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A new cohort of the Twinning Learning Programme under the EU Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities Mission was launched on 1 December 2025, marking the start of a year-long collaboration between 22 twin cities and 18 Mission cities across Europe.
Among the selected partnerships, several Western Balkan cities are actively taking part, strengthening the region’s engagement in Europe’s climate neutrality efforts:
- Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina), twinned with Brno (Czechia) and Kumanovo (North Macedonia)
- Kumanovo (North Macedonia), partnering with Brno (Czechia) and Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
- Elbasan (Albania), twinned with Paredes (Portugal)
Through these partnerships, Western Balkan cities will directly benefit from the hands-on experience of Mission cities, while contributing local perspectives, challenges, and innovative ideas. The programme supports cities in advancing their climate actions, strengthening governance capacity, and accelerating progress towards climate neutrality by 2050.
Building on previous twinning successes, the 12-month programme offers structured cooperation, targeted feedback, and access to practical tools, workshops, and peer learning. The participation of Western Balkan cities highlights the growing integration of the region into EU climate and innovation initiatives and reinforces their role in shaping Europe’s sustainable urban future.