FUNDA Partners’ Meeting in Subotica: From Pilot Activities to Joint Solutions for Functional Urban Areas in the Danube Region

During the partners’ meeting, participants exchanged information on the progress of the project, the implementation of thematic pilot activities and the next steps. Particular attention was given to the three joint pilot activities focusing on public services, green infrastructure and business infrastructure.

As a project partner, SERDA is responsible for implementing the pilot activity dedicated to green infrastructure planning, through which approaches to green infrastructure planning are being developed and tested within FUA Sarajevo. SERDA is also the lead partner for the Capacity Building activity, aimed at strengthening the capacities of relevant stakeholders for the planning and management of Functional Urban Areas. Representatives of the Municipality of Centar Sarajevo, an associated project partner from Bosnia and Herzegovina, also attended the partners’ meetings and had the opportunity to learn about good practices in Functional Urban Area planning.

On the second day, a transnational workshop focused on the challenges and opportunities related to Functional Urban Areas, integrated territorial governance and the importance of participatory planning. Through World Café discussions, participants explored ways to strengthen community involvement in the development of Functional Urban Areas, as well as to improve governance and supporting policies. The conclusions and recommendations will provide important input for the development of an integrated participatory planning methodology within the FUNDA project.

The programme also included a study visit to the Subotica Free Zone, where participants learned about experiences in developing business infrastructure and its role in supporting territorial development.

The meeting in Subotica provided an important opportunity for exchanging experiences and jointly shaping solutions that will contribute to more sustainable and integrated development of Functional Urban Areas across the Danube Region.