AGP Executive Report

Wildfire Damage in Focus: Bosnia and Herzegovina recorded about 40,000 hectares burned this summer, putting it first in the region by fire-affected area, with more than 200 fires and a worrying pattern of human negligence or intent behind many blazes. Nature Protection in Action: As drought and heat threaten Livno’s wild horses, the Armed Forces delivered drinking water to the Kruzi plateau, framing the move as support for nature and a key local natural heritage. Climate Pressure Beyond Borders: A wider report warns that record heat and drought are intensifying wildfire risk across Europe, with climate change driving longer dry spells and more flammable vegetation. Media Freedom Under Strain: A Sarajevo debate highlighted growing threats to media freedom in BiH, including concentrated ownership, pressure on journalists, SLAPP lawsuits, and financial stress in public broadcasting. Water as a Regional Issue: Analysis argues Western Balkan rivers are becoming strategic assets under drought and rising demand, calling for shared data and regional cooperation rather than unilateral water moves. Community & Health: Sarajevo Run Fest drew 3,000+ runners from 50+ countries, including a Bambini Marathon for very young children, adding a public-health and inclusion angle to the week’s local news.

Wildfire aftermath in BiH: Bosnia and Herzegovina has recorded about 40,000 hectares burned this summer, the highest figure in the region, with more than 200 fires leaving damaged ecosystems and raising concerns about what comes after the first heavy rains. Human-caused fires: Civil Protection points to the “human factor” behind most blazes, including negligence and cases treated as criminal offenses. Livno drought relief for wildlife: The Armed Forces delivered drinking water to wild horses on the Kruzi plateau near Livno, stepping in as hot, dry weather threatens the animals’ access to water. Media freedom under pressure: A Sarajevo debate warned that media independence in BiH is being squeezed by concentrated ownership, journalist pressure, SLAPP lawsuits, and public broadcaster financial strain. Sarajevo Run Fest: The city hosted the Sarajevo Run Fest with 3,000+ runners from 50+ countries, including the Persil Sarajevo Half Marathon and the Bambini Marathon. Climate context: Western Europe’s record heat and depleted rivers are adding urgency to climate adaptation, with EU data linking extreme temperatures to drought and low water levels.

Wildlife & Drought Response in BiH: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s armed forces have delivered drinking water to wild horses on the Kruzi plateau near Livno as hot, dry weather threatens access to water, with soldiers using a military water tanker and framing the move as protection of a key natural heritage symbol. Climate & Disaster Watch: In Russia’s Kabardino-Balkaria, the death toll from an avalanche in the Bezingi Gorge has risen to 16, with one climber still missing and searches suspended as weather worsened. Regional Fire Risk: A report warns Serbia’s wildfire crisis is worsening across the Western Balkans, linking rising fire frequency and severity to climate change, hotter summers, and longer droughts that increase ecological and economic losses. Air Connectivity Policy: ACI EUROPE urged stronger policy support for sustainable air connectivity in Bosnia and Herzegovina, citing Sarajevo International Airport’s growth in passengers and connectivity and its role in the country’s economy and European integration. Community & Healthy Lifestyles: Sarajevo Run Fest kicks off with the Bambini Marathon, bringing hundreds of very young children to the city center and promoting movement and healthier habits.

Wildlife & Drought Response in BiH: Bosnia’s Armed Forces delivered drinking water to endangered wild horses on the Kruži plateau near Livno, using a specialized tanker as adverse weather worsens conditions—framed as protecting a “natural treasure” and part of broader disaster support. Climate & Fire Risk in the Region: A report warns Serbia’s wildfire crisis is intensifying across the Western Balkans, linking hotter summers, drought and depleted forests to climate change and rising ecological and economic losses. Water as a Regional Security Issue: Analysis argues Western Balkan rivers are becoming geopolitical assets as drought, energy demand and reservoir plans reshape flows, urging a EU-backed “Balkan Water Pact” with shared data and environmental flow safeguards. Aviation & Sustainability in BiH: ACI EUROPE calls for policy action to keep air connectivity growing in Bosnia and Herzegovina, citing Sarajevo Airport’s passenger rebound and connectivity gains alongside infrastructure needs. Community & Health Through Sport: Sarajevo Run Fest kicked off with the Bambini Marathon, promoting movement and healthier habits for very young children as part of a larger city event.

