EU support to the modernisation of local self-governments through the "EU Integra" programme

This programme, funded by the European Union (EU) with €15 million through the IPA III, aims to modernise local self-governments in Serbia by applying European models for integrated territorial and sustainable urban development. The programme will be implemented from January 2025 to January 2029. The key national institution responsible for the programme is the Ministry of European Integration, while its implementation is carried out through two complementary projects led by the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities (SCTM) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).

The "EU Integra" programme is part of the European Union’s broader strategy to strengthen capacities  of local self-government and enhance inter-municipal cooperation in Serbia. The Head of Cooperation of the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia, Nicola Bertolini, underlined the Programme’s importance, stating:

“The development of local self-governments is a key factor in Serbia’s EU integration process. By strengthening regional cooperation and supporting the implementation of integrated territorial development strategies, we are laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth, improved public services, and better quality of life for citizens. The EU is committed to supporting local self-governments, as they are the closest institutions to the people and play a crucial role in fostering balanced regional development. With initiatives like EU Integra, we aim to reduce regional disparities, promote job creation, and encourage investments that directly benefit local communities."

During the meeting, special attention was given to the importance of regional cooperation and Zrenjanin’s key role as a regional centre in connecting and supporting neighboring municipalities. The Mayor of Zrenjanin, Simo Salapura, highlighted the significance of the EU support not only for the City of Zrenjanin but also for the broader region. 

“Aware of the financial challenges local self-governments face, we recognise the importance of funding from EU programmes and cross-border projects. Zrenjanin has already demonstrated its commitment to European projects, as evidenced by the construction of the first 'smart building' in Banat – the Regional Development Centre, realised with the support of the European Union. For these reasons, we appreciate today’s meeting in Zrenjanin and the opportunity to further develop our local self-governments and the region through the new EU Integra project” said the Mayor of Zrenjanin, Simo Salapura.

The part of the “EU Integra" project, implemented by SCTM, is focused on strengthening the capacities of local self-governments and regional development agencies for the preparation and implementation of integrated development projects. A grant scheme worth 10.14 million Euros has been allocated to fund specific local and regional development initiatives at the local and regional level. One of the key goals of the project is to provide financial and technical support to local self-governments and regional development agencies in all phases of project implementation, and through the project SCTM will enable local self-governments to develop sustainable projects that will improve the living conditions of citizens and contribute to local and regional development.

The European Union, in cooperation with the Ministry of European Integration through the EU PRO Plus programme implemented by UNOPS, has piloted an integrated approach to development in Šumadija, Western, Southern and Eastern Serbia, tailored to local characteristics and identities.

Within the “EU Integra” project, UNOPS continues to cooperate with local self-governments on the development of territorial strategies, which will then enable the implementation of concrete projects. Building on the results achieved so far – twelve territorial strategies and 18 integrated projects worth almost 13 million Euros – UNOPS continues to strengthen capacities at the national, regional and local levels for the management of integrated territorial development. 

The meeting reaffirmed the importance of inter-municipal cooperation within the territorial development approach and the need for a strategic framework for implementing projects that will contribute to the modernisation and efficiency of local governments. Participants highlighted that coordinated action between all stakeholders at the national and local levels is crucial for maximising the opportunities provided by the "EU Integra" programme. In the long term, this initiative will contribute to the stabilisation and enhancement of local self-governments and regional capacities in line with Serbia’s EU accession reform processes.