Bosnia and Herzegovina agreed that cantons and entities be embedded in the Declaration on the Green Agenda of the Western Balkan countries

(Patria) - Representatives of the Western Balkan countries met in Hamburg as part of the Berlin Process, where they adopted the Declaration on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, reports Istraga.ba.

BiH representative Damir Arnaut requested that the document state that BiH will consider the proposed measures in accordance with the division of competences between the state, entities and cantons based on the coordination mechanism, which was ultimately adopted.

"Bosnia and Herzegovina will consider the proposed activities in accordance with the constitutional division of competences of the institutions, entities and cantons of BiH, i.e., cooperation of all relevant institutions in BiH through the coordination mechanism," states a footnote of the Declaration.

In the basic text of the Declaration, the Western Balkan countries reiterated their commitment to the full and timely implementation of the Green Agenda and the Action Plan for the period from 2021 to 2030.

The countries of the region are considering establishing carbon pricing mechanisms by 2030 and recognize the need for robust emissions data in line with EU standards for monitoring, reporting, verification and accreditation (MRVA).

In the Declaration, the Western Balkan countries emphasized that they are determined to establish by 2025 the necessary rules regulating basic EU standards, ensuring that emissions monitoring begins in 2026.

"They recognize the critical link between decarbonization challenges, the gradual phase-out of coal and compliance with environmental protection laws within the Energy Community and energy security, and commit to addressing existing violations and compliance gaps related to environmental protection laws within the Energy Community.

We are particularly committed to maintaining air quality standards and ensuring strict compliance with legal obligations," the Declaration states.

It also highlights the key need to strengthen partnerships with the private and commercial sectors to unlock the full potential of renewable energy development, initiate the electrification of transport, and advance the broader decarbonization of the economies of the Western Balkan countries.

"Special emphasis is placed on the sustainable phase-out of coal," the document adds.