The Mayor of Sarajevo, Samir Avdic, yesterday presented at a press conference the results of the work of the current city administration during the first five months of its mandate, and announced key projects and development priorities that will mark 2026. He conveyed that Sarajevo has a clear vision of development, strong projects, and people who believe in this city.
Mayor Avdic emphasized that from the very first day of the mandate, the focus has been placed on responsible governance and the protection of Sarajevo’s tangible and intangible heritage, as well as on strengthening the capacities of the City Administration. In this context, activities were initiated to return the city administration to its statutory headquarters – the DPO building in Skenderija – and the process of digital modernization was launched in cooperation with the IDDEA Agency, with the aim of establishing a more efficient, transparent, and citizen-accessible administration.
Cooperation with higher levels of government
Special emphasis was placed on cooperation with cantonal and federal institutions, as well as line ministries, in order to ensure the joint implementation of projects of strategic importance for the City of Sarajevo, Canton Sarajevo (CS), and the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH).
With the adoption of the Budget of the City of Sarajevo for 2026, in the amount of 26.154.700 BAM, representing an increase of 15.85 percent, the preconditions have been created for the implementation of a series of capital and development projects, with the project “Clean Miljacka River” highlighted as the highest priority.
Rehabilitation of the Miljacka and city streams
Therefore, an Expert Working Group was formed for this project to coordinate all phases. At the same time, the rehabilitation of the Bistricki and Kosevski streams continues, as well as the repair of damaged cascades in the bed of the Miljacka River.
Among the important infrastructure projects are the start of construction of the pedestrian bridge “Paper Bridge,” the rehabilitation and phased renovation of the Otoka Olympic Swimming Pool, the preparation of the main project for the first phase of reconstruction of the Olympic Stadium “Asim FerhatovicHase,” co-financing of sports and recreational fields in the Zetra complex, and the procurement of documentation for the restoration of the Astronomical Observatory.
In partnership with municipalities and CS, the reconstruction of the kindergarten “Agan Bostandzic” is being completed, while the opening of the fully renovated kindergarten “Kolibri” is expected in 2026.
The construction of the Memorial to Civilian Victims of the War will continue, while a complete rehabilitation of the fountain at the Square of the Victims of the Srebrenica Genocide is planned for 2026.
Renovation of facades, bridges, and children’s playgrounds
Projects are also planned for the reconstruction and restoration of facades of significant public buildings, including the First Gymnasium, the National Theatre, and the “Safvet-beg Basagic” Primary School, co-financing of the renovation of the Cumurija Bridge, and the construction and renovation of children’s playgrounds through public calls.
Thanks to the engagement of the City Service for Sustainable Development, the City of Sarajevo is currently participating in more than 25 projects financed from European Union (EU) funds and other international sources, through which around 10 million BAM is being attracted to the city.
Projects for the environment, mobility, and citizen inclusion
The projects are focused on improving urban mobility, environmental protection, energy efficiency, inclusion, and the arrangement of public spaces.
Among them are the procurement of an electric vehicle for transporting children with developmental difficulties, equipping city museums, arranging neglected urban spaces, establishing a therapeutic garden for the rehabilitation of citizens, planting trees as a symbol of peace, subsidizing the purchase and repair of bicycles, and actively involving citizens through the Climate Assembly and the Citizens’ Forum.
The City of Sarajevo continues to provide strong support to vulnerable categories of society, persons with disabilities, national minorities, religious communities, and elderly persons, through co-financing programs, social and recreational activities.
A special focus remains on culture, education, and sports. During 2025, almost 2 million BAM was allocated from the Budget of the City of Sarajevo for these areas.
Sarajevo continues to strengthen its position as a city of festivals and a UNESCO City of Film, with strong support for the Sarajevo Film Festival and other relevant cultural events.
Scholarships, awards, and investments in schools
In the field of education, 398 scholarships were awarded to secondary school students, students with outstanding achievements were rewarded, and significant funds were invested in improving school facilities, equipment, and teaching conditions.
Sarajevo has further strengthened its international position through numerous official visits and participation in global peace initiatives, including the awarding of the prestigious Mediterranean Peace Prize to the City of Sarajevo.
For 2026, the organization of the Summit of Mayors of the capitals of the region in Sarajevo was announced, with a focus on regional cooperation, the green transition, digitalization, and sustainable urban development.
Finally, the mayor announced a Public New Year’s Eve celebration on the plateau behind Sarajevo City Center, with a rich music program, and invited citizens and visitors to welcome 2026 in Sarajevo.
“Sarajevo has a clear vision of development, strong projects, and people who believe in this city. We continue to build an open, solidary, and modern Sarajevo, a city tailored to all its citizens,” Mayor Avdic said, extending wishes for a happy and successful New Year 2026.
