Balkans Policy Research Group - BPRG

22/12/2025

🌍 Policy Alert – CBAM and EU accession: why full exemption is a strategic objective for the Western Balkans

The Western Balkans face a crucial moment. Full alignment with EU carbon pricing through the Emissions Trading System (ETS) linkage is the only sustainable pathway for a full and permanent exemption from the application of the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), to protect competitiveness, and support decarbonization and energy security in the region.

This Policy Alert calls on Western Balkans and the EU to demonstrate commitment to energy security and decarbonization, and enable a realistic pathway toward EU ETS linkage.

⏳ One-year period for WB economies to develop ETS, consult, and negotiate full EU ETS linkage.
💡 Support innovation with an affordable, realistic ETS to drive decarbonization & energy security.
🤝 Engage with EU Special Coordinator for the Global Clean Transition and new clean trade & investment partnership.

📄 Read the full Policy Alert here: https://balkansgroup.org/en/policy-alert-cbam-and-eu-accession-why-full-exemption-is-a-strategic-objective-for-the-western-balkans/

The Western Balkans face a crucial moment. Full alignment with EU carbon pricing through the Emissions Trading System (ETS) linkage is the only sustainable pathway for a full and permanent exemption from the application of the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), to protect competitiveness,...

12/12/2025

👉 Balkans Group hosted the Western Balkans Policy Hub, bringing together experts from the EU Commission, Energy Community Secretariat, national regulators, civil society, and partner organisations. Participants discussed energy security, regional cooperation, governance, investments, and the transition to sustainable energy in the region.

🤝 This event is supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency – Sida.

🔗 For more insights, visit – https://balkansgroup.org/en/balkans-group-organised-the-western-balkan-energy-policy-hub-forum-on-the-energy-security/

08/12/2025

Balkans Group will host the Policy Forum “Western Balkans Energy Policy Hub: Energy Security, The Way Forward” on 10 December at the Emerald Hotel in Prishtina.

The Forum will bring together institutions, experts, and partners from across the region to address the most pressing questions on energy security in the WB6.

Discussions will focus on EU alignment, regional cooperation, investment needs, and the path toward energy transition and decarbonisation. Participants will share perspectives on concrete steps that can strengthen resilience, support EU market integration, and advance reforms that shape a more secure energy future for the region.

The event will also launch the Western Balkan Energy Policy Hub, a long-term platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange that will support inclusive policymaking and sustained progress across the energy sector.

This event is supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency – Sida.

20/10/2025

📣CALL FOR EXPERTS
👉The closing date for applications is 24 October 2025.
🖇 For more details, visit the link: https://balkansgroup.org/en/call-for-experts/

Status: Full-time Location: Pristina – Kosovo BPRG (Balkans Policy Research Group) is part of the consortium shortlisted for the EU-funded project “EU Integration Support Facility” in Kosovo.In this context, BPRG is seeking to identify qualified and experienced experts for the positions of Tea...

17/09/2025

✅ The work to strengthen the capacities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora - Republic of Kosovo continues.

From September 9 to 11 2025, Balkans Group facilitated the second training module on 𝘉𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, for the officials of the MFAD. In cooperation with Empower Partners, and with the support of GIZ Kosovo, the Balkans Group - led training focused on equipping members and the officials of the ministry with practical skills to navigate institutional reforms and strengthen organizational performance.

Over three days, participants explored how to:
• Manage institutional change effectively and equitably;
• Adapt to evolving organizational structures and clarify roles and responsibilities;
• Strengthen interdepartmental cooperation and knowledge-sharing;
• Plan and allocate financial, human, and technical resources strategically;
• Integrate gender perspectives into every stage of institutional reform;

Through group work, practical exercises, and simulations, participants developed tools they can apply directly in their daily work to improve collaboration, problem-solving, and overall organizational performance.

👏 A big thank you to the MFAD team for their commitment to continuous learning and for building stronger institutions that serve both citizens and diaspora communities.

🔗 For more: https://balkansgroup.org/en/the-second-training-session-of-the-project-building-internal-capacities-for-institutional-change-management-and-resource-allocation-was-successfully-delivered-on-september-9-11/

17/07/2025

📢 New Opportunity Alert!

Balkans Group is looking for a SENIOR POLICY RESEARCHER to join our team.

🗓 Deadline: 25 August 2025
🌐 Details & Application: https://balkansgroup.org/en/job-vacancy-senior-policy-researcher/

Apply now and be part of the Balkans Group!