Western Balkans – Improving Air Quality
The programme “Partnership for Improving Air Quality in the Western Balkans” is implemented by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (SwEPA) and the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) in partnership with UNICEF.
This project is financed by Sida and runs from August 2022 until December 2026. The objective is to contribute to enabling that all levels of government as well as the public, including youth, have the correct data and information for making policy decisions, action plans, accurate analysis, and informed choices on air quality issues. The project also aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of western Balkan countries for EU approximation within the environmental field, chapter 27 of the EU acquis.
Project phases
Finalized Phase 1 – Developing tools for air quality governance
Phase one focused on developing tools to improve air quality data collection and dissemination within institutions in Montenegro and North Macedonia. This included developing an emissions inventory toolkit, a catalogue of measures for air quality plans, and a web portal for display of historical and near real time air quality data. Additionally, a regional network of air quality practitioners from all six countries of the western Balkan region was established.
Current Phase 2 – Offering tools for air quality governance
Building on the achievements of phase one, the second phase focuses on delivering tools and building capacity for collection and dissemination of air quality data to institutions in the entire western Balkan region. In addition, the project supports national level institutions in providing guidance on air quality governance to local level institutions. Emphasis is placed on adapting the tools to the contexts of each country in the region and providing capacity building through training on how to use the tools. The work of SwEPA and SMHI is expected to lead to four outcomes and will be implemented on an outcome-by-outcome basis in each of the countries:
- Increased processing capacity for emission data
- Partner institutions have improved their guidance for local self-governments regarding air quality management
- Increased public access to air quality data and information
- Inclusive regional dialogue on air quality and strengthened capacity for the EU accession process, chapter 27 of the EU acquis
Read more about Outcome 4: Regional network of air quality practitioners
SwEPA and SMHI support the countries of the western Balkans by strengthening national and local government capacities as duty bearers with respect to air quality governance and air quality data. UNICEF’s work facilitates the voices and recommendations of children and youth as rights holders, to improve air quality policy and change social norms.
Background
The EU Ambient Air Quality Directive
The recently revised EU Ambient Air Quality Directive is a cornerstone of the EU’s environmental policy aimed at reducing air pollution and protecting public health in member countries. To support western Balkan countries in harmonizing national legislation with EU environmental law, the project includes activities that support the needs and requirements of the directive.
EU Environment Academy
The EU Environment Academy is an academic programme providing in-depth training on EU accession and the integration of EU environmental legislation (Chapter 27 of the EU Acquis). It is offered to civil servants in western Balkans EU candidate countries or potential candidate countries, working in the environmental field within governmental agencies or other institutions.
Contact
Would you like to know more about our cooperation in the western Balkans? Send an email to Annakarin Lindberg,