Skopje event_9

The conference “Consolidating Civil Society Involvement in the Economic and Investment Plan: The Way Forward” held at Europe House Skopje

The conference entitled “Consolidating Civil Society Involvement in the Economic and Investment Plan: The Way Forward”, was organized on April 15, 2024 at Europe House Skopje.

This was the second in the series of country events organized by Association ESTIMA, as a partner organization in the context of the regional initiative “Connected we Can: Strengthening WB6 CSO’s Agency in the Economic and Investment Plan (EIP),” implemented in the framework of the SMART Balkans project, supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with co-financing from the TCT Secretariat.

Bringing together representatives of civil society organizations, policy makers, academia, experts, donors and IFIs a first-hand account of their work was proved along with insights into the identified challenges and opportunities for further improving and mainstreaming the inclusion of civil society in the EIP, in particular through infrastructure policy and projects.

The event aim was to present the key findings of our regional study on the State of Play of Specialized Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Think Tanks in the region, as a basis to open a debate on the role of citizens and civil society in infrastructure project cycle management (PCM).

Moreover, the event focused on a landmark flagship initiative for the region – Connecting East to West and delve into the practical implementation of the rail and road along Corridor 8, specifically the section connecting North Macedonia with Bulgaria.”

 

 

 

 

Fojničani 3

Continuation of research on the biological diversity of Mountain Ozren

Citizens’ Association Fojničani, Network for Nature Protection in BiH and local civil society organizations from Petrovo and Doboj announced the continuation of research on the biodiversity of Mount Ozren, which will begin on April 20 and 21, 2024. As spring time is ideal for these activities, this period is planned as most plants are at the peak of their activity and flowering, which makes it easier to identify them. Thus, it is expected that this period will provide a detailed insight into the diversity of flora, but also fauna and fungi on Ozren. Mapping and inventorying of natural and cultural heritage are key to the preservation of this mountain, which, according to the Spatial Plan of the Republic of Srpska, is slated for protection at the level of a national park. Therefore, all collected data will be submitted to the Republic Institute for the Protection of Cultural-Historical and Natural Heritage of the RS, which is responsible for carrying out the protection procedure.

As a reminder, last year’s research of Mountain Ozren, which extends through as many as seven units of local self-government in the Republic of Srpska and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, brought together more than 30 researchers from Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia and Poland. Scientific studies have resulted in numerous significant discoveries, of which the very rare and endangered species of newt, the Macedonian crested kingfisher (Triturus macedonicus), stands out. It is particularly important to point out that the discovered population is the largest in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and probably in the world, because this endemic species only inhabits the Balkan Peninsula. It is also the westernmost habitat of this amphibian, hundreds of kilometers away from previously recorded localities.

Research has shown that this mountain is also the largest native habitat of one of the most endangered bats, the great horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum). It is fascinating that no echolocation signals of this type have been recorded in any part of Bosnia and Herzegovina so far, which clearly positions Ozren as one of the last refuges of the great horseshoe bat, which has already completely disappeared in parts of Western Europe. Any devastation of Ozren would cause incalculable damage to the habitat of this strictly protected bat, but would also represent a serious violation of international agreements and directives signed by Bosnia and Herzegovina. These include the Berne and Bonn Conventions, the EUROBATS Agreement and the European Habitats Directive.

Fojničani 5 Fojničani 5
Fojničani 5
Fojničani 2 Fojničani 2
Fojničani 2

 

Among other findings, it is worth highlighting the presence of the swallow falcon (Falco subbuteo), whose population in Bosnia and Herzegovina is estimated at only 100 to 200 pairs. An extremely rare type of mushroom (Pachyella adnata) was also discovered, for which there is a strong possibility that it is a completely new species. During this year, the research of the Megara cave complex, which is located on the entity line between Maglaj and Doboj, continues. In addition to Mokra Megara, the speleological team explored five more new caves last season. Two years passed by after the Maglajski golemas (Duvalius maglajensis) were photographed for the first time in Mokra Megara, and last year’s findings confirm the discovery of at least one more endemic insect in this cave. The publication of a scientific paper that will present this newly discovered species in more detail is expected, which will further emphasize Ozren as the place of its discovery.

Within the framework of the meeting that will be held from April 19 to 21, 2024, in the ParaGhost-Staro Nasleđe facility in Okolište, city of Doboj, more than 20 associations gathered in the Network for Nature Protection will analyze so far achieved results and the future goals of the research. In addition to Ozren, the meeting will also discuss other valuable areas in both entities, especially those that are threatened by different economic interests. Therefore, the special focus of the meeting is defining the criteria that will help identify these localities and the necessary support for recording the zero state. As part of the work program of the Network for Nature Protection, the Strategy and Action Plan for the Protection of Biological Diversity of BiH 2015-2020 will be analyzed, i.e. the success of the realization of the goals set by this document.

