Reindustrialisation Following the Brownfield is Better than Greenfield Principle

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Danube

Date of latest update: 2025-12-17

Description

Description (EN):

Brownfields are degraded land (or water bodies), polluted from the point of soil fertility, due to human activities, including vacant/underused, neglected or obsolescent industrial buildings or settlements. The spatial adaptability of brownfields towards reindustrialisation is emerging as a key territorial priority for Danube's municipalities. Brownfield is Better than Greenfield Revitalising existing brownfields for industrial/production-oriented purposes reduces the construction of new industrial zones in greenfields and respectively avoiding new land use, the sealing of soil and the further loss of biodiversity in the Danube Basin. The revitalisation of a degraded area through a re-industrialisation does not only preserve greenfields, but it is also an opportunity for the municipalities boost economic and social prosperity by attracting investments and new businesses, leading to the creation of new jobs and offering (young) people a perspective in the region. However, such revitalisations represent a huge challenge for the affected communities due to their administrative and managerial complexity and because they need to take place in the context of a circular and resource-efficient economy and environmental-friendly regional development strategies. The main objective of ReInd-BBG is to - improve the institutional capacities of public authorities and stakeholders in the Danube Region and - reduce socio-economic and administrative fragmentation in spatial, economic and environmental transformation processes through territorial demonstrations of Brownfield is Better than Greenfield (BBG) re-industrialisations and applying the 4H approach. The partnership is built around six small to medium-sized municipalities in Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania and Montenegro to exemplary drive re-industrialisation under the principle "Brownfield is better than Greenfield". By capitalising on past experiences & projects, and following a 4H approach, BSO, policymakers, NGOs and academic partner work together to - Develop and field-test transferable multi-level governance solutions for co-creating feasible BBG re-industrialisation scenarios including improved inter-institutional cooperation and the use of participatory approaches in community involvement - Reduce socio-economic & administrative fragmentation in spatial, economic & environmental transformation processes through policy dialogue with EUSDR & territorial strategies. - Build sustainable governance and management for BBG Re-industrialisation In this context, financing options (investors, PPP) will be discussed, a sound financing concept developed, and its feasibility tested. The project is an excellent opportunity to improve the limited capacities of public authorities addressing this specific territorial challenge in the post-communist DR countries, addressing. - lack of awareness and knowledge in management of industrial landscapes for re-industrialisation - weak multi-level governance and lack of tools and cooperative approaches for realising public-private projects - lack of concepts for involvement of local & civic actors through co-creative processes - low level of inter-institutional cooperation and coordination ReInd-BBG tackles not only empty buildings but large (in size) problematic degraded areas. Distinctive for ReInd-BBG is also its clear focus on re-industrialisation and the ambition to direct investments on brownfield sites instead on greenfields. A major focus of the project will be the work on finding solutions for financing and governance of the site. This will include the acquisition of investments from the private sector and practical solutions of how public owners can collaborate with private sector for the regeneration of the brownfield and its transformation into new economic activities. The involved municipalities have suffered - in some cases substantial - population losses over the past decades that went along with the decline of economic activities. Strong cooperation needs perseverance and inspiration. We believe that ReInd-BBG is able to bring besides its knowhwo and solutions, also fresh ideas, spirit and enthusiasm to the involved communities. We use new, interactive and innovative approaches in our project work. Walk the Talk! Co-creation, multidisciplinary and cooperation need to be lived by the consortium to be transferred in the local or regional governance context. We will use scenario building as a relatively (in the public sector) new approach.

Actual Achievements (EN):