Wildlife & Drought Response in BiH: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Armed Forces delivered drinking water to endangered wild horses on the Kruzi plateau near Livno, using a military tanker after adverse weather left the animals especially vulnerable. Regional Climate Pressure: A report warns that Serbia’s wildfire crisis is worsening across the Western Balkans, with heatwaves and drought linked to climate change driving more frequent, severe forest fires and major ecological damage. Air Connectivity & Environment: ACI EUROPE urged stronger policy support for sustainable air connectivity in Bosnia and Herzegovina, citing Sarajevo International Airport’s growth in passenger traffic and connectivity as the country moves toward deeper integration with the European aviation area. Transboundary Water Politics: Analysis argues Western Balkan rivers are becoming geopolitical assets as drought and demand rise, calling for an EU-backed Balkan Water Pact with shared data and environmental flow protections to prevent unilateral water diversions. Sustainable Fisheries Cooperation: The FAO-backed GFCM set up a new Adriatic Sea technical unit hosted in Split to strengthen scientific cooperation and improve sustainable fisheries management across Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Italy, Montenegro and Slovenia.

Wildlife Relief in Livno: Bosnia’s Armed Forces delivered drinking water to endangered wild horses on the Kruzi plateau near Livno, responding to harsh weather that left the animals especially vulnerable. Climate & Fire Risk in the Region: A report warns Serbia’s wildfire crisis is worsening across the Western Balkans, linking hotter, drier conditions to climate change and the growing damage to forests and landscapes. Water as a Regional Flashpoint: Analysis highlights how drought, demand and infrastructure plans are turning transboundary rivers in the Balkans into a security and development issue, with Bosnia potentially tied into wider regional water corridors. Aviation & Connectivity: ACI EUROPE urged faster policy support for sustainable air connectivity in Bosnia and Herzegovina, citing Sarajevo Airport’s strong post-2019 traffic and connectivity gains and its economic role. Severe Weather Watch: Severe Weather Europe forecasts a two-day outbreak of thunderstorms across parts of the Mediterranean and the Adriatic, with risks including large hail, damaging winds, tornadoes and flash floods affecting the region. Sustainable Fisheries in the Adriatic: The FAO-backed GFCM set up a new Adriatic technical unit to strengthen science-based cooperation and sustainable fisheries management across Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Italy and neighbors.

Election Oversight: A seven-member Council of Europe team led by Jone Blikr will visit Bosnia and Herzegovina from Sept. 15–17 to assess the political climate and election campaign ahead of the Oct. 4 general elections, with meetings in Sarajevo and Banja Luka plus talks with OSCE/ODIHR, the Central Election Commission, civil society and media. Water for Wildlife: Bosnia’s Armed Forces sent a specialized water tanker to deliver drinking water to wild horses on the Kruzi plateau in Livno, responding to acute vulnerability amid adverse weather. Fisheries Cooperation: A new Adriatic Sea technical unit under the GFCM was inaugurated in Split to strengthen science-based, sustainable fisheries management across the region, including Bosnia and Herzegovina. Climate Pressure in Europe: Western Europe recorded its hottest summer on record, with record-warm seas, drought and depleted rivers raising the stakes for fair climate adaptation. Severe Weather Watch: Severe Weather Europe forecasts a two-day outbreak of thunderstorms with large hail, damaging winds, tornado risk and flash-flood potential across parts of the Mediterranean and the Adriatic region. Accountability & Memory: UN genocide-prevention adviser Chaloka Beyani condemned large-scale public glorification of Ratko Mladić in Serbia and Bosnia, saying it undermines victims and sustainable peace.

Climate & Water Stress: Western Europe’s hottest summer on record and a globally record-warm August are linked to record-warm seas, drought and severely depleted rivers, raising pressure for fair climate adaptation. Biodiversity Under Drought: Bosnia’s Armed Forces delivered drinking water to wild horses on the Kruzi plateau in Livno after adverse weather left them vulnerable. Severe Weather Watch: A two-day severe weather outbreak is forecast across parts of the western and northern Mediterranean into the Adriatic, with damaging storms, large hail, strong winds, tornado risk and flash-flood potential. Sustainable Fisheries: A new GFCM technical unit was inaugurated in Split to strengthen science-based, sustainable fisheries management across the Adriatic, including Bosnia and Herzegovina. Regional Water Politics: A new look at the Balkans’ “water axis” highlights how drought, demand and transboundary projects are turning river basins into security issues, with Bosnia’s Sava/Brčko route flagged as a potential corridor. EUFOR Security: EUFOR personnel in Bosnia received EU Common Security and Defence Policy Service Medals for Operation Althea, supporting a safe and secure environment.

