Green Agenda for The Western Balkans
Regional green transition framework
Description
The Green Agenda for the Western Balkans is a regional policy framework aligned with the European Green Deal, structured around five pillars: climate action including decarbonisation, energy and mobility, circular economy, biodiversity, pollution reduction in air, water and soil, and sustainable food systems and rural areas. The working document guides reforms and investments across the Western Balkans, including measures relevant to climate-smart and resource-efficient agriculture. Digitalisation will be a key enabler for the above five pillars in line with the concept of the dual green and digital transition.
Technology
Delivery and monitoring of the agenda relies on policy coordination and measurement frameworks, increasingly supported by digitalization (e.g. data systems for monitoring, reporting and verification; innovation and smart specialisation). Complementary digital agriculture measures such as interoperable agricultural registries and wider digital public services can strengthen evidence-based targeting of agri-environment actions and compliance monitoring.
Target
Primary beneficiaries include Western Balkans public institutions responsible for environment, climate, energy and agriculture, alongside businesses and rural communities affected by the transition. For the agrifood sector, expected benefits include clearer incentives for sustainable practices and stronger demand for advisory services and digital tools that help smallholder farmers reduce input waste, adapt to climate risks and demonstrate compliance with evolving standards.
Impact
The Agenda intends to accelerate the region’s green transition through coordinated reforms and financing instruments, including support mechanisms that encourage sustainable low-carbon development and position sustainable agriculture and food production as a priority within rural development support frameworks. Regionally, implementation tracking is structured through a variety of initiatives and their respective Action Plans with monitoring mechanisms and thematic roadmaps, providing an accountability backbone for progress reporting.
Partners
Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF)
Four Betters
Better production
Better environment
Better life
