Aranđelovac, Kraljevo, 13 August 2024

Aranđelovac and Kraljevo improving their tourist offer with the EU support

With support from the European Union through the EU PRO Plus programme, Aranđelovac will soon have a visitor and educational centre featuring gallery space and new amenities at the Risovača Nature Monument. This centre will showcase a museum paleontological collection, as Risovača Cave is one of only five locations in the Balkans where Neanderthal remains have been discovered. The construction of this facility is part of a larger integrated project funded by the EU with one million Euros, aimed at enhancing the tourist offerings in the Šumadija district.

“The territorial approach ensures balanced regional development by leveraging the existing potentials of the area. In Šumadija, we will combine efforts to enhance tourism while preserving and promoting cultural and historical heritage. This will activate tourism potential, increase the number of visitors, and boost the local economy,” said Nicola Bertolini, Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation to Serbia, during his working visit to Aranđelovac. He added that such projects provide tangible benefits to the population but also require the involvement of the entire community, including local authorities, institutions, the public and private sectors, and the citizens themselves.

The project, carried out by the Regional Agency for Economic Development of Šumadija and Pomoravlje, not only includes the construction of a visitor and educational centre in Aranđelovac but also encompasses the completion of the reconstruction of the King’s Winery in Topola, the development of the Petrovi Dvori complex in Viševac, Rača municipality, and the renovation of the cultural centre in Knić.

In Aranđelovac, a representative of the EU Delegation visited young entrepreneur Stefan Đorđević, who, with EU grants of 12,700 Euros, acquired new sewing machines that have enhanced his textile production.

In Kraljevo, Mataruška Banja is beginning to regain its former glory with the support of the EU. A project, funded by the EU with 360,000 Euros, has successfully reconstructed over five km of the water supply network, ensuring a stable water supply for hotels, private accommodations, the gerontological and rehabilitation centre, and local residents. Additionally, a children’s playground was built, and new park furniture and waste bins were installed in Mataruška Banja.

“I am pleased to see how the EU contributes to the development of spa tourism in Serbia. This project does more than that; it opens doors for new investments in tourism, stimulates further economic development, and, most importantly, creates new job opportunities to help retain young people,” said Nicola Bertolini, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Serbia.

In Kraljevo, Nicola Bertolini also met with representatives of the European Movement in Serbia to discuss the Roadsigns to the EU project.