From 23-25 February, the B40 Summit in Sofia (Bulgaria) focused on the future of the green transition in the Balkans.

Jakub Mazur, Deputy Mayor of Wroclaw (Poland) and Member of the ICLEI Europe Regional Executive Committee, spoke at the B40 Summit, representing ICLEI as an observer Member to B40 (Balkans Cities Network). He highlighted the need to leapfrog action for climate neutrality in line with the Aalborg Conditions on shared governance, integrated finance and a cohesive transition.

With many ICLEI Members already part of the B40 network, we are ready to support the capacity building of cities in the Balkans on the various important topics of climate action, cultural and economic cooperation, also considering the envisioned enlargement of the EU. Building on the strong Balkan culture, we are keen to step up creating thriving regions in the Balkans.

We have to ensure we do this in close cooperation with the national level as well as with the cities involved, ensuring we have an approach that suits the needs of the region and ensures jobs and skills, a healthy environment and opportunities for business to thrive.

ICLEI Europe has been an observer Member to B40 since 2024. We as ICLEI are keen to foster strategic partnerships with B40 and other key regional stakeholders. These collaborations will aim to advance sustainable development practices, enhance knowledge-sharing/ capacity building, and ensure a further alignment with EU standards. The focus will be on building long-term, impactful relationships that address local and regional challenges, while supporting climate action, equity, and resilience goals.