Anagrafe della ricerca

This project is positioned within the broader context of the ongoing eu integration processes and the need to further efforts towards sustainable urban development in the Western Balkan. The targeted region faces a critical need to adopt and implement policies aligned with the EU's green agenda. Given the challenges local governments face, particularly concerning capacity for sustainable/ integrated urban planning, this project directly aligns with the objectives outlined in the CEI Plan of Action 2024-2026 to promote EU integration by facilitating knowledge exchange and capacity-building initiatives. The project will focus on leveraging the URBACT IV program to introduce tested methodologies for sustainable development tailored to the needs of WB cities. The project, led by POLITO (as the know-how provider), will be implemented in collaboration with Co-PLAN in Albania and UBGEF in Serbia, both of whom bring unique expertise in urban and regional planning. The primary goal is to empower selected Balkan local governments (LGUs) through a tandem-based approach to build sustainable and resilient urban environments. By developing an incubation program and hosting collaborative training and peer-learning activities, the project will enhance the municipalities' capacities to propose viable, impactful project proposals in response to the upcoming URBACT IV call in 2026. Key Foreseen Activities (i) Design an Incubation Program: POLITO will lead a training-focused incubation program to provide Co-PLAN, UBGEF, and selected LGUs with targeted skills to address sustainability challenges. (ii) Undertake Training Missions: two in-country training missions in Albania and Serbia, bringing together stakeholders from government ministries and municipalities for cross-learning on sustainable urban governance. (iii) Peer Learning Meeting: Joint learning event in Tirana/ Belgrade allowing LGU representatives to discuss shared challenges, fostering collaboration and joint solutions. (iv) Foster Engagement with Ministries to ensure the sustainability of the initiatives: The project will collaborate with the Ministry of Integration in Serbia and Albania’s Minister of State for Local Governance to strengthen the role of local governments in advancing sustainability and EU compliance efforts.