In addition to the scientific and research segment, the implementation of these activities in Ozren has multiple significance because it provides support for the development of eco-tourism and promotes inter-entity and regional cooperation. Such events certainly contribute to the transformation of war lines into green ecological-tourist routes that will connect all people and nations to improve local development, preserve lasting peace and create a sustainable future for generations to come.

The activities are realized within the project “Nature Protection Network as a prevention of irresponsible natural resource management in Bosnia and Herzegovina” supported by the SMART Balkan National Interventions grant line.

Vizual_redukcija sredstava

Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs introduces reduction of funds in 2024

Following a shift in political priorities, inter alia due to the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that there will be a substantial reduction of development funds for the Western Balkan countries in 2024 and in the coming years. The reduction in available funding will affect regional cooperating partners contracted through the second public call and planned projects.

A new contingent of aid for areas in need will be provided through the redesign of existing budget allocations of Norway. This redesign of financial resources has an impact on the SMART Balkans project in 2024.

SMART Balkans funds will be reduced in amount of 54 770 000 NOK, and this means that in 2024 the dynamic of public calls shall be alternated as well as that the total amounts of available funds for 2025 will change, and for some of the existing grant beneficiaries this reduction in the budget will mean a reasonable decrease in their budgets. Each second call regional grant lead applicant will be contacted and informed about the impact of this decision on their specific grant agreement.

Activities (other than grants) under the project in 2024 will be significantly reduced.

The SMART Balkans consortium invests additional efforts in the redesign of the project so that the entire approach to the new situation has as lower impact as possible on the SMART Balkans project, grant beneficiaries and expected results.

SOS Nikšić_saradnja sa centrima i policijom

SOS Niksic: Cooperation with centers and the police

SOS Centre Niksic for protecting women from gender-based violence and domestic violence most often communicates with social work centers and the police. For successful protection, close cooperation is of essential importance. Particularly important is the cooperation with the police, especially in the segment concerning successful risk assessment and safety plan preparation.

Namely, women’s NGOs are the only ones that provide the service of confidant escort, in accordance with the Law on Protection from Domestic Violence. Confidants often work with women survivors over a longer period, sometimes even several years, and the survivors have the most trust in them. Consequently, confidants can provide the best and most reliable information about the survivors. They can help survivors provide quality statements which are a prerequisite for effective protection and proper punishment of perpetrators. Ultimately, this could be crucial for a successful multidisciplinary response in protecting victims of violence, and it is an obligation of Montenegro in accordance with the Istanbul Convention, as well as Montenegrin legislation and the Protocol on Conduct, Prevention, and Protection from Violence against Women and Domestic Violence.

In practice, this resource is rarely used. Namely, police officers, instead of seeing confidants as partners, perceive them as an intruder. They do not offer this option to women survivors who come to them without a confidant. They also do not contact women’s NGOs and confidants to collect additional information and gain a more comprehensive insight into the situation. They do not have the practice of consulting with confidants when women survivors come to the police station. Confidants’ reaction to non-implementation of all procedures is perceived as a personal interaction instead of as an opportunity to improve practices for better protection of victims.

Still, confidants were recognized as one of the key services in the protection of victims of violence through the Law on Protection from Domestic Violence 14 years ago. That the service is being marginalized is demonstrated by the lack of established standards or regulations for its operation.
To overcome this, SOS Centre Niksic, in cooperation with relevant entities (Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Human and Minority Rights, and the Safe Women’s House) is currently working on the Draft Regulation with standards for providing the service of a confidant.

Samra M_Intervju CENER 21

Green Transition: Challenges and opportunities for the Bosnian-Herzegovinian economy

Climate change represents the greatest challenge of our time, while simultaneously offering an opportunity to devise a new economic model. In response to these challenges, the EU has adopted an ambitious growth strategy – the European Green Deal. The goal of this strategy is to transform the EU into a modern, resource-efficient, and competitive economy that will achieve climate neutrality by 2050. In order to implement the European Green Deal in the Western Balkans, an instrument, or initiative, called the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans has been initiated. Through this initiative, countries in the region have committed to implementing a series of concrete actions and measures aimed at achieving “low carbon” development of the region and economic growth in line with the principles of sustainable development. The implementation of these measures aims to create new, green jobs, increase energy efficiency and utilize renewable energy sources, reduce pollution, improve the quality of life for citizens, and enhance the competitiveness of the economy through the implementation of best available techniques. However, significant investments and changes in business practices are needed to achieve these goals, which may pose a challenge for the business sector.

