In cooperation with the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, EIPA Luxembourg – the European Centre for Judges and Lawyers is implementing the fourth edition of the EU Environment Academy for the Western Balkans, led by our expert Igor Dizdarevic.
The EU Environment Academy is designed to support legislative approximation and the integration of the EU acquis in environmental protection. Funded by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, the Academy delivers practical, and transformational training to professionals across the Western Balkans—crucial for advancing their countries’ EU accession processes.
The aim is provide participants with a unique combination of deep insights and practical knowledge about EU policies.
A Comprehensive Programme
The EU Environment Academy 2025 is structured into three modules, covering the entirety of Chapter 27 of the EU acquis on Environment. Topics include:
Waste management legislation
Water protection legislation
Climate change policies
Biodiversity and nature protection
Horizontal legislation and cross-cutting EU policies
Through the programme participants gain practical tools and policy insights that can be applied directly in their national administrations. The course also provides an overview of the EU’s institutions, treaties, and directives, as well as the processes of enlargement, approximation, and accession.
Study Visit to Brussels and the EU Parliament
A highlight of the Academy is the study visit to Brussels, which this year brought together over 30 participants from across the Western Balkans. Participants had the opportunity to visit the European Parliament, gaining firsthand insight into EU decision-making and environmental policy implementation.
Additionally, participants visited Schengen and EIPA’s Luxembourg premises, further enriching their understanding of EU governance and fostering networking and professional development opportunities.
Transformational Learning and Networking
The EU Environment Academy brings together professionals from across the Western Balkans for an intensive, high-impact programme. Beyond the technical training, it creates unique networking opportunities, encourages peer-to-peer learning, and culminates each year in a graduation ceremony celebrating participants’ achievements.
The EU Environment Academy 2025 continues throughout the year, reinforcing EIPA’s commitment to building capacity, promoting EU values, and supporting public administrations in the Western Balkans on their path toward EU membership.
