Strategy of urban security of the City of Zagreb for the period 2025 – 2030

Abstract

Abstract: Urban security involves coordinated actions to enhance a city’s capacity to respond to risks threatening citizens' safety and quality of life. The City of Zagreb has developed an Urban Security Strategy for 2025-2030, integrating existing policies with a focus on improving safety and quality of life. Though not legally required, the strategy is deemed essential by the city. Considering growing urban complexity due to population growth, climate change, and evolving security threats, the strategy emphasizes proactive risk assessment, smart surveillance, and real-time data analysis to improve situational awareness and emergency response. A 2023 study assessed citizens' safety perceptions and identified high-risk areas using surveys, interviews, and spatial data. Key areas of focus in the strategy include public transport, health and environmental protection, crime prevention, disaster response, terrorism and energy security. The strategy promotes collaboration, stakeholder participation, and technological advancements.

1. INTRODUCTION
Urban security encompasses a range of coordinated activities aimed at enhancing the capacity of cities to respond to risks threatening citizens' safety and quality of life. In this context, urban security is a crucial area of action for cities, including Zagreb, which has developed the Strategy of Urban Security of the City of Zagreb for the period 2025-2030. This strategic document integrates existing policies while enhancing them with a security-focused approach to improve citizens' quality of life and overall safety. Although not a legal requirement, the City of Zagreb recognizes the necessity and importance of adopting such a strategy. The increasing complexity of urban environments, due to population growth, climate change, and evolving security threats, has underscored the need for comprehensive and adaptable security measures. Zagreb's approach emphasizes proactive risk assessment and the integration of new technologies, such as smart surveillance systems and real-time data analysis, to enhance situational awareness and emergency response.

2. METHODOLOGY
To obtain an updated assessment of the security status and quality of life in Zagreb, a study was conducted in April 2023 to evaluate citizens' perceptions of safety and well-being across different districts. The research methodology included surveys and interviews with residents, policy makers, and security experts. The study focused on key urban security factors, including uninterrupted access to energy, food supply chains, transportation uninterrupted access, and social services, as these elements are crucial for ensuring a secure and resilient urban environment. In addition to primary data collection, a comparative analysis was performed, drawing on best practices from European cities that have successfully implemented urban security strategies. This comparative approach facilitated the identification of key success factors and potential challenges in adapting similar measures to the specific socio-economic and infrastructural conditions of Zagreb. Furthermore, the research incorporated spatial data analysis to identify high-risk areas, enabling a targeted and evidence-based approach to urban security planning and intervention.

3. MAIN RESULTS
The findings emphasize the critical role of citizen participation in shaping community policies, enhancing the flow of information, ensuring accountability, and improving legal procedures. By actively involving residents, the strategy aims to empower those most affected by public policies, fostering a more inclusive and responsive urban security framework. A key concept underlying the strategy is "security governance." The Strategy of Urban Security of the City of Zagreb was developed by a working group of experts from various fields. This group collaborated closely with the City Office for Local Self-Government, Transport, Civil Protection, and Security to ensure a comprehensive and practical approach tailored to the city's specific needs. The Strategy of Urban Security of the City of Zagreb addresses a broad spectrum of security concerns, focusing on the following key areas: Public Transport and Traffic Security, Health and Environmental Protection, Safe and Accessible Public Spaces and Crime Prevention, Protection From Natural and Technological Disasters, Strengthening Social Cohesion, Solidarity, and Inclusivity, Counter-Terrorism and Radicalization Prevention, Information and Cybersecurity and Energy Security and Renewable Energy Use. The strategy defines measures for 2025 - 2030 through cooperation, coordination, and stakeholder participation to enhance resilience and preparedness for unforeseen events. It promotes multisectoral collaboration and evidence-based decision-making to strengthen Zagreb’s security framework and crisis response. In addition, the findings highlight the importance of public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives to enhance citizens' understanding of urban security. Technological advancements, including AI-driven threat detection and smart urban infrastructure, are key to mitigating risks. Additionally, emergency response frameworks, such as rapid intervention teams and inter-agency cooperation, form a cornerstone of the strategy.