Regional launch marks two decades of environmental partnership
The regional launch of Europe’s Environment 2025 celebrated a milestone: twenty years of collaboration between the European Environment Agency (EEA) and its cooperating countries in Southeast Europe. The event brought together EEA Executive Director Leena Ylä-Mononen and senior environmental representatives from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. Hosted by the EEA, the gathering underscored a shared commitment to sustainable development, robust environmental governance, and strengthened regional cooperation.
A milestone decade for Europe’s environmental agenda
Since its inception, Europe’s Environment 2025 has served as a strategic framework guiding policy, science, and practical action across the region. The regional launch highlighted how two decades of partnership have yielded tangible benefits—from improved air and water quality to more effective waste management and nature protection. The event emphasized that collaboration with cooperating countries remains central to achieving common environmental goals, aligning regional efforts with the European Union’s environmental standards and broader climate objectives.
Key figures and voices at the launch
The gathering featured voices from government agencies, environmental agencies, and civil society organizations. Leena Ylä-Mononen, the EEA Executive Director, spoke to the importance of a resilient, transparent, and science-based approach to environmental policy. Delegations from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia presented national progress reports and outlined priorities for the next phase of Europe’s Environment 2025. The regional format enabled cross-border dialogue on shared challenges, such as air quality, biodiversity conservation, water management, and climate adaptation strategies.
What the partnership has achieved so far
Two decades of collaboration have built a foundation of data, indicators, and governance mechanisms that support evidence-based decision-making. Regional data harmonization, joint assessments, and knowledge exchanges have increased the capacity of cooperating countries to monitor environmental trends, comply with EU rules, and access funding for green initiatives. The launch underscored distinct yet complementary progress in member states and candidate countries, strengthening the region’s overall environmental resilience and competitiveness in the face of climate change and resource pressure.
Looking ahead: priorities for Europe’s Environment 2025
Participants outlined several shared priorities for the coming years. These include advancing air quality and mobility policies, expanding the deployment of renewable energy, protecting vulnerable ecosystems, and boosting circular economy practices. A regional lens remains essential for addressing cross-border issues such as polluted air streams and shared river basins, where coordinated action yields better outcomes than siloed efforts. The event also highlighted capacity-building initiatives, technical trainings, and peer-learning opportunities designed to help cooperating countries implement EU-aligned environmental standards more effectively.
Benefits for citizens and communities
Beyond policy and governance, Europe’s Environment 2025 seeks to translate environmental improvements into tangible benefits for people. Cleaner air and water, healthier ecosystems, and sustainable urban development contribute to public health, job creation in the green economy, and increased resilience to climate shocks. By engaging local authorities, businesses, and communities, the regional launch reinforced the idea that environmental progress is most enduring when it is inclusive and participatory.
Conclusion: continuing a fruitful partnership
The regional launch of Europe’s Environment 2025 reaffirms a long-standing, fruitful partnership with Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. As Europe accelerates its environmental and climate objectives, continued collaboration through the EEA framework will be vital to sustaining momentum, sharing best practices, and ensuring that environmental policy translates into real, lasting improvements for the region.
