City of Gradiška adopts Operational Plan for Sustainable Transition aligned with EU Green Agenda for the Western Balkans

This adoption reflects the City of Gradiška's dedication to building a more sustainable and resilient future, opening the door to environmental improvements and socioeconomic development across the region. The transition plan draws on public consultations held earlier in 2026 to ensure it captures the community's shared vision for a sustainable future.

The Plan is structured around five key pathways: decarbonization, circular economy, pollution reduction, sustainable agriculture, and nature protection and biodiversity. It sets out long-, medium- and short-term objectives, together with estimated costs for a set of measures under each pathway. For the 2027–2029 period, the City of Gradiška has adopted measures focusing on sustainable and affordable district heating without fossil fuels, smart and decarbonized transport, modern public lighting, continued investment in energy efficiency and decarbonization, the protection and improvement of agricultural land, as well as green infrastructure and sustainable spatial planning.

“Adopting the Operational Plan for Sustainable Transition is an important step for the City of Gradiška and a confirmation of our commitment to continuing our efforts to protect the environment and promote sustainable development. The Plan provides us with a clear direction for concrete actions that will contribute to a better quality of life for citizens, the development of the local economy and a more sustainable future. At the same time, we are continuing to align the development of Gradiška with European policies and sustainable development principles. I believe that, by working together, we will successfully continue this path,” said Zoran Adžić, Mayor of the City of Gradiška.

The BiH SuTra project, implemented by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) in partnership with the BiH Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations (MoFTER BiH) and supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), will provide support in implementing selected measures following the adoption of the operational three-year plans, in line with applicable legal regulations.

„City of Gradiška's adoption of a sustainable transition plan marks an important milestone for the city and for the BiH SuTra project as a whole. The city has shown genuine commitment to this process, and their administration's engagement reflects a growing recognition of the importance of aligning local policies with the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans. Gradiška is building a solid foundation for a future that balances environmental responsibility, social inclusion, and economic resilience," said Sanjin Avdić, BiH SuTra Senior Project Coordinator.

BiH SuTra aims to foster a more sustainable society and improve environmental and living conditions in Bosnia and Herzegovina's regions, charting a course through long-term, medium-term, and short-term goals via participative and comprehensive planning processes. The project engages seven cities and municipalities across Bosnia and Herzegovina: Municipality of Banovići, Municipality of Breza, Municipality of Ugljevik, City of Živinice, Municipality of Gacko, City of Gradiška, and Municipality of Kakanj.

It is hoped that this experience will serve as both an inspiration and a learning opportunity for other regions in BiH.