Thanks to the support of the European Union, the bridge for pedestrians and vehicles over the river Mala Reka in Novo Selo, in the municipality of Vrnjačka Banja, is once again operational. The European Union has provided over 160,000 Euros through the EU PRO Plus programme for the construction of the 13-metre-long bridge, which was destroyed during the floods of 2023 and connects this settlement to the regional road.
During his working visit to Vrnjačka Banja, Nicola Bertolini, Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation to Serbia, visited the bridge and remarked: “This bridge exemplifies the EU’s solidarity and tangible support for the citizens of Serbia, as it enhances connectivity and simplifies daily life for residents. Our collaboration with the municipality of Vrnjačka Banja has improved the lives of its residents through various initiatives. In addition to the bridge construction, these efforts have included building social housing, enhancing the position of vulnerable groups, and improving the energy efficiency of the municipal administration building.”
During his visit to Kruševac, Nicola Bertolini toured the Centre for Social Entrepreneurship, managed by the Evrokontakt organisation. This centre was established with EU support of over 20,000 Euros through the ReLOaD programme and serves as a hub for both emerging and established social entrepreneurs, focusing on advocacy and promotion of social entrepreneurship.
The EU also supports agricultural producers in Kruševac through the IPARD program. Notably, Marko Đidić received close to 80,000 Euros in EU funding to acquire 16 greenhouses and successfully engages in the production of strawberries, peppers, and tomatoes. Additionally, through the EU PRO programme, the EU granted 29,000 Euros to the Vitwood enterprise, which specialises in wood processing and the production of kitchen accessories.
“EU support in Kruševac is evident in improved agricultural production, enhanced competitiveness of small businesses, and strengthened cooperation with the civil sector focused on the social and economic empowerment of vulnerable groups. Together with the city of Kruševac and the Agency for Regional Development of the Rasinski District, we are advancing an important project related to the development of technical documentation for the reconstruction of the mediaeval town in Kruševac,” stated Nicola Bertolini. He explained that this integrated project, which includes essential archaeological research and the preparation of a Study on the protection, presentation, and revitalization of this culturally significant monument, will form the basis for securing funds for reconstruction. “The reconstruction of the mediaeval fortress in Kruševac will further promote the development of new cultural offerings and tourism,” added Bertolini.
