In a significant step toward harmonizing environmental standards with the European Union, the EU4Green project hosted an online workshop on April 27, 2026, focused on establishing a regional laboratory network for the Western Balkans.

The meeting brought together 56 participants, including project representatives and experts, to design a collaborative framework for environmental laboratories.

The network’s primary goal is to foster information sharing and technical training aligned with EU legislation, such as the Soil Monitoring Law, the Water Framework Directive, and directives on ambient air quality.

Key Outcomes:

• Regional Leadership: The Serbian Institute of Soil Science in Belgrade has offered to take over the coordination of the laboratory network.
• Upcoming Trainings: Plans are already in motion for a specialized training session in Autumn 2026, likely to be hosted at the CETI (Center of Exo-Toxicological Research) in Podgorica.
• Prioritized Topics: Breakout sessions identified critical areas for regional capacity building, including air quality monitoring (PM2.5, PM10), microplastics detection, and the analysis of PFAS in water.

The workshop also emphasized intensified cooperation with UN to secure long-term financial sustainability and technical support. As the EU4Green project nears its conclusion in June 2026, the Environment Agency Austria will continue to support the selection of training topics and application processes.