Open Society Foundations | Western Balkans

𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 that in the Western Balkans, where 70% of electricity comes from coal—a major source of pollution that threatens public health and the environment—electricity prosumers using solar panels on their rooftops have collectively installed a capacity of 300 MW? 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀: 🌱Carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced by 360,000 to 540,000 metric tons annually. 📉Particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions can be cut by 10 to 20 tons annually. 🏩This 300 MW solar capacity could prevent, on average, 75 premature deaths yearly. 😷The installation can help avoid, on average, 1,000 cases of respiratory illnesses annually. 📈Annual health cost savings from avoided premature deaths at a minimum of €60 million. 📊Reduced costs from illnesses could save a minimum of €20 million per year. ✅Better health outcomes mean millions of euros in savings from increased productivity and fewer sick days. 🌎 🌱 Cleaner energy is equal to healthier lives plus stronger economies. Let's keep moving forward! #OSFWB #OpenSociety #GreenEnergy #WesternBalkans #SolarPower #HealthBenefits #ClimateAction

❗ We are excited to announce and welcome our dear panelist Mr. Nicola Bertolini, who will join us online on the upcoming Hybrid Policy Meeting on the topic: "Did EU and its “Green” funding meet the expectations of the WB Countries: Opportunities and challenges for Green Investments", scheduled for 29th of November in Skopje! Mr. Bertolini will contribute to the session on the topic "The new EU Financial Perspective 2021-2027 and Green Investments” and will share his thoughts on the opportunities the WB countries have for transformation and "greening" their future, as well as the challenges that IPA III brought to the region. Mr. Nicola Bertolini is an economist and environmental manager, with a wide experience in the management and implementation of development projects worldwide during the last 38 years. He served in more than 20 countries for various international organizations in the Western Balkans, Central and Eastern Europe, Latin America, Asia and Africa. For the European Commission he has been Head of Operations in the EU Delegations in Angola, Colombia, Montenegro, the Republic of North Macedonia, and since 2021 in Serbia. (The project “Advancing Green Infrastructure in the Western Balkans 6” is supported by the Open Society Foundations | Western Balkans, in the framework of #IGNITA initiative.)

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 At the Belgrade Security Conference 2024, the Open Society Foundations Western Balkans proudly co-hosted a dynamic panel on the EU’s "Growth Plan" and its role in the region's socio-economic convergence to the EU. 📋 Key takeaways: Tanja Miscevic (Serbia) emphasized the Growth Plan as a tool for EU credibility and shared Serbia’s determination to meet its EU obligations by 2026. Dritan Abazovic (Montenegro) called for regional unity, envisioning invisible borders and collective EU membership for all 6 WB countries. Milica Delevic (EBRD) praised renewed interest in EU enlargement but flagged funding gaps as challenging. Tullio Ambrosone (EU Rapporteur’s Office) stressed the importance of solidarity mechanisms to ensure fair integration. Together, we explored how the Growth Plan can inspire reforms and foster deeper collaboration across the Western Balkans. 🔗Read more insights here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/d_dJHABu) #WesternBalkans #EUIntegration #OpenSociety #SingleMarket #GrowthPlan #BSC

📢 We are proud of our panelists who are contributing our sessions on the upcoming Hybrid Policy Meeting on the topic: "Did EU and its “Green” funding meet the expectations of the WB Countries: Opportunities and challenges for Green Investments", scheduled for 29th of November in Skopje! 👏 Please meet our dear panelist Ms. Andrijana Nelkova - Chuchuk, who will enrich our session “Opportunities and Challenges for implementing Green Investments” by sharing her valuable experience and expertise on the topic. Ms. Andrijana Nelkova - Chuchuk is the Head of the Economic Department at the Energy, Water Services and Municipal Waste Services Management Regulatory Commission of the Republic of North Macedonia (ERC North Macedonia). She was elected as Commissioner at the ERC North Macedonia for 5 year mandate from 2019-2024. She has 20 years’ experience in energy regulation in the field of electricity, natural gas, district heating and oil and oil derivatives. In the period 2016 - 2019 she was also a Coordinator of the Water Services Regulation Group at ERC North Macedonia. In 2024 Ms. Andrijana Nelkova - Chuchuk was elected as Chair of ERRA (Energy Regulators Regional Association), an association of 47 regulators from 5 continents. From 2020 she is Presidium member of ERRA and previously she was elected for two terms as Chair of the ERRA Tariff/Pricing Committee. Andrijana Nelkova Chuchuk holds a B.Sc. degree in Economy in the field of Financial and Accounting Management and M.Sc. degree in Economy in the field of Accounting and Auditing and is a member in several professional organizations. (The project “Advancing Green Infrastructure in the Western Balkans 6” is supported by the Open Society Foundations | Western Balkans, in the framework of #IGNITA initiative.)

