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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 Despite lower per capita emissions, cities struggle to decarbonize due to fossil fuel dependence and outdated heating and transport systems.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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From Risk to Resilience: Urban Heat Adaptation in Action

heat adaptation
As extreme heat becomes an escalating urban threat, cities worldwide are pioneering bold adaptation strategies to protect public health, infrastructure, and economic vitality. From green canopies and reflective rooftops to reimagined public spaces, From Risk to Resilience showcases climate-smart planning are transforming heat-vulnerable cities into hubs of resilience.
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