EUROPEAN SUPPORT TO THE IMPROVEMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE SOUTHEASTERN AND SOUTHWESTERN PARTS OF SERBIA - 14 NEW PROJECTS

26. August 2016.

The European Union and the Swiss Government will, through the European Progress development program, finance 14 local infrastructure projects with 1.5 million euros in the municipalities in the southeastern and southwestern parts of Serbia.

Based on the administrative, programmatic and technical evaluation of the proposals submitted under the Call for Proposals, the Managing Board of the European Progress program approved funding for the projects that would primarily increase the efficiency and effectiveness of water supply systems, working conditions in schools, sports halls and cultural centers, as well as the quality and accessibility of healthcare and social welfare services. Several projects will directly contribute to an increase in energy efficiency in the local self-governments, as well as to the economic development through the creation of more favorable conditions for conducting business operations.

"Infrastructure development is crucial for increasing competitiveness of the municipalities covered by the program. It is a prerequisite for all the factors that have a direct influence on development - from education, through manufacturing and attracting investments to job creation. Thus, the overall quality of people's lives will be improved and they will be given an opportunity to remain in their communities and live and work there," said Graeme Tyndall, the European Progress Program Manager.

The implementation of the selected projects will also contribute to the promotion of and compliance with the good governance principles (accountability, efficiency, transparency, citizens’ participation and non-discrimination) in the municipalities where the projects are to be implemented.

The total budget for all the projects, including the municipal contributions that amount to 336,703 euros, was estimated at 1,843,567 euros.

A list of the approved projects is available on the website of European Progress program http://www.europeanprogres.org/rezultati/en/.

Source: European Progress and Coordination Body