The Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities (SCTM), as an implementing partner of the programme “EU Support to Integrated Territorial Development – EU INTEGRA”, funded by the European Union through the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA III), and carried out under the guidance of the Ministry of European Integration as the key national institution, has launched a Public Call for the submission of local development project proposals.
The objective of the EU INTEGRA programme is to strengthen the implementation of the European model of integrated territorial development in Serbia through concrete projects based on already developed territorial strategies. The programme promotes a multisectoral approach, local partnerships, and strategic planning aligned with the principles of EU cohesion policy.
This Public Call enables local self-governments and their partners to implement territorial strategies previously developed under the EU PRO Plus programme. It supports the enhancement of institutional and operational capacities of local self-government units and other stakeholders, the improvement of public services, a higher standard of living, increased community participation in development processes, and more efficient use of EU funds.
The Call is open to cities and municipalities that have developed territorial strategies, either individually or as part of a wider functional urban area. Projects must be implemented in partnership with relevant local actors, including regional development agencies, institutions, public utility companies, educational and research organisations, business associations, and civil society organisations.
The total available budget under the Call is EUR 4,720,000. For projects based on strategies covering the urban area of a single local self-government unit, the available grant amount ranges from EUR 100,000 to EUR 500,000. For projects based on strategies covering multiple local self-government units, grant amounts range from EUR 500,000 to EUR 1,500,000. The European Union will co-finance projects with 55% to 80% of total eligible costs.
Thematic areas supported by the Call include strengthening urban identity, green and energy transition, urban mobility, fostering an innovative and smart economy, improving social well-being, and enhancing governance of urban and territorial development.
"The EU INTEGRA programme represents an important step in the modernization of local self-governments and their preparation for utilizing funds from the European Union. One of the priorities of the Ministry of European Integration is to strengthen local capacities through such programmes and to promote development planning that is aligned with the real potentials and challenges of each community. This approach increases the efficiency and sustainability of public investments," said Mira Radenović Bojić, State Secretary at the Ministry of European Integration.
Nikola Bertolini, Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation to Serbia, also underlined the importance of this Call:
"Through the EU INTEGRA programme, the European Union continues to invest in the development of local communities in Serbia as direct support to its citizens. This Call facilitates the implementation of concrete projects based on locally identified needs, ultimately contributing to an improved quality of life throughout Serbia. The integrated approach, recognised in the EU as a successful model for ensuring territorial cohesion and balanced development, is a vital step in preparing Serbia for the future use of EU funds."
The EU INTEGRA programme will be implemented from January 2025 to January 2029, with a total budget of EUR 15 million. The component led by SCTM includes a grant scheme worth EUR 10.14 million, alongside technical and advisory support to local self-governments and their partners in the preparation and implementation of projects. UNOPS, as the second implementing partner, is responsible for supporting the development of new territorial strategies.
To support applicants in the preparation of project proposals, SCTM will organise INFO Days for all interested local self-governments and their partners. The first sessions will be held on 21 July in Kragujevac and 22 July in Niš.
The deadline for submission of project proposals is 8 October 2025. All information and documentation are available at: www.skgo.org/konkursi.