Pirot today hosted the visit of EU Deputy Head of Delegation and Chargé d’Affaires Plamena Halacheva, together with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, Djuro Macut. The visit focused on the progress and results of two major EU-funded projects in the city: the reconstruction of the Pirot Grammar School and the conservation and revitalisation of the historic Momchil’s Town (Kale Fortress).

During the visit, Halacheva highlighted how EU-supported projects have a direct and lasting impact on local communities.

Pirot Gymnasium is being reconstructed through a project valued at around EUR 1.3 million, with over EUR 1 million funded by the EU. In Pirot alone, the project includes the restoration of school buildings, façade preservation, replacement of joinery, safety improvements, and enhanced energy efficiency. The wider EU-funded initiative covers the City of Pirot and the municipalities of Dimitrovgrad, Babušnica, and Bela Palanka, aiming to improve learning conditions, enrich the educational environment, and support communities facing demographic decline.

Halacheva also visited Momčilov grad, the historic Kale Fortress, which received over EUR 1.7 million in EU funding for conservation and revitalisation works. The site, dating back to the era of Prince Lazar, has been transformed into an engaging tourist destination with multi-level exhibition content tailored to different visitor groups. The project includes 3D models and virtual reconstructions that allow visitors to experience the Roman and medieval history of the fortress through their smartphones or tablets.

These projects are part of the EU-funded Interreg Bulgaria–Serbia cross-border programme, which promotes cultural and historical tourism, and the EU-PRO+ programme, which strengthens territorial development management and fosters economic growth, social infrastructure, and social cohesion.

Visit to Pirot underlines the EU’s ongoing commitment to local development, quality education, and cultural heritage preservation in Serbia, while the City of Pirot has proven to be an excellent example of successfully attracting and using EU funding for community development.

For more information on the Interreg IPA Bulgaria–Serbia and EU-PRO+ programmes.