Hamburg Declaration on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans

At the First Ministerial Meeting within the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, held in Hamburg, representatives from six countries in the region reached an agreement on a joint declaration focused on climate neutrality and sustainable development.

This declaration represents a continuation of the Sofia Declaration from 2020 and emphasizes the urgency of taking action to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Participants highlighted the importance of regional cooperation as a key element in achieving the goals of the GAWB Action Plan for the period 2021-2030.

Ministers committed to reviewing the GAWB Action Plan and agreed on the development of a Climate Adaptation Roadmap, which will serve as the basis for the development of a regional strategy by 2026. They also discussed mechanisms for carbon pricing by 2030, creating a framework for reducing emissions.

“Our joint effort for sustainable development must include all sectors of society, from local authorities to the private sector,” emphasized a minister from one of the participating countries.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, as part of this process, will consider the proposed activities in accordance with the constitutional division of competences among the state institutions, entities, and cantons. The cooperation of all relevant institutions in BiH will be crucial for achieving the goals of the Green Agenda and the Action Plan.

The declaration also supports initiatives for green mobility and the development of renewable energy sources. Participants agreed that a just transition towards a climate-neutral economy is of essential importance, with a special emphasis on supporting the most affected regions.

This meeting marks a significant step towards strengthening environmental awareness and cooperation among the Western Balkan countries, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future in the region.

22 - 26 SEPTEMBER 2025

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