Territorial Strategies: Path to Sustainable Development

The twelve territories covered by the strategies, with 1.6 million inhabitants, include five wider urban areas and seven narrow urban areas throughout Serbia.

Strategies were developed together with local governments which are selected through Public call for submission of applications for the creation of territorial strategies while the entire strategy development process promoted an integral and participatory approach to development planning, intersectoral cooperation and information exchange, inclusion and coordination of the public, private, civil and scientific research sectors in the decision-making process, as well as partnership between institutions.

EU PRO Plus provided technical support to local governments in the development of strategies, establishment of management mechanisms for implementation, monitoring and evaluation of strategy implementation and continues to provide support in the development of capacities for the application of territorial development instruments through personnel training.

"Territorial approach to development is an important element for creating equal but also better living conditions in all parts of Serbia. Such an approach is also important as our preparation for the use of much larger structural funds when we become a member of the EU", said Tanja Miščević, Minister for European Integration.

Minister Miščević added that the proposed projects should rely on the objectives of the EU Cohesion Policy 2021 - 2027, as well as on relevant national strategies, especially on the Strategy of Sustainable Urban Development of Serbia until 2030.

"The EU PRO Plus Programme promotes a territorial approach that meets the needs of Serbia and local territories. This long-term strategy has proven to be successful in achieving a balance in development, preparing local authorities for future cohesion funds," said the Ambassador of the European Union to Serbia, Emanuele Giofre. In addition, the ambassador emphasised that all interested actors were involved in the development of strategies and that broad support is expected for the proposed projects.

Within this call, two groups of projects will be supported: infrastructure and other works, procurement of equipment and measures that encourage broad consultation, participation, capacity building and training while the second measure will be development of the documentation necessary to increase the project maturity and readiness to implement strategic projects within the scope of territorial strategies. The Call is open until 28 Decembre while more information can be found at the Programme website.

This is an opportunity to contribute to sustainable development and build a better future for all citizens of Serbia.