Green steps forward: Gradiška concludes first round of BiH SuTra meetings

These pathways are based on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans. They aim to tackle climate change, support the shift to a green economy, and help Western Balkan countries align their environmental regulations with European Union standards. Throughout the meetings, project experts worked closely with local stakeholders to map concrete development directions that will shape the Transition plans and the long-term development of the communities.

During the meeting in Gradiška, experts presented key measures, objectives and implementation dynamics across five development pathways: decarbonisation, circular economy, pollution reduction, sustainable agriculture and nature and biodiversity protection. Representatives from the private, public, and civil sectors joined the discussion to help design realistic and implementable Transition plans, aligned with EU policies and the Green Agenda.

Local leadership: Driving the transition

Darko Vrhovac, Head of the Department for Development and International Projects of the City of Gradiška, highlighted the city’s proactive approach.

“Although Gradiška was not initially included in the BiH SuTra project, primarily focused on coal-rich regions, we were later recognised as a relevant partner thanks to previous projects and results. In recent years, the city has made notable progress in environmental protection. Today, we have around 20 MW of installed solar capacity, with permits underway for an additional 60 MW. Our entire water supply system is powered by renewable energy, thanks to a 1 MW solar field at the water source. We aim to continue in this direction by developing and implementing a sustainable Transition plan aligned with EU policies, ensuring long-term development,” Vrhovac said.

Agriculture: Potential and challenges

A special focus was placed on the agriculture sector, where Gradiška holds significant potential but also faces challenges, from production organisation and market access to the impacts of climate change. Sabrija Čadro, BiH SuTra expert on sustainable agriculture, highlighted both the strengths and vulnerabilities of the local sector: “Gradiška has strong potential for agricultural development due to its high-quality soil, favourable climate and water availability. It is a lowland area with a long tradition of agricultural production, which provides a solid foundation for further growth. However, key challenges remain - particularly in the organisation of production, labour shortages, market access and the need to complete the entire value chain. There are also gaps in the food supply chain that need to be addressed systematically, alongside strengthening capacities for rapid response in crisis situations. Climate change and pressure on agricultural land, especially its conversion into construction land - pose additional risks. It is crucial to preserve these resources, especially as Gradiška still has an active population and cultivated land.”

He added that encouragingly, research shows that even small improvements, such as better land management practices or adjusting sowing periods, can significantly enhance the resilience and productivity of agricultural production.

Implementing the Green Agenda locally

Saša Solujuć, BiH SuTra Project Manager from Stockholm Environment Institute, underlined the broader importance of the initiative, noting that the project focuses on the practical application of the Green Agenda at the local level and on supporting municipalities and cities in implementing tangible improvements. She highlighted the focus on the planning process, technical support for priority measures, capacity building through training and knowledge exchange, and connecting local communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina with partners from Sweden and other EU countries.

“Since much of the environmental and climate legislation is implemented at the local level, municipalities and cities play a crucial role, not only in planning but also in execution. At the same time, they are closest to citizens, which makes strengthening their capacities even more important. Through the project, we also work on involving all relevant stakeholders, including citizens and focusing on understanding future financing opportunities linked to EU alignment,” Solujić explained.

Next steps in developing Transition plans

The first drafts of the Transition plans for the newly joined partners are expected by June 2026. These drafts will provide a solid foundation for defining measures across short-, medium- and long-term timeframes.

A second round of consultation meetings will follow in early June, allowing stakeholders to refine and validate the measures. The finalisation of the Transition plans for Gacko, Kakanj, and Gradiška is scheduled for September 2026. This ensures the plans reflect both expert input and local priorities.

Across Gacko, Kakanj, and Gradiška, communities are united in their commitment to building a future where economic development and environmental protection go hand in hand.

BiH SuTra project is funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency in Bosnia and Herzegovina and implemented by the Stockholm Environment Institute.