On October 18, 2024, the UR-DATA project hosted a successful panel discussion as part of the International Scientific Conference (ISC) “Circular Economy: Trends and Perspectives, held at the Faculty of Economics in Niš. The panel, titled Smart and Sustainable Cities: Advancing Circular Economy and Environmental Resilience in the Western Balkans, brought together policy-makers from Montenegro, Croatia, and Serbia to explore how regional collaboration can drive smart and resilient urban growth.
Moderated by Professor Pavle Petrović, corresponding member of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts (SASA), the panel provided a platform for an in-depth discussion on the integration of the EU Green Deal principles into urban development strategies. The dialogue focused on circular economy, smart technologies, and environmental sustainability, examining challenges and opportunities for transforming cities to align with the EU’s vision for a greener, more circular, and climate-resilient future.
The panel featured:
- Siniša Mitrović, head of the Circular Economy Center at the Serbian Chamber of Commerce
- Olivera Vukajlović, Advisor for Sustainable Development to the President of Montenegro
- Prof. Saša Čegar, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Economics at the University of Rijeka and member of the Working Group for the Development of the Bioeconomy Strategy until 2035, Ministry of Agriculture, Croatia
The discussion explored how regional and local governments can align their urban development strategies with the goals of the EU Green Deal, focusing on climate neutrality, green infrastructure, and sustainable urban planning. Panellists also addressed the promotion of circular economy practices in urban development, emphasising the need for policies that foster waste reduction, reuse, and enhanced resource efficiency.
Regional collaboration was underscored as a vital component in advancing sustainable urban growth. The panel emphasised that cross-border partnerships between Montenegro, Croatia, and Serbia play a crucial role in developing cohesive strategies for smart, green cities. Panellists shared their perspectives on the challenges of planning climate-neutral cities, focusing on how innovative policy solutions can help overcome these obstacles and facilitate the transition to more sustainable urban models.
The panel concluded with a strong commitment to continuing regional cooperation and policy dialogue to foster smarter, greener, and more resilient cities in the Western Balkans. The event was followed by the ISC program and a networking session that allowed participants to further discuss opportunities for collaboration.
