The UR-DATA project was proud to participate in the GREENFORCE Final Event, strengthening cross-project collaboration between two Horizon Europe Twinning initiatives committed to advancing the green transition in the Western Balkans.
As part of the event, Dr. Jelena Stanković (Faculty of Economics, University of Niš) took part in:
Panel 1 – Localizing the Green Agenda for the WB: Policy and Planning for a Just Green Transition (JGT)
Moderated by Mr. Alberto Giacometti, Nordregio, the panel brought together:
- Dr. Aleksander Djordjević, University of Belgrade
- Dr. Elona Karafili, POLIS University
- Dr. Jelena Stanković, UR-DATA project, University of Niš
- Mr. Oriana Arapi, Prime Minister’s Office, Albania
The panel explored how spatial planning systems, territorial governance, and evidence-based, participatory approaches can help translate climate and sustainability objectives into locally meaningful action.
Representing UR-DATA, Dr. Stanković highlighted the project’s contribution to building local data analytics capacities, particularly in under-resourced cities. She emphasized the critical need to integrate spatial data and decision-support tools into municipal planning to make green policies both impactful and just.
“UR-DATA and GREENFORCE are working in synergy to create a more evidence-informed, inclusive, and participatory approach to the green transition. Our collaboration shows how Horizon Europe Twinning projects can unlock regional potential through knowledge exchange and local empowerment,” Dr. Stanković stated.
The discussion also showcased Living Labs as a tool for citizen engagement and policy experimentation in the region, while acknowledging the limitations municipalities face in scaling these innovations without sustained support and stronger institutional frameworks. We continue to build a greener, fairer future—together with our valued colleagues from Co-Plan and POLIS University in Tirana.