The ReInd-BBG project successfully delivered the first results/reports/deliverables: - D.1.1.1. Capacity building on sustainable re-industrialisation in the context of the Territorial Agenda 2030 - D.1.1.2. Capacity building on governance processes and cooperative approaches - D.1.1.3. Open door / community day at brownfields Capacity-building workshops and seminars have empowered project partners with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complexities of brownfield regeneration. These interactive sessions fostered a deeper understanding of the Territorial Agenda 2030, a crucial framework for sustainable development, and facilitated the exchange of best practices in environmental assessment, stakeholder engagement, and project implementation. Six successful Open Brownfield Day events across pilot locations, including Zenica, Sombor, Vratsa, Nikšić, Hrastnik, and Reșița, have been organised to raise public awareness and garnering community support for brownfield revitalization initiatives. These events showcased the potential of each of the pilot sites for transformation into productive and sustainable spaces, fostering dialogue among stakeholders and generating innovative ideas for future development. The project's emphasis on knowledge exchange and collaboration has proven invaluable, enabling partners to learn from successful brownfield regeneration projects across Europe. Online seminars and workshops have facilitated the sharing of experiences and expertise, contributing to a growing repository of best practices and innovative solutions. By pooling resources, knowledge, and expertise, partners have been able to overcome challenges, identify opportunities, and start with the creation of strategies that promote economic growth, social well-being, and environmental sustainability. In this 1st reporting period, the project's focus on capacity building, community engagement, and sustainable development has laid a strong foundation for continued progress and impactful outcomes in the future. The project has actively involved local communities, businesses, and other stakeholders in the planning and decision-making processes. This inclusive approach ensures that redevelopment projects align with the needs and aspirations of the communities they serve. The important aspect of our work has been the promotional activities. We successfully launched the project's website and established a social media presence on LinkedIn, where we share regular updates. Additionally, we've created templates for posters, roll-ups, and other promotional materials to enhance project visibility." During the second reporting period, the ReInd-BBG project advanced significantly towards its objectives, delivering several key outputs and laying the foundation for effective piloting in the upcoming phases. 1. Development and Delivery of Key Methodological Tools A major milestone was the development of a comprehensive Assessment Tool for Brownfield Reindustrialisation (D1.2.1), including a practical Guidance Document and accompanying Training Report. This tailored tool integrates relevant existing methodologies and is designed to support site analysis, risk evaluation, and informed decision-making across partner territories. A face-to-face workshop in Vienna (September 2024) with 37 representatives marked the culmination of this process, ensuring partners are fully equipped to apply the tool in their local contexts. 2. Completion of Pilot Location Analyses Detailed pilot analyses for six locations were conducted to assess the readiness and potential of brownfield sites across the Danube Region. These analyses represent a crucial step in preparing for the piloting of site-specific reindustrialisation strategies: Hrastnik (Slovenia), Zenica (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Nikšić (Montenegro), Resita (Romania), Sombor (Serbia), Vratsa (Bulgaria). These analyses serve as the baseline for piloting activities planned in 2025 and demonstrate the diverse territorial and socio-economic contexts in which the BBG principle is being applied. 3. Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building Throughout the period, partner cities and organisations actively engaged stakeholders through local workshops, interviews, and mapping exercises, as reflected in the pilot site reports. Engagement included local authorities, NGOs, SMEs, educational institutions, and civil society actors, ensuring inclusive scenario planning and fostering local ownership of transformation processes. 4. Online partner meetings and in-person PP meeting & Knowledge Exchange in Vienna A key event during this period was the two-day transnational partner meeting in Vienna, which included a study visit to reindustrialised best-practice sites. This provided partners with direct insights into effective governance, investment attraction, and land reuse strategies, strengthening the shared vision and reinforcing transnational cooperation. 5. Communication Activities Social media channels (YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram) and the project website were launched. Posts and online articles were published to promote the "Brownfield is Better than Greenfield" principle. 6. Two demonstration groups were established - one Advanced and one Basic, with roll-out plans. The individual plans were developed by the end of March 2025 and are attached to this project progress report. This period’s achievements have built a solid foundation for upcoming pilot implementations. The tools, analyses, and collaborative structures developed are already enhancing institutional capacities across the Danube Region and enabling data-informed, stakeholder-driven, and environmentally sustainable approaches to brownfield reindustrialisation. The ReInd-BBG project has advanced significantly towards its mission of reindustrialising brownfield sites in the Danube Region through collaborative governance, capacity building, and innovative pilot actions. The period under review was marked by strong partner cooperation, tangible outputs at pilot sites, and continued progress in developing transnational strategies and tools. At coordination level, the Lead Partner (CCIS) ensured smooth project management, organised key Steering Committee and Partner meetings, and guided financial and administrative oversight. Importantly, the first major project changes were concluded and finalised, while a second set of changes is still in progress, including adjustments to clarify the scope of eligible investor materials. This demonstrates the partnership’s ability to adapt effectively to evolving project needs. Pilot cities—Zenica, Hrastnik, Vratsa, Sombor, Reșița, and Nikšić—delivered important steps in preparing and testing local action plans. Zenica hosted the 13th in-person Partner and Steering Committee meeting, presented its pilot business zone, and finalised its local pilot plan. Hrastnik advanced its incubator concept in a former industrial building, while Vratsa launched a Technology Festival to showcase innovation potential. Sombor prepared investment materials for its “Agrosavez” site, and Nikšić developed an implementation plan for a Regional Waste Management Centre, aligning with circular economy goals. Reșița, supported by the Make Better Association, piloted governance and investor management tools. Knowledge and demonstration partners played a key role in capacity-building, facilitating sessions on investor engagement and financial sustainability, and testing methodologies for governance and community participation. Communication efforts were intensified, led by RDA Bačka, with a revised communication strategy, stronger digital outreach, and engagement of additional municipalities and stakeholders. The common message “Brown is Better than Green!” continues to raise awareness and strengthen public support. On the technical side, partners delivered transnational demonstration roll-out plans, local pilot plans, evaluation and validation frameworks, and initiated transformation stories. Research and academic partners advanced desk research, brownfield mapping, and methodological contributions for future deliverables, including the transnational roadmap. The added value of cooperation is evident in the exchange of expertise across sectors and countries. Municipalities benefit from peer-to-peer learning, while regional agencies, chambers, NGOs, and universities provide critical input that ensures both practical implementation and policy alignment. This synergy allows local pilots to scale up and become transferable models for other regions. Overall, the project has successfully transitioned from planning to piloting, with strong governance structures, shared learning, and visible outputs. With major changes finalised and further adjustments in progress, partners are well-positioned to complete piloting, deliver high-impact outputs, and secure the long-term sustainability of brownfield revitalisation in the Danube Region. Communication was a strong focus in this period, with partners jointly promoting the project’s key message “Brown is Better than Green!” across websites and social media. RDA Bačka revised the communication strategy, setting ambitious digital outreach goals. Several pilots linked communication directly to site development: Zenica produced a promotional video and hosted site visits to its business zone; Vratsa organised a Technology Festival engaging citizens, schools and businesses; Sombor prepared a local communication strategy for the “Agrosavez” site; and Nikšić raised awareness of its planned Waste Management Centre via assemblies, local media and online channels. MKBT’s Community Engagement Kit supported participatory planning, while all partners collected photo and video materials for the upcoming “Six Transformation Stories”. These actions boosted visibility, inspired community involvement and created investor interest across the Danube Region.

