On 4 March 2026, ALDA – together with the University of Novi Sad and At Clave – organised the third Citizen Engagement Workshop titled: “Voices for Change: Exploring Solutions for the PG Stack in Prahovo.”
The phosphogypsum (PG) stack in Prahovo is one of six case studies of the FIC-Fighters project. Prahovo is a small industrial town on the banks of the Danube River in eastern Serbia, and it is known for its industrial complex. The PG stack, located in the proximity to the Danube, raises significant environmental concerns among residents, particularly regarding potential water contamination, pollution on the nearby agricultural land and airborne dust affecting the air quality.
The workshop brought together 15 local citizens representing different stakeholders to ensure diversity and integrate different perspectives; this included ordinary citizens alongside representatives from key organisations, in particular public bodies and environmental activists.
Key Concerns Raised by Citizens
- Impacts of the environmental pollution affecting agricultural land, the water of the Danube River, and air quality due to PG dust.
- Social and economic impacts on the nearby cities and the community.
- Insufficient monitoring and control of the industry by the local authorities.
- Limited transparency and insufficient communication by the company regarding the PG stack and its risks.
Future Scenarios & Citizens’ Expectations
- A shared vision for a healthier environment and a more sustainable future for the community.
- The need for revitalisation and stronger citizen involvement in environmental decision-making.
- Strong confidence in the potential reuse of PG.
Conclusions
Participants were very engaged and appreciated the opportunity to discuss a topic that strongly affects their environment and everyday lives. Especially, they appreciated the informative session provided by the University of Novi Sad, focused on providing technical knowledge and relevant information on phosphogypsum. They are looking forward to participating in similar events in the future.
Once again, the strong participation in the workshop and the feedback received from the participants confirm the importance of continuing the FIC-Fighters work in the field and boosting local participation in the management of the PG stack around the project case studies.
