Just Green Transition
Stimulating regional agency to shape the future just energy transitions in the region while supporting and inspiring local energy democratization.
Projects on this thematic area
Just Energy Transitions in Practice: EU Lessons for Western Balkan Municipalities (JET)
The Western Balkans are at a critical stage in transitioning toward a just and inclusive energy system. While countries...
From Waste to Strategic Assets: Reclaiming Critical Raw Materials in the Western Balkans
For decades, toxic mining deposits across the Western Balkans have poisoned rivers, contaminated land, and posed chronic health risks...
Sunny Schools Initiative
Promoting sustainable energy practices by empowering schools and its communities.
Digital DSO: Accelerating Distribution System Operator Digitalization in the Western Balkans
The Digital DSO (Distribution System Operator) project implemented by RESET, aims to accelerate the energy transition in the Western...
Just Green Transition Phase 3 – Research Grant Consortium
The project will conduct a comprehensive final evaluation of alumni schools participating in the OSF-WB Sunny Schools Initiative across...
MEF-WB FORUM 2025: Mapping the Energy Future of the Western Balkans
The MEF Energy Forum 2025 will bring together policymakers, industry, and civil society to advance the Western Balkans’ clean...
Empowering the Western Balkans through Green Industrial Policies
The project promotes Green Industrial Policies (GIPs) as tools for sustainable growth, job creation, and environmental improvement in the...
Enhancement of Regional Collaboration in Critical Raw Materials (CRM) and Circular Economy in the Balkans
Industrial waste from mining and metallurgy in Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia presents both an environmental challenge and an...
Piloting Sunny Schools Montenegro
This project aims to pilot the installation of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in 2 public schools in Montenegro...
Possibilities of integration of Western Balkans into the EU ETS
The project continues previous efforts to strengthen energy security and decarbonization in the Western Balkans by advocating for the...
Advancing Regional Strategic Dialogue for a Green Industrial Future
This project aims to build political support and regional cooperation around a shared Green Industrial Policy framework (GIP) for...
Just Green Transition Phase 2 – Research Grant Consortium
The project aims to conduct a comprehensive quantitative evaluation of schools participating in the OSF Foundation’s renewable energy initiative....
Carbon Pricing Mechanisms for the Western Balkans: Evaluating Policy Alternatives
This project seeks to inform Western Balkans (WB6) governments in selecting carbon pricing pathways that are cost-effective, socially just,...
Green Generation 3.0 – Schools Engaged for Climate Action
Green Generation 3.0 – Schools Engaged for Climate Action builds on the Sunny Schools program under OSF Western Balkans’...
Western Balkans Climate Diplomacy
This project implemented by UN Albania Association aims to strengthen the climate negotiation capacities of Albania and North Macedonia...
Green Mayors Forum – Local Action, Shared Future
The Green Mayors Forum is an initiative supporting municipal leadership in energy transition and climate action across the Western...
Green Mayors Alliance: Municipalities Leading the Just Transition in the Western Balkans
The green transition in the Western Balkans will not be decided in national capitals alone. It will be won...
Tapping Critical Raw Material (CRM) Resources from Mine Tailings and Industrial Waste in the Western Balkans
The project implemented by Center for European Studies (CEPS), responds to rising EU demand for critical raw materials (CRM)...
Strategic Minerals, Strategic Future: Policy Recommendations for Circular and Sustainable CRM Value Chains in Albania, North Macedonia and Serbia
This project, implemented by New Third Way, will pilot the development of actionable critical raw materials (CRM) governance models...
Advocating for Policy and Technical Solutions for Sustainable Distributed Green Energy in the Western Balkans
The Western Balkans countries are at a critical juncture in its energy transition journey. The region’s heavy reliance on...
Establishment of the Green Industrial Policy Institute in the Western Balkans, phase one.
The multiyear operational project supports the Western Balkans’ just green transition by fostering a fair and sustainable shift toward...
Feasibility Study for Rooftop Photovoltaic (PV) Installation in Public Schools in Montenegro
Implemented by Ecoteam in Montenegro, the project aims to evaluate the feasibility of installing rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems in...
Greening the Narratives: Advancing Awareness of the Green Transition in the Western Balkans
The project “Greening the Narratives: Advancing Awareness of the Green Transition in the Western Balkans” aims to demonstrably widen...
MEF Energy Forum 2024 – The New Energy Landscape: Recovered, Repowered, Repurposed.
The MEF Energy Forum 2024 was held on June 10-11, 2024, in Skopje, North Macedonia. This year’s theme, “The...