Project outputs: Multi-layered governance processes and participatory approaches for realistic and sustainable BBG re-industrialisation concepts(EN)
ReIndBBG network(EN)
Transferable multi-level governance solutions for brownfield revitalisation including improved inter-instituional cooperation and the use of participatory approaches in community involvement(EN)
Transnatnational roadmap for BBG Re-industrialisation(EN)

Thematic information

Governance, partnership Social inclusion and equal opportunities Waste and pollution

Priority: (VI-B_D_4) Priority 4 - A better cooperation governance in the Danube Region

Priority specific objective: ISO6.6. Other actions to support better cooperation governance (all strands)

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO6 (ISO1) A better cooperation governance

Type of intervention: 171 Enhancing cooperation with partners both within and outside the Member State

Partners (17)

Lead Partner: Gospodarska zbornica Slovenije

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI73354376

Address: Dimičeva ulica, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: https://www.gzs.si/

Total budget: EUR 322 600.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 258 080.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 64 520.00

Elektroprivreda Crne Gore AD Nikšić

Name: Elektroprivreda Crne Gore AD Nikšić

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 20/31-00112-1

Address: Vuka Karadžića , 81400 Niksic, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Enterprise, except SME

Website: http://www.epcg.com

Total budget: EUR 133 100.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 106 480.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 26 620.00

Opstina Niksic

Name: Opstina Niksic

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 02021633

Address: Njegoseva, 81400 Niksic, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://niksic.me/

Total budget: EUR 135 600.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 108 480.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 27 120.00

