Strengthening Partnerships: Visit of SALAR International Board to Bosnia and Herzegovina
In September, Bosnia and Herzegovina welcomed the Board of SALAR International for a visit that carried a clear message: the country’s journey towards the European Union cannot be complete without strong, empowered local governments and the associations that represent them.
Led by Board Chair Ewa-May Karlsson, Vice-Chair Erik Langby, and Managing Director Ryan Knox, the delegation travelled across the country, meeting municipal leaders, association representatives, and international partners. Over several days, they sought to deepen partnerships, share Swedish experiences, and most importantly, listen to the voices of local authorities who need to be on the front lines of EU accession.
The Board visited, among others, the municipality of Istočna Ilidža
Listening to Local Voices
The Board of SALAR International visited Kakanj, a municipality known for its proactive approach to local development and access to EU funding. Welcomed by the Mayor and local project teams, the delegation heard about priorities, challenges, and ambitions for aligning with EU standards. Kakanj proudly presented its role in the URBACT Pioneers Accelerator project on sustainable tourism, where SALAR International provided support during the application process. With activities running from April 2025 to September 2026 and a budget of €35,000, the initiative has already become a concrete example of how EU funding can open doors for small communities.
Further east, in Istočna Ilidža, the focus shifted from economic growth to social inclusion. Representatives of the municipal administration and members of the AMC’s Gender Network spoke about their work to advance gender equality and ensure municipalities learn from one another’s experience. It was here that the broader discussion on the role of local governments focused on fairness, equal rights, and creating opportunities for women in everyday life.
In Sarajevo’s iconic City Hall, the delegation was welcomed by Deputy Mayor Mirela Dževherović, who emphasised the City’s determination to strengthen cooperation with partners at home and abroad. In return, members of the SALAR International board expressed their long-standing support, emphasising that strategic local leadership is essential for turning EU aspirations into concrete reforms.
The board in Municipality of Kakanj. From left: Ryan Knox, Managing Director at SALAR International; Marcus Holmberg, Board member; Mirnes Bajtarević, Mayor of Kakanj; Ewa-May Karlsson, Board Chair; Erik Langby, Vice-Chair; Marléne Hugosson, Board member, and Sofia Avdeitchikova, Board member.
Conference on the role of local governments in EU accession
The highlight of the visit came with the Sarajevo conference, “Engaging Municipalities and Cities in the EU Accession Process in Bosnia and Herzegovina.” More than 130 participants from 65 municipalities, including 30 mayors, gathered alongside international organisations, diplomats, and representatives of the Directorate for European Integration, entity and cantonal authorities.
Here, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s local leaders stood shoulder to shoulder with their European counterparts. SALAR International and Associations of Municipalities and Cities of Bosnia and Herzegovina brought together voices from the EU Committee of the Regions, NALAS, SALAR, and many others countries. SALAR representatives offered insights from Sweden’s own journey to EU membership, showing how local governments prepared to meet new standards and opportunities.
The discussions made one point resonate above all: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU membership will depend not only on high-level negotiations, but also on the capacities, preparedness, strength, and vision for the inclusion of its municipalities.
Building the Future Together
The Board’s visit concluded with a renewed sense of partnership between local governments from Sweden and Bosnia and Herzegovina. From Kakanj to Istočna Ilidža, from Sarajevo’s City Hall to a conference hall filled with local leaders, the message was the same: local governments are not bystanders in the EU process - they are its backbone.