Need for Strengthening Direct Support to Municipalities in Accessing EU Funds Highlighted at the NALAS General Assembly

Representatives of the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities (SCTM) participated in the XXI General Assembly of NALAS, held on 21 April 2026 in Sibiu, Romania, where the network’s work priorities, new cooperation programmes with associations of local authorities from the region, and current challenges faced by towns and municipalities across Europe were discussed.

Particular attention during the event was drawn to the roundtable discussion “The Evolving Role of Local Government Associations: From Representation to Delivery”, launched at the initiative of SCTM and dedicated to strengthening the role of local government associations in providing direct support to towns and municipalities, particularly in the areas of capacity development and access to European Union funds.

Introductory presentations at the roundtable were delivered by representatives of ACoR from Romania, the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities from Serbia, and the Marmara Municipalities Union from Türkiye, while the discussion also included representatives of NALAS member associations, as well as the networks Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), LALRG, AUC and NALAG.

The Secretary General of SCTM, Nikola Tarbuk, pointed out that the discussion particularly emphasized the need for local government associations to further develop instruments for direct support to municipalities and towns, especially in strengthening capacities for the preparation and implementation of development projects.

“One of the key priorities for local government associations in the coming period is the further strengthening of direct support to towns and municipalities, particularly through the development of capacities for the preparation and implementation of projects financed from European Union funds. It is precisely through such projects that local self-governments can improve services, infrastructure and the quality of life of their citizens,” stated Nikola Tarbuk.

During the General Assembly, the Green Champions Awards were also presented, and Kragujevac was among the recipients of this prestigious recognition, having been identified as one of the three most successful cities in the region in the fields of energy efficiency, renewable energy sources and sustainable mobility. The “Green Champions 2026” award is presented to cities leading the way in sustainable development and green transition, and the award on behalf of the City of Kragujevac was received by Ana Radojević, who presented projects contributing to the transformation of the city’s energy profile.

This recognition further confirms Kragujevac’s commitment to energy transition, emissions reduction and modern, sustainable development.