Regional Network of Centers for Advanced Studies in Southeast Europe (RECAS)
Bridging scientific academic research and policymaking in the Western Balkans.
Decarbonization for Energy Security in the Western Balkans
Accession of the Western Balkans into the EU Emissions Trading System (EUETS).
Green Generation Schools Engaged for Climate Action
Encouraging schools in the Western Balkans to play an active role in energy transition.
Green Industrial Policy for Western Balkans
Sustainable economic growth through environmentally friendly industrial practices.
Publications on this thematic area
Challenges to the integration of the Western Balkans into European Union supply chains
Two decades of economic integration between the Western Balkans and the EU have delivered meaningful gains, including the elimination...
Sunny Schools Impact Assessment: Western Balkans Comparative Study 2023–2025
What happens when you install solar panels in a school, not just to the energy bill, but to the...
How the EU can pursue Strategic Cooperation on Secondary Raw Materials with the Western Balkans
Europe’s green and digital transitions are intensifying demand for critical raw materials, at a time when sustainability, resilience, and...
Policy Aspects: Towards a Sustainable Ecosystem for Distributed Green Energy in the Western Balkans
Policy Aspects: Towards a Sustainable Ecosystem for Distributed Green Energy in the Western Balkans examines the rapid growth of...
Technical Aspects – Advocating for policy and technical solutions for sustainable distributed green energy in the Western Balkans
This report outlines the Open Society Foundations–Western Balkans’ strategic approach to the energy transition, emphasizing the need to balance...
A framework for Green Industrial Policies in the Western Balkans
Climate change is the largest social and economic challenge of our time, demanding transformative shifts in how we produce,...
Green Infrastructure investments and EU funding for WB6: opportunities, challenges and paths forward
The Western Balkans (WB6) face a pivotal moment in aligning with EU environmental and climate policies. Achieving compliance demands...
Balancing the Edge: Advancing the energy transition and rule of law on the Western Balkans’ path to EU accession
In this memo, we see that the Western Balkans face a decisive moment in Europe’s climate transition, highly exposed...
Western Balkans Mayors sign Joint Declaration
Mayors and municipal leaders from 19 Western Balkan cities signed the Green Mayors Alliance Joint Declaration in Durrës, Albania...
HARNESSING LOCAL POTENTIAL: COMMUNITY- LED STRATEGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE HEATING IN THE WESTERN BALKANS*
The current approach to the green energy transition in the countries of the Western Balkans (WB6) primarily focuses on...
The Path to Just Green Transition in Albania
This report provides descriptive results from two surveys conducted among primary school students and their parents in Tirana and...
Towards a Sustainable Ecosystem for Distributed Green Energy Production and Governance in the Western Balkans
This paper explores the shift in the Western Balkans from centralized, large-scale renewable projects to more inclusive, community-based energy...
Sunny Schools – Map visualization
Technical aspect of integrating photovoltaic distributed generation in the Western Balkans Power System
This policy paper focuses on integrating solar photovoltaic distributed generators (DG-PVs) into the distribution electric networks (DENs) across Western...
Education Community Climate Change Awareness in Western Balkans
This baseline research is part of the Sunny Schools Initiative. The study aims to understand the educational community’s awareness...
Progress Assessment: Comparative Regional Analysis Just Green Transition – Synthesis For Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Serbia
This research, conducted by the Research Consortium, presents the second phase of the study returns to the same schools...
Energy Mix Albania, North Macedonia and Serbia
Concept of Balkans Renewable Power Cooperation
Comparative Regional Analysis: The Path to Just Green Transition in Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Serbia
This research serves as an initial assessment, exploring various facets of educational environments across selected schools. It’s designed to...
Framing the Just Transition in Kosovo
Written by Leke Batalli, the policy paper “Framing the Just Transition in Kosovo” aims to provide a general outlook...
Macedonia, You Will Be Green Again!
Brochure for Creative Reuse of Waste
Shadow Report from Monitoring Work and Effects of The Sector Working Group on Environment and Climate Action
Authors: Blazhen Maleski, Aleksandar Kolekeski and Irina Jolevska Please download the material in English and Macedonian.
Environment protection and quality improvement
Please download the material in English and Macedonian.
Shadow Report on Chapter27 Environment and Climate
Authors: Aleksandra Karakashova Sachkarska, Milieukontakt Macedonia Filip Stojanovski, Center for Climate Change Petra Pop Ristova, PhD, Milieukontakt Macedonia Bojana...
