In September 2025, Dr Aleksejs Prozuments, lead researcher at Riga Technical University (RTU) visited the Faculty of Civil Engineering at the University of Montenegro (UCG) within the framework of the Erasmus+ staff mobility programme.

During the visit, colleagues at UCG were introduced to the SMARTeeSTORY project goals and objectives, with particular focus on the completed and ongoing activities at Riga City Hall demonstration site. 

The presentation outlined the implementation of smart monitoring and control systems targeted at improving energy performance while observing the architectural and heritage constraints of the building. Particular emphasis was given to the integration of HVAC optimisation strategies and overcoming the associated challenges, without substantial structural interventions.

The energy efficiency optimisation within the historical building context is a highly relevant topic in the Balkan region, where increasing governmental support and dedicated financial initiatives are accelerating renovation measures.

The region is demonstrating a growing interest in strengthening collaboration with EU institutions in research, academic cooperation, and knowledge exchange practices as part of their strengthened integration pathways into the EU sustainability frameworks.