com/wiiw_ac_at Repec: https://edirc.repec.org/data/wiiwwat.html Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wiiw.economic.studies/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vienna-institute-for-international-economic-studies/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiiw_ac_at

HR/VP Josep Borrell press remarks during the Foreign Affairs Council on 16 May 2022.

On 11 May 2022, HR/VP Josep Borrell hosted the Western Balkans Leaders for an informal dinner. They discussed the global impact of Putin’s unprovoked war against Ukraine and the need to stand united, for a safe, stable and prosperous Europe and to build a common future together.

Miltos Tentoglou makes us discover a meaningful initiative making a difference for schoolchildren in his native region of Western Macedonia. #EUinmyregion https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/policy/communication/euinmyregion/regional_campaigns?r=EL03 https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/el/policy/communication/euinmyregion/regional_campaigns?r=EL03 For more information on EU regional policy, please visit our website: https://europa.eu/!Yy67HF Follow us on: - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EUinmyregion - Twitter: https://twitter.com/euinmyregion - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/euinmyregion/

As part of our podcast series, we talked with Igor Bandović about the war in Ukraine and its Impact on the Western Balkans. Mr Bandović is the director of the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy and was previously the Senior Programme Manager for the European Fund for the Balkans. In this episode we discuss the capacity of the EU, influencing forces and challenges in the region.

This video introduces the work of the Macedonian National Committee of the Blue Shield, 20 January 2022

High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell travelled to North Macedonia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina on 13-16 March. The visit came against the backdrop of the barbaric aggression by Russia against Ukraine. In the three countries, the HR/VP discussed the current war with his interlocutors. They all condemned the Kremlin’s aggression. In these testing times they have sided with the EU and the international community to stop the war, assist the Ukrainian people and work for peace and international law, demonstrating that their place is in the EU family.

In four years, Green Economy Financing Facility (GEFF) has supported over 9000 households in the Western Balkans to improve the energy efficiency of their homes. To celebrate this achievement, we planted 1000 trees in the region. GEFF is co-financed by the European Union and Austria.

Watch LIVE the Western Balkans Investment Summit 2022, Remote Simultaneous Interpretation is available in Albanian; Macedonian; Bosnian/Croatian/Montenegrin/Serbian via the Interactio app which can be downloaded for the smartphone/tablet. The password will be set as WBIS2022. The aim of the Summit is to highlight potential investment and business opportunities in the Western Balkans region and to promote regional and cross-border projects. This is the fifth EBRD summit of its kind; the inaugural Western Balkans Summit took place at the EBRD in February 2014 and, for the first time, brought together all the region’s prime ministers. The Western Balkans is a priority region for the EBRD. Today, the EBRD remains one of the largest institutional investors in countries of the region, with €15 billion invested to date. Agenda (GMT): Arrival of the Prime Ministers: 8:00-8.55 Opening of the Summit. Welcome address: 9.00-9.15 - Odile Renaud-Basso, President, EBRD - Emmanuel Macron, President of France (EU Presidency) TBC - Oliver Varhelyi, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement *Interactive session with participation of the six Western Balkans Prime Ministers, including extended Q&A with foreign investors: 9.15 -11.00 *Held under Gymnich formula

AIES President Dr. Werner Fasslabend welcomes with Ambassador Lulzim Pllana guests Lukas Mandl, Member of the European Parliament & the Delegation for relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo, and Johannes Eigner, Special envoy for the Western Balkans / Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, to talk about the current state of Kosovo in the scope of its position in the Western Balkans.

Hon. Benedetto Della Vedova, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, discusses the European debate on the Western Balkans and the Italian position on it, and analyses the challenges posed by the EU's competitors in the area. The video was made during the ECFR Western Balkans Strategy Group (Rome, 17-18 November 2021). ___ On. Benedetto Della Vedova, Sottosegretario di Stato al Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale, approfondisce il dibattito europeo sui Balcani occidentali e la posizione italiana in merito, e analizza le sfide poste dai concorrenti dell’UE nell’area. Il video è stato realizzato durante il Western Balkans Strategy Group di ECFR (Roma, 17-18 novembre 2021).

“Use it or lose it: how labour markets, human capital and migration interact in the Western Balkans” conference, 1st December 2021 Let's shed light on the triangular relationships between human capital formation, labour markets and migration, and determine how the current functioning of the education system and labour market affect migration in each country More: etf.europa.eu

“Use it or lose it: how labour markets, human capital and migration interact in the Western Balkans” conference, 1st December 2021 Let's shed light on the triangular relationships between human capital formation, labour markets and migration, and determine how the current functioning of the education system and labour market affect migration in each country More: etf.europa.eu