EU funds for the benefit of the citizens of Žagubica, Zaječar and Knjaževac

In Krepoljin village in the municipality of Žagubica, Nikola Bertolini visited the renovated health centre that now has a separate paediatric department and new equipment thus providing enhanced health services to the locals of Krepoljin and the surrounding villages. With EU support of almost 180,000 Euros, the roof, carpentry, and floors were replaced, the facade was thermally isolated along with the reconstruction of heating and toilets.

"I am glad to see how the European Union funds are invested here in Krepoljin as they bring direct benefits for all people living here", said Nicola Bertolini.

The Mayor of Žagubica, Safet Pavlović, underlined the importance of the European Union support and the health centre in Krepoljin for the residents.

In Zaječar, the Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation, Nicola Bertolini, and the Mayor Boško Ničić, visited the "Đurđevak" kindergarten, where the youngest residents of Zaječar now have better living conditions thanks to EU grants and significant co-funding of the Zaječar City. In addition to improving the building's energy efficiency through the replacement of roof covering and carpentry, covering of existing roof terraces and thermal insulation of the facade, the kindergarten also received IT equipment.

"European Union taxpayers' money has been spent in a good way here to match the local funds and to have this kindergarten reconstructed. One of the most important activities of the local self-government is to educate and take care of the youngest ones thus supporting their parents as well. This project is an example of how to enhace education, and take care of children and parents and their future”, said the representative of the EU Delegation Nicola Bertolini.

"Through the project, 1,600 square metres of space as well as the roof structure were renovated, so more than 180 children, as well as 50 employees in this institution, have better working conditions," said the mayor of Zaječar, adding that the works started in February and were completed as soon as June and expressed his gratitude to the European Union for the support in implementing the reconstruction of this, the second largest kindergarten in Zaječar.

During his visit to Zaječar, the Head of Cooperation of the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Serbia, Nicola Bertolini, spoke with representatives of civil society from Eastern Serbia. They presented to Bertolini their efforts and activities to improve the lives of citizens, but also pointed out the challenges they face in this part of Serbia, for which they need the support of the EU.

In Knjaževac, the representative of the EU Delegation together with the mayor Milan Đokić, visited the newly built sports courts - two handball and four basketball courts with asphalt surfaces. With this EU support of almost 170,000 Euros invested in sports infrastructure, Knjaževac athletes, youth and recreationists now have significantly improved conditions for sport activities.