Niš enhances public spaces through the EU Integra Programme

The city centre of Niš will soon benefit from upgraded public spaces through the project “Safe, Inclusive and Innovative Public Spaces”, implemented under the European Union support 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.

The project envisages the revitalisation of Balkanska and Davidova streets, with the goal of creating a higher-quality, safer and more accessible urban environment tailored to the needs of citizens. Planned interventions include improvements to pedestrian zones, new green infrastructure, measures to enhance urban mobility and traffic-calming solutions, while preserving the functionality of the area for residents, visitors and local businesses.

Beyond infrastructure improvements, the project will also contribute to shaping a new urban identity for this part of the city, with the potential to become a vibrant hub for social interaction, community activities and cultural events, particularly for young people, the creative industries and the artistic community.

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 local partnership dedicated to sustainable urban development, the enhancement of public spaces and the creation of a more inclusive and climate-resilient urban environment.

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. Nearly EUR 296,000 of EU grant funding has been allocated to activities implemented within the City of Niš.

The 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, and represent an important step towards a more sustainable, greener and climate-resilient future.

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.