Thirty-four local administrations will introduce and improve Geographic Information Systems (GIS) through EU projects worth more than two million euros, with a goal of better-planned development and resource management, improving services and procedures for the population and the economy.

“Today we are talking about the future through digitalisation, which is one of the biggest challenges in terms of scientific achievement, transparency, innovation, artificial intelligence, open data,” said Ambassador Sem Fabrizi, Head of Delegation of the European Union to Serbia, when delivering project implementation certificates to representatives of these cities and municipalities.

Through the EU PRO Programme, the European Union will support the procurement of software and hardware, and other modern computer equipment that will allow local governments to collect, process, and manage spatial data in one place. The ultimate goal of these interventions is more investment and therefore jobs.

The Head of the EU Delegation pointed out that there is no better place in Serbia than Nis to present GIS implementation projects, as it is an innovation hub, and it is particularly important that the projects will be implemented through the partnership of local governments.

Namely, eight out of a total of 19 projects are being implemented in partnership with two or more local governments, which have recognized that this is the way they can make the most of development potential and solve common problems.

“All the projects the EU supports are aimed at improving the quality of life of citizens, which is why our motto is EU za tebe“, said Ambassador Fabrizi.

Nis Mayor Darko Bulatovic said that the City is implementing many projects with the support of the European Union and that Nis, as a local government, gives full support to the overall policy of the Serbian Government and the association policy.

“The introduction of the geographical information system is important for citizens, the economy and public administration so that we can plan, invest and contribute to the development and potentials of Niš,” said Mayor Bulatovic.

Head of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in Serbia, Mikela Telatin, emphasized the importance of partnering with local governments to congratulate users on innovative project proposals for the introduction of GIS through the EU PRO program, which aims to contribute to the social and economic development of the country.

In Nis, Fabrizi and NiCAT are ambassadors, a cluster of advanced technologies that as a business support organization implements a project to support niche companies in the field of information technology (IT) to enter foreign markets.

During his visit to the cluster, the Head of the EU Delegation met with representatives of three IT companies from Nis – Badin Soft, Ingsoftware, and Softelm – which received EU grants to acquire equipment to improve their business and competitiveness.

Ambassador Fabrizi also visited the Startup Center Nis, which, with EU funds, will implement a project aimed at developing small and medium-sized businesses in the video game sector.

“Youth education, innovation, and entrepreneurship are in areas where the EU is particularly active in Serbia. The young, educated people I met today are using technological development to connect and communicate with the world through their professional growth, and I am glad that they are supported by EU funds,” concluded Ambassador Fabrizi.