“Education is the foundation of every developing society” – said Andreas von Beckerath, Head of EU Delegation to Serbia, finishing the second day of the official visit to Novi Pazar.
Together with Novi Pazar Mayor Nihat Biševac, Beckerath visited School for Textile and Leather Design, which is implementing the “Recycle Together” campaign through a project aimed at improving waste management.
“Recycle Together” project is carried out by the school with support from the City of Novi Pazar and the municipal public utility company Gradska Čistoća, under the EU-funded PRO Plus program.
EU Delegation visited specialized classrooms and workshops where students design fashion pieces, textile products, and innovative materials, using models and machinery provided through the supported project.
Students showcased their creations made from recycled denim at a fashion show titled “Recycled Elegance”. The designs particularly impressed ambassador Bekerath, who highlighted them as exemplary demonstrations of creativity serving environmental sustainability.
“I am impressed by the wonderful design and creativity you demonstrated this morning. European Union supports this school and other educational institutions because education builds the future of every country,” said Andreas von Beckerath, Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia.
He emphasized that the autonomy of the education system is crucial for the development of any community.
“It is extremely important that every educational institution has its freedom, its autonomy, and is not subjected to political pressures. I mention this because, in the report presented by the European Commission in November this year, concerns were raised about violations of academic freedom.
But I am confident that the future is bright for the city of Novi Pazar. With these three ingredients—talented students, dedicated and skilled teachers, and academic freedom—I am convinced that the sky is the limit for this city”, emphasized Bekerath in Novi Pazar.
“Recycle Together” project, supported by the EU with €370,000 through the EU PRO Plus program, is one of 18 integral initiatives. It focuses on expanding the capacity of the city’s Recycling Center, procuring modern equipment, and engaging the community in recycling processes.
On the previous day, EU Delegation, led by ambassador Bekerath, officially opened the Europe House in Novi Pazar (Stevana Nemanje 2). The center is envisioned as a vibrant hub for dialogue, cultural exchange, and innovation, dedicated to strengthening ties between the local community and the European Union.
Following openings in Belgrade, Novi Sad, and Niš, the Europe House in Novi Pazar becomes part of a broader network designed to decentralize the EU Delegation’s work in Serbia, ensuring that information, opportunities, and dialogue about the EU are accessible to people wherever they live.
During the first day of his visit, ambassador also met with city officials, representatives of national minorities, NGOs, and media, engaging in an open and constructive dialogue that provided additional insights into the needs and potential of the local community.
