The Green Agenda for the Western Balkans (GAWB)
Background
The Green Agenda for the Western Balkans (GAWB) is a forward-thinking initiative launched during the Sofia Summit in 2020. This agreement marks a critical step for Western Balkan countries in aligning with the European Union’s Green Deal and climate objectives. As these nations aspire to join the EU, the GAWB ensures that they integrate climate resilience, environmental protection, and sustainable development into their core policies, working towards carbon neutrality by 2050.
The EU plays a pivotal role in this transformation by offering financial support, including €9.5 billion in grants aimed at attracting up to €21 billion in investments. These funds will accelerate the region’s shift away from coal and encourage renewable energy adoption in the region.
The EU plays a pivotal role in this transformation by offering financial support, including €9.5 billion in grants aimed at attracting up to €21 billion in investments. These funds will accelerate the region’s shift away from coal and encourage renewable energy adoption in the region.
5 main pillars
01
Decarbonisation and climate resilience
The focus on reducing the region’s dependence on coal, a significant challenge in the Western Balkans, where coal power dominates energy production. By 2030, the Western Balkans aim to increase the share of renewable energy, adopt the EU Climate Law, and set ambitious climate targets.
Key opportunities:
- Shifting to renewable energy sources, such as hydropower, solar, and wind, which the region is well-equipped for, could lead to a sustainable energy revolution
- Phasing out coal subsidies could make space for investments in cleaner energy.
Risks:
- Implementing such changes demands heavy financial investments, and transitioning from coal will likely face resistance from industries and workers reliant on this sector.
Actionable strategies:
- Expanding cross-border energy grids and storage solutions to ensure stability and efficiency.
- Developing retraining programs for coal industry workers.
02
Circular economy
Transitioning from a linear economy to a circular economy represents a significant shift in the region’s approach to waste. The agenda emphasizes reducing waste production, boosting recycling rates, and addressing plastic pollution.
Key opportunities:
- Promoting regional partnerships to share knowledge and infrastructure for recycling and waste reduction.
- Offering incentives for businesses to innovate around sustainable product designs.
Risks:
- The transition to circular economy models may initially strain local businesses and municipalities not yet equipped for large-scale recycling and resource recovery.
Actionable strategies:
- Expanding cross-border energy grids and storage solutions to ensure stability and efficiency.
- Developing retraining programs for coal industry workers.
03
Depollution: air, water and soil
Pollution is a persistent issue in the Western Balkans, affecting public health, ecosystems, and agricultural productivity. The GAWB aims to reduce pollution across the board by improving air quality monitoring systems and investing in wastewater treatment and soil remediation.
Key opportunities:
- Improved air and water quality will have long-term health benefits for the population.
- Cleaner waterways can boost agriculture and tourism, critical economic sectors in the region.
Risks:
- The significant upfront cost of installing modern pollution control technologies and upgrading existing infrastructure.
Actionable strategies:
- Accelerating the adoption of green technologies in industries, including agriculture and manufacturing.
- Strengthening regional and international cooperation on cross-border pollution issues.
04
Sustainable food systems and rural areas
Agriculture is a vital economic sector in the Western Balkans, but it is also a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. The Green Agenda aims to transform the agricultural sector by promoting organic farming, reducing chemical inputs, and supporting sustainable rural development.
Key opportunities:
- Expanding organic farming can open up new markets in the EU, where demand for sustainable, eco-friendly products is on the rise.
- Sustainable farming practices can preserve biodiversity and improve soil health.
Risks:
- Transitioning to sustainable farming methods may challenge small-scale farmers who lack the resources for new technologies.
Actionable strategies:
- Offering subsidies and technical assistance to help farmers adopt organic and sustainable practices.
- Strengthening agricultural cooperatives to enhance the bargaining power of small farmers.
05
Biodiversity: protection and restoration of ecosystems
The Western Balkans are home to rich biodiversity, but this natural wealth is under threat from unsustainable development and pollution. The GAWB focuses on halting biodiversity loss and restoring ecosystems, with commitments to creating a 2030 Biodiversity Strategic Plan.
Key opportunities:
- Protecting biodiversity can position the region as a green tourism hotspot.
- Restoring ecosystems offers long-term resilience against climate change impacts, such as floods and droughts.
Risks:
- Balancing economic development with conservation efforts remains a challenge, particularly in areas that rely heavily on natural resources.
Actionable strategies:
- Expanding protected areas and implementing strict conservation regulations.
- Engaging local communities in biodiversity conservation efforts to ensure sustainable use of resources.
Governance and implementation
The Economic and Investment Plan (EIP) is a cornerstone for green growth and EU integration in the Western Balkans, unlocking €30 billion to drive sustainable infrastructure, digital connectivity, and low-carbon development. As a catalyst for economic transformation, the EIP offers vast potential - but its success hinges on continued reforms, regulatory alignment, and private sector engagement.
Challenges like limited administrative capacity and political inertia risk slowing progress. To overcome these, countries must strengthen environmental governance, engage actively in regional and EU networks, and invest in public awareness and green skills development.
With the right strategies in place, the Western Balkans can fully harness the EIP to accelerate their green transition, attract new investment, and secure a sustainable, EU-aligned future.
Challenges like limited administrative capacity and political inertia risk slowing progress. To overcome these, countries must strengthen environmental governance, engage actively in regional and EU networks, and invest in public awareness and green skills development.
With the right strategies in place, the Western Balkans can fully harness the EIP to accelerate their green transition, attract new investment, and secure a sustainable, EU-aligned future.