Sustainable Cities Serbia - Unlocking the transformational potential of cities for the green transition - June 2023

Jul 19, 2026

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Sustainable Cities Serbia examines how cities drive Serbia’s economy and shape the country’s green transition through improved services, climate action, and disaster resilience. The report links urbanization and spatial expansion to livability, productivity, and environmental outcomes while addressing demographic shifts such as population decline, aging, and concentration in cities. It analyzes climate and disaster risks, including floods, heatwaves, urban heat island effects, seismic threats, and the role of air quality, energy, urban transport, and water supply and sanitation services in vulnerability.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages77

Reading Time3 h 14 min

Contents

Executive Summary

1. Urbanization in Serbia and the importance of cities

2. Climate Action, Disaster Resilience, and Urban Services

Public Disc losure Authorized Sustainable Cities Serbia: Unlocking the transformational potential of cities for the green transition Pub lic Disc losure Authorized JUNE 2023 © 2023 World Bank, 1818 H Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., 20433, U.S.A. [www.worldbank.org](www.worldbank.org) Rights and Permissions The material in this work is subject to copyright. Because the World Bank encourages dissemination of its knowledge, this work may be reproduced, in whole or in part, for non-commercial purposes as long as full attribution to this work is given. Any queries on rights and licenses, including subsidiary rights, should be addressed to World Bank Publications, The World Bank Group, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA; fax: 202-522- 2625; e-mail: [pubrights@worldbank.org](pubrights@worldbank.org). Photo Credits Shutterstock Disclaimer This report is part of the Green, Livable and Resilient Cities in Serbia: Strengthening Sustainable and Resilient Urban Development (ID: P176192) Serbia (Europe and Central Asia) which is funded through the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) . The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of its authors and should in no way be taken to reflect the official views of the World Bank Board of Executive Directors, or the governments they represent, including the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) financing this Program. The findings, interpretations and conclusions expressed in this work do not necessarily reflect the views of the World Bank. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this work. The boundaries, colors, denominations, and other information shown on any map in this work do not imply any judgement on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory orthe endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. Nothing herein shall constitute of be considered to be a limitation upon or waiver of the privileges and immunities of The World Bank, all of which are specifically reserved. Contents Acknowledgments......................................................................................................................................... v [Acronyms ..................................................................................................................................................... vi](Acronyms ..................................................................................................................................................... vi) [Abstract...............................](Abstract...............................)........................................................................................................................ vii Executive Summary.................................................................................................................................... viii Cities are the driving force of Serbia’s economy and play a key role in the country’s green transition viii Improved services, climate action and disaster resilience are key to better urban performance.......... ix Improved planning, land management, and investments are critical to enable a green transition ........ x To deliver on the green agenda, Serbia will need to recast the focus to cities........................................ x 1. Urbanization in Serbia and the importance of cities ................................................................................ 1 1.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Demographic trends: a declining and aging population is relocating within Serbia .................... 2 1.2.1 Serbia’s population is declining but is increasingly concentrating in urban areas ............... 2 1.2.2 Serbia’s urban system is characterized by fewer large cities compared to other countries.......

FAQs

How do Serbian cities contribute to the green transition?

Cities drive Serbia’s economy and play a key role in implementing the green transition through improved services, climate action, and disaster resilience.

What demographic and spatial trends does the report highlight?

The report describes a declining and aging population that increasingly concentrates in urban areas, alongside continued expansion of the urban footprint despite population decline.

Which climate and disaster risks are emphasized for Serbian cities?

The report focuses on floods, heatwaves and the urban heat island effect, and seismic risk—especially for older and illegally or informally built homes.

Jul 19, 2026

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