In practice, it is evident that the speed of progress on the “green path” depends on the strength and financial capabilities of a Bosnian city or municipality, resulting in uneven outcomes.
Tuzla, as a local community, is one of the most aware in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the context of the green transition, which, among other things, involves the use of renewable energy sources, providing additional energy security for citizens.
However, compared to developed European countries, the lag is apparent, highlighting the necessity of engagement from higher levels of government.
“It is important that all the problems we have related to energy security—including energy efficiency, the use of renewable energy sources, and addressing energy-poor households—begin to be resolved more progressively. For this, the support of higher levels of government is extremely important—from cantonal, through federal, to state levels, as well as the goodwill of international institutions to provide us with additional funds,” says Džemila Agić, director of the Center for Ecology and Energy from Tuzla, in an interview with Klix.ba.
Transition Challenges for Local Communities
Experts point out that the energy transition is costly, even for developed local communities with significant financial resources, and the process is even more challenging for those with lower economic status.
In Tuzla Canton, eight local communities have developed their own plans to reduce energy poverty and have appealed for help from higher levels of government and the international community.
“They openly seek partners, stating that they have identified the problem and are doing what they can, but they cannot bear the full burden of solving it. Local communities are close to citizens but are not responsible for all problems. Higher levels of government must recognize the problem, come down to the level of citizens, and help them survive this energy transition,” Agić explains.
Tuzla is the first city in Bosnia and Herzegovina to officially begin drafting a green transition strategy, confirming the City Administration’s commitment to environmental protection, clean air, and the use of renewable energy sources. The strategy will include clear guidelines for improving environmental conditions, increasing energy efficiency, and achieving sustainable development over the next ten years.
However, creating this document was preceded by a painstaking start to the transition journey, involving the implementation of a wide range of activities over several years.
Strategic and Operational Measures
Miralem Mulać, assistant mayor of Tuzla for communal affairs, construction, and local community operations, tells Klix.ba that all actions taken so far have primarily impacted reducing air pollution and the consumption of electricity and heat energy.
“Tuzla carries out both strategic and so-called operational activities. We were the first in Bosnia and Herzegovina to start co-financing measures to reduce air pollution, which has also led to increased energy efficiency, including building insulation, the installation of heat pumps, the use of pellet stoves, and connections to the district heating system,” Mulać notes.
From 2019 to date, the Tuzla City Administration has issued 11 public calls, and as time passes, citizen interest grows, reflecting an awakening awareness of the importance of preserving the environment.
“To date, we have invested 3.9 million BAM in implementing 1,100 measures. However, we don’t have enough funds to meet the demand from citizens who want to participate in our programs. The strategy addresses issues such as public city transport, so-called green infrastructure, the construction of parks and facades, and finding alternative methods of heat and electricity supply. We are already working on mapping potential sources,” Mulać points out, emphasizing the importance of support from higher levels of government.
Advocacy for Energy Justice
All these topics were discussed during a workshop aimed at strengthening advocacy activities related to energy justice and improving the existing cooperation between civil and public sectors in Tuzla.
Among the organizers was the Front Freedom Association, which expressed concern about the impact of polluting energy sources, particularly coal-fired thermal power plants, and urged authorities and the energy sector to accelerate investments in renewable energy sources and support the transition to a decentralized energy network.
“Without citizen participation and accountability from decision-makers, the energy transition could become another project that neglects the needs of local communities. We demand planning based on science, social justice, and intergenerational solidarity. We call on all levels of government, the private sector, and citizens to collaborate in building an energy-secure and sustainable Tuzla, as the future of our community is in our hands,” says Adnan Gavranović, president of the Front Freedom Association.
Adnan Gavranović (Foto: A. K./Klix.ba)
As an organization dedicated to social justice, environmental protection, and democratic development, Front Freedom emphasizes the importance of a responsible energy transition that guarantees security, sustainability, and the rights of all citizens.
“Tuzla faces a dual challenge: ensuring a stable energy supply and urgently reducing the environmental impact. As representatives of civil society, we call for a transparent, inclusive, and fair energy transition process,” Gavranović stressed.
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Carbon Neutrality Goal
Finally, it should be noted that Bosnia and Herzegovina is expected to become a carbon-neutral country by 2050, an obligation it accepted by signing the Stabilization and Association Agreement, the Treaty Establishing the Energy Community, the Paris Agreement, the Sofia Declaration, and numerous other documents.
However, to achieve what has been mandated, the energy transition must cease to exist solely on paper as a matter of state importance, which is the current reality in practice.