The EU project for collective action for the energy transition was officially launched today, bringing together diplomats, state institutions, local authorities, civil society and the media. Jointly co-financed by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and implemented by GIZ, the €3.5 million project will establish the first renewable energy communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Under the slogan “Together for the Energy Transition”, the initiative aims to empower local municipalities, citizens and private actors to develop sustainable energy solutions that create jobs, improve energy efficiency and advance climate goals.
“The European Union, in close partnership with the Government of Germany, is proud to support Bosnia and Herzegovina in establishing the first renewable energy communities. ‘Together for the Energy Transition’ is essentially our joint effort, demonstrating that significant progress comes through cooperation between the EU, our Member States, national and local authorities, and the communities that will ultimately benefit from it. These energy communities will increase renewable energy capacity, improve energy efficiency, create local jobs and contribute to a greener, more resilient and European future for all citizens,” said Adebayo Babajide, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Photo: EU and German Government launch first renewable energy communities in BiH
As a signatory to the Energy Community Treaty, Bosnia and Herzegovina is on its way to aligning with EU climate and energy standards. Renewable Energy Communities and other community-led initiatives will play a key role in increasing renewable energy capacity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the share of renewables – directly contributing to the goals set out in the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) of BiH.
“Energy and climate have long been top priorities of the German government, and this year we mark 30 years of development cooperation between Germany and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Through the Regional Climate Partnership, we support ambitious climate goals that are essential for improving living conditions, protecting the environment and fostering prosperity across the region. This also strengthens the alignment of the Berlin Process with the EU Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, which aims to make Europe climate-neutral by 2050. I am very pleased and proud that we will soon jointly launch and support the first renewable energy projects that will bring concrete, measurable improvements to people’s everyday lives. This is a strong example of our cooperation,” said Alfred Grannas, Ambassador of Germany to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
EU4CAET will provide a combination of technical assistance and grants to accelerate community-led pilot projects, including solar panels, heat pumps, biomass heating systems, public lighting upgrades and electric vehicle charging stations. Through communication activities and awareness-raising, the project will empower communities to take an active role in shaping BiH’s energy future.
“We are deeply committed to supporting local communities in developing their project ideas across a range of renewable energy technologies. We are now focused on tailored technical assistance to further advance these ideas and prepare quality applications for the grant call planned for February 2026 and 2027. What has been particularly encouraging is the exceptional level of interest and willingness shown by local communities from both entities to ‘break new ground’ – to propose their own project concepts, explore innovative solutions and actively shape their energy future. I would particularly like to commend their openness to new technologies and approaches, as well as their determination to become role models for others by developing and implementing projects independently,” emphasized Mareike Hahr, EU4CAET Project Manager.
Renewable Energy Communities and other community-led initiatives will significantly improve the quality of life of citizens across Bosnia and Herzegovina, with local communities becoming the driving forces of the energy transition and shaping a better energy future for the whole society.
The European Union and the Government of Germany remain committed to supporting a sustainable energy future for Bosnia and Herzegovina by empowering local communities and facilitating access to renewable energy solutions. Through close cooperation between citizens, municipalities and the private sector, this support aims to drive long-term changes that strengthen energy security and improve the quality of life across the country.