Transnational Experiences and Opportunities for Local Action at RARS

Working Meeting with Key Stakeholders Held as Part of the SMEnergy Project

A working meeting entitled "Transnational Experiences and Opportunities for Local Action" was held on 28 May 2026 at the premises of the Republic of Srpska Development Agency (RARS) as part of the international SMEnergy project.

The meeting brought together representatives from key institutions and stakeholder organisations, including the Ministry of Energy and Mining of the Republic of Srpska, the Ministry of Economy and Entrepreneurship of the Republic of Srpska, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Srpska, and RARS. The main aim was to explore ways to strengthen practical and coordinated support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the areas of renewable energy sources (RES), energy efficiency (EE), and the wider energy transition.

The event also supported the SMEnergy project's objectives related to sustainability and long-term impact, particularly the development of partner-level action plans and the further implementation of the GEKOS model at local and regional level. Discussions focused on how project outcomes can be integrated with existing institutional roles, support programmes, advisory services, financing opportunities, and communication channels available to SMEs.

During the meeting, RARS representatives presented key project achievements since January 2024, including the development of a Guide for Manufacturing Sector Companies, a dedicated project web page, and the international SMEnergy platform. Particular attention was given to the innovative GEKOS (Green Energy Knowledge, Operation & Service Hubs) concept, which provides a flexible framework for improving SME access to information, advisory services, expert contacts, practical tools, examples of good practice, and funding opportunities.

Participants agreed that future support for SMEs should build on existing institutions, resources, programmes, and cooperation mechanisms rather than creating new administrative structures. The discussion highlighted the need for stronger coordination between support providers, clearer referral pathways, and greater visibility of the support measures already available to businesses.

One practical idea discussed was the development of a joint SME Support Map. This resource could help identify available services, tools, institutions, funding opportunities, and support channels, while also facilitating referrals between relevant organisations. The initiative could be developed between June and September 2026 and would contribute to the preparation and implementation of the SMEnergy Local and Regional Action Plan, which aims to ensure the continuation, sustainability, and potential expansion of SMEnergy services and GEKOS-related cooperation beyond the project's lifetime.

Continuing Cooperation with the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund

An important contributor to this support ecosystem is the Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency Fund of the Republic of Srpska (Eco Fund), with which RARS has recently formalised its cooperation. An official cooperation agreement was signed on 4 May 2026.

Both organisations recognise that the results, good practices, and collaborative approaches developed through SMEnergy can provide a strong foundation for continued joint activities after the project's completion. Such cooperation, particularly in the fields of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and the circular use of resources, has the potential to support more effective project implementation, strengthen investment readiness, and enhance the capacities of SMEs.

A follow-up meeting with representatives of the Eco Fund is planned for next month to discuss possible next steps and explore how existing activities of the Fund and RARS can be more closely aligned with the emerging GEKOS support framework and the SMEnergy Local and Regional Action Plan.

This continued collaboration is in line with the project's long-term sustainability framework, which foresees ongoing cooperation in SME outreach, advisory and mentoring services, access to financing opportunities, promotion of the SMEnergy platform, and participation in the wider GEKOS network.