The Municipality of Banovići is one of four local self-government units participating in the BiH SuTra project. After a year-long preparatory process, Banovići has officially adopted its Operational Plan for Sustainable Transition, joining Breza, Živinice, and Ugljevik, which finalized their plans last year. The BiH SuTra project is dedicated to driving the sustainable transition of Bosnia and Herzegovina, focusing on creating and implementing effective measures at the local level. The plan adopted by Banovići aligns with the EU Green Agenda for the Western Balkans and aims to enhance living conditions for citizens in municipalities situated in mining regions.

What happens when a group of local leaders from Bosnia and Herzegovina embarks on a learning journey to one of the world’s greenest countries? A deep shift in perspective – and a renewed sense of purpose.

BiH coal communities are facing significant challenges in the areas of decarbonization, depollution, and circular economy - all essential for a fair and efficient transition. Through the BiH SuTra programme, SEI is supporting self-local government units staff by building capacities to meet these challenges. This week, representatives from the three partner communities — Ugljevik, Breza, and Živinice - visited Stockholm, Sweden, to gain insights into how the country is designing smart and environmentally friendly neighborhoods, sustainable energy systems, and circular waste management solutions.

BiH SuTra’s partners, the municipalities and the city, are working toward long-term sustainability goals and turning ambitious environmental and development plans into reality requires more than vision - it demands practical skills, technical expertise, and institutional capacity. To support this transition, the BiH SuTra project is helping these communities to identify their most pressing capacity-building needs. Together, we address them through study visits, targeted training, and collaboration with Swedish partners. These efforts aim to equip them with the tools and knowledge needed to implement their transition plans and take meaningful steps toward a sustainable future.

The second meeting of the Steering Board of the BiH SuTra – Sustainable Transition in Bosnia and Herzegovina programme was held in Živinice on the 6th of May. The programme team and its partners reflected on programme progress, presented completed and ongoing activities, and discussed next steps in supporting local governments as drivers of just and sustainable transition of these coal regions in BiH.

Today, Ugljevik came alive with the vibrant energy of the Sustainable Spring Bazaar. Just like spring breathes new life into nature, this event offered a fresh start for gently used clothes, books, and toys — giving them a second life in new hands. Organized as part of the Sustainable Transition of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH SuTra) programme, with support from the Municipality of Ugljevik, Association Korijeni from Ugljevik and Humanitarian Organization of the Municipality of Ugljevik - CK, this initiative highlighted the importance of responsible resource use and the potential of a circular economy.

Libraries have long been the cornerstones of society, providing access to books, knowledge, and learning resources. Over the years, their role has expanded beyond just offering literature. Today, libraries have evolved in many countries into vital community hubs, uniting individuals from diverse backgrounds and bridging gaps in language, culture, and socioeconomic status.

Today, half of the world´s population lives in urban areas and this is expected to rise significantly in the coming decades. While urbanization drives economic growth and innovation, cities also must balance growth with sustainability, ensuring that urban environments remain livable, inclusive and resilient to climate change.

As one of the communities within the "BiH SuTra" programme, Ugljevik is making strides toward a sustainable future aligned with the EU Green Agenda for the Western Balkans. At the same time, it stands out for its economic potential, natural beauty, and rich tradition.

Today, the city’s Nesib Malkić Boulevard in Živinice came alive with the vibrant energy of the Sustainable Winter Bazaar, a heartwarming community event that brought together people of all ages to exchange gently used clothes, books, and toys. Organized as part of the Sustainable Transition of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH SuTra) programme, with support from the City of Živinice, this initiative highlighted the importance of responsible resource use and the potential of a circular economy.

A dynamic three-day workshop in Tuzla, BiH, brought together representatives from NetZeroCities, local governments awarded the 2024 SDG Local Governance Awards, and communities participating in the BiH SuTra programme. The workshop aimed to explore climate action and investment planning, focusing on the feasibility and funding of climate initiatives in Bosnian communities.

From 2017 to 2022, the coal and lignite workforce in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) shrank by 2,000 workers. However, the country remains economically reliant on coal, with over 17.000 employees still working in the sector in September 2024, which complicates the transition to cleaner energy. As the country embarks on its green transition, repurposing old coal infrastructure for renewable energy production is gaining traction.

Discover Živinice through our infographic! Selected as one of four communities in the BiH SuTra programme, Živinice is making strides toward a sustainable future aligned with the EU Green Agenda for the Western Balkans.

This week, Ambassador Bojan Šošić, Ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Kingdom of Sweden visited Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) to discuss environmental sustainability and the country’s path towards EU membership. The meeting aimed to strengthen collaboration as Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) addresses socio-political and environmental, as well as climate challenges, while aligning with EU requirements.

We invite you to discover Breza through our informative infographic! Selected as one of four communities in the BiH SuTra programme, Breza is the first municipality in Bosnia and Herzegovina to adopt a sustainable transition plan aligned with the EU Green Agenda for the Western Balkans.

City of Živinice is the second local self-government unit that adopted an Operational Plan for Sustainable Transition under the BiH SuTra programme, following the Municipality of Breza, which adopted its plan in August this year. This adoption came after a year-long preparatory phase, expert discussions and rounds of public consultations. The adopted plan aligns with the EU Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, aiming to foster a more sustainable society and improve environmental and living conditions in Živinice.

Discover Banovići through our infographic! Selected as one of four communities in the BiH SuTra programme, Banovići plays an important role in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s journey toward a sustainable transition at the local level.