Sustainable Balkans
Energy Week 2025 and Beyond: An Interview with Inessa Shahnazarova on Opportunities in the Western Balkans
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 BalkansBelgrade’s Green Cover in Crisis: How a June Heatwave Stripped the City’s Vegetation
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.
Read MoreBelgrade’s Green Cover in Crisis: How a June Heatwave Stripped the City’s VegetationSmarter Transport for the Western Balkans: An Interview with 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.
Read MoreSmarter Transport for the Western Balkans: An Interview with Matej ZakonjšekAir Quality in the Balkan Capitals: Confronting the Urban Sustainability Challenge
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.
Read MoreAir Quality in the Balkan Capitals: Confronting the Urban Sustainability ChallengeThe 5th Athens ESG Forum Highlights the 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.
Read MoreThe 5th Athens ESG Forum Highlights the Gaps Between Reporting and Real ValueSmartWaterTwin 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.
Read MoreSmartWaterTwin Project: Circular Economy for Urban WastewaterBiodesign in the Balkans: Unlocking the Potential of a Regenerative Bioeconomy
Can biodesign in the Balkans turn waste into value? Explore the region’s resources and its role in building a regenerative, green future.
Read MoreBiodesign in the Balkans: Unlocking the Potential of a Regenerative BioeconomyFrom Talk to Action: Vassilis Kafiris on the Future of ESG in Greece
An interview with Vassilis Kafiris, Executive Conference Producer at Boussias and one of the driving forces behind the 5th Athens ESG Forum
Read MoreFrom Talk to Action: Vassilis Kafiris on the Future of ESG in GreeceUrban Heat and Green Infrastructure: Lessons from Belgrade’s Record Summer
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,…
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…