Grad Zenica

Name: Grad Zenica

Department: Department for economics, city assets and local development

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 421823708009

Address: Trg BIH, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Department address: Trg BIH, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.zenica.ba

Total budget: EUR 124 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 99 200.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 24 800.00

Asociația Make Better

Name: Asociația Make Better

Partner’s ID if not PIC: RO45151380

Address: Orașului Str, 127650 Vadu Pasii, Romania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.mkbt.ro

Total budget: EUR 131 400.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 105 120.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 26 280.00

Municipiul Reșița

Name: Municipiul Reșița

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 3228764 (National Fiscal Identification Code)

Address: P-ta 1 Dec. 1918, 320084 Resita, Romania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.primariaresita.ro

Total budget: EUR 172 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 137 600.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 34 400.00

Contractors:

Name: Spaleck SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: RO21585340
Name: Pro Marketing SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: RO12988041
Name: Andranis SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: RO17392210

Търговско-Промишлена палата - Враца

Name: Търговско-Промишлена палата - Враца

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 000194046 Identifier number (BULSTAT)

Address: Hristo Botev str, 3000 Vratsa, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://www.cci-vratsa.org

Total budget: EUR 171 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 136 800.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 34 200.00

Contractors:

Name: Arch. Polya Marinova
VAT registration or tax identification number: N/A
Name: Iv Design Studio Ltd.
VAT registration or tax identification number: BG204092919

Община Враца

Name: Община Враца

Partner’s ID if not PIC: BG000193115

Address: Stafanaki Savov Street, 3000 Vratsa, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: https://vratza.bg/

Total budget: EUR 194 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 155 200.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 38 800.00

Grad Sombor

Name: Grad Sombor

Department: Department of Economy / Office for local economic development

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 100123258 (National Tax Number)

Address: Trg cara Uroša, 25000 Sombor, Serbia

Department address: Trg cara Uroša, 25000 Sombor, Serbia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website (not verified): https://www.sombor.rs/

Total budget: EUR 150 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 120 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 30 000.00

Contractors:

Name: ANDRIĆ DOO SOMBOR
VAT registration or tax identification number: 105170331

Razvojna agencija Vojvodine d.o.o. Novi Sad

Name: Razvojna agencija Vojvodine d.o.o. Novi Sad

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 109963253

Address: Strazilovska, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: http://www.rav.org.rs

Total budget: EUR 106 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 84 800.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 21 200.00

Regionlna razvojna agencija Bačka doo Novi Sad

Name: Regionlna razvojna agencija Bačka doo Novi Sad

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 10668405

Address: Bulevar Mihajla Pupina, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: http://www.rda-backa.rs

Total budget: EUR 177 900.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 142 320.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 35 580.00

Contractors:

Name: KREATIKA DOO NOVI SAD
VAT registration or tax identification number: 107738649
Name: Stefan Stojanović pr SS Design
VAT registration or tax identification number: 114297337

Universität für Bodenkultur Wien

Name: Universität für Bodenkultur Wien

Department: Department of Landscape, Spatial and Infrastructure Sciences / Institute of Landscape Architecture

Partner’s ID if not PIC: ATU16285008

Address: Gregor-Mendel Straße, 1180 Wien, Austria

Department address: Peter-Jordan-Straße, 1180 Wien, Austria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://boku.ac.at/

Total budget: EUR 213 500.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 170 800.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 42 700.00

Eko-forum Zenica

Name: Eko-forum Zenica

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 4218656990007

Address: Talića brdo, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: https://www.ekoforumzenica.ba

Total budget: EUR 52 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 41 600.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 10 400.00

Stručna služba za razvoj i međunarodne projekte Zeničko-dobojskog kantona

Name: Stručna služba za razvoj i međunarodne projekte Zeničko-dobojskog kantona

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 4218335330030 (Administrative identification nr.)

