Strengthening Regional Cooperation on Decarbonisation in the Western Balkans

The conference was organised within the Green Kick project, implemented by the Centre for Development and Support (CRP) from Bosnia and Herzegovina, in partnership with Smart Kolektiv from Serbia and FORS Montenegro – Foundation for the Development of Northern Montenegro.

From Planning to Implementation: Advancing Local Climate Action

The first day of the conference focused on presenting key project results and fostering dialogue on the development and implementation of local climate policies. A central highlight was the presentation of the analysis of 16 Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plans (SECAPs) from across the region, providing valuable insights into current progress, challenges, and opportunities.

During the panel discussion on the experiences of joint SECAP teams composed of local self-government units and CSOs, participants exchanged practical knowledge and reflected on common challenges such as data availability and institutional capacities. At the same time, the discussion highlighted encouraging trends, including increasing local initiative and growing commitment to climate action.

A second panel explored perspectives for strengthening cooperation between local governments and civil society, emphasising the importance of cross-sector collaboration. Contributions from private sector representatives further enriched the discussion, showcasing diverse approaches and opportunities within the green transition.

The first day concluded with a clear message: decarbonisation efforts in the region are increasingly moving from the planning phase to concrete implementation.

Showcasing Local Solutions and Defining Next Steps

The second day of the conference shifted focus towards practical solutions, successful initiatives, and future steps in advancing local green transition processes.

Participants were introduced to a range of local green solutions and SECAP pilot projects from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia. These included innovative examples such as solar-powered installations, smart urban equipment, and energy efficiency programmes implemented at the local level. Additionally, representatives of the Ministry of Spatial Planning and Environmental Protection of Tuzla Canton presented ongoing programmes supporting the renovation of public buildings and co-financing measures for citizens.

Further sessions highlighted successful projects led by CSOs and local authorities, demonstrating tangible results already achieved in practice and reinforcing the importance of collaborative approaches.

The conference concluded with an interactive workshop dedicated to improving cooperation between local governments and CSOs. Through group work, participants formulated concrete recommendations, including the need to:

• establish continuous and structured cooperation mechanisms,
• strengthen partnerships in project preparation and implementation, including access to financing,
• actively involve citizens, the private sector, and other stakeholders,
• promote knowledge exchange through joint campaigns, training, and events,
• prioritise practical local measures such as energy communities, information centres, and co-financing programmes.

The final conclusion of the conference underscored that effective decarbonisation requires sustained, structured cooperation and a strong focus on implementation.

Strengthening Regional Cooperation for Climate Action

The Green Kick conference confirmed the importance of regional cooperation and multi-stakeholder engagement in addressing climate challenges in the Western Balkans. The presence of EUKI representative Martin Vallejo further emphasised the relevance of such initiatives and the continued support for collaborative climate action in the region.

The event concluded with a certificate award ceremony, joint reflections, and a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation and accelerating decarbonisation efforts across Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia.