The Regional Working Group on Environment (RWG Env) is established under the auspices of Regional Cooperation Council as an intergovernmental platform aimed at coordinating important regional initiatives and projects in the area of environment and climate change.

The RWG Env meets twice a year, while at least once at the level of ministers in charge of environment and climate change. As a result of present activities the Podgorica Declaration has been adopted in April 2016. With this document ministers from WB economies reconfirmed strategic plans and committed to continue cooperation through RCC in addressing the main regional environmental issues and improving energy efficiency in the region. This Declaration paved the way for continued joint regional activities and Ministerial Declarations adopted in Bonn and Skopje.

The RWG Env gathers representatives of line ministries, but also representatives of various regional and international organisations, projects, environment agencies, and partner organisations from the region and the EU.  The RWG Env coordinates activities related to the main three regional projects addressing protection of biodiversity, climate proofing of transport infrastructure and water-energy-food-ecosystem nexus.

The RWG Env plays an important role in the development of the Green Agenda for Western Balkans (GAWB) and the European Green Deal’s implementation. The RWG Env is co-chaired by the RCC Secretariat as the permanent Co-chair, and one participating economy of the RWG Env on an annual rotational basis (following alphabetical order).

Co-chairs:

2019/2020: Bosnia and Herzegovina - Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations
2018/2019: Albania - Ministry of Tourism and Environment
2017/2018: Republic of North Macedonia - Ministry of Environment and Urban Planning
2016/2017: Serbia – Ministry of Environmental Protection
2015/2016: Montenegro - Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism