Senior Policy Officer
"The Balkan Peninsula is a biodiversity hotspot. It's part of a common heritage to which we are all connected, whether we live there or not. It is a European heritage," believes Viktor Berishaj.
In his role as Senior Policy Officer at EuroNatur, Viktor builds a vital bridge between the Western Balkans and EU policy-making. Based in Brussels, he provides essential expertise and context to help shape policy. "If you highlight the EU member states on a map of Europe, you will see a blank area in the Balkans, a missing piece of the puzzle. It is only natural that the place of the Western Balkans is in the European Union," he says passionately. His work is crucial to ensure that nature conservation is a key part of the Western Balkans' negotiation and accession process to the European Union.
Viktor values the deep connection that EuroNatur fosters with local communities. "This is the part that really connects me to my work because it puts the macro level of policy-making into perspective," he notes. He appreciates EuroNatur's long-term commitment to the region over decades. He sees the organisation as an enabler, working directly with local people.
Outside of his professional life, Viktor is a nature enthusiast and music lover. He is the producer of one of the most important classical music festivals in Kosovo. "Art is a powerful medium for action," he says. His experience of integrating sustainability principles into the daily work of the ReMusica Festival in Kosovo demonstrates the importance of environmental awareness. Viktor's commitment to both his home region Kosovo and his work with EuroNatur makes him an invaluable member of our team, driving meaningful change and supporting a united Europe.