Energy Efficiency

GIZ & SEE associations of municipalities develop lobbying strategy

Photo: GIZ ORF-EE

Published

March 29, 2016

Country

Comments

comments icon

0

Share

Published:

March 29, 2016

Country:

Comments:

comments icon

0

Share

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and Associations of Municipalities (AoMs) from Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo* and Macedonia (FYR) are currently in the process of developing a Lobbying and Advocacy Strategy on Energy Efficiency in South-East Europe.

Once completed, the strategy will be at the disposal of all AoMs in the region and should help them effectively address their national governments with the aim of improving conditions for development of energy efficiency and sustainable energy management systems in municipalities. It is expected that the strategy will be finalized and put to use end of April this year.

Complementary to the strategy development, from March 21 to 23, a study trip to Serbia was organized bringing together partner AoMs and GIZ representatives. The overall focus of the visit was on regional knowledge and best practice exchange aimed at strengthening of the energy efficiency sector of South-East Europe. The gathering presented an opportunity to discuss lobbying and advocacy practices of the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities (SKGO) of Serbia, which has established an elaborate and successful strategic approach to lobbying and advocacy in the energy efficiency sector. Representatives of SKGO presented their lobbying activities and strategic planning processes demonstrating how effective communication can help sustainable development.

As part of the study visit program, participants also visited the Office for Energy Management of the Municipality of Vrbas, as a positive example of organization and strategic planning practices in reference to data collection on energy use in public buildings, considered crucial for informed and impactful advocacy.

Dubravka Bošnjak, Manager of the Energy Efficiency in Municipal Associations (EeMA) project, within which the strategy and the study trip are being implemented, stated that the strategy will strengthen the capacities of AoMs to conduct effective lobbying and advocacy, enabling them to take part in decision-making processes, thus providing crucial contributions for the development of the energy efficiency sector in the region.

EeMA is financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the Swiss Government. The project is implemented by the GIZ Open Regional Funds for Energy Efficiency and Modernization of Municipal Services.

* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/99 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.

Related Articles

croatia vireas agency north AI energy

Meet VIREAS: new AI-powered virtual assistant for energy

22 July 2025 - The VIREAS app is an interactive platform that enables users to engage with an AI assistant on various topics related to energy

Slovenia grants renewables district heating cooling

Slovenia kicks off grants program for renewables-based district heating, cooling

22 July 2025 - Slovenia is cofunding the construction or restructuring of district heating and cooling systems using renewable energy sources

GGF grows direct lending energy transition energy security

Impact Report 2024: GGF grows direct lending, committed to energy transition, energy security

11 July 2025 - In its Impact Report 2024, Green for Growth Fund outlined powering the green transition across Southeast Europe, the Caucasus and beyond

projects euros modernisation fund celan energy

EU’s Modernisation Fund disburses EUR 3.66 billion for clean energy projects in nine countries

04 July 2025 - Focusing on renewables, grids, storage, and energy efficiency, the funds will support projects in Croatia, Slovenia, Greece, and Romania.