Vrnjačka Banja, 3 September 2024

New bridge in Novi Selo in the municipality of Vrnjačka Banja with the EU support

With the support of the European Union, the bridge over the Mala Reka river in Novi Selo, in the municipality of Vrnjačka Banja, destroyed during the floods in 2023, is once again operational. Through the EU PRO Plus programme, which is implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of European Integration, the EU has invested over 160,000 Euros for the construction of this 13-metre-long bridge for passengers and vehicles.

"This support is of great importance for our municipality, because the bridge enables better connectivity and facilitates the daily life of our citizens, especially the residents of Novi Selo, Rsavaci and the surrounding villages. With the support of the EU, the municipality of Vrnjačka Banja implemented numerous quality projects aimed at improving life of people," said the Mayor of  Vrnjačka Banja, Boban Đurović, thanking the European Union for  supporting local development and solidarity in emergency situations.

The bridge in Novi Selo represents an innovative constructive solution that was implemented for more efficient construction while rationalising costs. This arched steel structure is flexible and elastic, allowing for high load-bearing capacity, while the arched shape of the bridge ensures optimal water flow and provides safety in the event of floods.

The European Union supports activities of the EU PRO Plus programme, which contributes to a more balanced socio-economic development of Serbia, with 40 million Euros. The programme, which is led by the Ministry of European Integration, aims to contribute to enhancing territorial development management, economic growth and improvement of social infrastructure and cohesion in 99 local self-governments, in two regions Šumadija and Western Serbia and Southern and Eastern Serbia. The activities in the field  are implemented  by UNOPS.