MERIT – Medijana Energy Roadmap & Inclusive Transition
Project title: Medijana Energy Roadmap & Inclusive Transition - MERIT
Partner: Heinrich Böll Stiftung
Location: Municipality of Medijana, City of Niš, Serbia
Timeline:February – December 2026 (Phase I)
About the Project
The MERIT project provides technical and process support to the Municipality of Medijana to develop a strategic document in Climate & Energy. By using a continuous, inclusive, and transparent citizen engagement process, the project aims to produce a legitimate, evidence-based roadmap for emissions reduction and climate resilience.
Year one focuses on establishing relationships with citizens and stakeholders, conducting a participatory policy planning process, and assessing needs to ensure a clear definition of long-term goals for a just energy transition.
Key Activities
Needs Assessment and Public Survey: Comprehensive stakeholder mapping (civil society, academia, housing associations, SMEs) followed by a public opinion survey to gather data on local needs and expectations regarding energy transition.
Municipal Capacity Building: A specialized training program for the municipal administration covering policy cycle management, transparency tools, and facilitation methods.
Energy Transition Workshops: Educational sessions on environmental challenges, sustainable development, and social issues, with a specific emphasis on just transition and gender equality.
Communication and Outreach: Hosting stakeholder events and conferences to present citizen priorities and creating user-friendly materials to explain the participatory planning process.
Expected Outcomes
Increased public trust and legitimacy through transparent and participatory policy planning.
At least 20 municipal leaders and administration staff trained in participatory policy planning.
Up to 100 local stakeholders (policymakers, SMEs, energy professionals) engaged in the co-creation process.
Positioning Medijana as a demonstration model for other local self-governments in Serbia on how to improve transparency and build citizen-municipal relationships.