Green Economy In The Western Balkans

This book presents a multidisciplinary approach to the Western Balkans, addressing topics from the green image of a country, sustainable waste management, the way in which SMEs develop green entrepreneurship, sustainability in tourism and trade, green consumerism, energy efficiency, and conservation projects.

The green economy represents an important support to economic growth, investments and competitiveness. Therefore, it is considered to be an important alternative in attaining the general wellbeing of the humans, which is seen in the decrease of the risk while preserving the environment and using alternative energy sources. Atmospheric gases, especially carbon dioxide, create the greenhouse effect which influences the climate changes. They are already generating the extreme weather conditions, including powerful hurricanes and floods which have recently affected the Western Balkans. Having this in mind, this book is created with the intention not only to point out to the extent to which the Western Balkan countries have accepted the concept of green growth, but also to see what results are achieved in respect of implementation of this concept with the goal of overcoming the economic and financial crisis and creating the conditions for sustainable growth of this Region. Besides this, the intention was to emphasise the political, economic and legal limitations that are blocking faster development of green economy, as well as the possibilities of their overcoming, This monograph has a very broad topic range, with the goal of comprising the most important aspects and considerations of these issues. As the end result of theoretical and research considerations of the author, in approximately twenty chapters, one gets a clear insight in how the Region has progressed in respect of making the most important sectors „green“.

This book explores the economic and social development of the Western Balkan region, a group of six countries that are potential candidates for EU membership. It focuses on the key economic issues facing these countries, including the challenge of promoting economic growth, limiting public deficits and debt, and fostering international trade relations. Given the severe impact of the recent economic crisis on social welfare in the region, it also investigates the nature and extent of social exclusion, a factor likely to produce future political instabilities if not effectively addressed by a return to sustainable economic growth. The contributions explore these issues in light of the major influence of EU policy instruments and advice, which are currently guiding the economies along an accession trajectory to future EU membership.

The Western Balkans region has come a long way over the last two decades in achieving economic and social progress. With a population of 17.6 million, the region today boasts a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of close to EUR 100 billion, an average GDP per capita of about EUR 5 400 and a comprehensive process of integration with the European Union.

The SME Policy Index is a benchmarking tool designed for emerging economies to assess SME policy frameworks and monitor progress in policy implementation over time.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are essential drivers of sustainable economic growth in the Western Balkans and Turkey, where they make up 99% of all firms, generate 65% value added and account for 75% of employment. Nevertheless, SMEs across the region continue to face obstacles such as difficulties accessing financing, low levels of digital uptake, regulatory barriers and relatively low participation in international trade.

Robust SME sectors are critical to the prosperity of the six Western Balkan economies and Turkey, accounting for over 70% of those employed in the business sector and generating 65% of value added in these seven economies. Yet their potential remains untapped, as SMEs across the region grapple ...

The Western Balkans region has come a long way over the last two decades in achieving economic and social progress. Its people are the region’s greatest asset. Yet faced with a lack of opportunities many, particularly the young, decide to emigrate.