Hungarian State Secretary Peter Kaderjak said that a climate protection initiative by the Western Balkans Green Center, an institute of the Hungarian Ministry of Innovation and Technology has attracted a large number of bids from companies.
Kaderjak explained that the Center has invited applications for support to environmental projects for the second time this year, and the bids submitted reflected the preparedness and competitiveness of Hungarian companies involved in the green economy. The effects of climate change strongly evident in the Western Balkans, with an increase in average temperatures, fires and fluctuating water supplies presenting serious problems.
Another challenge is that energy production in the region relies mostly on fossil fuels. Recognizing this problem, Hungary is promoting the decarbonization of the Western Balkans as a priority in the program of its Visegrad Group presidency next year.
The winning applicants will support the green development of a region which has strategic importance to Hungary. The projects, mostly in the field of energy and water management, will be carried out in the six target countries of Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia, starting in the spring of 2021.