Regarding the potential impact of implementing these initiatives on the economy in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Center for Energy, Environment, and Resources – CENER 21, spoke with energy expert Samra Muratspahić.

According to Ms. Muratspahić, the key policy instrument for the planning period of 2021-2030, to which Western Balkan leaders have committed to and which will affect manufacturing companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina, is the alignment with the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and/or the introduction of other carbon pricing instruments, such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

CBAM represents an EU instrument for setting a fair price on carbon emitted during the production of products entering the EU, aimed at promoting cleaner industrial production in countries outside the European Union.

“As of October 1, 2023, companies in the iron/steel, cement, fertilizers, aluminium, hydrogen, and electricity production sectors are required to submit quarterly reports on direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions embedded in products imported into the EU, without financial compensation. The obligation to report on CBAM quarterly includes a transitional period from October 1st, 2023, to December 31st, 2025, after which full implementation of the CBAM mechanism is expected. This instrument will direct the future development of companies towards using renewable energy sources in their processes, implementing energy efficiency measures, and transitioning to a circular economy, which is the foundation for preserving a competitive position in the market and further development,” stated Ms. Muratspahić.

Regarding whether Bosnian-Herzegovinian companies are aware and knowledgeable about the obligations awaiting them in the future, Ms. Muratspahić elaborates:

“Export-oriented companies demonstrate a higher level of awareness regarding the obligations awaiting them, as they must align their operations with market demands and the requirements of their EU customers, who expect the implementation of green business models, predominantly the installation of renewable energy-based technologies, and certification according to internationally recognized standards such as ISO 14001. Additionally, they acquire technical knowledge directly through collaboration with EU customers and their experts, while information about obligations primarily comes through chambers of economy and employers’ associations. It is important to emphasize that there is a visible interest and progress in understanding green business practices among industrial companies.”

During the previous period, companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina have shown the greatest interest in generating electricity from renewable sources – particularly in the installation of solar power plants, enabling a reduction in the carbon footprint of production facilities and products. In addition to the implementation of this measure, other energy efficiency measures have been identified, involving the replacement of outdated machinery along with automation and optimization of production processes through process digitalization. Based on previous work with companies in the timber sector, Ms. Muratspahić highlights their interest in waste stream analysis to identify opportunities for reuse. A positive example is a furniture manufacturing company that utilizes waste panels for pellet and briquette production, expanding its production capacities and product range.

It is important to emphasize that companies need to accelerate the standardization of their production processes to comply with some of the available international standards, thus becoming more competitive in the market – Ms. Muratspahić emphasizes.

Regarding whether the implementation of the CBAM mechanism will affect companies that market their products locally, expert Muratspahić explains:

“The implementation of the CBAM mechanism may affect companies that market their products locally, but this depends on specific regulations and their practical application. Additionally, certain companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina that are export-oriented purchase raw materials (such as certain profiles, semi-finished products, etc.) from local suppliers. Therefore, the effects of introducing the CBAM mechanism will initially be visible through supply chains. With the full adoption of EU directives into Bosnia and Herzegovina’s legislation, standards for products marketed in Bosnia and Herzegovina would change, requiring companies to adapt their production processes to meet these standards. This may result in increased production costs, which could affect product prices for the local market. Furthermore, if CO2 taxes or similar measures are introduced, they could further impact the operations of companies marketing their products locally. Additionally, authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina may consider special measures or incentives to facilitate the transition of companies to more sustainable operations, especially if they anticipate that the CBAM or similar initiatives will impose additional burdens.”

On the journey towards sustainability, companies will need organized technical and financial assistance. Providing direct technical assistance, through knowledge, to industrial companies has proven to be a very successful model. Targeted technical assistance programs by relevant institutions for industrial and economic development, entrepreneurship development, environmental protection, and energy can be helpful in this regard – emphasizes Ms. Muratspahić.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, various grants are currently available to support the development of green business practices. These include the Green Recovery component of the COVID-19 Investment Response project implemented by GIZ on behalf of the Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development of the Federal Republic of Germany, as well as public calls from the Fund for Environmental Protection of the Federation of BiH, and the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund of the Republic of Srpska aimed at households and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises – these are implemented through funds provided by Bosnia and Herzegovina through the EU Budget Support Package to mitigate the effects of the energy crisis, providing grants for the implementation of energy efficiency measures. The Federal Ministry of Development, Entrepreneurship and Crafts and the Ministry of Economy and Entrepreneurship of the Republic of Srpska provide support through public calls to enhance the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises by supporting the implementation of circular economy measures, increasing energy efficiency, and environmental protection.

