Sarajevo has been selected as one the cities that will take part in the EU-funded Mission to deliver 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030. It was one of 377 applicants, of which only 12 were not in EU member states.
The Cities Mission will bring together local authorities, citizens, businesses, investors, regional and national authorities to work on turning selected cities into climate-neutral, smart and innovative hubs that would be examples for other cities.
Joining the Cities Mission gives Sarajevo an opportunity to be at the forefront of transition towards climate neutrality and countering climate change, while also delivering multiple benefits to citizens in terms of reducing pollution, traffic congestion, energy bills and introducing healthier lifestyles.
The Head of the EU Delegation and EU Special Representative to Bosnia and Herzegovina Johann Sattler underlined: “Being selected for this Mission, which will involve technical and financial support over 10 years, will allow Sarajevo to tackle its chronic air pollution problem comprehensively and lead to new jobs and a better standard of living for citizens. Through this Mission, Sarajevo can become a champion of the Green Agenda for the whole Western Balkans.”
Sarajevo’s application was led by Sarajevo Canton Prime Minister Edin Forto joined by 17 mayors and included inputs from experts from municipalities of Centar, Hadžići, Ilidža, Ilijaš, Novi Grad, Novo Sarajevo, Stari Grad, Trnovo, Vogošća, City of Sarajevo as well as City of Istočno Sarajevo and municipalities Istočna Ilidža, Istočno Novo Sarajevo, Istočni Stari Grad, Pale, Sokolac and Trnovo. It was supported by the EU Delegation to BiH, the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the US Embassy.
Following the selection, Climate City Contracts will be drawn up, signed and implemented by each participating city. The Contracts will be co-created with local stakeholders and citizens, with the help of a Mission Platform. They will set out plans for the city to achieve climate neutrality by 2030 and they will include an investment plan. While not legally binding, they will demonstrate clear will and commitment to the EU and its goals.
The Mission Platform will provide the necessary technical, regulatory and financial assistance to cities. In addition, Horizon Europe will invest around €350 million in research and innovation actions linked to the Mission (e.g. in mobility, energy, urban planning) in the period 2021-23.
Background
EU Missions are a novelty of the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme for the years 2021-2027 and a new way to bring concrete solutions to some of the greatest challenges societies are facing. They have clear objectives that are time-bound, realistic, measurable and targeted and will deliver tangible results by 2030.
They will deliver impact by putting research and innovation into a new role, combined with new forms of governance and collaboration, as well as by engaging citizens and showcasing the added value of the EU.
Missions will also help deliver key EU policy priorities such as the European Green Deal, Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, NextGenerationEU, the EU Industrial Strategy and A Europe fit for the Digital Age, amongst others.
