Skopje, 17th September – More than 20 representatives from media and NGOs came together in Skopje for an open discussion on the green transition and climate change. Organized by the EU4Green project and held in partnership with Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe. The event was an occasion for participants to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and highlight both achievements and obstacles in the region’s journey towards a greener future, as well as a platform to announce CAN Europe’s upcoming training for journalists focused on energy and climate issues in the Western Balkans.

The event was characterized by dynamic exchanges, offering participants the chance to pose questions, share insights, and engage in fruitful discussions with key speakers. Journalists, NGO representatives, and government officials actively participated, underscoring the importance of addressing various aspects of the green transition. This constructive dialogue emphasized the ongoing need for cooperation between media, civil society, government entities, and EU institutions to address environmental challenges effectively.

By facilitating these conversations, the event demonstrated that collaboration and clear communication are crucial to advancing the green transition and combating climate change. It became clear that only through collective action can we address obstacles and drive meaningful progress toward sustainability in the Western Balkans.

EU’s Support for Green Initiatives

Steffen Hudolin, the Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to North Macedonia, opened the event by discussing the EU’s support for green initiatives in the region. He spoke about the significance of the European Green Deal and how its principles are being implemented in North Macedonia to pave the way for a more sustainable future. Hudolin emphasized the EU’s continued commitment to helping the Western Balkans adopt environmentally friendly policies and practices.

North Macedonia’s Green Progress

Kaja Shukova, Head of the Department of Sustainable Development and Investments from the Ministry of Environment, highlighted North Macedonia’s efforts in advancing the green transition. She detailed the steps the country is taking to align with sustainable development policies and tackle pressing environmental issues. Shukova stressed the necessity of collaboration among governments, NGOs, and the media to drive policy changes and increase public awareness for a successful transition to a greener economy.

EU4Green’s Vision and Goals

Elena Gavrilova, the EU4Green Project Representative, provided an overview of the project’s objectives and its vital role in the region’s green agenda. She explained how EU4Green actively promotes sustainable practices and supports the Western Balkans in meeting environmental targets. Gavrilova emphasized that the project’s initiatives align with the European Green Deal, aiming to make a tangible impact on the ground across the region.

The Role of Civil Society

Bojana Stanojevska Pecurovska, President of the Center for Climate Change and the NGO representative, discussed the crucial role civil society plays in promoting the green agenda. She pointed out that NGOs serve as a bridge between policymakers and the public, raising awareness and advocating for robust environmental action. Stanojevska Pecurovska also emphasized the importance of media in amplifying these messages, encouraging journalists to continue effectively covering environmental issues.

Effective Climate Communication

Eleonora Allena, Communications Coordinator for the Western Balkans at CAN Europe, shared her insights on how journalists and the media play a critical role in       effectively communicating topics related to climate and energy and in raising awareness that a just energy transition, where no one is left behind, is the only way forward. Eleonora also offered practical tips for storytelling, underscoring the importance of crafting clear and relatable messages that can resonate with the public. Allena also highlighted the power of using data and human-interest stories to make climate change an urgent and accessible topic for diverse audiences.

Strengthening Regional Collaboration

The partnership with CAN Europe added significant depth to the event, illustrating how cross-border cooperation is key to amplifying the impact of green initiatives. The event served as a powerful reminder that a collaborative effort is essential to achieve a sustainable future for the region.

Moving Forward

By fostering these vital conversations, the EU4Green project continues to build on its mission to enhance collaboration and awareness, taking crucial steps toward a more sustainable Western Balkans.

About EU4Green

EU4Green is a significant European Union initiative that supports the Western Balkan economies, signatories of the Green Agenda, in their green transition. Launched in 2022 and running until the end of 2025, the project spans all Western Balkan economies. A total of 10 million euros has been allocated from EU funds for various activities, with an additional 1 million euros provided by the Austrian Development Agency. The project is implemented by the Environment Agency Austria in close cooperation with local institutions.