In conclusion, expert Muratspahić emphasizes that the mentioned financial assistance is insufficient for the complete realization of programs; therefore, a systemic solution to support companies in the green transition process is necessary, which will result in changes and enable competitiveness in the market. The implementation of green business models in industrial companies requires significant financial investments, so it is important to define a funding model. In practice, companies often invest in projects only when financially capable, which may be inconsistent with the timeframe for achieving goals outlined in strategic documents. In this regard, it is important to create targeted assistance programs to accelerate greening processes. Additionally, companies are often insufficiently informed or unprepared to apply for technical or financial assistance. Therefore, it is important to approach them directly with targeted information, and one efficient method could be through the chamber of economy.

Conducting an interview on the impact of the European Green Deal and the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans on the Bosnian-Herzegovinian economy represents efforts of the non-governmental organization Center for Energy, Environment, and Resources – CENER 21 – towards enhancing public capacity through informing and engaging them with the topic of energy security. This activity is carried out within the framework of the “Contribution to energy security (Security of Supply) through green energy transition – SoS,” project supported by the SMART Balkans National interventions grant line, which aims to support energy transition, strengthen energy security in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and contribute to fulfilling national/entity strategic documents and the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Tacno.net logo

What hides behind the ‘foreign agents’ law?

Summary of the project implemented by Tačno.net

The National Assembly of Republika Srpska adopted the Draft Law on the Special Register and Publicity of the Work of Non-Profit Organizations on September 28, popularly known as the “foreign agents” law. The focus of this project is to engage the public to prevent the adoption of this law and, perhaps more importantly, to prevent such legislation from being considered in other parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This law is in absolute dissonance with EU directives, and its adoption would greatly impede our path towards the EU. We have optimized a set of activities to act swiftly in the period leading up to the potential adoption of the law.

Project goals

The main goal of this intervention is to demystify the Draft Law on the Special Register and Publicity of the Work of Non-Profit Organizations, commonly known as the “foreign agents” law, and to exert pressure on political representatives to make amendments that would make the law acceptable to the general public.

Beneficiaries

  • A minimum of 200,000 readers of the portal tačno.net;
  • Members of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska;
  • Representatives of the non-governmental sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Activities

  • Creation of 5 articles by experts in the field
  • Production of 9 podcast episodes discussing “foreign agents”
  • Organization of a roundtable attended by a minimum of 10 experts
  • Formulation of at least 5 conclusions to be forwarded to the members of parliament, addressing the draft law

 

xr:d:DAF8-BrJW50:10,j:8542621978396065269,t:24022113

B&H and Lebanon: Sharing experiences of peacebuilding and democracy

Author Nikola Vucic, a journalist and cultural researcher from Bosnia and Herzegovina, reflects on his visiting research in Beirut, Lebanon, in the fall of 2023, as part of the “Peacebuilding Experiences and Alternative Solutions” project implemented through the SMART Balkans AD HOC support . The author explores the potential for applying Bosnia’s peacebuilding experiences to Lebanon’s context, particularly focusing on needed reforms to address governance challenges.

Drawing comparisons between the conflicts in both countries, the article highlights commonalities in their struggles with identity politics and post-conflict reconstruction. The author discusses the role of international intervention, particularly the High Representative in Bosnia, and raises the question of whether Lebanon could benefit from a similar mechanism. Ultimately, the article underscores the urgent need for domestic and international efforts to address Lebanon’s functional stagnation and calls for a deeper understanding of its complex socio-political dynamics.

This article employs a comparative analysis to examine the peacebuilding experiences and governance challenges in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Lebanon. Drawing on scholarly literature, historical background, and the author’s own observations from visiting research in Beirut, Lebanon, in fall 2023, the article explores similarities and differences between the two countries’ conflict contexts and post-conflict trajectories.

The analysis considers the role of international intervention, particularly the High Representative in Bosnia, and evaluates its applicability to Lebanon’s context. Additionally, the article synthesizes insights from academic debates, expert opinions, and empirical evidence to underscore the urgent need for domestic and international efforts to address Lebanon’s functional stagnation. Overall, the methodology combines qualitative analysis with empirical observation to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

Read full essay HERE.