Svrljig to benefit from greener and better-quality public spaces through the EU Integra Programme

The Municipality of Svrljig will implement activities aimed at improving public spaces as part of the project “Safe, Inclusive and Innovative Public Spaces”, supported through the European Union programme for integrated territorial development in Serbia – EU INTEGRA, in partnership with the Ministry of European Integration and with financial support from the European Union through IPA III funds.

The EU INTEGRA Programme is implemented by the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities (SCTM) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), with the aim of advancing sustainable urban and integrated territorial development in Serbia through the application of European Union Cohesion Policy principles and the strengthening of local partnerships.

Planned activities in the Municipality of Svrljig include the redevelopment of the square in front of the Cultural Centre, as well as improvements to the area surrounding the mini-pitch at the “Pastirište” Sports Centre. The project also envisages the enhancement of the green corridor along 7. jula Street, stretching from the town park to the bridge over the Pravačka River.

These interventions will contribute to improving the quality of public spaces, increasing green areas and creating a more pleasant and functional environment for citizens, while promoting the principles of sustainable urban development and climate resilience.

The project “Safe, Inclusive and Innovative Public Spaces” is one of five integrated projects supported under the first grant scheme of the SCTM component of the EU INTEGRA Programme. It represents an example of a territorial partnership focused on improving public spaces, promoting sustainable urban mobility and supporting climate-resilient development.

The project is led by the Municipality of Merošina, while partners include the City of Niš, the municipalities of Svrljig and Gadžin Han, and the Regional Development Agency South.

The total value of the project “Safe, Inclusive and Innovative Public Spaces” exceeds EUR 1 million, of which more than EUR 828,000 is provided by the European Union through the EU INTEGRA Programme. More than EUR 163,000 of EU grant funding has been allocated to activities implemented within the Municipality of Svrljig.

Activities are being implemented in line with the Territorial Strategy for the Urban Area of Niš 2024–2034, the key strategic framework for integrated urban development in the area.

The EU INTEGRA Programme is funded by the European Union with a total value of EUR 15 million. The Programme supports integrated territorial development in Serbia through the strengthening of local partnerships and the implementation of sustainable development initiatives that contribute to improving citizens’ quality of life.