Irena Vujović, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environmental Protection, announced that a series of projects aimed at improving air quality have been successfully implemented in nine local governments across Serbia. These initiatives, which stem from the work of the Working Group for Systematic Solving of Air Protection Issues, are already showing positive effects on air quality in these regions.
The projects were carried out in Belgrade, Niš, Smederevo, Užice, Kosjerić, Zaječar, Novi Pazar, Kragujevac and Valjevo.
Vujović emphasized the importance of these efforts, noting that since 2021, her ministry has replaced 169 boiler rooms in 76 local governments as part of its air quality improvement initiatives. Through the collaboration of various ministries and UNDP partners, these projects involved replacing outdated and polluting boilers with more environmentally friendly alternatives in key facilities such as schools, kindergartens, university buildings, cultural centers, and public institutions.
These improvements are particularly significant in cities and municipalities that have previously recorded emissions exceeding the acceptable limits. By replacing solid fuel boilers, which ranged from 150 kilowatts to 5.4 megawatts in power, the government is working to enhance air quality and the overall well-being of local residents.
Vujović also highlighted the government’s ongoing commitment to these projects, stating that substantial funds have been secured for the replacement of additional boilers in heating plants and public institutions in 2025. The focus will be on the regions with the highest levels of emissions to further drive progress in air quality improvements. “Only through collective efforts can we achieve our ultimate goal of better air quality,” concluded Vujović.
