The B40 Balkan Cities Network is set to commence its 2026 cycle of Working Group meetings, bringing together member cities to advance cooperation, exchange expertise, and strengthen local governance across the region.
Under Zagreb’s presidency, a new approach has been introduced this year, whereby the leadership of the Working Groups has been assumed by member cities, further enhancing ownership, inclusivity, and collaborative governance within the network.
In this context, the first meeting of the year, the Local Economic and Cultural Cooperation Working Group, will be held on 15 April 2026, under the leadership of İzmir Metropolitan Municipality. The online session will convene experts from B40 member cities to explore opportunities for enhancing regional economic collaboration, fostering cultural exchange, and promoting culture and tourism alongside sustainable local development.
Following this initial gathering, two additional Working Group meetings will take place in May 2026, both coordinated by Zagreb in its capacity as chair. The Local Climate Action Working Group will convene on 14 May 2026, focusing on accelerating urban climate policies, sharing best practices on mitigation and adaptation, and reinforcing cities’ roles in addressing the climate crisis. Meanwhile, the Local Democracy and Migration Working Group will provide a platform for dialogue on inclusive governance, democratic resilience, and migration management at the local level. These sessions will also bring together relevant experts and practitioners from member municipalities.
In addition to the online meetings, it is envisaged that participants of each Working Group will convene at least once in person in the chair city over the course of the year, further strengthening collaboration and fostering direct exchange among member cities.
The annual schedule of the Smart Cities and Digital Transformation Working Group will be announced in the coming period.
These meetings mark an important step in the B40 Network’s ongoing efforts to deepen collaboration among Balkan cities and to deliver tangible outcomes through thematic working groups. By fostering dialogue and practical cooperation, the B40 continues to empower local authorities as key actors in shaping a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for the region.
