ЕКОЛОШКА ДИПЛОМАТИЈА КАО ИНСТРУМЕНТ ЈАЧАЊА РЕГИОНАЛНЕ САРАДЊЕ: ИЗАЗОВИ И МОГУЋНОСТИ ПРИМЕНЕ ЗЕЛЕНЕ АГЕНДЕ НА ЗАПАДНОМ БАЛКАНУ
ENVIRONMENTAL DIPLOMACY AS A TOOL FOR STRENGTHENING REGIONAL COOPERATION: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN IMPLEMENTING THE GREEN AGENDA IN THE WESTERN BALKANS

Author(s): Marija Vukadinović
Subject(s): Supranational / Global Economy, Economic policy, Security and defense, Political Ecology, Economic development
Published by: Institut za strategijska istraživanja
Keywords: climate change; environmental diplomacy; Green Agenda; Western Balkans; regional cooperation
Summary/Abstract: This paper underscores the importance of regional cooperation and the need to strengthen environmental diplomacy as a response to global challenges and the creation of a sustainable future. The research concludes that the countries of the Western Balkans should strengthen their diplomatic relations, particularly in the area of environmental diplomacy, and collaborate more effectively to achieve the goals outlined in the European Green Deal and the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans. A thorough analysis of the current situation unequivocally indicates that achieving environmental goals independently is an extremely complex challenge for individual countries in the region. Therefore, it is imperative that political elites in the Western Balkans systematically incorporate environmental aspects as one of their strategic priorities. Awareness of the crucial importance of environmental diplomacy and its far-reaching impact on the future of the planet must be significantly elevated across all sectors of society. This clearly indicates that the interests in achieving a sustainable future far exceed individual national interests and require a comprehensive, coordinated, and collective approach at the regional level. In this regard, strengthening regional cooperation in the Western Balkans becomes essential for achieving the goals of the European Green Deal and the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, which entails joint efforts to protect the environment and promote sustainable development across the entire region. It is evident that only through intensive regional cooperation and significantly strengthened diplomatic efforts can the countries of the Western Balkans achieve success in the comprehensive implementation of the Green Agenda and meet the European Union’s high environmental standards. This paper strongly advocates for all Western Balkan states to systematically develop their institutional and human capacities in environmental diplomacy and to consistently align their actions with the principles of sustainable development. The establishment of effective and well-coordinated environmental diplomacy can and should serve as both a model and a catalyst for future comprehensive regional cooperation. At the same time, heightened awareness of the crucial importance of collective action will be a key factor in the global fight against climate change and environmental challenges. Although this research is not theoretically grounded in the concept of planetary democracy, highlighting Jacques Attali’s vision serves as a valuable recommendation for further exploration within the scientific community. Environmental diplomacy, in particular, can be interpreted through the lens of his notion of global responsibility and coordinated action, providing a framework for a more in-depth analysis of its role in addressing contemporary challenges. Since this concept aligns closely with sustainable development and regional cooperation approaches, further academic inquiry—especially in the context of the Western Balkans— could offer valuable insights, as strategic engagement in this field may yield significant long-term benefits. Namely, in A Brief History of the Future, Jacques Attali underscores the need for planetary democracy as a counterforce to market dynamics, steering global focus toward humanity’s most pressing challenges. He argues that this form of governance should prioritize addressing human madness, climate change, deadly diseases, social alienation, and poverty, shifting the global agenda toward the creation of a more just, sustainable, and healthier society founded on collective responsibility for the planet and all its inhabitants (Attali, 2011:257). Although such thinking may seem utopian, it could serve as a guideline for creating more sustainable policies aimed at the region’s long-term development. In this context, the Western Balkan states could strive for a model of cooperation that transcends narrow national interests and focuses on addressing common challenges, such as climate change, energy security, social cohesion, and economic sustainability. While the global concept of skilled environmental diplomacy may seem unattainable, a regional approach based on solidarity, shared responsibility, and long-term strategic planning could significantly contribute to the stability and prosperity of the Western Balkans.

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