The report provides insight into reforms and investments that can make cities in the Western Balkans more resilient to natural disasters, more competitive and more livable. It covers six economies of the Western Balkans: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.
Climate change is a serious issue in the Western Balkans, with extreme weather events on the rise. Since the 2000s, the region has been experiencing more heatwaves. What's more, both droughts and heavy rainfall have become more frequent, reversing a trend of decline seen from the 1970s to the 1990s.
Small and medium-sized cities in the Western Balkans are more exposed to climate shocks and stressors than their counterparts in other parts of Europe and Central Asia. Many of these cities are also expanding into disaster-prone areas, increasing their exposure to climate risks. These trends are exacerbated by existing and worsening vulnerabilities in urban areas in the region, placing municipal governments and local communities under increasing pressure.
So, what can be done? In the Western Balkans, the challenge of achieving sustained economic growth while addressing environmental and climate change issues is a multifaceted one. A comprehensive approach is needed, one that spans various sectors and levels of government. This will need to be supplemented by the increasingly crucial role played by private sector and local communities.
To ready cities in the Western Balkans in the face of a changing climate, the report “Reshaping Cities” lays out four pathways: green, resilient, inclusive, and competitive.
Green actions for sustainable urban development involve revising zoning to limit sprawl, encouraging mixed-use, high-density development, and integrating spatial planning. Shrinking cities can prioritize environmental protection and social equity instead of unattainable growth, leading to reduced energy consumption and pollution while enhancing quality of life.
Resilient cities are essential for Western Balkans to adapt to challenges, focusing on managing infrastructure and implementing nature-based solutions to mitigate climate risks. Integrated waste, water, and emergency management are key for enhancing local capacities.
Inclusive pathways are crucial for addressing inequality, fostering community engagement and social cohesion, while investing in public services and promoting gender inclusion.
Cities must also be competitive drivers of collaboration between government and the private sector, supporting industries, promoting innovation, and exploring funding options like green bonds or carbon pricing tools to promote sustainable urban development.
