RCDN continues to strengthen wastewater services across the Western Balkans by supporting peer exchanges and Communities of Practice (CoPs) that connect wastewater operators, utilities, experts, and associations around shared operational challenges and practical solutions.
Through national and regional exchanges, professionals move beyond theory—learning directly from real-life experiences, innovative practices, and advanced facilities. These peer-based formats play a key role in building hands-on expertise, professional networks, and long-term cooperation, fully aligned with the objectives of the EU Green Agenda and EU wastewater directives.
Peer Exchange Highlights
North Macedonia – ADKOM | October & December
ADKOM organized two complementary peer exchanges focused on optimising biological wastewater treatment.
In October in Strumica, operators from across the country participated in a two-day workshop on sludge analysis and biological process optimisation, supported by experts from the Swiss Water Association (VSA). The exchange combined interactive sessions with practical microscopic sludge analysis, strengthening operators’ ability to improve treatment efficiency and sustainability.
In December, a national peer exchange showcased an innovative good practice from WWTP Gevgelija, demonstrating how treatment efficiency can be improved already within the sewerage system through bioaugmentation using specific microorganisms. The event brought together utility staff, sector experts, and members of the Wastewater Community of Practice to exchange knowledge and operational insights.
Serbia – UTVSI | Belgrade
UTVSI hosted the 4th Community of Practice meeting of wastewater operators during the Belgrade Water Forum. The session focused on peer-to-peer exchange of operational experience and the joint development of an Action Plan for continued cooperation. By fostering structured dialogue among operators, the CoP supports continuous improvement of wastewater services across Serbia.
Montenegro – AWM & VSA | Budva & Switzerland
In Budva, wastewater operators gathered for the 3rd national CoP meeting, focused on SCADA systems and how automation and monitoring can improve treatment efficiency and reliability. Participants shared experiences from daily operations, learned about the SCADA upgrade at the Budva WWTP, and developed practical action plans for their own utilities.
Building on this exchange, Montenegrin operators continued their learning journey through a study visit to Switzerland, organized with support from VSA. The group visited several advanced WWTPs, exploring modern technologies, sludge management, biological treatment processes, and energy efficiency—strengthening both technical knowledge and international professional connections.
🌍 Regional Exchange – Kruševac | Western Balkans
Practitioners from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia gathered in Kruševac for a two-day regional peer exchange dedicated to strengthening national Communities of Practice. The meeting combined experience-sharing, joint planning for 2026, and learning from innovative solutions presented by WWTP Kruševac, including Real-Time Control (RTC) and solar sludge drying. A field visit allowed participants to assess applicability in different local contexts and develop action plans to transfer knowledge back to their utilities.
Peer Learning as a Driver of Sustainable Wastewater Services
By supporting structured peer exchanges at national and regional levels, RCDN helps create a connected network of wastewater professionals who learn from each other, solve problems together, and drive continuous improvement. These exchanges strengthen operational capacities, support EU-aligned practices, and contribute to more efficient, resilient, and sustainable wastewater services across the Western Balkans.
Peer learning remains a cornerstone of RCDN’s approach turning shared experience into better outcomes for utilities, communities, and the environment.
