EU Support to Integrated Territorial Development – EU Integra

The “EU Support to Integrated Territorial Development – EU INTEGRA” programme is funded by the European Union under the broader IPA III support framework, with the aim of modernizing local self-governments in Serbia through the application of the EU model for integrated and sustainable territorial development.The key line ministry at the national level is the Ministry of European Integration, while the implementation partners are the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities (SCTM).

The total value of the Programme component implemented by SCTM amounts to EUR 12 million (EU grant), with a planned duration of four years, from January 2025 to January 2029.

The EU INTEGRA Programme represents a key European Union initiative aimed at enhancing the capacities of local self-governments in the Republic of Serbia by introducing European territorial development models. It is vital for increasing the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of local authorities, with the overall goal of improving the quality of life of citizens and the services provided by local governments.The Programme’s main objective is to modernise local self-governments in Serbia by strengthening their capacities to implement EU territorial development models and by shifting the approach to planning and implementing development projects. Its specific objective lies in the development and application of EU territorial development models at the local level, aligned with broader reform processes in Serbia’s EU accession efforts, with a particular focus on effective use of EU funds.In the long term, the Programme will contribute to the stabilisation and enhancement of local and regional capacities in line with the needs of the EU accession process. So far, through the EU PRO+ Programme, 12 territorial development strategies have been developed – seven (7) covering the urban area of a single local self-government unit (LSGU), and five (5) with intermunicipal character, covering multiple LSGUs.

As part of EU INTEGRA, the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities (SCTM) provides direct support to local self-governments (LSGUs) and regional development agencies (RDAs) through co-financing integrated development projects and building the capacities of LSGUs and RDAs for project preparation and implementation. In parallel, UNOPS supports LSGUs and RDAs in developing new territorial strategies as a foundation for the further implementation of integrated projects. The SCTM-led component of the EU INTEGRA Programme focuses on building the capacities of LSGUs and RDAs for the preparation and implementation of integrated development projects, which will be funded through a grant scheme with a total value of EUR 10,140,000. In addition to launching the grant scheme and awarding funds, SCTM will provide comprehensive support to LSGUs and RDAs throughout all phases of project implementation. Furthermore, support will be provided for the integration of projects based on territorial strategies into the planning and budgeting system framework.

The three key expected outcomes of the SCTM-led component of the Programme are:

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)