Address: Kucukovici , 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: http://www.zdk.ba

Total budget: EUR 100 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 80 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 20 000.00

Contractors:

Name: Pyrus d.o.o. Zenica
VAT registration or tax identification number: 4218527750008

Občina Hrastnik

Name: Občina Hrastnik

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 83246274

Address: Pot Vitka Pavliča, 1430 Hrastnik, Slovenia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: https://www.hrastnik.si/

Total budget: EUR 133 700.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 106 960.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 26 740.00

Zavod za gradbeništvo Slovenije

Name: Zavod za gradbeništvo Slovenije

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI43950019

Address: Dimičeva ulica, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.zag.si/

Total budget: EUR 82 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 65 600.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 16 400.00

EPCG – Željezara - Nikšić

Name: EPCG – Željezara - Nikšić

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 03530272

Address: Vuka Karadžića bb , 81400 Niksic, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Enterprise, except SME

Total budget: EUR 133 100.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 106 480.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 26 620.00

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

EPCG AD Niksic

Reindustrialisation Following the Brownfield is Better than Greenfield Principle

Partners and Projects info

Municipality of Niksic

Reindustrialisation Following the Brownfield is Better than Greenfield Principle

Partners and Projects info

City of Zenica

Reindustrialisation Following the Brownfield is Better than Greenfield Principle

Partners and Projects info

Make Better Association

Reindustrialisation Following the Brownfield is Better than Greenfield Principle

Partners and Projects info

Resita Municipality

Reindustrialisation Following the Brownfield is Better than Greenfield Principle

Partners and Projects info

Chamber of Commerce and Industry - Vratsa

Reindustrialisation Following the Brownfield is Better than Greenfield Principle

Partners and Projects info

Община Враца

Reindustrialisation Following the Brownfield is Better than Greenfield Principle

Partners and Projects info

City of Sombor

Reindustrialisation Following the Brownfield is Better than Greenfield Principle

Partners and Projects info

Vojvodina Development Agency Ltd. Novi Sad

Reindustrialisation Following the Brownfield is Better than Greenfield Principle

Partners and Projects info

Regional Development Agency Backa Ltd Novi Sad

Reindustrialisation Following the Brownfield is Better than Greenfield Principle

Partners and Projects info

University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna

Reindustrialisation Following the Brownfield is Better than Greenfield Principle

Partners and Projects info

Eko-forum Zenica

Reindustrialisation Following the Brownfield is Better than Greenfield Principle

Partners and Projects info

Department for Development and International Projects of Zenica-Doboj Canton

Reindustrialisation Following the Brownfield is Better than Greenfield Principle

Partners and Projects info

Municipality of Hrastnik

Reindustrialisation Following the Brownfield is Better than Greenfield Principle

Partners and Projects info

SLOVENIAN NATIONAL BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING INSTITUTE

Reindustrialisation Following the Brownfield is Better than Greenfield Principle

Partners and Projects info

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia

Reindustrialisation Following the Brownfield is Better than Greenfield Principle

Partners and Projects info

EPCG – Steelworks - Niksic

Reindustrialisation Following the Brownfield is Better than Greenfield Principle

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Reindustrialisation Following the Brownfield is Better than Greenfield Principle

