Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia Michael Davenport visited Vranje to see the results of the EU-funded projects and reaffirmed European support to new developmental activities of the town.
During the meeting with Mayor Zoran Antic, Ambassador Davenport saw the results the town achieved in 2014 in the area of development as well as the priorities of the forthcoming period. Later, they visited the reconstruction works on “Bora Stankovic” Theatre, burned down in 2012, whose reconstruction was supported by the European Union and the Government of Switzerland through European PROGRES programme by drafting a complete technical documentation for the project.
“European Union recognised the value of ‘Bora Stankovic’ Theatre to the culture of the entire region and Serbia, and joined the efforts of Vranje, its citizens and numerous donors, to the reconstruction of this institution. Joined work on the theatre reconstruction is an example of a project in which we would like to invest – sensible, sustainable, and is exactly where Serbian institutions and citizens lead the implementation while the European Union join their efforts,” Davenport said.
Through EU PROGRESS, the European Union and Swiss Government provided 20.000 euros in order to draft the main project for reconstruction and extension of the damaged facility, thus creating preconditions for the commencement of works funded by the Municipality of Vranje and numerous donors.
On the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the EU Ambassador and the Mayor visited the Association of Persons with Paraplegia in Vranje, whose two employment projects were supported by the European Union with some 14.000 euros. These projects enabled the creation of four jobs for the members of this Association.
Head of the EU Delegation also visited the Urban Development Institute in Vranje to which European Union, through EU PROGRES, delivered IT equipment and financial means to implement three detailed regulation plans aimed at business and economy zone Bunusevac, Neradovaca and Ribince. Draft of these plans attracted investors, including the renowned Italian shoe producer GEOX, whose factory is currently being built.
Davenport seized his visit to point to recently opened calls of the new European PROGRES aimed at supporting the drafting of technical documentation of local infrastructure projects, strengthening of local tax administration and developing partnership between society and local self-governments.
“Vranje has the capacity to attain great results within European PROGRES, but it should prepare for a stronger competition. We need quality and sustainable projects, and what is most important, the EU wish to see tangible benefits for citizens, primarily job creation,” Ambassador Davenport said.
In the previous four years, through EU PROGRES programme only, the European Union and the Government of Switzerland have provided 600.000 euros to support 25 projects that have contributed to creation of more favourable business environment, employment and social inclusion.
