The Pathways2Resilience (P2R) Summit, held from 10-12 February 2026 in Budapest, marked a pivotal milestone in the collective effort to advance the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change. Bringing together representatives from 100 European regions, the event served as a dynamic platform for turning high-level climate ambition into concrete regional action.
For SmartUp – Social Innovation Lab, this summit was more than a meeting; it was a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to promoting climate resilience across the Western Balkans. As an active partner in this mission, we are focused on ensuring that strategic frameworks are effectively translated into measurable impact for our local communities.
Celebrating Milestones: Concluding Cohort 1
One of the primary goals of the summit was to celebrate the achievements and lessons learned from the first cohort of regions. At SmartUp, we are proud to be concluding our intensive work with:
- Municipality of Sveti Nikole (MK)
- Cetinje (MNE)
Our approach centered on a deeply participatory process, prioritizing large-scale stakeholder engagement to ensure that local voices shaped every step of the journey. By bringing together local experts, policymakers, and community members, we facilitated a co-creation environment that resulted in clear strategic, action, and investment plans. These documents provide a solid foundation for future policies, strengthening local capacities to tackle climate challenges and ensuring a more resilient future for their citizens.
New Beginnings: Launching Cohort 2
While the summit served as a closure for some, it also acted as a formal kick-off for Cohort 2. The momentum continues as SmartUp begins supporting three new regions entering this phase of the journey:
- Municipality of Kumanovo (MK)
- City of Sarajevo (BiH)
- Regional Development Agency South (RS) — supporting the Toplica, Nišava, and Pirot regions.
During the summit, we began the process of introducing these regions to the P2R framework. Over the coming months, we will work closely with these partners to develop robust resilience strategies tailored to their unique geographical and social contexts, maintaining our focus on collaboration and mutual learning.
A Unified European Community
The three-day agenda featured high-level discussions with representatives from Climate-KIC, the European Committee of the Regions, and various EU Directorates-General. From exploring innovation practices to mastering risk management frameworks, the summit reinforced a shared identity across the P2R community.
We leave Budapest energized by the spirit of cross-cohort exchange. By sharing lessons from our work in Sveti Nikole and Cetinje with our new partners in Kumanovo, Sarajevo, and Southern Serbia, we are building a stronger, more connected network of resilience across the Western Balkans.
Onward to the next phase of action! 🌿
