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Sustainable Balkans

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 Despite lower per capita emissions, cities struggle to decarbonize due to fossil fuel dependence and outdated heating and transport systems.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Water scarcity and outdated wastewater systems threaten cities and industries across the Western Balkans.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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Urban Heat and Green Infrastructure: Lessons from Belgrade’s Record Summer

Belgrade's heat

As summer approaches and the risk of extreme heat increases, it is worth recalling what happened last year. The summer of 2024 placed Belgrade among the cities experiencing record-breaking heat waves, with temperatures soaring above 40°C during several consecutive days,…

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Exploring ESG, Circular Economy and Green Workshop with Olga Gavrić

Interview by Elena Meleshkina Today, our guest is Olga Gavrić, assistant professor at the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Agriculture. With a strong academic background in sustainability and practical experience in applying circular economy principles, she brings a unique perspective…

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Sustainable Housing, Resilient Cities: What Global Urban Policy Report Reveals

The Global State of National Urban Policy 2024 report, jointly published by UN-Habitat and the OECD, provides a comprehensive overview of how countries use National Urban Policies (NUPs) to shape inclusive, sustainable, and resilient cities. The 2024 edition analyzes developments…

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