Through the EU PRO development programme, the European Union will finance the implementation of local infrastructure projects in 37 local self-governments in the regions of Šumadija/Western Serbia and Southern/Eastern Serbia with EUR4.5 million, with a view to improving the quality of life of people in those regions.
The projects, approved by the steering committee following an administrative, programme, and technical evaluation of proposals, are primarily aimed at improving the condition of sports and cultural facilities, schools and kindergartens, health care and social protection institutions. Municipal infrastructure will also be improved, contributing to better living conditions of the vulnerable groups.
Following the (re)construction of sports and cultural venues the population – children and youths in particular – in Bela Palanka, Babusnica, Batocina, Cajetina, Dimitrovgrad, Golubac, Kragujevac, Kraljevo, Knjazevac, Ljubovija, Priboj, Prijepolje, Pozega, Rekovac, Surdulica, Svilajnac, Sabac, Uzice, Velika Plana and Vladicin Han – will enjoy playing sports more. Furthermore, projects will help to boos the cultural offering in these municipalities.
In Leskovac, Merosina, Prokuplje, Sjenica and Smederevo, learning and working conditions in schools and kindergartens will be improved, while a special focus will be put on energy efficiency and safety of the facilities.
Municipal infrastructure, i.e. the water supply systems, sewage networks and public lighting will be improved in ten municipalities: Aleksinac, Boljevac, Bosilegrad, Bujanovac, Doljevac, Kucevo, Kursumlija, Raska, Trgoviste and Valjevo, while the Centre for Social Work in Zabari and the health centre in Zagubica will undergo reconstruction thanks to EU assistance.
By supporting the implementation of these public infrastructure projects, the European Union is directly improving the lives of people by increasing the quality and access to municipal, healthcare and social services, as well as by improving studying and normal upbringing conditions.
The public call for proposals, which ran from 26 April to 29 June 2018, received a total of 46 project proposals. One of the prerequisites was to have a construction permit and secure a financial share of minimum of 15 percent of the project value. 37 local self-governments will thus co-finance the projects with EUR1.6 million, while the total budget is estimated at EUR6.1 million.
The projects will be particularly focused on applying the principle of good governance, making the everyday work of local self-governments more efficient and transparent, while at the same time increasing citizens’ participation.
The list of approved projects can be found here.
The European Union supports activities of the EU PRO, a programme aimed at promoting a more balanced socio-economic development of Serbia, with a total of EUR25 million. The programme seeks to improve competitiveness of micro and small enterprises and the business environment and to advance social cohesion in 99 local self-governments in two Serbian regions: Sumadija and Western Serbia, and Southern and Eastern Serbia. All activities on the ground are implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