Make Kosovo Green Again: Environmentalism as a Means of Civic Education
Written by Francesco Trupia and Gentiola Madhi, the policy analysis “Make Kosovo Green Again: Environmentalism as a Means of...
Analysis of environmental protection mechanisms with a presentation of the functioning in a specific case
The analysis on the capacities and functioning of existing models of environmental protection in municipalities in northern Kosovo provides an...
Local Governments Capacities in Meeting Obligations in the Fight for Protection of the Environment
Local Governments Capacities in Meeting Obligations in the Fight for Protection of the Environment analysis, on the example of central...
Research on the State of Textile Waste in the Municipality of Shtip
Program for Agricultural Adaptation to Climate Change and Environmental Protection in the Municipality of Bitola
Perfect Storm or Rapid Decarbonization
Energy transition or de-carbonization of the energy sector is a fundamental component of the concept of sustainable development that...
Electricity markets in the system – an economic prerequisite effective transition (BOS)
The Energy Community (EEC) was formed with the aim of establishing a mechanism for extending the EU acquis in...
Developing a resilient critical energy infrastructure in Kosovo
Written by Donika Marku, the policy paper “Developing a resilient critical energy infrastructure in Kosovo” outlines the essential findings...
Assessment of the Impact and Adaptation Opportunities to Climate Change in the Agricultural Sector in Bitola
A modern Quixotism
Please download the material in English. [Albanian]Një Don Kishotizëm modern Ju lutem shkarkoni materialin në shqip.
Environmental Mosaic: 4 case Studies Challenge the Governance!
[Albanian]Mozaik Mjedisi: 4 çështje sfidojnë Qeverinë Please download the material in English and Albanian.
European Magazine: Environment
It is no coincidence that we have dedicated this issue of European Magazine to environmental issues. There are so...
GUIDE for Citizens Through the Structure, Competencies, and Services of the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning
Please download the material in Macedonian, Albanian, Serbian, Turkish and Romani.
News on this thematic area
The Questions Were Already There
An organization that has worked on environmental rights in Tuzla since 2001 convened a Summer School on artificial intelligence....
Small municipalities, big ambition: Western Balkans mayors move from declaration to action
Six years ago, Open Society Foundations Western Balkans put a simple idea on the table: solar panels on school...
PREPARATION OF PROJECT DOCUMENTATION AND INSTALLATON OF PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR POWER PLANTS CONNECTED TO THE ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEM IN SIX (6) SCHOOLS – NORTH MACEDONIA
SUBJECT OF THE PROCUREMENT 6. Description of the procurement:The subject of the procurement is the preparation of project documentation...
In the Western Balkans, a new center for renewables acceleration will fast-track decarbonisation
The Energy Community Secretariat and OSF-WB are joining forces to accelerate a just green transition in the Western Balkans,...
Municipality of Presevo Joins the Sunny Schools Network
The Municipality of Presevo is among the local governments selected in the latest Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans...
Promoting the Green Industrial Future of the Western Balkans
Just and Competitive Green Growth A NEW CONVERSATION ON THE REGION’S GREEN FUTURE As Europe accelerates its green transition,...
Ignita Forum 2025: On the Edge Opens Dialogue on Europe’s Future from the Western Balkan
Ignita Forum 2025 launches in Prizren as a new platform connecting civil society, policymakers and youth around EU integration,...
Western Balkans mayors in Durrës launch Green Mayors Alliance for fair transition
Mayors from across the Western Balkans signed a declaration in Durrës on September 22 launching the Green Mayors Alliance,...
Green Mayors Forum to Gather Local Leaders in Durrës
Durrës, Albania: 21–23 September 2025 The Green Mayors Forum will bring together mayors, municipal staff and regional experts together...
The Green Generation: Schools Leading Balkan Climate Action
What began as a series of green energy workshops, has grown into a region-wide civic energy democracy program spanning...
CALL FOR PROPOSALS – ADVANCING MUNICIPAL ENERGY TRANSITION
SUNNY SCHOOLS & LOCAL ENERGY COMMUNITIES Deadline for Submission: July 25, 2025Total Funding Available: $ 390,000 (Lot 1: $...
MEF 2025: Just Green Transition for the Western Balkans
MEF25 Highlights Momentum for a Just and People-Centered Energy Transition in the Western Balkans Skopje, June 18, 2025 –...
Youth Climate Leadership in the Western Balkans: Serbia’s Green Ideas Fair
At the Green Ideas Fair in Kragujevac, Serbia, young climate leaders showcased innovative solutions for a greener future. Organized...
