| Description | Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, joined the EU Mission on April 28, 2022, strengthening its commitment to sustainable urban development and cleaner mobility. The city faces a major environmental challenge due to its geographical position in a valley surrounded by mountains, which causes heavy air pollution during the winter months. Smog blankets the city as emissions from heating, traffic, and outdated vehicles accumulate, with diesel use increasing more than 400% over the last decade. Recognizing traffic as the main environmental problem, Sarajevo has placed sustainable and environmentally friendly mobility at the center of its strategy to improve air quality, reduce congestion, enhance its appeal to tourists, and protect its historic heritage.
Sarajevo’s best practices demonstrate long-term dedication to change. In 2010, the mayor joined the Covenant of Mayors, committing to reduce CO₂ emissions by 20% by 2020, followed by the adoption of the Sustainable Energy Action Plan in 2011, which successfully implemented measures in energy efficiency and traffic management. Since then, several projects have reshaped mobility in the city: the Nextbike bicycle-sharing system was introduced in 2016, providing affordable and sustainable transport options; new trams were purchased with support from the European Investment Bank (€75 million), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and other donors, with 15 trams already delivered and 10 more on order; 25 new trolleybuses were added, alongside the construction of a modern washing station for public transport. In parallel, the city invested in cycling infrastructure, building 16 kilometers of new bike lanes and launching a 15-kilometer panoramic cycling route.
Through these coordinated initiatives, Sarajevo has proven its commitment to transforming urban mobility and addressing the severe air pollution caused by heating and traffic. The city’s focus on sustainable transport and energy efficiency not only reduces CO₂ emissions but also improves citizens’ quality of life and positions Sarajevo as a strong example for other cities in the Danube region facing similar environmental and geographical challenges. |
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