A group of 68 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have called on the institutions of the European Union (EU) to ensure dedicated funds for environmental protection and a just transition for regions dependent on coal mining in the Western Balkans in the new budget, in the period after 2027.
The NGOs stated in a joint statement that there are currently no specific EU funds for regions dependent on coal mining in the Western Balkans and that support for environmental protection and civil society organizations is provided through the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA).
"However, according to information from Brussels, it appears that EU support for the Western Balkans in the 2028-2034 budget will no longer include IPA," the statement said.
Among the signatories are six NGOs from Montenegro: the Center for the Protection and Study of Birds, the Center for New Initiatives, Eco-Team, Green Home, the Montenegrin Society of Ecologists, and Zero Waste Montenegro.
As reported by the CEE Bankwatch Network, the NGO said that, instead, EU funds in the region would be distributed through an instrument that is contingent on the fulfillment of various reform measures and other conditions, similar to the current Western Balkans Reform and Growth Instrument and the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) in the EU.
“The funds also include a component where governments propose specific infrastructure projects for financing through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF),” the statement added.
Davor Pehčevski from the CEE Bankwatch network said that it is positive that the EU is exploring new ways to improve the rule of law and environmental protection in the Western Balkans, but, as he stated, it is too early to know whether the reform and growth approach is working here.
According to him, the evidence so far is not encouraging, as the countries' Reform Agendas include very few environmental measures.
"It is reasonable to continue testing this approach, but not to have it encompass almost all EU funds," said Pehčevski.
Mirjana Jovanović from the Belgrade Open School said that harmonization with EU environmental legislation is the most challenging part of accession and that the just transition of the coal region is already overdue.
“That is why the EU should support these regions, together with civil society, regardless of how well the governments of the Western Balkans are doing in general,” said Jovanović.
According to her, funding must be consistent, predictable and linked to specific projects.
As Jovanović added, it cannot wait for government reforms that may never come to fruition.
The statement states that groups of civil society organizations also emphasize the need for significant improvements in the reform and growth process.
“Including genuine, timely and effective public consultations on planned reforms and investments, the inclusion of additional environmental-related reforms, for example dissuasive penalties for law violations, and a focus on the rule of law, environmental and social improvements, not just economic growth,” the statement said.
The NGO said that the European Commission is expected to present the new EU budget in mid-July.
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