Projects

EXCHANGE 3 Programme

19.05.2010.

 

 

The EXCHANGE 3 programme represents a continuation of actions and measures launched under EXCHANGE 1 and continued under EXCHANGE 2 aiming at introducing EU models of functioning and improvement of capacities and efficiency of local self-governments in Serbia.

OBJECTVES

The overall objective of the EXCHANGE 3 programme is to contribute to strengthening capacities of local self-government units in Serbia to further implement the decentralisation process in Serbia in accordance with European Union standards.
In order to contribute to achievement of the overall objective the project purpose aims to further strengthen the capacities of the SCTM and the LSGs units through the following specific objectives divided into five components:

  1. Component 1: LSDS and SLAP support - further support to LSG units to plan and implement sustainable development strategies (SLDS) including the municipal infrastructure (SLAP information system)
  2. Component 2: Municipal finance support - Further support to LSG units improve municipal financial management and introduce programme (multi-annual) planning
  3. Component 3: Co-ordination and training support - Further strengthening of co-ordination and training function of the SCTM   
  4. Component 4: EXCHANGE 3 grant scheme support - Support successful implementation of EXCHANGE 3 grant scheme through two Calls for proposals
  5. Component 5: LSG sector programming support - Support to the integrated process of programming in the area of local government and community development.

BENEFICIARIES

  • Direct beneficiary is the Standing Conference of Municipalities and Towns (SCTM)
  • Final beneficiaries are the towns and municipalities of Serbia and their citizens benefiting from improved services delivered by the local government. 

EXCHANGE 3 includes 10.000.000€ Fund for municipal projects (EXCHANGE 3 grant scheme), while the value of the contract with the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities is 2.000.000€. EXCHANGE 3 is launched in March 2010 and will last 3 years, until March 2013. 

COMPONENTS

Component 1: LSDS and SLAP support - further support to LSG units to plan and implement sustainable development strategies including the municipal infrastructure. Results:

  1. Promotion of LSDS methodological framework, including regular meetings of the LSDS working group and promotional campaign
  2. LSD strategies developed by at least 15 LSGs in Serbia
  3. Annual Reports on the Status of Strategic Planning Processes and Analysis on the Quality of Municipal Strategic Planning in Serbia prepared and recommendations distributed to the key stakeholders
  4. Local self-governments regularly use SLAP information system for development of infrastructure projects
  5. Improved coordination of municipal investment programming by national, regional and local bodies

Component 2: Municipal finance support - further support to LSG units improve municipal financial management and introduce multi-annual planning. Results:

  1. SCTM regularly assists LSGs in implementing new financial regulations and related models
  2. SCTM regularly provides expert support to LSGs representatives in the  Intergovernmental Financial Commission
  3. Enhanced capacities of SCTM to support LSGs in the process of programme budgeting

Component 3: Co-ordination and training support - further strengthening of co-ordination and training function of the SCTM. Results:

  1. Demand-driven support - training and service packages provided to minimum 50 LSGs
  2. Functioning of municipal liaison officers network enhanced through training, site-visits and regular coordination meetings

Component 4: Exchange 3 grant scheme support - support successful implementation of Exchange 3 grant scheme through two Calls for proposals. Results:

  1. Sufficient number of projects submitted by LSGs
  2. Calls for Proposals successfully implemented by the SCTM
  3. Selected municipal projects are implemented

Component 5: LSG sector programming support - support to the integrated process of programming in the area of local government and community development. Results:

  1. Programming platform in the area of local governance and community development, including problems, objectives, measures and stakeholders, regularly developed through a nation-wide consultation process and presented to Ministries and donor community
  2. LSGs continuously informed on funding opportunities