B40 Balkan Cities Network
 Logo | |
| Formation | 2021 |
|---|---|
| Type | Network of cities |
| Headquarters | Istanbul |
Region served | Balkans |
| Members | 54 member cities |
| Website | b40network |
The B40 Balkan Cities Network (B40) is an intercity organization between Balkans cities. The network was established with the Istanbul Declaration signed by 23 mayors at the end of the Istanbul Summit held on 29–30 November 2021 with a “Better Future, Better Cooperation” motto.[1] The aim of the network is to create better cooperation between local governments and contribute to regional development.[2]
History and founding
The B40 Balkan Cities Network was established in 2021 as an initiative to strengthen cooperation among local governments in the Balkans. The idea was proposed by Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, who envisioned a regional platform to promote local democracy, cooperation, peace, and stability. The initiative culminated in the B40 Istanbul Summit on 29–30 November 2021, where representatives of 23 cities formally established the network.
Istanbul held the network's first presidency under İmamoğlu. B40 subsequently expanded, reaching 48 member cities by the Athens Summit in January 2023, when Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis assumed the presidency. The presidency was transferred to Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj at the Tirana Summit on 29–31 January 2024. Under Veliaj, the network continued its institutional development and expansion, surpassing 70 member cities by December 2024 and adding four observer organizations.[3]
Member cities
As of 2024, the network has 54 member cities.[4]
See also
References
- ↑ "History of B40 Balkan Cities Network - B40 Balkan Cities Network" (in Turkish). 2023-04-18. Retrieved 2024-01-31.
- ↑ "B40 summit: İstanbul mayor says EU's pluralist model 'ideal for all of us'". bianet.org. Retrieved 2024-01-31.
- ↑ "About B40". B40 Balkans Cities Network. Retrieved August 22, 2026.
- ↑ "Members - B40 Balkan Cities Network". 2021-11-22. Retrieved 2024-01-31.