After a two-year break, Novi Pazar has once again hosted the EU Delegation to Serbia.
Led by Ambassador Andreas von Beckerath, Delegation devoted its two-day visit to strengthening mutual cooperation, supporting economic development, minority rights, and environmental protection. The central event was the official opening of the European House in Novi Pazar.
On the first day of the visit to the Sandžak region, the head of the EU Delegation and his colleagues began with a meeting with Novi Pazar Mayor Nihat Biševac.
After a short walk through the city center, representatives of the EU Delegation in Serbia and the mayor visited The Ras Museum, which preserves the history of Novi Pazar and the wider region in a distinctive way.
Established in 1953, the museum offered the ambassador a chance to explore the cultures and historical eras that have shaped the region — from prehistoric settlements, through Roman, Byzantine, medieval and Ottoman periods, all the way to modern times.
European House in Novi Pazar
The highlight of the Delegation’s first day in the city was the opening of the Europe House Novi Pazar, located near the City Assembly at Stevana Nemanje 2, which will be open to the public every day.
Following Belgrade, Novi Sad, and Niš, the Europe House in Novi Pazar becomes part of a broader network aimed at decentralizing the work of the EU Delegation in Serbia and ensuring that information, opportunities, and dialogue about the EU are accessible to people wherever they live.
“With this opening, the European Union is taking another important step in bringing Europe closer to citizens across Serbia”, said Ambassador Andreas von Beckerath at the inauguration.
“You will no longer need to drive for hours to Belgrade to get the information or support you need. We want the Europe story to be told not only in the capital, but in every part of the country — in cities and towns that are young, dynamic, and diverse, like Novi Pazar. We want to live up to our motto: United in diversity,” he added.
Ambassador von Beckerath opened the doors of the Europe House together with Mayor Nihat Biševac and representatives of the EU Delegation in Serbia. The new center is intended to promote shared values and provide tangible EU support to all citizens of Serbia, wherever they live.
“By opening the EU House, we are sending a clear message: Novi Pazar remains a city that believes in the future and in the power of cooperation — a city that wants to be part of the European family and works every day to make that a reality,” Mayor Biševac said.
He thanked Ambassador von Beckerath “for his understanding, cooperation, and for confirming with this visit that Novi Pazar has its place on the European map of partnerships.”
The core mission of the Europe House in Novi Pazar will be to actively support Serbia’s EU integration process by providing accurate information, promoting EU values, and strengthening the capacity of local stakeholders.
During the day, Ambassador von Beckerath also met with representatives of local NGOs, media organizations, and members of the Bosniak and Gorani national councils. The meetings provided an open and constructive dialogue and offered deeper insight into the needs and potential of the local community.