Severe Weather Alert (Adriatic & Balkans): A two-day severe weather outbreak is forecast from the Balearics across Italy and the Alps, with large hail, damaging winds, tornado risk and flash-flood potential, then spreading to Northern Italy, Slovenia, Croatia and the Central Adriatic. Wildlife & Drought Response (Livno): Bosnia’s Armed Forces delivered drinking water to wild horses on the Kruzi plateau in the Livno region after drought and harsh weather left them vulnerable. Sustainable Fisheries (Adriatic): The GFCM set up a new Adriatic Sea technical unit in Split to strengthen science-based cooperation and sustainable fisheries management across Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Italy, Montenegro and Slovenia. EUFOR Security Coordination (Sarajevo): EUFOR and NATO HQ Sarajevo held an ambassadors’ roundtable on Bosnia’s security environment, covering the general elections, OHR situation and Exercise Quick Response 2026, and renewed evacuation arrangements for diplomatic missions. Accountability & Genocide Prevention (Mladic): A UN genocide prevention adviser condemned large-scale public commemoration of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić in Serbia and Bosnia, saying it undermines victims and efforts toward accountability and sustainable peace. Local Energy/Climate Tech (Solar Grants): Bosnia adopted its first home solar grants with full funding for low-income households. Walkability & Air Quality (Sarajevo): Sarajevo ranked among Europe’s most walkable cities in a Skyscanner index that also factors in air quality and safety.

Wildlife & Drought Response: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Armed Forces sent a specialized water tanker to deliver drinking water to Livno’s wild horses on the Kruzi plateau after drought and harsh weather left them highly vulnerable. Severe Weather Watch: A two-day severe weather outbreak is forecast across parts of the western and northern Mediterranean, with threats including large hail, damaging winds, tornadoes and flash flooding—risk areas include the Adriatic region and parts of Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. Sustainable Fisheries: The UN/FAO-backed GFCM inaugurated a new Adriatic Sea technical unit in Split to strengthen science-based cooperation and sustainable fisheries management across Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Italy, Montenegro and Slovenia. EUFOR/NATO Sarajevo Coordination: EUFOR and NATO HQ Sarajevo held an ambassadors’ roundtable at Camp Butmir and renewed evacuation arrangements for diplomatic missions, focusing on the 2026 security environment, elections and Exercise Quick Response 2026. Diplomacy & Accountability: Bosnia and Herzegovina ordered the expulsion of two Serbian diplomats from Sarajevo for attending Ratko Mladić’s funeral, citing Bosnia’s response to the glorification of a convicted war criminal. Regional Transport Pressure: Hauliers and road transport associations announced border blockades starting 14 September over the Schengen stay-limit rules for Western Balkan professional drivers.

Severe Weather Watch: A two-day severe weather outbreak is forecast from the Balearic Islands to southern France, northern Italy and the Alps, with large to giant hail, damaging winds, tornado risk and flash-flood potential, then spreading to northern Italy, Slovenia, Croatia and the Central Adriatic. Wildfire Smoke Cross-Border: Dubrovnik woke under a smoky haze as firefighters traced the smell and haze to a fire in Bosnia’s Popovo Polje area, with wind and weather determining how long it lingers. Diplomacy & Accountability: A UN official condemned public glorification of Ratko Mladić and genocide denial in Srebrenica, while Bosnia expelled two Serbian diplomats for attending his funeral. EUFOR/NATO Sarajevo: EUFOR and NATO HQ Sarajevo held an ambassadors’ roundtable and renewed evacuation arrangements for diplomatic missions, focusing on elections, the OHR situation and Exercise Quick Response 2026. Transport Sector Pressure: Regional hauliers announced EU border blockades starting 14 September over the Schengen stay limit for Western Balkan professional drivers. Energy Transition (BiH-relevant): Bosnia’s adoption of first home solar grants with full funding for low-income homes signals a push toward cleaner household energy.

EUFOR & NATO Coordination: EUFOR and NATO HQ Sarajevo held an ambassadors’ roundtable at Camp Butmir, discussing possible 2026 developments for Bosnia’s security environment, including the General Elections, the OHR situation and Exercise Quick Response 2026, and renewed evacuation arrangements for diplomatic missions via a Memorandum of Understanding. Diplomatic Fallout: Bosnia and Herzegovina expelled two Serbian diplomats from Sarajevo as “persona non grata” after they attended Ratko Mladić’s funeral in Belgrade, with the Foreign Affairs ministry citing unacceptable glorification of a convicted war criminal. Border & Transport Pressure: Regional hauliers announced EU border blockades starting 14 September over the Schengen stay limit for professional drivers (90 days in 180), warning of detentions, deportations and entry bans that disrupt supply chains. Wildfire Smoke Drift: Dubrovnik reported smoky haze and burning smells, but firefighters said the source was a fire in Bosnia’s Popovo Polje area, with winds carrying smoke across the border. Energy & Climate Tech (Global): Soluna reported progress on its Texas “Project Kati” green data center campus, including completion of 83 MW and conditional Base Load classification for 166 MW in ERCOT’s interconnection process.

