Balkan Green Foundation (BGF)

Local Action, Youth, and Energy Communities at the ReRural Empower Lab In Brezovica, we concluded the ReRural Empower Lab, bringing together 30 participants from Kamenica, Prishtina, Istog, Vushtrri, and Lipjan, alongside key local stakeholders and young energy advocates. Over two intensive days, the Lab moved from unpacking energy challenges to co-developing practical solutions. Discussions focused on energy poverty in Kosovo and the region, and the growing importance of establishing energy communities as a response to local needs. A key outcome of the Lab was the clear recognition of youth as essential drivers of the energy transition. Former Summer School participants played an active role as facilitators, contributing directly to the discussions and co-creation process. Through practical case studies, including energy efficiency measures for households in Kamenica and public building renovation in Prishtina, participants demonstrated that the energy transition is not theoretical but already actionable at the local level, as reflected in the BGF Action and Replicability Plans. This Lab reinforced an important message: effective energy transition happens when local decision-makers and young experts work together to bridge analysis with implementation. We thank all participants for their engagement, ideas, and commitment. The ReRural Empower Lab was organized by the Balkan Green Foundation , supported by the European Climate Initiative (EUKI) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.

Sa vite jetë po na shkurton ajri që thithim çdo ditë? Në Coffee Hour #16, Prof. Dr. Antigona Ukëhaxhaj nga Instituti Kombëtar i Shëndetit Publik të Kosovës @ikshpk_rks ndau disa të dhëna shqetësuese që nuk mund të injorohen: - Djegia e thëngjillit për ngrohje kontribuon me 40–56% të emisioneve të grimcave të dëmshme (PM10 dhe PM2.5) në Kosovë - Vetëm një ulje prej 5 µg/m³ të PM2.5 do të shpëtonte mesatarisht 53 jetë çdo vit vetëm në Prishtinë “Ajri i ndotur nuk është thjesht një problem mjedisor, por një emergjencë e shëndetit publik. Ai dëmton mushkëritë, zemrën, trurin dhe sistemin imunitar, veçanërisht te fëmijët dhe të moshuarit,” theksoi Dr. Ukëhaxhaj. Njëzëri u pajtuam se kjo situatë nuk mund të vazhdojë kështu. Kosova ka nevojë urgjente për: - politika më të forta dhe të zbatueshme - kontroll më të rreptë të burimeve ndotëse - investime në alternativa të pastra të energjisë - ndërgjegjësim dhe angazhim qytetar Ky aktivitet u organizua në kuadër të projektit “Fuqizimi i Organizatave Mjedisore të Shoqërisë Civile në Kosovë (EECSOK)”, i cili implementohet nga @communitydevelopmentfund dhe mbështetet nga @swedeninkosovo . @7arte_cc @ecmandryshe @rilindja_gjelber

What does a just transition look like in practice? Journalists from Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Germany came together in the Ruhr Region for a study visit organised by Germanwatch. From former coal mines to industrial heritage sites and ongoing transition projects, the programme offered insights into the region’s shift towards a more sustainable future aiming to build their capacities in climate reporting. Through visits to former mining sites, exchanges with international climate journalists, and conversations with policy-makers and labour union representatives, the study trip brought the idea of a just transition to life in a very tangible way. Rather than focusing only on policy or theory, discussions explored what transition means for people and communities on the ground. This included the experiences of guest workers and migrant communities, the role of unions in protecting workers’ rights during times of change, the gendered impacts of industrial transformation, and the broader visions shaping the region’s future. This project is part of the EUKI – European Climate Initiative. EUKI is a project financing instrument by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUKN). The EUKI competition for project ideas is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. The overarching goal of EUKI is to foster climate cooperation within the European Union (EU) in order to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Cener 21 @germanwatch EUKI - European Climate Initiative