What a beautiful and inspiring Autumn I had! 🍂 I had the pleasure of attending three wonderful conferences that met me with people who inspired me and filled my heart with hope. (check below the moral of the experience I have formed for myself) Thank you Teodora Tănase for the initial spark! 😉 🌱 1. “Discuss, rethink, envision - Grassroots perspectives on Europe in Berlin” organised by the Polis180 e.V. - Grassroots-Thinktank für Außen- und Europapolitik At this 3-day conference, we discussed the role of civil society in Europe's future, 20 years after the EU's biggest enlargement. Experts and activists from all over Europe shared their experiences and knowledge on political and social issues, policy reforms and their visions and ideas for the future. I must say that the conference started… by cooking together and sharing a meal at the same table - a great start! 👨🍳🍲 🏙️ 2. “20 years Berlin Conference: Europe - A Cultural Project” by Stiftung Zukunft Berlin, A Soul for Europe, European Festivals Association and Evangelische Akademie zu Berlin The Berlin Conference celebrated its 20th anniversary, focusing on the importance of cultural connection and emotional engagement for the future of Europe. It gathered at one table participants from across the Union - from mayors and high-ranking politicians to academics, cultural practitioners and activists, and discussed ways to strengthen European unity, emphasizing the need for a shared cultural identity, while preserving our diversity, and optimism in the face of global challenges. 🤝 🌍 3. NECE Festival 2024: Borders organised by THE CIVICS Innovation Hub with the support of Edit Pula, SCiDEV and Open Society Foundations | Western Balkans The festival fosters dialogue, collaboration, and innovation among civil society, politics, academia, media, and culture. It brings people together and provides a platform to share their experiences, opening the stage for bold ideas and initiatives to address current challenges in civic education. 👩🦱 Although on an international level the situation may seem dire, on the local level things look differently. We can all work together to strengthen and better our communities by engaging in dialogues, discussing our values and what is important to us, drafting an action plan, and rolling up our sleeves. 🧭 Suppose you don’t know where to start. In that case, look around you, talk with your friends and family, your neighbours, or try to search for an organisation in your neighbourhood, village, town, city, country or/and consider coming to at least one of those conferences next year - there you will definitely find people like you! I'll be sure to follow up with my reflections. 😊 Photo credit: Hanna Reichelt, Mari Vass, Geri Lula

👏 We are honored to welcome our dear Ms. Radica Koceva, who will take the stage as a moderator on our upcoming Hybrid Policy Meeting on the topic: "Did EU and its “Green” funding meet the expectations of the WB Countries: Opportunities and challenges for Green Investments", scheduled for 29th of November in Skopje. We are sharing a short introduction about this remarkable lady, whose expertise, eloquence and knowledge on the topic of Green Investments will spice up the discussion on the event! 📢 Ms. Radica Koceva has over 25 years of professional career in public finance management, managing projects funded by international donors and capacity building activities to national administrations across the WB Region, including North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania. Her extensive expertise includes designing, implementing and monitoring projects/programmes financed by external bilateral/multilateral donors such as EU IPA, IMF, EBRD, EIB and CEB. She holds a Master’s Degree in Economics, Management Business Administration – MBA. She began her career at the Ministry of Finance in 1999, where in December 2007, Radica Koceva became Head of the Macedonian CFCD, and she held this position until October 2020. In October 2020, Radica Koceva left the Ministry of Finance to continue working as an international expert. Currently, she is providing advisory services and capacity building to national structures across pre-accession countries in the Western Balkan Region for utilizing EU IPA funds. (The project “Advancing Green Infrastructure in the Western Balkans 6” is supported by the Open Society Foundations | Western Balkans, in the framework of #IGNITA initiative.)

