GREEN ECONOMY PERFORMANCE, RESULTS AND COMPARISON BETWEEN WESTERN BALKAN COUNTRIES AND CHINA

Abstract

Greening the economy plays a significant role in achieving sustainable development, as a paradigm with
no alternatives for the survival of the planet Earth. It is the only way to create a positive impact both on the society
and the environment. Hence, it is an inclusive concept, embedded in the overall development of a country, which
emphasis a responsible way of planning and acting. The green economy trend is increasingly present worldwide; an
increasing number of countries are developing and implementing policies and practices that support the green
economy concept.
The main objective of this research is to emphasize the commitment of the Western Balkan countries and of
People’s Republic of China in regard to greening their economies. The methodological framework rests on the
several scientific methods - analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction, selection, generalization and comparison.
The research focuses on policies and practices that contribute to green economy in non-EU Western Balkan
countries: the Republic of North Macedonia, Republic of Monte Negro, Republic of Serbia, Republic of Bosnia and
Herzegovina, and Republic of Albania. At the same time, this Paper emphasizes the policies and successful practices
implemented in the People’s Republic of China, as one of the world's leading economies that is rapidly moving on
the path of greening its economy.
In order to quantify the countries’ efforts towards the Green Economy, the Green Growth Index is presented and
used.
The results of the research point to the conclusion that in the selected Western Balkan countries and the People’s
Republic of China, efforts are being made for implementation of the concept of green economy, but there is much
that can be done to improve it.