Climate Bridges – Network in Action
Strengthening climate governance and cooperation in the Western Balkans by building capacities, fostering partnerships, and promoting public engagement for effective climate action and sustainable development.
© 2025 EUKI
Project Info
Countries:
Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Slovenia
Project duration:
12/24 – 03/27
Target groups:
Civil society, Non-governmental organizations, EU institutions,
Funding: 455,095.56 €
Contact info
Contact: Zana Vokopola
Implementing organisation:
– Urban Research Institute
Email: zvokopola@uri.org.al
Partner:
– CIPRA International Lab GmbH
– Association Green Istria
– Center for Climate Change – CCC
– CENER 21 – Center for Energy, Environment and Resources
Background
The Western Balkans is a region navigating EU accession while facing significant climate challenges. Despite adopting climate policies and plans, countries such as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia struggle with limited administrative capacity, insufficient funding, and weak cooperation between civil society organisations (CSOs) and governmental bodies.
The project aligns with the EU Green Deal and national climate strategies, such as Albania’s National Climate Change Strategy and Montenegro’s National Strategy on Climate Change, to foster regional integration and climate neutrality by 2050. It enhances governance structures, builds capacity, and increases public engagement to address climate change effectively. By strengthening the Climate Bridges Network and promoting collaboration, the project ensures alignment with European and national policy frameworks, contributing to the region’s sustainable development.
Project
The Climate Bridges project addresses critical gaps in climate governance and mitigation efforts. The initiative focuses on enhancing collaboration between CSOs, governmental bodies, and private sector actors to address gaps in climate policy implementation. Building on the existing network of 35 members, the initiative aims to expand to 50 organizations while establishing a sustainable governance structure that will ensure long-term regional climate action. Through its comprehensive approach, the project seeks to strengthen the implementation of the Green Agenda for Western Balkans, enhance public awareness of climate challenges, and build institutional capacity for effective climate mitigation. A key focus is developing innovative governance models that can be replicated across the region, particularly in the context of EU accession requirements for enhanced civil society participation and transparent governance.
Key activities include:
- Developing Local Green Agendas for two municipalities, providing tailored strategies for climate action.
- Capacity-building workshops for CSOs and local governments to improve their ability to plan and implement climate mitigation measures.
- Transnational events and national forums to facilitate the exchange of best practices and foster regional cooperation.
- Creating a Best Practices Toolbox, compiling strategies, guidelines, and case studies to support climate action.
- Coordinating public awareness campaigns, focusing on climate-neutral mobility and just transition to increase public engagement.
- Establishing a governing structure for the Climate Bridges Network through development of strategies and a manifesto defining transnational climate cooperation.
- Recognizing climate innovation through a regional competition to collect and showcase exemplary climate action initiatives from across the Western Balkans.
By empowering local actors and promoting inclusive governance, the project drives sustainable climate actions and fosters a culture of collaboration.
