Case of Zenica: The Legacy of Industrialisation
Known as the steel heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the city of Zenica embodies the region’s industrial past. While the steel industry has historically provided an economic foundation, it has also contributed to severe air pollution, land degradation, and public health crises. The city’s socio-economic structure remains deeply intertwined with the survival of this industry, creating a complex dynamic between economic growth and ecological sustainability. Applying the doughnut model to Zenica involved identifying key deficiencies in the social foundation and overshoots of the ecological ceiling. For instance, air quality data reveal significant transgressions, especially regarding particulate matter levels. Efforts to diversify the economy beyond steel production and transition to cleaner energy sources are crucial. Community-driven initiatives could play a pivotal role in improving both the environmental and social conditions of the city.

The Zenica Doughnut Model in Action
Applying the Doughnut model to Zenica requires adjusting its principles to suit the specific characteristics of each city. The model’s dual focus on meeting human needs and respecting ecological boundaries provides a framework for assessing and designing interventions. The Doughnut economy model can be likened to visiting a doctor. After anamnesis and establishment of a diagnosis, treatment follows. In this analogy, the anamnesis relates to a socio-ecological footprint and assessment, taking into account the city’s historical context, architectural heritage, and geographic, political, and social specificities. Based on this, the unifying indicators akin to blood test results or, in medical terms, a complete blood count, are determined. The anamnesis also includes a review of past diagnoses, which in this context means analysing strategic documents, studies, reports, and action plans. Subsequently, all necessary findings must be collected to establish a diagnosis and identify key indicators that will enable a therapeutic approach. In the case of the Doughnut model, this involves conducting a socio-ecological footprint analysis and collecting relevant indicators through primary and secondary research. Based on the data, a final diagnosis can be made, and an
appropriate intervention can be formulated.
Socioecological Status of Cities
Research shows that the socio-ecological conditions in Zenica present significant challenges. Out of them 33 indicators analysed, Zenica has six indicators reflecting well-being. Zenica has 26 indicators exceeding limits. Socio-economic foundations: For all three cities, ensuring a strong social foundation, including adequate housing, education, healthcare, and social equity, is a pressing concern. In Zenica, efforts to diversify the economy beyond steel production are crucial for reducing unemployment, improving living standards, and enhancing air quality. Belgrade must address urban inequalities through investments in public services and affordable housing. Zenica has two indicators reflecting well-being. The most significant transgressions are observed in renewable energy use, democratic participation (low voter turnout), and low recycling rates.
Biophysical Ceiling: Navigating Ecological Boundaries
Respecting the ecological ceiling requires mitigating environmental degradation while fostering sustainable economic practices. The situation in Zenica, a city reliant on coal and heavy industry, highlights the urgency of transitioning to cleaner energy sources and adopting circular economy principles. Zenica shows transgression in eight indicators. The most pressing issues include air pollution, CO2 concentrations, and low levels of protected areas.

Cultural segment:

In the cultural segment, the most significant exceedances are observed in indicators of corruption, distrust in institutions, and dissatisfaction with life and work. The Doughnut model for all three cities points to alarming levels of institutional distrust and high corruption. Zenica exhibits the most significant cultural segment deficiency, with nine indicators exceeding thresholds and only one – fatty food imbalance – reflecting a state of well-being. Zenica also has the lowest percentage of women represented on the city council.

Conclusion and Recommendations: The Path Toward Green Transformation Through the Doughnut Economic Model
Considering the opportunities and challenges of implementing the Doughnut Economy model in the Balkans, Zenica represents
the broader regional struggles with ecological degradation, socio-economic inequality, and poor urban governance, making them ideal candidates for pioneering green transformation approaches. As case studies reveal, located efforts can serve as a model for
other cities in the Balkans and beyond, emphasising the importance of place-specific strategies. However, the successful implementation of this model is not without its challenges. The path to achieving a sustainable Doughnut Economy in the Balkans is fraught with political, social, and economic obstacles. Local governments often lack the institutional capacity and resources to initiate significant reforms. Fragmented political
agendas hinder regional cooperation, and international actors have yet to fully prioritise the Balkans as an area for innovation in sustainable policies. Overcoming these obstacles requires a high-level strategy involving local, regional, and international stakeholders.
Recommendations for Achieving Green Transformations
Strengthening regional cooperation for sustainability. Collaboration among cities like Zenica, Belgrade, and Rijeka should be
institutionalised through cross-border networks and shared policy platforms. These networks can encourage knowledge transfer, promote collective learning, and ensure coordinated actions on common challenges such as air pollution, water management,
and energy transitions. Promoting participatory governance models. Inclusive decision-making mechanisms are crucial for building trust and ensuring the success of sustainable initiatives. Citizens’ assemblies, modelled on successful experiments in Europe, should be established to engage communities in planning and implementing green policies directly. Focusing on urban-rural synergies. Policies should prioritise reducing disparities between urban centres and rural areas. Investments in green infrastructure, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture in rural areas can complement urban sustainability goals while addressing issues of rural underdevelopment. Leveraging international support and funding. Global institutions such as the EU and the UN should play a proactive role in supporting Doughnut Economy initiatives in the Balkans. Targeted funding mechanisms, capacity-building programs, and technical assistance should be mobilised to enable local authorities to implement transformative policies.
Enhancing accountability and transparency. Tackling corruption and ensuring transparent governance are key to the successful implementation of the Balkan Doughnut Economy transformative model. Civil society organisations and investigative journalism initiatives should be supported in monitoring public transactions, especially in green projects, and in holding policymakers accountable. Embedding sustainability in regional development policies. National and regional development strategies should integrate Doughnut Economy principles. This includes prioritising ecological restoration, circular economic practices, and socially inclusive development in strategic planning documents.

The Path Toward Green Transformation Through the Balkan Doughnut Economic Model
The successful implementation of the Doughnut Economy in the Balkans could set a precedent for green transformation across
the region. By addressing interconnected challenges of ecological degradation, economic inequality, and political inefficiency,
cities like Zenica can become models of sustainable development. However, this vision can only be realised through sustained engagement, bold policies, and collaboration at higher levels. The Doughnut Economy model offers a unifying narrative for green societal transformation, defining
themes and indicators that highlight the absence of a safe and just space. The model not only provides concrete guidelines for implementing green policies but also serves as a tool for their execution. Through its illustrative and innovative approach, it defines 33 distinct indicators encompassing various domains of green public policies. This holistic approach envisions ecological, social, and cultural dimensions within a single framework, making the Doughnut Economy model not only relevant but also essential for achieving a sustainable future in the region. The Balkans have the opportunity to redefine their future toward a fairer, more equitable, sustainable path. By adopting the Doughnut Economy model, the region can become a leader in the global movement for green transformation. Through the application of the Doughnut model in Zenica, Belgrade, and Rijeka, it is clear that all these cities possess high potential for sustainable transformation. Although significant challenges exist, including socio-economic
inequalities, ecological boundaries, and cultural barriers, their commitment to applying the Doughnut model can serve as an example for other cities in the Balkans. If these cities dedicate themselves to integrating sustainable policies and achieving socio-ecological balance, they can create a unifying narrative aimed at initiating broader civic mobilisation. The language of the “doughnut economy” is not intended solely for government institutions, cities, or civil society, but primarily for citizens. Through its philosophy and visual representation, it calls for a shift away from individualism, promoting redistribution and a higher quality of life.