Partners IUNG-PIB and IRWiR PAN presented the project in Mitrovica, reaching researchers and policymakers from a region central to BIOEASTWIDE’s ambitions.
The XXII European Rural Development Network (ERDN) Conference took place in Mitrovica, Kosovo, from 29 September to 1 October 2026. It brought together researchers, policymakers, public authorities and rural development practitioners to discuss rural resilience, sustainable development, European integration and future EU policies.
The event had strong political backing. Albin Kurti, Prime Minister of Kosovo, gave the opening address, and the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development also took part. Their presence showed how high rural development and European integration rank on the public policy agenda.
BIOEASTWIDE on the poster wall
Two BIOEASTWIDE partners attended: the Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation – State Research Institute (IUNG-PIB) and the Institute of Rural and Agricultural Development of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IRWiR PAN). Piotr Jurga (IUNG-PIB), Barbara Wieliczko and Paweł Chmieliński (IRWiR PAN) presented the poster “BIOEASTWIDE as a Platform for Strengthening Bioeconomy R&I Cooperation between EU Member States and Candidate Countries in the Context of MFF 2028–2034”.
The poster introduced BIOEASTWIDE’s goal: strengthening bioeconomy research and innovation cooperation across Central and Eastern Europe, and building closer links with the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova.
The discussions in Kosovo confirmed a key message for the project. A stronger European Research Area needs real cooperation across borders, including with countries in the EU enlargement process.
Next stop: European Carbon Farming Summit 2027 in Kraków
The conversation will continue at the European Carbon Farming Summit 2027, on 16–18 March 2027 in Kraków, Poland. The summit is co-hosted by BIOEASTWIDE partner IUNG-PIB and will connect research, policy, business and farming communities.
