Balkan Rural Development Network

🌿 From dialogue to action.

The 4th Balkan Rural Parliament in Bar continued with a strong focus on co-creation, bringing participants together to develop practical solutions for rural development in the Western Balkans.

Through interactive working groups, discussions, and the presentation of the Draft Declaration, the day highlighted the importance of collaboration, shared responsibility, and concrete next steps.

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This event is supported by the CEI Cooperation Fund; the German Government through GIZ within the Regional Climate Partnership between Germany and the Western Balkans; the EU-funded project “Farm to Fork Academy for Green Western Balkans – Our Shared European Future”; RIBES – Regional Inclusive Biobased Entrepreneurship Solutions; and SWG – Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group in South East Europe.

4th Balkan Rural Parliament: Co-Creation, Action and Regional Cooperation Day 2 of the 4th Balkan Rural Parliament focused on co-creation, working groups, and concrete solutions for rural development in the Western Balkans.

🌿 The 4th Balkan Rural Parliament once again brought together voices from across the Western Balkans.

This event is supported by the CEI Cooperation Fund; the German Government through GIZ within the Regional Climate Partnership between Germany and the Western Balkans; EU funded project - Farm to Fork Academy for Green Western Balkans - Our shared European future; RIBES – Regional Inclusive Biobased Entrepreneurship Solutions; and SWG – Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group in South East Europe.
💬 Through discussions, working groups, and regional initiatives, the event highlighted key priorities for rural development, from youth engagement to climate action and sustainable food systems.

🤝 A valuable space for cooperation, exchange, and building a shared vision for the future of rural communities.

🌿 The 4th Balkan Rural Parliament officially kicked off in Bar, Montenegro, bringing together stakeholders from across the Western Balkans for a day of dialogue, exchange, and inspiration.

The opening session set the tone for the event, with representatives from institutions, regional networks, and international organisations highlighting the importance of cooperation and stronger rural voices in shaping future policies.

💬 As emphasized by Petar Gjorgievski, President of the Balkan Rural Development Network:
“The ‘rural voice’ is no longer a whisper in the halls of decision makers. It is a clear, structured, and respected dialogue that influences national strategies and regional policies.”

The day continued with thematic panel discussions focused on key rural development challenges, including:
🌱youth engagement in rural areas
♻️ climate change and circular bioeconomy
🌾 sustainable food systems
🤝community-led development approaches

Experts and local actors from across the region shared insights and experiences, contributing to a dynamic exchange of ideas and solutions.

🌍 In the afternoon, participants visited local initiatives in the Bar region, including Kuća Maslina, Lućka olive oil production, and Drita’s Natural Products (ljekovito.me). These visits provided a closer look at innovative practices, local entrepreneurship, and the richness of rural communities.

Day 1 highlighted the importance of connecting policy, practice, and people, setting a strong foundation for the discussions and co-creation sessions that follow.