BiH SuTra expands partnerships: New municipalities join the journey toward a just and sustainable transition

By joining BiH SuTra, these municipalities formalize their commitment to designing and implementing effective, inclusive, and locally driven transition measures. They now stand alongside the existing project partners – Municipality of Banovići, Municipality of Breza, Municipality of Ugljevik and City of Živinice – which have already adopted their transition plans and are taking concrete steps toward climate-neutral development.

Sweden, the funder of BiH SuTra, has been a strong supporter of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s green transformation. Speaking at the ceremony, Birgitta Jansson, Head of Development Cooperation, Embassy of Sweden in Sarajevo, emphasized that “the significance of the BiH SuTra project extends beyond coal regions. It is a vital step in advancing Bosnia and Herzegovina's broader green agenda also in line with upcoming EU-requirements, driving the country toward a more sustainable and climate-resilient future. At the same time, it underscores the commitment to a just and equitable transition, ensuring that no community is left behind as we embrace renewable energy and sustainable practices.“

Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations (MoFTER) welcomed the expansion of the project and underlined the importance of partnership between state institutions and local governments in driving the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans. Dr. Admir Softić, Assistant Minister for Energy at the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH, noted: “We are pleased to see the BiH SuTra project growing and bringing in new partners from across Bosnia and Herzegovina. The fact that not all of them come from coal regions shows the relevance of this initiative for the whole country and its sustainable future. The project reflects our joint commitment to turning this vision into reality by engaging all levels of government, especially through concrete activities in coal-dependent regions. Active participation of local authorities is not only desirable, it is essential to ensure a long-term just transition.”  

For the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), which implements the project, the signing of new agreements demonstrates the growing momentum of the initiative. “The local communities are on the front lines when it comes to climate impacts, but they are also the ones that can mobilise people and drive change, that is why it is key to have them on board.“ explained Saša Solujić, BiH SuTra Project Manager.

SEIs Executive Director Måns Nilsson, who was also present at this ceremonial event, emphasized that stakeholder engagement is the cornerstone of a just and inclusive transition away from coal: "True progress must be community-driven, continuously planned, and also responsive to local concerns like pollution, economic disruption and land use. I believe the partners of BiH SuTra show an impressively strong motivation and leadership which will be paving the way for real change on the ground”.

At this ceremonial event, the new partners underscored their dedication to becoming drivers of a sustainable transition. With a shared vision, they committed to improving environmental and social conditions while building financially resilient municipalities/cities, which also can inspire others across the country.

About the BiH SuTra project

BiH SuTra is implemented by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) and funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). The project supports Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sustainable transition and contributes to the EU Green Agenda for the Western Balkans. Its goal is to strengthen the capacities of local communities to efficiently implement environmental and sustainable transition policies. At the heart of the initiative is the principle of just transition – ensuring that the shift to a low-carbon economy creates new opportunities, protects jobs, and improves living conditions for citizens in these communities.