A conference dedicated to Romania-Serbia cross-border cooperation programme within IPA I 2007-2013 was held in Vrsac. The session showcased the results achieved during the implementation of projects funded through Romania-Serbia cross-border cooperation programme within IPA.
Numerous speakers, before the packed Centre Konkordija, emphasised the influence of projects and the visibility of Romania-Serbia cross-border cooperation.
Speaking at conference opening, Steffen Hudolin of the EU Delegation to Serbia recalled that since 2007 when the IPA was launched, cross-border cooperation became an institutionalised tool for improving neighbourly relations, reducing regional inequalities and promoting ideas and innovation through cooperation.
“In the period from 2007-2013 the European Union donated over EUR53 million to the Romania-Serbia cross-border cooperation Programme,“ Hudolin said and added that the Programme produced “100 jointly implemented projects in the area of economy and societal development, environment and emergency disaster preparation as well as people-to-people exchange.“
He stressed that Vrsac was among “the most successful municipalities when it comes planning and absorption of EU assistance.“
Hudolin also said that new bilateral programme between Serbia and the FYROM would soon be launched.
The conference was organised by a joint secretariat within the Temisvar Regional Cross-border Cooperation Office, in partnership with Romanian Management Authority (of the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Administration) and Serbian National Authority (European Integration Office).
On this occasion, the high school Borislav Petrov Braca received an award for the project titled “Similar, yet different“. According to Tamara Pesic, Director of Vrsac high school, the goal of the project was to preserve the identity, tradition and culture of a language in Serbia and Romania. The holder of the project, participated in by four other schools, was the high school Borislav Petrov Braca.