Sa vite jetë na shkurton ajri i Prishtinës? Instituti Kombëtar i Shëndetësisë Publike të Kosovës ka theksuar sërish: sektori i energjisë është përgjegjës për 40% të emisioneve ndotëse në vendin tonë. Por çfarë do të thotë kjo për jetën e përditshme? Për sa vite na shkurton jetën ajri që thithim? Këtë herë, dr. Antigona Ukëhaxhaj na bashkohet nga Divizioni për ajër dhe ndryshime klimatike në IKSHPK, e cila do të flasë për rreziqet shëndetësore dhe çka është më e rëndësishme apo cfarë mund të bëjmë për të përmirësuar gjendjen e ajrit në Kosovë. - 5 maj 2026 - 10:00 – 12:00 - Zyrat e BGF Të interesuar për pjesëmarrje? Regjistrohuni në linkun në bio! @swedeninkosovo @communitydevelopmentfund @rilindja_gjelber @ecmandryshe @7arte_cc #EECSOK #GreenHorizons #CoffeeHour

Alarmi i fundit nga Instituti Kombëtar i Shëndetësisë Publike në Kosovë konfirmon edhe një herë një realitet të njohur dhe të hidhur për qyetetarët e Kosovës: ndotja e ajrit nga sektori i energjisë po vazhdon të rrezikojë seriozisht shëndetin publik! Për Balkan Green Foundation, këto të dhëna nuk janë befasi por vetëm sa e përforcojnë urgjencën për veprim të menjëhershëm dhe të qëndrueshëm institucional. Ne e kemi ngritur vazhdimisht këtë çështje dhe kemi kërkuar përgjegjësi dhe veprim institucional. Në linkun në bio mund të gjeni deklaratat tona të mëparshme, së bashku me aktorë të tjerë të shoqërisë civile, si dhe artikullin e publikuar në platformën e BGF. Për disa nga të dhënat, bëni swipe në këtë postim.

We are proud to announce Smart Energy Advisor as the winner of the Green Challenge Competition 2026. In a context where rising energy costs meet limited awareness, this solution stood out by offering a clear and practical way for households to understand and reduce their energy consumption. Through personalized insights and accessible guidance, Smart Energy Advisor bridges the gap between awareness and action, helping people save energy, reduce costs, and make more sustainable choices. This year’s competition once again showcased the transformative potential of simple, well-designed solutions to drive meaningful change. Congratulations to the team behind Smart Energy Advisor, we look forward to seeing this idea grow and contribute to a more sustainable future. This activity is carried out with the support of the “Energy transition and climate mitigation in Kosovo”, a project funded by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency. @cooperation_lu #GreenChallengeCompetition #entrepenuership

A just transition is not built by policy alone. It also needs people willing to test new ideas, take risks, and turn sustainability into something practical. With this in mind, Balkan Green Foundation organized the second edition of the Green Challenge Competition, bringing together early-stage ideas that connect environmental impact with entrepreneurship and local economic value. This year’s edition featured five innovative concepts rooted in sustainability and circular economy principles: - Slide&Dine Coffee Cycle, turning coffee waste into a resource for agriculture - First Out Fit, reimagining fashion through upcycled clothing - D2K Green & Invest Platform, connecting diaspora investors with green SMEs - Smart Energy Advisor, helping households better understand and reduce energy use - Re-Glass Greenhouse, transforming discarded windows into modular greenhouses The ideas were evaluated by a professional jury composed of Krenare Zajmi Leti -Head of Sustainability at ProCredit Bank Kosovo, Laura Kryeziu - Sustainability Expert, and Lindita Daija - Capacity Development Expert at LuxDev. From waste reduction and energy efficiency to green finance and circular design, these ideas show how early-stage innovation can help respond to environmental challenges while creating economic and social value. This activity is carried out with the support of the “Energy transition and climate mitigation in Kosovo”, a project funded by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency. @cooperation_lu #GreenChallengeCompetition #Entrepreneurship

On Earth Day, what does real progress toward a sustainable future look like? From global breakthroughs to regional progress and local impact, the answer is increasingly clear. As the global conversation on energy and sustainability shifts, this is a moment to reflect on what is already changing. Renewable energy is scaling rapidly, cities are improving air quality, and large clean energy projects are reshaping what is possible. In the Western Balkans, growing investment is supporting greener businesses, while in Kosovo, practical steps are being taken to align with European markets and reduce everyday waste. Progress happens at every level, through everyday choices, effective policies, and sustained financial and institutional support. #EarthDay #BGF