📢 We are honored to announce and welcome one of our dear panelists Mr. George Kremlis, who will take the stage on the upcoming Policy Meeting on the topic: "Did EU and its “Green” funding meet the expectations of the WB Countries: Opportunities and challenges for Green Investments", scheduled for 29th of November in Skopje! Mr. Kremlis will contribute to the session on "IPA III as preparation for Cohesion Policy" and share his thoughts on main preparatory issues that should be considered by EU and the WB6 countries. Mr. George Kremlis is the Chairman of the Greek Initiative at UN level on protecting cultural and natural heritage from climate change impacts. He is a member of the Board of the European Public Law Organisation and the Director of its climate and circular economy Institute. He is as well the Ambassador of the EPLO to Bulgaria. He was until recently a member of the environmental and social advisory council of the EBRD and is also currently the Chair of the Bureau of the Espoo Convention, Chair of the MOPs in 2019, elected Chair for the MOPs in December 2020 and re-elected Chair for the period 2021-2023 and the period up to 2027. He is the Chairman of the AmCham circular economy committee. George Kremlis is Honorary Director of the European Commission (EC) and has acted in this capacity as Active Senior responsible for circular economy in the islands. He was until recently special Advisor to the Greek Prime Minister on energy, climate, environment and circular economy issues. He is doctor honoris causa of the Varna Free University. (The project “Advancing Green Infrastructure in the Western Balkans 6” is supported by the Open Society Foundations | Western Balkans in the framework of #IGNITA initiative.)

🌍Prosumers Driving the Green Revolution in the Western Balkans The Western Balkans’ energy prosumers are driving change with 294 MW of installed solar capacity—nearly matching the 300 MW of Bosnia’s Ugljevik coal plant. This remarkable progress demonstrates the potential of clean energy to replace coal, reduce pollution, and stimulate local economies. 📍Highlights of current prosumers capacity by country: 🇦🇱Albania: 196 MW 🇽🇰Kosovo: 18 MW 🇲🇪Montenegro: 14 MW 🇲🇰North Macedonia: 14 MW 🇷🇸Serbia: 51 MW Through initiatives like Sunny Schools (32 municipalities, 86 schools), OSF Western Balkans is empowering communities to lead this transition. With stronger government and donor support, we can accelerate the shift to clean energy, reduce coal reliance, and build a greener, more sustainable economy. Together, let’s power a cleaner future! 🌱 #OSFWB #GreenFuture #SunnySchools #GreenRevolution #Prosumers

I had the privilege of opening the exhibition "Ukraine: Love + War (2014–2024)" at the Europe House in Belgrade. This powerful collection of photographs captures not just the devastation of war but the unyielding spirit of a nation that sees democracy as its foundation. Organized on the eve of the 1,000th day of war in Ukraine, the exhibition stands as a testament to resilience, solidarity, and the enduring fight for freedom.

🌞 Sunny Schools Initiative: Empowering Youth for a Greener Future 🌞 Students across the Western Balkans are progressing steadily in their knowledge and support for clean energy! From our first survey in 2023 to our follow-up in 2024, students have shown growth in understanding and enthusiasm for renewable energy thanks to the Sunny Schools Initiative implemented by Open Society Foundations | Western Balkans. 📊 Knowledge about Solar Energy by Country: 📍 Bosnia and Herzegovina: 69% ➡️ 86% 📍Kosovo: 62% ➡️ 84% 📍North Macedonia: 70% ➡️ 82% 📍Serbia: 73% ➡️ 83% 🔋 Support for Clean Energy to Combat 🌏Climate Change: 📍Albania: 83% (2023) ➡️ 86% (2024) 📍Bosnia and Herzegovina: 51% ➡️ 55% 📍Kosovo: 58% ➡️ 65% 📍Serbia: No change This progress results from student engagement in climate action, energy democratisation discussions, and hands-on solar energy learning. Through these activities, young people are becoming advocates for a just and sustainable energy transition in their communities! 🌍 #OSF #OSFWB #ClimateResilience #CleanEnergy #SolarEnergy #SunnySchool