PREDA Showcases Prijedor’s Green Innovations at the European Week of Regions and Cities 2025

As part of the European Week of Regions and Cities 2025, a panel discussion titled “Investing in the Future: Smart, Green, and Sustainable Urban Transformation” was held at the Mission of the Republic of Serbia to the European Union, organized by the Office of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina in Brussels, in cooperation with the Representation of the Republic of Srpska in Brussels.

The event was part of a broader initiative within which the Republic of Srpska participated as a member of the interregional consortium, emphasizing regional cooperation, knowledge exchange, and the promotion of innovative approaches to sustainable urban development.Through the coordinated efforts of the Representation of the Republic of Srpska in Brussels, participation of the Development Agency of the City of Prijedor – PREDA was made possible, ensuring that successful examples from Srpska were presented alongside other European regions.

Representing PREDA, Tina Anđić and Kristina Topić took part in the panel, presenting two ongoing European projects in which the City of Prijedor is actively involved: CLIMABOROUGH and NUDGES. Both initiatives reflect Prijedor’s and the Republic of Srpska’s commitment to sustainable development, innovation, and community engagement in addressing climate and environmental challenges.ent to sustainable development, innovation, and community engagement in addressing climate and environmental challenges.

CLIMABOROUGH: Connecting Urban Planning with Climate Action

The CLIMABOROUGH project (2023–2026), funded by the European Union under the Horizon Programme, aims to connect urban planning with climate action by testing innovative solutions across European cities. Its main tools ClimHub, Climate Sandbox, and Climate Service help cities advance toward climate neutrality, improve sustainability, and engage local communities.

For Prijedor, the project focuses on two strategic areas: waste management and energy transition. In waste management, the city continues to improve its basic systems of collection and landfill, while working to expand activities in waste reduction, reuse, and recycling key steps toward a circular economy. In the energy sector, Prijedor has already created a greenhouse gas inventory and implemented measures to increase energy efficiency in public buildings. However, further integration of renewable energy sources and efficiency initiatives remains essential for reducing emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.

By applying CLIMABOROUGH’s innovative tools and methods, the City of Prijedor seeks to build upon its existing strategies such as the Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP), the Open Data Portal, and participation in the ELoGE programme to foster environmental resilience and improve citizens’ quality of life.

NUDGES: Inspiring Sustainable Behaviour Through Education and Community Engagement

The NUDGES project (2023–2026), funded by the Interreg Euro-MED Programme, uses behavioural science to promote climate action. The project’s concept is based on “climate nudges” – small, positive incentives that encourage people to make more sustainable choices without restricting their freedom.

Within NUDGES, PREDA designed and implemented the transversal pilot “Next Generation Citizens – Eco Heroes”, an educational programme engaging children aged 6–14, their parents, and local schools. Through creative workshops, playful nudges, and experiential learning, young participants were encouraged to adopt environmentally responsible habits in an enjoyable and interactive way.

The initiative demonstrated how education and small behavioural interventions can spark lasting change—children not only improved their own awareness and habits but also inspired their families, teachers, and peers, creating a ripple effect of sustainability within the local community.

Regional Cooperation for a Sustainable Future

The panel brought together representatives from five European regions: the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina (Serbia), the Republic of Srpska (Bosnia and Herzegovina), the Channel Islands (United Kingdom), the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (Greece), and the Region of Bucharest–Ilfov (Romania).

In their opening remarks, H.E. Mr. Aleksandar Tasić, Ambassador of the Republic of Serbia to the Kingdom of Belgium, Mr. Nikola Vučurević, Head of the Vojvodina Office in Brussels, and Mr. Balint Juhas, President of the Assembly of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, emphasized the crucial role of regions and cities in achieving European objectives particularly in implementing the European Green Deal and driving the energy transition.

The event gathered around 60 participants, including ambassadors, representatives of European and regional institutions, experts in sustainable development, urban planning, and digitalisation, as well as local government officials and international organisations.

Participation of PREDA and the City of Prijedor at this high-level event highlights their growing engagement in European initiatives that foster innovation, environmental responsibility, and collaboration across borders contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future for all.