The Programme aims to improve management of territorial development and foster economic growth, social infrastructure and social cohesion.
The European Union has allocated a total of €40 million for the implementation of this five year long Programme, which was launched in January 2021, initially 30 million for contracted development activities, and an additional ten million to support local self-governments, small businesses and the health system in Covid 19 recovery. The Programme is led by the Ministry of European Integration and implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
The direct beneficiaries of the EU PRO Plus Programme are: the Ministry of European Integration, 99 local self-governments, local administration structures, regional development agencies, other business support organisations, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and civil society organisations (CSOs). The inhabitants of the 99 cities and municipalities are the final beneficiaries of the Programme.
EU PRO Plus facilitates preparations for the fulfilment of the accession requirements under Chapter 22 – Regional Policy and Coordination of Structural Instruments.
EU PRO builds on the good practices and results achieved during the implementation of its predecessor development programmes EU PROGRES, European PROGRES and EU PRO.