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Sustainable Balkans

Building a Balkan Regional Platform for the SDGs : Interview with Kosta Živanović

Kosta Zivanovic
How can the Western Balkans deliver the SDGs amid war, heat, and rapid technological change? In this interview, SDF President Kosta Živanović details th e Forum’s 2025 agenda—competitiveness in turbulent times, the energy paradox, near-shoring and resilient supply chains, and scaling AI and clean tech. He explains why Belgrade can act as a regional hub and how SDF connects local actors to global standards to turn goals into practical action on energy, food systems, and governance.
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Balkan Green Cities: Greening the Urban Fabric and Why It Matters

Athens
Across eight Balkan green cities, we compare total green infrastructure and accessible urban green using EEA metrics and municipal datasets. The piece traces how geography and planning traditions shape outcomes, then spotlights flagship projects—from Athens’ Ellinikon to Belgrade’s Linear Park and Tirana’s Orbital Forest. We conclude with tiered, finance-aware recommendations that help city leaders turn green on paper into green on foot.
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Energy Week 2025 and Beyond: An Interview with Inessa Shahnazarova on Opportunities in the Western Balkans

Inessa Shahnazarova
The Western Balkans is stepping onto the energy stage with new auctions, ambitious targets, and a push to integrate into Europe’s power market. In this interview, Inessa Shahnazarova, Founder and Executive Director of Invest In Network, shares why 2025 feels like a turning point for the region. From grid modernization to fresh opportunities for investors, she explains what makes this year’s Energy Week is so important.
Read MoreEnergy Week 2025 and Beyond: An Interview with Inessa Shahnazarova on Opportunities in the Western Balkans

Belgrade’s Green Cover in Crisis: How a June Heatwave Stripped the City’s Vegetation

Belgrade’s Green Cover
In June 2025, Belgrade experienced record-breaking heat, leading to a sharp decline in urban vegetation. Using NDVI data from Landsat satellites, this article analyzes the spatial and sectoral impacts of the heatwave on Belgrade’s green cover. Parks, residential zones, and industrial areas all showed significant vegetation stress, revealing disparities in resilience. The findings frame vegetation as critical infrastructure—essential for cooling, health, and economic stability—and call for urgent adaptation in urban planning amid escalating climate risks.
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Smarter Transport for the Western Balkans: An Interview with Matej Zakonjšek

Matej Zakonjšek
Transport is more than infrastructure—it connects people and builds opportunities. In this interview, the Transport Community outlines how it is integrating Western Balkan transport with the EU, modernising rail, reducing border delays, and promoting sustainable mobility. From Green Lanes to the Belgrade–Niš railway, EU-backed projects are transforming the region’s connectivity, while smart mobility and clean urban transport remain key priorities. The vision: a seamlessly connected Western Balkans as part of Europe’s sustainable future.
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Air Quality in the Balkan Capitals: Confronting the Urban Sustainability Challenge

Air Quality in Balkan Capitals
Air quality in the Balkan capitals remains a defining challenge for the region’s urban sustainability goals. This article explores how pollution, carbon emissions, and weak governance are constraining progress in Western Balkan cities. Despite lower per capita emissions, cities struggle to decarbonize due to fossil fuel dependence and outdated heating and transport systems. Public health impacts are severe, yet policy responses remain fragmented. The piece concludes by calling for a strategic shift from declarations to action to secure a sustainable urban future.
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The 5th Athens ESG Forum Highlights the Gaps Between Reporting and Real Value

Gaps Between Reporting and Real Value
PRESS RELEASE The 5th Athens ESG Forum examined the widening gaps between ESG reporting and real value creation. Bringing together 70+ experts and 300+ attendees, the event explored whether ESG still delivers on its promises or risks becoming just a reporting exercise. Key discussions included the need for a more inclusive, transparent ESG framework that aligns with real market value and stakeholder needs.
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SmartWaterTwin Project: Circular Economy for Urban Wastewater

SmartWaterTwin Project: Circular Economy for Urban Wastewater
Water scarcity and outdated wastewater systems threaten cities and industries across the Western Balkans. The SmartWaterTwin project aims to transform wastewater from a burden into a valuable resource. By applying circular economy principles, the project enables energy, nutrient, and water recovery. It provides tools, training, and a digital HUB to guide municipalities and industries toward sustainable water management. This approach strengthens local capacity while aligning with EU and climate goals.
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