Bar, (MINA-BUSINESS) – The Municipality of Bar is launching two new cross-border cooperation projects focused on energy efficiency and innovative entrepreneurship.

The AIdEE and BRIDGE projects have been approved under the Interreg HR-BA-ME 2021–2027 programme.

“This positions Bar as an important driver of sustainable development and regional connectivity, and confirms the leading role of the local administration in successfully preparing and implementing projects financed from European Union pre-accession funds,” the local administration said in a press release.

As the lead partner in the AIdEE project, the Municipality of Bar aims to improve the energy efficiency of public buildings through the use of modern technologies and solutions based on artificial intelligence.

The total value of the project exceeds €1.61 million, of which €398,550 is allocated to the Municipality of Bar. Project partners include the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Zagreb, the cities of Doboj and Zavidovici, as well as the Municipality of Konavle, further confirming the strong regional cooperation successfully coordinated by Bar.

In addition, the Municipality of Bar participates as a partner in the BRIDGE project, which is aimed at strengthening the innovation ecosystem and supporting young entrepreneurs, addressing challenges such as lack of infrastructure, low levels of innovation, and weak stakeholder connectivity.

“Through this project, three innovation hubs will be modernized, an AI platform for connecting startups, mentors, and investors will be developed, and training and mentorship programmes will be implemented,” the press release reads.

Of particular importance is the establishment of a modern digital hub in Bar, which will become a central place for the development of ideas, digital solutions, and regional networking.

The total value of the BRIDGE project amounts to €868,300, while the Municipality of Bar is allocated a budget of €232,130. The lead partner is the city of Zivinice, with participation from the Development Agency of the City of Slavonski Brod.