The Eco Champions project represents a collaborative effort to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time—sustainable waste management within the framework of the EU Green Deal. This dynamic initiative is designed to actively engage citizens and communities in discussions and activities centered on sustainable waste management policies at both EU and regional levels. This project aims to foster democratic participation in policy-making processes, encourage civic responsibility, and instill a sense of pride across local and regional landscapes.
Related documents:
Kick-off Meetinng
The ECO Champions project officially kicked off in December 2024 in Prishtina, Kosovo, launching a collaborative partnership focused on sustainability. Supported by the European Union, the initiative will drive core activities across Belgium, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Kosovo.






Online Questionnaire
On 5 February 2025, The Balkan Forum launched an online questionnaire aimed at gathering public input to support the development of a Comprehensive Waste Management Plan in Kosovo. This initiative was part of the ongoing efforts to improve waste practices by understanding current challenges and identifying realistic, community-driven solutions.
The questionnaire was open to citizens, youth, institutions, and professionals across different sectors. It focused on collecting insights into everyday waste management practices, public awareness, and existing gaps at both the local and institutional levels.
This short survey took only a few minutes to complete, but it played an important role in shaping a plan that reflects the needs and experiences of communities throughout Kosovo. The initiative also contributed to broader efforts in environmental sustainability, encouraging citizen participation and collaborative action.

Workshop on Waste Management Challenges and Solutions
On April 30, 2025, The Balkan Forum took part on a hybrid workshop in Pristina to assess the current state of waste management in Kosovo and explore practical solutions for the way forward. The event brought together 25 participants representing public institutions, civil society, the private sector, and youth. With a balanced gender representation and inclusive approach, the workshop encouraged intergenerational dialogue and active youth participation, enriching the exchange of perspectives and experiences.
The workshop focused on three main themes. First, the discussion addressed the ongoing challenges in waste management, with the moderator providing an overview based on the 2024 reports by the World Bank and the EU. Participants raised concerns about illegal dumping, limited public awareness, insufficient infrastructure in both urban and rural areas, and the lack of institutional capacity to enforce necessary reforms.
The second topic centered on Kosovo’s legal framework, which includes the Waste Management Strategy 2021–2033, the Law on Waste, and national and municipal waste plans. While these instruments are aligned with EU standards, participants agreed that enforcement remains weak. There was a shared understanding that laws alone are not enough without strong implementation by responsible authorities.
The third area of focus highlighted progress and good practices. Representatives from municipalities shared successful experiences from local recycling projects, awareness campaigns, and inter-municipal cooperation. Particularly inspiring were two community-led initiatives in Kosovo’s villages, where residents developed their own waste separation systems, maintaining cleaner environments and setting examples for replication.
Throughout the discussion, it became clear that while the policy framework exists, what is urgently needed is stronger enforcement, targeted investments in waste sorting and recycling, and better coordination among institutions. Participants emphasized the importance of local ownership and citizen involvement as essential drivers of lasting change. They also pointed to significant data gaps and limited municipal capacity as major obstacles to effective planning and implementation.
The event served as a valuable platform for exchanging insights and proposing actionable steps to advance Kosovo’s waste management efforts. By fostering dialogue and highlighting both challenges and solutions, the workshop contributed to a deeper understanding of what is needed to create a cleaner and more sustainable future.





Facilitators Workshop
On May 21, 2025, an online Facilitators Workshop was held with the participation of project partners from Italy, Belgium, Spain, Greece, and Kosovo. The workshop served as a space to share updates on local initiatives and plans for upcoming environmental activities across partner locations.
During the meeting, The Balkan Forum presented its proposal for organizing an Eco Festival in Kosovo. This idea was shared with the consortium as part of the collective effort to promote environmental awareness and community engagement through creative, youth-led initiatives. The festival aims to bring together local stakeholders, artists, and activists to highlight sustainability practices, support local green movements, and foster civic participation.
The online workshop also featured updates from other partner organizations regarding the preparation of local marathons and green events, contributing to the shared goal of promoting climate action and community-based solutions across Europe.
