Driving the Green Transition Across the Western Balkans

Budva, Montenegro | 23 June 2026

Advancing the circular economy in the Western Balkans requires stronger regional cooperation, aligned policies, and practical solutions that connect institutions, municipalities, chambers of commerce, and the private sector.

These priorities were discussed at the WB6 Green and Circular Economy Stakeholders Platform Meeting, held on 23 June 2026 in Budva, Montenegro. The meeting brought together regional and European institutions, experts, private sector representatives, and key stakeholders working on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans.

Strengthening Regional Cooperation for the Green Agenda

The main purpose of the meeting was to review progress in the region’s green and circular transition, identify priority actions for 2026, and strengthen cooperation across the WB6. Participants exchanged views on key challenges, upcoming deliverables, and practical steps needed to support more effective implementation throughout the region.

Discussions underlined the importance of a coordinated regional approach that can help align policies, improve implementation capacities, and support institutions and businesses in moving from planning to practical action.

Advancing Extended Producer Responsibility Systems

A key focus of the meeting was the development of effective Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems for plastic packaging. Participants discussed the proposed WB6 EPR Plastic Packaging Framework, good practices from the European Union and international experience, and the next steps required for its adoption and rollout in the region.

The discussions highlighted several priority areas for advancing EPR systems across the Western Balkans:

• aligning regional approaches with EU rules and good practices
• strengthening cooperation among institutions, municipalities, chambers of commerce, and the private sector
• supporting practical implementation tools for plastic packaging management
• creating clearer pathways for adoption and rollout across the WB6

Reducing Plastic Pollution Through Coordinated Action

The meeting also addressed the phase-out of priority single-use plastics, based on regional analysis of legislation, implementation gaps, and alignment with EU requirements. Participants highlighted the need for stronger policy measures, coordinated action, and practical tools that can help reduce plastic pollution and support the transition toward more sustainable production and consumption patterns.

The exchange of experiences confirmed that progress depends not only on legislation, but also on implementation capacity, stakeholder coordination, and solutions that can be applied effectively at national and local level.

Practical Solutions for a Circular Economy

Overall, the WB6 Green and Circular Economy Stakeholders Platform Meeting reinforced the importance of cooperation, shared commitment, and practical solutions for advancing the circular economy in the Western Balkans. By bringing together institutions, municipalities, chambers of commerce, the private sector, and expert communities, the meeting supported a stronger regional dialogue on the implementation of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans.

The discussions in Budva reaffirmed that the region’s green transition can move forward more effectively when policies are aligned, stakeholders work together, and circular economy measures are translated into concrete actions that deliver results for businesses, communities, and the environment.