Under the theme “The Future of Local Governance in the Western Balkans:Cooperation, Participation and EU Integration”, the Second Regional Conference of the Regional Programme for Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 3 (ReLOaD3) was held in Jahorina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, on June 23 and 24, 2026.

ReLOaD3 is funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). ReLOaD3 is implemented in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.

The conference brought together representatives of local governments from across the Western Balkans, the EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina, UNDP, and regional initiatives to discuss the future of local governance in the region through the lenses of cooperation, participation and foresight of EU integration.

The conference served as a regional platform to exchange lessons learned, reflect on emerging priorities, and identify opportunities for further strengthening local democracy, transparent public funding, civic engagement and cooperation of local governments with civil society, defining shared commitment to local democracy and EU integration across the Western Balkans.

The conference was opened by Mr. Nikola Ašanin, Assistant Minister at the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who highlighted the importance of the conference’s topic for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region.

“The role of local governments is extremely important as Bosnia and Herzegovina and Western Balkans advance on its European path. Municipalities and cities are the key actors in delivering public services, strengthening democratic participation, fostering regional cooperation, and implementing the standards and reforms required for EU integration”, said Mr. Ašanin. 

Mr. Fermin Cordoba, Policy Officer at the Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina spoke about the role of the conference to enable local governments to identify innovative solutions to shared challenges. 

“The European Union remains committed to supporting local governance and citizen participation throughout the region. We look forward to the recommendations emerging from this conference and to continuing our partnership in building more transparent, participatory and accountable local democracy”, said Mr. Cordoba.

Mr. Renaud Meyer, Resident Representative of UNDP in Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighted the strong EU–UNDP partnership in supporting civil society through the ReLOaD3 programme, which is being implemented in 47 partner municipalities across the Western Balkans. 

“Through ReLOaD3, implemented in partnership with the European Union, UNDP supports municipalities across the Western Balkans in strengthening transparency, accountability and citizen participation. The Programme is not only contributing to aligning local governance practices with European standards and values, it also promotes more inclusive and responsive local governance, fostering progress towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals and strengthening long-term resilience of local communities.”

*For the European Union, this designation is without prejudice to position on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence. For UNDP all references to Kosovo shall be understood in the context of the UN SC Resolution 1244/1999.