Strengthening climate governance and cooperation in the Western Balkans by building capacities, fostering partnerships, and promoting public engagement for effective climate action and sustainable development.
Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Slovenia
12/24 - 03/27
Civil society, Non-governmental organisations, EU institutions
455,095.56 €
Zana Vokopola
The Western Balkans is a region navigating EU accession while facing significant climate challenges. Despite adopting climate policies and plans, countries such as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia struggle with limited administrative capacity, insufficient funding, and weak cooperation between civil society organisations (CSOs) and governmental bodies.
The project aligns with the EU Green Deal and national climate strategies, such as Albania’s National Climate Change Strategy and Montenegro’s National Strategy on Climate Change, to foster regional integration and climate neutrality by 2050. It enhances governance structures, builds capacity, and increases public engagement to address climate change effectively. By strengthening the Climate Bridges Network and promoting collaboration, the project ensures alignment with European and national policy frameworks, contributing to the region’s sustainable development.
The Climate Bridges project addresses critical gaps in climate governance and mitigation efforts. The initiative focuses on enhancing collaboration between CSOs, governmental bodies, and private sector actors to address gaps in climate policy implementation. Building on the existing network of 35 members, the initiative aims to expand to 50 organizations while establishing a sustainable governance structure that will ensure long-term regional climate action. Through its comprehensive approach, the project seeks to strengthen the implementation of the Green Agenda for Western Balkans, enhance public awareness of climate challenges, and build institutional capacity for effective climate mitigation. A key focus is developing innovative governance models that can be replicated across the region, particularly in the context of EU accession requirements for enhanced civil society participation and transparent governance.
Key activities include:
By empowering local actors and promoting inclusive governance, the project drives sustainable climate actions and fosters a culture of collaboration.
Last update: February 2025