The European Union and the Swiss Government, through the European PROGRES development program, will finance 14 local infrastructure projects with EUR 1.5 million in the municipalities in South East and South West Serbia.
On the basis of administrative, programmatic and technical evaluation of proposals submitted under the Call for Proposals, the Steering Committee of European PROGRESS has approved funding for projects that will primarily increase the efficiency and effectiveness of water supply systems, the working conditions in schools, sports halls and cultural centres, as well as the quality and accessibility of health and social services. Several projects will make a direct contribution to increasing energy efficiency in local self-governments, as well as to economic development through the creation of more favourable conditions for doing business.
"Infrastructure development is critical for increasing the competitiveness of the Programme municipalities. It is a prerequisite for all factors that directly contribute to the development - from education to manufacturing, to attracting investment and creating jobs. In such a manner, the overall quality of people's lives will be improved and they will be given an opportunity to stay in their communities and live and work there," said Graeme Tyndall, European PROGRES Programme Manager.
The implementation of the selected projects will also contribute to the promotion and observance of the good governance principles (accountability, efficiency, transparency, citizens’ participation and non-discrimination) in the municipalities where the projects will be implemented.
The total budget of all projects, including contributions from the municipalities amounting to EUR 336,703, was estimated at EUR 1,843,567.
A list of approved projects is available on the website of European PROGRES http://www.europeanprogres.org/rezultati/en/.
