Western Balkans Environmental Organizations Launch New project of Regional Climate Network
by Marinela Spahiu, Urban Research Institute
TIRANA, ALBANIA – On January 30-31, 2025, consortium members of the Climate Bridges Network in Action project gathered in Tirana for a two-day strategic meeting to launch the next phase of the initiative. The meeting brought together environmental organizations from across the Western Balkans to plan and coordinate efforts aimed at strengthening transnational climate action and enhancing governance models in the region. This collaboration will help align local priorities with broader climate goals and support the implementation of more effective regional climate policies.
The Climate Bridges Network brings together environmental organizations from across the region, including the leading organization Urban Research Institute (Albania), CIPRA International (Austria), CENER 21 (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Association Green Istria (Croatia), and the Center for Climate Change (North Macedonia). These organizations share expertise in climate governance, energy solutions, environmental advocacy, and policy implementation.
Driving Regional Climate Action
This strategic gathering is a significant step forward in addressing the climate challenges faced by the Western Balkans. Despite progress in developing national climate strategies, countries in the region still face substantial hurdles in terms of policy implementation and coordination. By establishing a unified framework for action, the Climate Bridges initiative aims to bridge these gaps and drive effective climate policies across borders.
The project will focus on enhancing climate action through the following key activities:
- Nine campaigns will address critical issues like climate-neutral mobility and the just transition, raising awareness and encouraging community engagement.
- Two municipalities – one in Albania and one in North Macedonia will develop Green Agendas to ensure inclusive, sustainable transitions.
- Four national exchange events and two transnational forums will facilitate collaboration between civil society, governments, and other stakeholders.
- The creation of a shared resource to compile best practices for climate mitigation across the region.
- The development of a manifesto for transnational climate governance in the Western Balkans.
- A competition for best climate policy implementation, with an award ceremony recognizing the most effective solutions.
A Stronger, Unified Network
The Climate Bridges project builds on the success of its earlier phase, which began in 2021 with just four organizations. Since then, the network has expanded significantly, now comprising 35 organizations from across the Western Balkans and beyond. This expansion has created a powerful, interconnected group of stakeholders working together to tackle climate change at multiple levels.
The initiative emphasizes that climate change knows no borders, and neither should the solutions. Through this cooperative framework, the project fosters long-term partnerships that will continue to drive climate action across the region well after the project concludes in March 2027.
Looking Ahead
As the Climate Bridges network moves forward, it will continue to serve as a model for regional collaboration, proving that shared efforts can lead to effective climate governance, enhanced capacity building, and more robust climate policies. The project’s emphasis on local contexts, combined with a regional approach, ensures that the Western Balkans will be better equipped to meet their climate goals and overcome future challenges.
Want to Join the Climate Bridges Network?
If you’re interested in joining this dynamic network and contributing to impactful climate action in the Western Balkans, we invite you to reach out to us.
For more information or to get involved, please contact us at Email: network@climate-bridges.com