Project acronym: ReInd-BBG

Project ID: DRP0200087

Project start date: 2024-01-01

Project end date: 2026-06-30

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

AGORA - Advanced coGeneration Options for Reintegrating local Assets (EN) | Interreg Danube project (2020 - 2022). AGORA addessed the lack od public administration (PA) capacity in public-private-people-led physical and social regeneration projects by developing and adopting new governance instruments for PAs, building their capacity for effectively involving and empowering a wide group of stakeholders in the reintegration of vacant buildings and land, public and private, into the productive city value system. The AGORA toolkit provides a very comprehensive collection of best practices and tools in regeneration projects, which is useful for our project. 10 pilot action were implemented with the aim to reintegrate vacant buildings or other public or private spaces in community use. One pilot action dealt with the redesign of an industrial area (the Nekar-Alp Region. . we plan to make an online study visit to this pilot location / project partner and learn more about how the project developed after project end and what were the hindrences and opportunities they faced when realising the action plan that was develpped by the project. (EN), trAILs - Alpine Industrial Landscape Transformation (EN) | Interreg Alpine Space project (2018 - 2021). The project aimed at developing a vision for large abandoned industrial complexes that can be revived and devoted to new purposes, with a transformation strategy geared to the natural, social and economic challenges each area faces. Despite the trAILs project did not consider the option of re-industrialisation and focussed solely on a post-industrial use of the sites, the Assessment tool developed is very valuable for our project. The assessment tool for Alpine brownfield transformation provides methodologial guidelines to carry out an interdisciplinary and multi-thematic assessment of a site. trAILs was an academcia driven project with the aim of developing this assessment tool. The tool offers a guide to evaluate the brownfield site and develop an understanding of its potentials. We can capitalise this tool and take it a step further by applying an adapted version of it in our piloting process and use it as base for developing our scenarios and action plans.
The project experiences have also shown that a post-industrial use of brownfields is a very costly undertaking for the municipality or other owner. (EN), RIS4Danu - Sustainable Smart Specialisation for the Re-opening of Industrial Sites in the Danube Region (RIS4Danu) (EN) | HORIZON EUROPE project (2023 - 2025) with the goal of applying an evidence-based Smart Specialisation (S3) approach to support placebased innovation for green/digital and inclusive transitions in regions along the Danube River. This project ties in with current debates and requests to combine smart specialisation with considerations of socio-ecological challenges such as climate change, environmental issues and growing social and territorial inequality.
The project focusses on the development of strategic business plans for recently closed industrial sites. We will seek synergies with this project and learn from its academic approach. The project is focussed on "Further developing the existing Smart Specialisation (S3) methodology towards Sustainable Smart Specialisation to facilitate “green structural change”. They are looking at innovation barriers, collaboration with R&D and the creation of synergies with other EU, national and regional funding programmes. RIS4Danu is not focussed on a certain sector as for instance manufacturing, but will trigger a very open entrepreneurial discovery process in the involved regions. The realisation of this discovery process will provide a very valuable insight for our project. In this regard, the RI4Danu project is very complementary to ReInd-BBG and we can take advantage of further results that will be developed in this project. (EN), BOLSTER - Bridging Organizations and marginalized communities for Local Sustainability Transitions in EuRope (EN) | HORIZON EUROPE (2022 - 2025). The BOLSTER project is an applied research project analysing decarbonization transition strategies and how they intersect with various dimensions of inequality. Bolster will conceptualize the principle of leaving no one behind by developing participatory governance models and transition guidelines.
We will have access to a large scale, pan European, consortium generating experience in multi-stakeholder research & action project. MKBTs in Bolster is, on one hand, to help guide research targeting Romanian regions, and on the other hand to help facilitate multi-stakeholder partnership development and consultations in the framework of just transition processes. The work is centred on the heavily industrialized county of Prahova, where MKBT will coordinate just transition vision setting exercises involving communities and former industrial areas which have been so far less engaged in conventional decision making structures.
The learnings and experiences on the inclusive and collabirative approaches used in BOLSTER will be transfered to our project. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 2 398 800.00

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 919 040.00

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 80.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Capacity building on sustainable re-industrialisation in the context of the TERRITORIAL AGENDA 2030
Capacity building on governance processes and cooperative approaches
Open door / community day at brownfields
Collection of assessment tools and guidance document
Practical training on scenario-building
Understanding investment readiness
Piloting methodology
Establishment of two transnational demonstration groups
Pilot location analysis
Exchange and support in the transnational demonstration groups
6 local demonstration actions
6 local action plans and scenarios and commitment to their up-take
Report on planned investments
Project visibility and key message "Brown is Better than Green!"
Community engagement kit
Six transformation stories (video and factsheet)
Desk research
Geolocalised mapping of Brownfields along the Danube
Scientific and non-scientific articles on brownfield regeneration
Evaluation and validation plan
Evaluation and validation report, commitment to the up-take of solutions
SHOW, EXPLAIN & CONNECT Online repository of results and materials
interactive and co-creative workshops with PP, ASP and stakeholders
Roadmap
Up-take of the roadmap throguh an MoU
Materials and training on collaboration of the public with the private sector
Materials and training on investment readiness, investor acquisition and management
Investor Materials
Collaboration with the EUSDR PA 8 and PA10 and Danube Strategy Point
Final conference
Transfer of project results
Future collaboration of partners and development of follow-up project ideas