Hasan Kikić Elementary Becomes the First Public Prosumer Institution in the Federation of BiH
Hasan Kikić Elementary School in Gračanica has officially become the first public institution in the Federation of Bosnia and...
Kosovo’s Path to Resiliency: Engaging Stakeholders for Climate Adaptation
On 28 January 2025, in Prishtina, Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment,...
Advancing North Macedonia’s Green Transition
On January 27, 2025, Open Society Foundations-Western Balkans (OSF-WB) in Skopje hosted two key meetings as part of the...
“Sunny Schools” Initiative Brings Renewable Energy to Six Schools in Bitola
The Open Society Foundation Western Balkans (OSF WB) continued “Sunny Schools” initiative in the Municipality of Bitola. The initiative...
Živinice Elementary School Leads the Way in Sustainability
Last year, the “Second Elementary School” in Živinice made a groundbreaking step toward sustainability by installing a solar power...
Shtip School Hosts Forum for a Sustainable Future
On November 22, 2024 “Kole Nehtenin” Secondary School in Shtip held its first forum session to discuss sustainability goals....
“Jane Sandanski” High School in Shtip Hosts Inspiring Community Forum
“Jane Sandanski” High School in Shtip on November 12, 2024 hosted its first community forum, bringing together over 70...
“Vuk Karadžić” Secondary School Hosts Community Forum on Sustainability
On November 12, 2024 the Secondary School “Vuk Karadžić” organized a transformative community forum to strategize the reinvestment of...
Albanian Students Learn Climate Action in Schools
As part of the “Green Generation 2.0: Schools for Climate Action” project, three schools in Albania—”Jordan Misja” High School,...
Solar Energy Workshops in Bitola
On November 7 and 8, 2024, students at “Aleksandar Turundzev”, “Elpida Karamandi”, “Krste Petkov Misirkov” and “Kiril and Metodij”...
Sunny Schools reaches the coal town of Obiliq
On September 30, 2024, Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Municipality...
Valjevo Community Forum Sparks Transformative Climate Action
On September 25, 2024 Valjevo hosted a Community Forum under the “Green Generation: Schools Engaged in Climate Action” project....
Fushe Kosova joins the Sunny Schools Initiative
On August 13, 2024, Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans signed a memorandum of understanding with the Municipality of...
City of Kragujevac joins the “Sunny Schools Initiative” upon the signing of Agreement
On 29 July 2024, Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans (OSF-WB) and the City of Kragujevac signed an Agreement...
PREPARATION OF PROJECT DOCUMENTATION AND INSTALLATON OF PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR POWER PLANTS CONNECTED TO THE ELECTRICAL POWER SYSTEM IN SIX (6) SCHOOLS – NORTH MACEDONIA
SUBJECT OF THE PROCUREMENT 6. Description of the procurement:The subject of the procurement is the preparation of project documentation...
‘Sunny Schools Initiative’: Cooperation Agreement Signed with Municipality of Bitola
On June 28, the Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans established a cooperation with Municipality of Bitola for the...
“Sunny Schools in the Western Balkans” – Final event in Valjevo, Serbia
The final event within the framework of the “Sunny Schools in the Western Balkans” initiative was held on June...
Živinice City Honors OSF WB for the Sunny School Initiative
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the city of Živinice, an official ceremony was held on the central square to...
Macedonian Energy Forum 2024
The seventh edition of the Macedonian Energy Forum 2024, organized by the ZIP Institute and the European Union delegation...
Sunny Schools Initiative in Elbasan, Albania
During our visit to one of the seven schools participating in the “Sunny Schools” initiative in Elbasan(Albania), we witnessed...
Sunny Schools Initiative in Kosovo, Municipality of Gjakova
During December 2023, as part of the Sunny Schools Initiative, photovoltaic panels were successfully installed in six public schools...
Sunny Schools Initiative in Albania, Municipality of Tirana
During December 2023, as part of the Sunny Schools Initiative, photovoltaic panels were successfully installed in five public schools...
Sunny Schools Initiative in Bosnia and Herzegovina
During November 2023, as part of the Sunny Schools Initiative, photovoltaic panels were successfully installed in four public schools...
Sunny Schools Initiative in Serbia, Municipality of Valjevo
During October 2023, as part of the Sunny Schools Initiative, photovoltaic panels were successfully installed in six public schools...
Greening the Western Balkans towards Sustainability and EU Accession
Collaborative action and investment in sustainable infrastructure, environmental protection, and governance reforms can foster a more sustainable and environmentally...
