EUIPO and the European Commission officially launch the EU4IP-WB project

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and the European Commission have officially launched the project "EU4IP - Western Balkans" (EU4IP-WB) to support partners from the Western Balkans and the Republic of Moldova in advancing the EU accession process through stronger intellectual property systems.

The project will focus on alignment with the EU acquis in the field of intellectual property, capacity building, enforcement of intellectual property rights and raising awareness of the value of intellectual property among small and medium-sized enterprises and young people.

The project will contribute to economic growth, promote economic integration with the EU internal market and regional cooperation, facilitate trade within the Western Balkans and between the region and the EU, and provide support to innovators and companies in preparing for accession to the European Union.

The official launch of the EU4IP-WB project took place on the 20th of May at the EUIPO headquarters in Alicante, Spain, bringing together high-ranking representatives of the European Commission, EUIPO, the Western Balkans and the Republic of Moldova. The project will last for three years, starting in January 2026.

“A stronger intellectual property system is the bedrock of a more innovative and prosperous society. The launch of EU4IP for the Western Balkans and the Republic of Moldova is our shared commitment to building that foundation – delivering real, tangible benefits for industry, for users, for business, and for society”, said the Executive Director of EUIPO, João Negrão.

The launch of the EU4IP-WB project was attended by representatives of the Institute for Intellectual Property of BiH, headed by the director Josip Merdžo.