The GREENBRIDGE project is an ambitious initiative aimed at strengthening Vocational Education and Training (VET) providers in the Western Balkans by equipping them with essential green and digital skills. The project directly contributes to the European Green Deal (EGD) by fostering sustainable economic development and preparing the workforce for the evolving labor market.
Project Objectives
The primary goal of GREENBRIDGE is to bridge the skills gap between workforce readiness and the emerging green and digital job market. The project seeks to:
- Develop and implement tailored training programs that integrate in-person and online learning approaches.
- Equip VET providers with the necessary capacity and innovative resources to effectively transmit green and digital skills.
- Engage policymakers to ensure vocational education strategies align with regional and European labor market demands.
Official Kickoff Meeting Held in Sofia, Bulgaria
On January 23–24, 2025, the official kickoff meeting of the GREENBRIDGE project took place in Sofia, Bulgaria, bringing together a dynamic consortium of partners from Bulgaria, Malta, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo. Hosted by Cleantech Bulgaria, this event set the foundation for collaboration and strategic planning.
Meet the GREENBRIDGE Consortium
The GREENBRIDGE project brings together organizations with extensive experience in capacity building, education, and innovation:
- Cleantech Bulgaria (Bulgaria) – Project Lead
- FabLab B&H (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
- The Balkan Forum (Kosovo)
- Agency for Vocational Education and Training and Adult Education (Kosovo)
- Srednjoškolski centar “Nedžad Ibrišimović” Ilijaš (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
- B+P (Malta)
GreenBridge Multiplier Events
On June 26–27, 2025, The Balkan Forum hosted a series of Multiplier Events in Prishtina as part of the GreenBridge project, gathering key actors from across the Western Balkans and the EU to discuss the future of green and digital skills in vocational education and training (VET).
Day 1 – Partners Meeting | 26 June 2025
The series of events began with an internal partners’ meeting, where representatives from all consortium organizations convened to review project progress, align on key milestones, and prepare for the public events. Discussions focused on coordination, upcoming deliverables, and the refinement of the preliminary findings from the Needs Analysis Study.
Day 2 – Press Conference and Roundtable | 27 June 2025
The second day opened with a press conference, where The Balkan Forum introduced the GreenBridge project to a broader audience. The event highlighted the project’s objectives to strengthen the capacity of VET providers, bridge the gap between education and labor market needs, and support the green and digital transition in the Western Balkans.
Following the press event, a roundtable discussion brought together policy makers, VET institutions, Economic Chambers, business representatives, civil society actors, and youth to engage in an open dialogue. The roundtable served as a platform for presenting and discussing the preliminary findings of the GreenBridge Needs Analysis Study, which examined:
- Strategic challenges and priorities among VET providers
- Employer needs in relation to green and digital skillsets
- Broader country-level strategies for addressing climate and digital transitions through education
Participants emphasized the importance of curriculum reform, stronger cooperation between educational institutions and the private sector, and tailored support for youth entering the evolving labor market. The discussion also underlined the urgency of aligning VET systems with the goals of the European Green Deal and digital transformation strategies.
The Multiplier Events in Prishtina strengthened regional cooperation and set the stage for future activities within the GreenBridge project. They reaffirmed the project’s commitment to inclusive, forward-thinking solutions that empower youth and support a sustainable, skills-based transition in the Western Balkans.
Green and Digital Skills in the Western Balkans: Labor Market Demands and VET Needs Related to These Skills
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
