Skopje, 8 February 2024 (MIA) – Tackling regional environmental and climate challenges through the implementation of the Action Plan of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans and the promotion of regional cooperation, with an emphasis on the circular economy, was in the focus of the address of Minister of Environment and Physical Planning, Kaja Shukova, at the high-level panel discussion “Revolve to Evolve - Go Circular” organized in Pristina within the frameworks of the Western Balkans Coordination Meeting.

According to a press release from the Ministry, Shukova noted the awareness of challenges such as environmental degradation, climate change, loss of biodiversity, waste management, energy transition, faced by the Western Balkan countries, stressing that, at the same time, these challenges are being seen as opportunities for growth and development.

“The priority action measures are aimed at accelerating the transition to renewable sources of energy, implementing effective programs for the reduction and recycling of waste, protection and restoration of natural habitats and biodiversity, promotion of sustainable transport and infrastructure. All of these challenges need to be harmonized with the national capacities of absorption, with international agreements and commitments related to the sustainability of the environment and other parallel processes in the region, such as the new Growth Plan for the Western Balkans,” said Shukova.

In her address, Shukova also touched about ongoing efforts to implement the principles of circular economy, which, she said, represents a transformative framework for sustainable development of the Western Balkans and is key for the fulfillment of national, regional and global climate goals, said the Ministry.

“Our challenge is a coordination of all ongoing processes on a national level with the goal of ensuring that all actions, goals and measures are consistent and feasible. Of course, the directions are clear, they are a part of the Sofia Declaration and the Action Plan for the implementation of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, as well as the legislation of the European Union. A partnership between the government, the private sector, academic community, NGOs is necessary, but above all the knowledge and understanding of the expected goals and tasks arising from the EU acquis are essential,” stressed Shukova.

According to the Ministry, the event aimed to identify regional needs, address funding gaps, and enhance coordination among donors, businesses, industrial sector and Western Balkan economies to propel the region towards climate neutrality by 2050.

The event was organized by the Regional Cooperation Council and the EU4Green project.

Photo: Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning