It is expected to have the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans approved by the relevant authorities before autumn 2020. That was the conclusion of the regional online consultations organized by European Commission Directorates General (DG), DG NEAR and DG Environment with representatives of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia.
The idea of these consultations moderated by the Regional Cooperation Council was for the Western Balkans to come up with the similar-scale ambitions, commitments and targets to the ones of the EU Green Deal.
These consultations were organized in the aftermath of adoption of a new EU 2030 Biodiversity Strategy late this May. The EU 2030 Biodiversity Strategy was adopted as one of the key elements of the EU Green Deal. In the post-COVID-19 recovery, the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2030 is seen as cornerstone of the EU revive, to establish itself as an ambitious leader that puts nature at the heart of the economic growth and leading by example at the global level.
On-going consultations will define how the strategy will be implemented in the region.
“All economic and social development agendas, crucial for the development of our region and its EU-accession journey have to be accompanied by environment protection and climate change responses. Biodiversity is high on the list of priorities as endangering the other species makes us, humans, highly vulnerable as well. These biological biodiversity elements must underpin all plans and policies for development and growth”, said Tanja Miscevic, Deputy Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC).
EU Green Deal – flagship agenda worth EUR 1 trillion of investments
EU Green Deal is a new growth strategy with the aim to transform Europe into the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, ensuring no net emissions of greenhouse gases and zero pollution. The Green Deal will work through a regulation and legislation setting clear overarching targets (e.g. goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and a 50%-55% emissions cut by 2030, compared with 1990 levels).
The goals is to make the EU a resource-efficient and competitive economy that focuses on protection of peoples’ health from environmental degradation and pollution, addressing air and water quality, hazardous chemicals and industrial emissions. It is supported with significant investment of at least EUR 1 trillion over the next decade, at least EUR 20 billion a year helping companies to become world leaders in clean technologies, and encouraging cities and local authorities to include biodiversity concerns in their plans.
The Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, a regional approach aimed at translating the Green Deal for the region, will also strengthen nature conservation in the Western Balkans and align the countries more strongly with EU environment policy. Actions on climate change, depollution, biodiversity, stimulation of renewable energy and energy efficiency will help make the region more attractive for investments and tourism.
Learn more about The Green Agenda for the Western Balkans here, new EU 2030 Biodiversity Strategy here, and see an exhaustive list of projects of environment protection sector here.
*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence