Through the EU PRO Plus programme, implemented by UNOPS in cooperation with the Ministry for European Integration, the European Union will support the implementation of four new infrastructure projects in Kučevo, Novi Pazar, Svrljig, and Prijepolje.
With more than EUR 810,000 in EU grants, the projects will improve conditions for education, cultural activities, and tourism, while also contributing to a more favourable business environment for new investments and employment.
“Through EU PRO Plus, we have demonstrated that the development of local and business infrastructure forms the foundation for a better quality of life for citizens, a stronger economy, and the sustainable development of local communities. Through joint efforts, conditions for education, social protection, culture, sports, and more efficient public services have been improved, while projects supporting business infrastructure have encouraged investments worth EUR 235 million and created more than 2,000 new jobs,” said Mira Radenović Bojić, State Secretary at the Ministry for European Integration in official event in Europe House in Belgrade.
Foto: Dragana Udovičić
The four new projects represent a continuation of the European Union’s support for sustainable and balanced local development. In Novi Pazar, the “Mur” Primary School will be renovated; in Kučevo, the “Lane” Preschool Institution will be reconstructed; while in Svrljig, the Centre for Culture, Tourism and Sports will undergo reconstruction. In Prijepolje, the business infrastructure project includes the reconstruction and expansion of the water supply network in the Purića Potok business and residential zone in order to create conditions for the expansion of existing businesses and attract new investors.
“European Union investments in local and economic infrastructure through EU PRO Plus bring tangible benefits to communities across Serbia. These projects respond to the real needs of local communities and contribute to creating a safer, more functional, and inclusive environment, improving access to services for more than 280,000 people. At the same time, investments in economic infrastructure strengthen the local business environment, attract new investments, and create opportunities for employment and long-term economic growth,” said Mauro di Veroli, Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia.
Foto: Dragana Udovičić
During the presentation of the new projects, examples of good practice from Šabac and Užice were also showcased. Ana Marinković, Head of the Project Management Department of the City Administration of Šabac, presented how the city, with nearly EUR 180,000 in EU support, opened a Science Centre providing adequate space and conditions for the development of talented children and youth. The project for the restoration of the water tower at the Stari Grad fortress in Užice was presented by Aleksandar Tasić, Head of the Project Management Department.
The European Union supports the activities of the EU PRO Plus programme, which contributes to Serbia’s more balanced socio-economic development, with EUR 40 million. The programme, led by the Ministry for European Integration, aims to contribute to improved territorial development governance, economic growth, and the enhancement of social infrastructure and cohesion in 99 local self-government units across two regions: the Region of Šumadija and Western Serbia and the Region of Southern and Eastern Serbia. Field activities are implemented by UNOPS.