Wildfire smoke crossing the border: Dubrovnik residents reported a smoky haze and burning smell on Sunday, but firefighters traced it to a fire in Bosnia’s Popovo Polje area, with wind and weather pushing smoke into Croatia. Public broadcasting ahead of elections: The OSCE Mission urged BiH authorities to protect BHRT’s independence and ensure it functions properly during the election period, calling for a sustainable long-term framework for public media. EUFOR/NATO coordination: EUFOR and NATO HQ Sarajevo held an ambassadors’ roundtable and renewed evacuation arrangements for diplomatic missions in Sarajevo, stressing readiness as the 2026 security environment evolves. Energy and regional links: A BiH-related discussion around the Southern Interconnection project highlighted its role in diversifying natural gas supply and strengthening energy security and growth. Elections in Brčko: Brčko District’s voter list for the Oct. 4 general elections totals 77,217 registered voters, with a rise linked to entity citizenship regulation. Climate-disaster context: A wider report points to intensifying El Niño conditions driving more frequent extreme weather and disasters worldwide.

Wildfire Smoke Crosses Borders: Dubrovnik woke to a smoky haze and burning smell, but firefighters traced it to a fire in Bosnia’s Popovo Polje area, with wind and weather pushing smoke into Croatia. Climate Extremes Back in the Headlines: A wider global roundup points to intensifying El Niño effects and record sea temperatures driving more frequent floods, heatwaves, droughts, fires and storms. Public Media Independence in Focus: The OSCE Mission urged Bosnia’s authorities to protect BHRT’s independence and ensure it functions ahead of elections, calling for a sustainable long-term framework for public broadcasting. Energy and Grid Planning: Bosnia is mentioned in regional energy discussions tied to EU/Energy Community priorities, including infrastructure that supports gas supply security and investment readiness. Adriatic Fisheries Management: FAO inaugurated a new Adriatic Sea fisheries science unit in Split to strengthen cooperation and more sustainable, science-based fisheries across shared waters. Local Elections Watch: Brčko District reported 77,217 registered voters for the Oct. 4 general elections, with a noted rise linked to entity citizenship regulation.

Wildfire Smoke Drift: Dubrovnik woke under a smoky haze as firefighters confirmed the smell and haze came from a fire in Bosnia’s Popovo Polje area, with winds pushing smoke across the border. Energy & Grid Planning: Bosnia’s leadership met U.S. lawmakers to discuss stability, investment, and the Southern Interconnection gas project aimed at diversifying supply and boosting energy security. Solar for Homes: Bosnia adopted its first home solar grants, with full funding for low-income households—an immediate step toward cleaner energy access. Marine Conservation & Fisheries Science: A new Adriatic Sea fisheries unit was inaugurated in Split to strengthen science-based fisheries management across shared waters, with climate impacts cited as a growing pressure. Healthcare Access (Regional): A Sarajevo vascular surgeon chose to continue practising on Croatia’s island of Iž, highlighting ongoing challenges in attracting and retaining medical staff in smaller communities. Public Media Independence: The OSCE urged Bosnian authorities to protect BHRT’s independence and ensure it functions ahead of elections, alongside broader media freedom demands. Security Dialogue: The 4th Sarajevo Security Conference drew 300+ participants to discuss Europe’s security in a divided world, with NATO and EU enlargement themes prominent.

Energy & Climate Policy: Bosnia and Herzegovina adopted a 2026–2030 residential solar self-consumption incentive, with full coverage for socially vulnerable households and grants up to 7,000 BAM for others (paid after grid connection), aiming to cut bills and reduce reliance on more polluting power. Wildfire Smoke & Air Quality: Dubrovnik woke under a smoky haze as burning smells drifted from Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Popovo Polje area, with firefighters saying conditions and wind carried smoke across the border. Marine Sustainability: A new Adriatic Sea fisheries science unit was inaugurated in Split to strengthen cooperation and sustainable fisheries management across Adriatic countries, citing climate-crisis pressure on marine ecosystems. Renewables & Regional Power Links: Bosnia and Herzegovina’s energy diplomacy continues as EUFOR and EU officials stress stability and infrastructure; separately, Energy Community rules are set to prioritize regional grid and storage projects, including Albania-linked investments affecting the wider region’s energy security. Elections & Media Independence: The OSCE urged authorities to protect BHRT’s independence and ensure media freedom ahead of elections, while Bosnia’s election campaign officially opened with a call to strictly avoid hate speech. Solar + Security Context: With elections and security discussions underway, officials also highlighted the Southern Interconnection gas project as key for energy security and economic growth.