The Regional Working Group on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans (RWG GAWB) was established in April 2023, following the transformation of the former Regional Working Group on Environment. It serves as the main intergovernmental platform supporting the implementation of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans (GAWB) Action Plan. The Working Group operates under the auspices of the RCC, which serves as its Secretariat.
Composed of senior representatives from WB6 ministries responsible for climate and environment, the RWG GAWB ensures regional coordination, facilitates dialogue, and monitors progress in line with the Sofia Declaration.
Annual Ministerial Meetings on the Green Agenda represent the highest political-level forum for decision-making and strategic guidance on the implementation of the GAWB, and is held annually in line with the Sofia Declaration. It convenes key stakeholders to review progress, address implementation challenges, and set strategic priorities for the forthcoming period, as reflected in the endorsed GAWB Ministerial Declarations.
The Regional Working Group on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans is responsible for:
- Coordinating the implementation of the Action Plan together with regional organisations and economies,
- Maintaining and enhancing regional cooperation on the GAWB and its Action Plan,
- Monitoring and reporting on the implementation of the GAWB Action Plan,
- Enhancing dialogue.
For more information on Role and Responsibilities, please consult the Note on Governance.
In addition to WB6 representatives, the Energy Community Secretariat (EnCS), Transport Community Permanent Secretariat (TCPS), Standing Working Group on Regional Rural Development (SWG RRD), and International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), including an NGO representative selected by the NGO Forum are invited to participate at the RWG GAWB meetings and contribute to discussions. The European Commission also takes part in RWG GAWB meetings.
RWG GAWB operates under the auspices of the RCC, which serves as the RWG Secretariat.
Effective implementation of the Green Agenda requires strong financial support and coordinated investment efforts. While donor engagement is significant, funding remains limited and unevenly distributed across the region.
To address this, the RCC established annual Donor Coordination Meetings as a platform for dialogue between donors and WB6 authorities.
