Workshop on integrated transport and spatial planning and green financing opportunities held in Poreč

An integrated approach to spatial and transport planning assumes that the way we plan space directly shapes the need for movement, which is why it is necessary to connect space, transport, health and climate goals. Climate resilience is not just a long-term ambition, but it is systemically planned and built today through concrete spatial decisions. Green financing and budgeting enable the implementation of such solutions by aligning budgets with climate goals and using available funding sources, which is especially important in the context of the new financial framework of the European Union.

“Climate resilience is not a future that is being awaited, but a present that is being strategically planned and actively built, it is not a luxurious ambition, but a necessary responsibility towards current and future generations.” – Gordana Lalić, Epoha zdravlja

Day 1 – integrated transport – spatial planning

The first day began with the presentation of the CLIMove project and work programme (Magdalena Makar, ODRAZ), with an emphasis on the need for an integrated approach to planning in the context of climate change and challenges such as the loss of interdisciplinarity and the dominance of cars in planning.

Aljaž Plevnik and Luka Mladenovič (The Urban Planning Institute of the Republic of Slovenia) presented the concept of integrated transport and spatial planning, with a focus on accessibility and the influence of space on movement patterns. Nataša Basanić Čuš (City of Poreč) has shown a long-standing example of healthy urban planning and citizen involvement, while Gordana Lalić (Parentium LLC, European Climate Pact) spoke about the challenges of seasonality, but also the transformational framework for achieving climate resilience in Poreč.

Miljenko Sedlar (REGEA) presented the INPLAN methodology for the integration of climate goals into planning and budgets, with an emphasis on climate proofing and the importance of city climate contracts. Hana Zoričić and Nikolina Bibić (Ministry of Finance) presented the green budgeting methodology as a tool for linking public finances with environmental goals.

Group work

The workshop was conducted through interactive group work on a concrete example – selecting and planning the location of a nursing home in Poreč, led by Aljaž Plevnik and Luka Mladenovič (UIRS). Participants first analyzed three possible locations and assessed their suitability regarding the availability of facilities and transport connections.

In the second part of the workshop, participants took on the roles of different stakeholders (residents, visitors, employees, tenants) and defined their needs, daily movement patterns and obstacles. Based on this, concrete measures were proposed in the planning and construction phase, as well as long-term solutions for spatial development.

Participants identified the following problems and challenges:

• Subordination of planning to increase parking capacity;
• Conflicts in space use (e.g. sidewalks occupied by parked vehicles);
• Poor connectivity between different forms of transport (walking, cycling, public transport);
• Insufficient accessibility and safety challenges for people with reduced mobility (sidewalks, crossings, barriers);
• Overcrowding of the space during the tourist season (traffic, noise, safety);
• Different and often conflicting needs of stakeholders (residents, visitors, employees, local residents).

It was concluded that solutions should be based on:

• Improving accessibility through wider sidewalks, tactile surfaces, ramps and safe pedestrian infrastructure;
• Introducing lower speed zones (e.g. 30 km/h) and noise reduction measures;
• Development of green infrastructure and urban equipment (trees, shading, benches, public taps) to reduce heat islands and increase comfort;
• Improving safety through public lighting and sound signalling;
• Improved connectivity of all forms of transport (walking, cycling, public transport);
• Parking management (capacity analysis, usage regulation) and ensuring public transport (e.g. minibus lines).

It was emphasized that changes are possible through small but strategic interventions in existing infrastructure, but they require clear priorities and consistency in decision-making. Also, to encourage changes in habits, it is necessary to prioritize the provision of quality pedestrian and cycling infrastructure over automobile infrastructure, and in order for the entire planning process to function, it is necessary to develop and interdisciplinary approach and strengthen the capacities of experts.

Day 2 – green and innovative financing

The second day of the workshop was dedicated to the financial framework for achieving climate neutrality, with an emphasis on available sources of financing and their possibilities for application at the local level.

The introductory presentations covered key financial instruments and frameworks for climate transition. Ana Juras (Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition) presented financing opportunities through the ETS system, the Modernisation Fund and the Social Fund for Climate Policy, with an emphasis on sustainable transport and energy transition. Milica Sredanović (International Finance Corporation) presented the possibilities of green and blue financing of local projects through development finance institutions, while Lidija Pavić-Rogošić (EESC) presented the proposal for the new EU Multiannual Financial Framework and its implications at the local level. Vlatka Berlan Vlahek (Energy cities, NZC consortium) spoke about the EU Mission for Climate Neutral Cities and the support available to cities, and Miljenko Sedlar (REGEA) on climate proofing as a key tool for planning more resilient and long-term profitable projects.

In the second part of the day, examples of good practice from Mission 100 member cities were presented. Tomaž Lanišek (City of Kranj) emphasized the importance of political will and innovative approaches in financing city projects, while Nebojša Ivančević (City of Zagreb) presented the ActGREEN project, which involves citizens in greening their private yards by applying nature-based solutions. Luka Vidan (ODRAZ) presented the Net Zero Cities portal as a tool for planning, monitoring progress and exchanging knowledge between cities.

Group work

We concluded our two-day stay in Poreč with a workshop led by Vlatka Berlan Vlahek (Energy cities, NZC consortium) on the topic of innovative financing models for climate neutrality projects. The participants analyzed different sources of financing and developed proposals for possible ways of financing in the local context with a focus on projects that support the goal of climate neutrality of cities.

It was emphasized that traditional financing models are not sufficient to close the financial construction of the green transition and that a shift towards blended and innovative approaches is necessary. The need for cities to take on the role of catalysts that connect public, private and civic sources of financing was highlighted, using instruments such as green bonds, ESCO models, participatory budgeting and blended finance. Combining different sources and strengthening local capacities was highlighted as a key direction to bridge the financial gap and enable long-term, sustainable implementation of the climate transition.

The discussion raised a number of practical challenges – from the need for stronger public-private cooperation to the necessity of simplifying procedures and improving the availability of funds, especially for smaller cities. It was emphasized that without political will and understanding of the benefits of investments (e.g. in bicycle infrastructure instead of parking lots) there is no real change, as well as without the inclusion of local needs and a bottom-up approach in planning. Innovative financial models, citizen participation and continuous education were also highlighted as important elements in order to be able to move towards systemic changes.

Conclusion

The discussions showed that key challenges remain sectoral planning, car dominance, reactive action and lack of interdisciplinary capacity, with weak links between planning and financing. The need for an integrated approach linking spatial and transport planning with climate objectives and budgets, strengthening accessibility, managing transport demand and implementing climate validation was highlighted as a direction for action. Innovative financing models, combining sources of funding and strengthening local capacity are essential for a successful transition, with a shift to a strategic, long-term approach that puts community needs and quality of life at the centre.

The workshop was organised as part of the CLIMOVE project funded by European Climate Initiative (EUKI) under the Federal Ministry of the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Protection and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN) and the Net Zero Cities – support for cities project funded by the European Union.