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

TerritorialAgenda2030 The Territorial Agenda 2030 is (besides the EUSDR) the main strategy our project relates to. The Territorial Agenda 2030 seeks to contribute to sustainable development and to keeping Europe together. It underlines the importance of and provides orientation for strategic spatial planning and calls for strengthening the territorial dimension of sector policies at all governance levels. The TA 2030 promotes an inclusive and sustainable future for all places and helping achieve Sustainable Development Goals in Europe.
ReInd-BBG puts the TA 2030 goals into practice through capacity building, knowhow transfer and the field-testing of approaches and governance processes in spatial planing related to the re-industrialisation of brownfields.
The project's transnational roadmap for BBG Re-industrialisation is thematically based on objectives formulated in the Territorial Agenda 2030 (“reduce land consumption” “build strong and sustainable local economies”). The roadmap will outline how re-industrialisation can take place in the context of a circular and resourceefficient economy and environmental-friendly development strategies.
EUStrategyDanubeRegion ReInd-BBG ontributes to Priority Axis 6 Biodiversity & Landscapes, PA 5 Environmental Risks, PA 8 Competitiveness of Enterprises and PA 10 Institutional Capacities and Cooperation of the EUSDR, as the project will build capacities, develop, pilot and implement solutions leading to more sustainable and circular industrialisation and a better governance of brownfields and related re-industrialisation projects. Quadruple helix (4H) stakeholders such as policy-makers, researchers dealing with spatial planning, business support infrastructure, but foremost the involved communities will be strengthened.
Within ReInd-BBG we plan a wide range of activities for increased cooperation with and connection to the EUSDR. As the project concerns different EUSDR PAs a cross-cutting approach in the sense of a broader integration and cooperation with the EUSDR is followed. The involvement of the Danube Strategy Point provide the project access to the EUSDR via streamlined both-way communication and knowledge transfer from and to the EUSDR as concerns its Action plan, the implementation, Embedding and other topics.
EuropeanGreenDeal The European Green Deal prepares the framework for Europe being the first climate-neutral continent. The European Green Deal will transform the EU into a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy, ensuring:
- no net emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050
- economic growth decoupled from resource use
- no person and no place left behind
ReInd-BBG fully responds to the objectives of the Green Deal as it tackles the reuse of degraded land, avoiding new land in-take and a sustainable re-industrialisation policy in the benefit of communities around brownfields.
ReInd-BBG contributes to the Green Deal by supporting all actors in brownfield revitalisation and sustainable economic territorial development with instruments and solutions, but also knowhow and strategic documents.
Other ReInd-BBG will also contribute to a range of national, regional and local strategies of which are exemplary presented these:
Strategy of Sustainable Urban Development of the Republic of Serbia until 2030 - in the strategy Brownfield sites are defined as one of the potential main areas of urban intervention, which includes the establishment of a new and improvement of the existing regulatory framework for the reactivation and development of brownfield sites, building institutional and personnel capacities for the development of brownfields, and the coordination of competences between LGUs, provincial and national institutions, the involvement of interested actors and the public, as well as their development.
Development Strategy of Zenica-Doboj Canton 2021-2027 - within the Strategic goal “1 – To Ensure resource-efficient and sustainable economic development while strengthening competitiveness and developing entrepreneurship ”, Priority “1.4 – To Improve the business environment and entrepreneurial infrastructure for smart growth and employment” and Measure: “1.4.2 - Development of entrepreneurial infrastructure and services to support businesses”, defines the following Strategic Project: „1.4.2.4 - Improvement of existing and development of new business zones“ There is a total of 58 nominated business zones in Zenica-Doboj Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina. ReInd-BBG will contribute to improve the relationship between the green (currently 61%) and brown (33%) industrial zones.
Plan for integrated development of the Municipality of Vratsa for the period 2021-2027: defines the medium-term goals and priorities for sustainable development of the Municipality of Vratsa and links the advantages and potential for development at the local level with a clearly defined vision, goals and priorities, connected in general by the pursuit of a higher standard of living of the people in the municipality and sustainable development of the territory.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Delivered output indicator(s):

(RCO87) Organisations cooperating across borders: 24.0

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:

Programme Result Indicator:

ISI - Organisations with increased institutional capacity due to their participation in cooperation activities across the borders, Measurement unit: No. of organisations

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSDR

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Danube

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-12-17

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

138 / 138 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

1 413 / 1 413 (100%)

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Reindustrialisation Following the Brownfield is Better than Greenfield Principle

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Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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