Iliana Ivanova, the EU Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education, and Youth, met with Western Balkan Ministers in Skopje to reinforce collaboration on the Western Balkans Agenda for innovation and education. They emphasized integrating the region into the European Education and Research Areas and the European Innovation Agenda. The EU Growth Plan aims to bolster innovation, support green and digital transitions, and expand educational opportunities for youth. Funding for research infrastructures and academia-business cooperation has increased, with 400 projects receiving pound 140 million from the EU's research program. The Ministers also discussed the establishment of Digital Innovation Hubs to enhance regional competitiveness. Elbasan, Podgorica, and Sarajevo are pioneering climate-neutral initiatives as part of the Green Agenda. Additionally, the meeting focused on enhancing the connection between education and innovation, with initiatives like the Erasmus+ program and support for the cu ltural sectors through EU-backed programs. The Growth Plan allocates up to pound 6 billion for 2024-2027 to accelerate socio-economic convergence with the EU. Source: Oman News Agency