The Grant Award Ceremony for the first Call for Proposals under the IPA III Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Kosovo – North Macedonia 2021–2027 was successfully held on 22 May 2026 in Pristina, bringing together representatives of the European Union, national institutions, municipalities, civil society organizations and grant beneficiaries from both countries. The event marked an important milestone in strengthening cooperation and sustainable development across the cross-border region.
During the ceremony, six new projects were officially awarded with a total EU contribution of €3.24 million.
The supported initiatives focus on environmental protection, wastewater and waste management, flood prevention, eco-tourism development, green schools, and support for the wine industry, aiming to improve living conditions and create long-term benefits for local communities in Kosovo and North Macedonia.
The event featured opening addresses by Mr. Alessandro Bianciardi, Deputy Head of Cooperation of the European Union in Kosovo, Mr. Elbert Krasniqi, Caretaker Minister of Local Government Administration of Kosovo and Mr. Zlatko Perinski, Minister of Local Self-Government of North Macedonia.
In his address, Alessandro Bianciardi highlighted the broader impact of the awarded projects, stating: “The six new EU-funded cross-border partnerships will strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises, helping traditional industries and local entrepreneurs realise their full potential. They will also contribute to cleaner air, more energy efficient schools, the protection of mountains and rivers, and support farming land against adverse weather conditions.”
Representatives of the programme management structures and the Joint Technical Secretariat presented the grant scheme and expected impact of the awarded projects, while beneficiaries introduced their project ideas and planned activities.
The awarded grants are:
BNS – BIO NATURAL SOLUTION wastewater management and water protection (Mamuşa/Mamushë/Mamuša & Bogovinja)
REDUCE – Joint Efforts in Waste Reduction and Sustainability (Ranilug/Ranillug & Skopje)
Every Step Counts – eco-tourism for environmental protection in the Sharr/Šar Mountains
Sustainable and Competitive Wine Industry Initiative (Rahovec/Orahovac, Gazi Baba, Gostivar & Mavrovo)
Green Schools Initiative (Ferizaj/Uroševac & Brvenica)
No Floods through Active Citizens in the cross-border region (Klokot/Kllokot & Rankovce)
The ceremony concluded with a networking and media session, providing an opportunity for beneficiaries, institutions, and stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and discuss future cooperation opportunities within the cross-border region.
