EU Support for Integrated Territorial Development – EU Integra

The Programme "EU Support for Integrated Territorial Development – EU INTEGRA" is funded by the European Union under the broader IPA III support program, aiming to modernize local self-governments (LSGs) in Serbia through the application of EU models for integrated territorial and sustainable urban development. The main beneficiary is the Ministry of European Integration, while the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities (SCTM) serves as the implementing partner responsible for the execution of designated activities.

The total budget of the SCTM component of the Programme amounts to €12 million (EU grant), with a planned duration of four years, from January 2025 to January 2029. The EU INTEGRA Programme is a key EU initiative designed to enhance the capacities of LSGs in Serbia by applying European models of territorial development. It plays a vital role in increasing efficiency, transparency, and accountability in local governance, as well as in improving the quality of life and services provided by local administrations.

The main objective of the Programme is to modernize LSGs in Serbia. Its specific aim is to support the development and application of EU-aligned territorial development models at the local level, in line with Serbia’s EU accession reforms. To date, 12 territorial development strategies have been prepared—seven for individual urban LSGs and five inter-municipal strategies covering multiple LSGs.

The implementing partners of the Programme EU INTEGRA are the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities (SCTM) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). SCTM provides direct support to LSGs and regional development agencies (RDAs) through co-financing integrated development initiatives and strengthening capacities for planning and implementation. UNOPS supports LSGs and RDAs in drafting new territorial strategies that will serve as the foundation for the subsequent implementation of integrated development initiatives.

The SCTM-led component of the EU INTEGRA Programme focuses on strengthening the capacities of LSGs and RDAs for the preparation and implementation of integrated development initiatives. These will be realized through a grant scheme with a total value of €10,140,000. In addition to launching and managing the grant scheme, SCTM will provide continuous support to LSGs and RDAs throughout all stages of implementation. This support also includes integrating projects based on territorial strategies into existing planning and budgeting systems.

The first outcome of the SCTM component of the Programme EU INTEGRA is the launch of the grant scheme and the awarding of grants to support a multi-sectoral, territorial development approach in line with LSG strategic goals. This will be achieved through a tailored grant scheme targeted at LSGs and other local stakeholders in territorial units that have already developed strategies based on integrated and sustainable territorial development principles. The grant scheme will be implemented through two calls for project proposals, the first for LSGs and RDAs with pre-existing territorial development strategies, and the second for those developing strategies with UNOPS support during the project’s implementation. Activities under this outcome include preparing application documentation for public calls, strengthening LSG capacities for identifying priorities within territorial development documents, and ensuring successful selection process for grant awards and contracting.

Part of the grant funds will also be allocated for the development of design documentation and technical specifications necessary for the realization of future projects.

The second outcome focuses on the successful implementation of grant-funded projects that support urban and socio-economic development at the local level. Financial and technical support will be provided to selected LSGs and RDAs to ensure the successful implementation of projects aimed at urban and socio-economic growth, as identified in their territorial strategies. Activities under this outcome include establishing quality technical and financial monitoring mechanisms, evaluating achieved results within the grant scheme, and developing recommendations for potential future interventions.

The third outcome aims to improve the capacity of LSGs and RDAs for implementing and monitoring projects based on territorial development strategies. To support the establishment of territorial strategies as effective development mechanisms, it is necessary to strengthen the connection between priorities and measures within these strategies and existing planning and budgeting systems at the local level. Activities include supporting LSGs and RDAs in developing mechanisms for the improved implementation and sustainability of territorial strategies based on EU cohesion policy rules, enhancing capacity for monitoring the impact of local and inter-municipal projects, and connecting territorial strategies with existing development and mid-term planning processes. LSGs and RDAs covered by territorial development strategies will receive direct support through workshops, expert consultations, and advisory assistance.

Contact: Zorana Šijan Oborina (zorana.oborina@skgo.org)