From 6 to 8 October 2025, the international conference of the “Rural Green” project, implemented with the support of the European Union through the CERV Programme, was held in Banja Luka.

The event gathered partners and participants from several European countries with the aim of exchanging experiences, promoting sustainable rural development, and encouraging the application of circular economy principles in tourism.

The three-day programme included a variety of activities – from the Steering Committee meeting and study visits to local examples of good practice, to the central conference titled “Fostering Sustainable Futures through the Circular Economy in Rural Tourism.”

During the conference, organized in the World Café format, representatives of institutions, universities, tourism organizations, the civil sector, and entrepreneurs from 12 countries discussed opportunities, challenges, and practical solutions for applying circular economy principles in the development of rural communities. Special attention was given to innovation, sustainable business models in tourism, and the role of young people in local development.

As a part of the event, the Steering Committee meeting was held, during which partners reviewed project achievements, discussed future plans, and adopted key recommendations for continued cooperation. On this occasion, a Memorandum on the Establishment of the Working Group for Introducing Circular Economy Principles in Rural Areas was signed. The establishment of this Working Group represents an important step toward institutionalizing cooperation and further developing sustainable initiatives at local and cross-border levels. The conference of the “Rural Green” project in Banjaluka reaffirmed the partners’ commitment to a shared vision of developing green and sustainable rural communities across Europe through knowledge exchange, innovative solutions, and strengthened collaboration among institutions and local actors.