The French Embassy in Serbia has announced the launch of the third “Eco-municipality” competition for sustainable cities, designed as a platform for dialogue and exchange of experiences among local governments, companies, and institutions in combating climate change. Local administrations can apply until July 7.
French Ambassador to Serbia Pierre Kocher and State Secretary of the Ministry of Environmental Protection Sandra Dokić have reviewed the achievements of this project and unveiled plans for the upcoming cycle.
Kocher stated that this contest represents a pillar of cooperation between France and Serbia, targeting local communities, youth, and educators to foster ecological and civic awareness.
The competition, spanning four categories (sustainable waste management, sustainable water management, energy-efficient buildings, and smart cities or sustainable mobility), will award eight local administrations, which will be invited to study trips in France.
Municipalities and cities can apply by filling out a questionnaire available on the website www.ekoopstina.rs.
Winners will be selected based on these questionnaires, evaluated by a jury of domestic experts from the universities of Belgrade and Novi Sad, and civil society organizations (SKGO, NALED), with the awards ceremony scheduled for October.
The contest is organized in partnership with the Serbian Ministry of Environmental Protection, the European Union Delegation in Serbia, Veolia Institute, Saint-Gobain, Decathlon, NALED, and SKGO, and companies like Decathlon, Stadistsche, HUOT, and Fonroche Lighting – BBAi.
The previous two editions of this program allowed representatives from 16 Serbian towns and municipalities to visit Paris, Lille, Nice, Clermont-Ferrand, and Lens, exploring waste treatment and water purification facilities, pilot projects, and urban quarters built on energy efficiency principles, as well as cities leading in sustainable urban mobility.
Additionally, four Serbian primary schools that won in the “Green Schools” category received sports equipment for their gyms, donated by project partner Decathlon in Serbia, enhancing the sporting facilities for all their students.