If Bosnia and Herzegovina aims to join the European Union, implementing the energy transition as one of the primary conditions is essential. The issues of energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources are particularly relevant in the current period, and local communities have already taken certain actions.
One of these is Tuzla, which has officially begun drafting a green transition strategy, reaffirming the city’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 fostering sustainable development over the next ten years. Tuzla Mayor Zijad Lugavić noted that the city has been a pioneer in energy efficiency in Bosnia and Herzegovina since 2019.
“In 2019, through four support lines, we began co-financing the installation of heat pumps, building insulation, pellet stoves, and connection to the central heating system. Today, we are taking a new step by leading the green transition and laying the foundation for cleaner air and a healthier environment. This is an opportunity to combine efforts at local, regional, and international levels because polluted air knows no borders,” said Lugavić.
The development of the strategy also represents an entry point for future investments, as the European Union and other donors condition financial support on the existence of aligned strategic documents.
“This is the first step in a multi-year process that will contribute to achieving the goal of reducing CO2 emissions by 2050, in line with European standards and global priorities,” emphasized Lugavić.
Tuzla’s City Administration plans to use its own resources while also applying for funding from European Union funds and bilateral donors to implement green transition projects.
“Tuzla will become the first city in Bosnia and Herzegovina with such a strategic document, demonstrating a visionary approach. The green transition brings benefits on multiple levels – ecological, social, and economic. With a quality plan and international cooperation, Tuzla has the opportunity to set an example for other communities,” said Borut Jurišić, a representative of the Regional Development Agency from Maribor.
The green transition strategy, as a strategic document, is being developed in Tuzla under the program “Strategic Approach to Green Transition – SAGT,” in partnership with the Regional Development Agency from Maribor, BIT Center in Tuzla, and with the support of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).