EU Support for Integrated Territorial Development – EU Integra

The project "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) is the implementing partner responsible for the implementation of planned project activities.

The total budget of the project is €12 million (EU grant), with a planned duration of four years, from January 2025 to January 2029. The project is part of the EU Integra Programme, a key European Union initiative designed to enhance the capacity of local self-governments in Serbia by introducing European territorial development models. It is crucial for increasing efficiency, transparency, and accountability in local governance, improving the quality of life for citizens and the services provided by local administrations.

The main goal of the EU Integra Programme is to modernize local self-governments in Serbia. The specific objective of the Programme is to develop and apply EU models for territorial development at the local level, aligning them with broader reform processes in Serbia’s EU accession processes. The Programme will contribute to the development and enhancement of local and regional capacities in line with the needs of the EU accession process. To date, 12 territorial development strategies have been developed—seven covering urban areas of individual LSGs, while five have an inter-municipal character, covering multiple LSGs.

The Programme contains two separate but coherent projects, one implemented by the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities (SCTM) and the other by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). SCTM provides direct support to local self-governments (LSGs) and regional development agencies (RDAs) through co-financing integrated development projects and strengthening the capacity of LSGs and RDAs for project planning and implementation. UNOPS supports LSGs and RDAs in developing new territorial strategies, which will serve as a foundation for the further implementation of integrated projects.

The EU Integra Project, implemented by SCTM, is based on enhancing the capacity of LSGs and RDAs for the development and implementation of integrated development projects, which will be realized through a grant scheme with a total value of €10,140,000. In addition to launching the grant scheme and allocating funds, SCTM will provide comprehensive support to LSGs and RDAs at all stages of project implementation. Furthermore, support will be provided for the integration of projects based on territorial strategies within the framework of planning and budgeting systems.

The first outcome of the project 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)