The Western Balkans are once again joining forces to address one of the region’s most urgent environmental challenges, the dangerously high levels of air pollution. The “Trees of Friendship” campaign, led by the European Fund for the Balkans (EFB) and its network of local partners, will carry out coordinated tree-planting activities across the region on 27 November.
Launched in 2020, the initiative began as a symbolic compensation for the CO₂ emissions produced through EFB’s business travel. Over time, however, it transformed into a broader regional movement promoting solidarity, environmental responsibility, and cooperation beyond borders. To date, more than 400 trees have been planted throughout the Western Balkans, reinforcing the message that collective action can contribute to cleaner air and healthier communities.
In its second year, the campaign emphasized the importance of each individual tree in improving the quality of the air we breathe—particularly significant in a region considered one of the most polluted in Europe. That year’s planting also served as a precursor to the “Balkans United for Clean Air” campaign, strengthening joint advocacy and awareness-raising efforts.
As air pollution peaks during the winter months, the “Trees of Friendship” initiative remains a powerful example of how regional cooperation can help highlight and address one of the most pressing public health issues. Air pollution continues to be a major cause of respiratory diseases, chronic conditions, and thousands of premature deaths annually.
This year marks the sixth consecutive edition of the campaign, carried out through close cooperation between EFB and numerous organizations across the Western Balkans.
Our aim is still the same – to continue to demonstrate that by taking individual responsibility and informing the public about the seriousness of air pollution and climate change, it is possible to make a difference at the local and regional level.
Support the local planting actions at the following locations across the region:
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Tuzla:
Ludvika Kube 1 (https://maps.google.com/?q=Ludvika+Kube+1+Tuzla+Bosnia+and+Herzegovina), the park in front of the Music School in Tuzla (https://maps.google.com/?q=Muzička+škola+Tuzla+Bosnia+and+Herzegovina),
The tree line between Hotel Vertigo (https://maps.google.com/?q=Hotel+Vertigo+Tuzla+Bosnia+and+Herzegovina) and Bit Center (https://maps.google.com/?q=BIT+Center+Tuzla+Bosnia+and+Herzegovina)
Zenica:
Kamberovića polje, Zenica
(https://www.google.com/maps?q=Kamberovića+polje+Zenica+Bosnia+and+Herzegovina)
Albania
Grand Park of Tirana - Artificial Lake
(https://maps.app.goo.gl/
University Hospital Center "Mother Teresa"
(https://maps.app.goo.gl/
Montenegro (On November 29 at 10:00)
Clinical Center of Montenegro (Podgorica)
(https://www.google.com/maps?q=Clinical+Center+of+Montenegro+Podgorica)
North Macedonia
Bul. Jane Sandanski, Skopje
(https://www.google.com/maps?q=Bul.+Jane+Sandanski+Skopje+North+Macedonia)
Serbia
Belgrade:
Ratnih vojnih invalida 39, Borča, Belgrade
(https://www.google.com/maps?q=Ratnih+vojnih+invalida+39+11211+Borča+Belgrade+Serbia)
Novi Sad:
Sremski Karlovci (overpass, BG–NS railway)
(https://www.google.com/maps?q=Sremski+Karlovci+BG+NS+railway+overpass+Serbia)
Bor:
Zeleni Bulevar 24, Bor
(https://www.google.com/maps?q=Zeleni+Bulevar+24+Bor+Serbia )
Kosovo (on December 4 at 10:00)
Primary School “Kelmend Rizvanolli”, Gjakova
(https://www.google.com/maps?q=Primary+School+Kelmend+Rizvanolli+Gjakova+Kosovo)
Peja:
- Kindergarten – Karagaq neighbourhood
- Kindergarten – Dardania neighbourhood
- Kindergarten – Vitomirica neighbourhood
- Tree line in the public space from the Stone Bridge to the Municipality of Peja
- Tree line in the town center