Are you ready to take your green business to the next level? Balkan Green Foundation (BGF) is launching the second edition of the Green Challenge Competition and this is your moment to stand out! Submit your business idea addressing on of the following focus areas of this edition: Renewable Energy Energy Efficiency Practices (EE) Green Innovation Who is eligible to apply? Registered businesses and start-ups (women-led businesses are especially encouraged to apply) Young leaders aged 18-35 as representatives of businesses What’s in it for you? €5,000 award for the winner Visibility & networking opportunities For more information about the competition, the application process, and to submit your application, check the link in our bio. Don’t miss your chance to grow, connect, and make a real impact. The deadline for application is April 17, 2026. Only shortlisted applications will be contacted! This activity is carried out with the support of the “Energy transition and climate mitigation in Kosovo”, a project funded by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency. @cooperation_lu #GreenChallengeCompetition #Entrepreneurship

Energy efficiency is one of the fastest and most practical ways to reduce emissions, strengthen energy security, and lower energy bills for households and businesses. For over a decade, Balkan Green Foundation has worked to advance energy efficiency in Kosovo through research, policy work, and practical initiatives that help reduce energy waste and make energy use more efficient. Improving energy efficiency means more than saving energy. It helps lower costs for families, reduces pressure on the energy system, and supports households that are most affected by high energy prices. 🌍 On World Energy Efficiency Day, we highlight the need to accelerate policies and investments that make homes warmer, bills lower, and Kosovo’s energy system more resilient. #BGF #EnergyEfficiency

Çka nëse energjinë e prodhuar sot e ruajmë për orët kur kërkesa është më e lartë? Në Coffee Hour #15, diskutuam me Shend Blakun, menaxher i projekteve në Exbatt, për një temë që po bëhet gjithnjë e më reale për Kosovën: ruajtjen e energjisë me bateri. U theksua se me rritjen e kapaciteteve solare, nevoja për ruajtje të energjisë po bëhet gjithnjë e më e rëndësishme, si për bizneset ashtu edhe për stabilitetin e rrjetit. Interesimi për bateri është në rritje, por pengesat si kostoja fillestare dhe mungesa e politikave mbështetëse të qarta mbeten. Diskutimi me institucionet dhe bizneset konfirmoi se ruajtja e energjisë nuk është më çështje periferike, por prioritet strategjik për një sistem energjetik më të qëndrueshëm, më fleksibil dhe më të pavarur. Ky aktivitet u organizua në kuadër të projektit “Fuqizimi i Organizatave Mjedisore të Shoqërisë Civile në Kosovë (EECSOK)”, i cili implementohet nga @communitydevelopmentfund dhe mbështetet nga @swedeninkosovo . @7arte_cc @ecmandryshe @rilindja_gjelber

A just transition begins by listening to communities and turning evidence into action. ⚡🌍 We were pleased to take part in the European Conference “Powering Citizens through Energy Democracy: From Evidence to Policy Action”, organised by INZEB at the Goethe-Institut in Athens. Liri Kuçi from Balkan Green Foundation outlined how rising energy costs affect vulnerable households in Kosovo and argued for inclusive policies that combine social protection with community energy models. Bringing together experts and policymakers from across Europe, the conference created an important space to connect the Western Balkans with wider European debates. Because a just transition can only succeed if it leaves no one behind. POWERINGCITIZENS is a project funded by the European Commission through the CERV Programme, focused on promoting clean energy and ensuring a fair and inclusive energy transition. Its aim is to empower citizens facing energy poverty through community actions and support. The project is implemented by: BGF (Kosovo), UNIVPM (Italy), @comparative_research_network (Germany), ECREC (Netherlands), INZEB (Greece), @etmi_albania (Albania). #POWERINGCITIZENS