EU Support for Integrated Territorial Development – EU Integra

The “EU Support to Integrated Territorial Development – EU INTEGRA” Programme is funded by the European Union through the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA III), with the aim of strengthening the capacities of local self-governments in the Republic of Serbia for planning and implementing integrated territorial development in line with the principles of the European Union Cohesion Policy. The Programme is implemented under the strategic leadership of the Ministry of European Integration, while implementation is carried out by the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities (SCTM) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).

The total value of the Programme amounts to EUR 15 million in EU grant funding, and its implementation period runs from 1 January 2025 to 31 December 2028.

The EU INTEGRA Programme represents a key European Union initiative aimed at strengthening the capacities of local self-governments in the Republic of Serbia through the introduction of European territorial development models, with the goal of increasing the efficiency, transparency and accountability of local authorities, while improving the quality of life of citizens and the services provided by local self-governments.

The overall objective of the Programme is to modernise local self-governments in Serbia by strengthening their capacities to implement European territorial development models and apply them in the planning and implementation of development projects. The specific objective of the Programme is reflected in the development and implementation of EU territorial development models at the local level and is linked to the broader reform processes in Serbia’s accession to the European Union, with a particular focus on the efficient use of EU funds. In the long term, the Programme is aimed at stabilising and improving local and regional capacities in line with the requirements of the EU accession process. So far, through the EUPRO+ programme, 12 territorial development strategies have been developed, of which seven (7) cover the urban area of a single local self-government unit, while five (5) cover the territories of several local self-government units and have an inter-municipal character.

The EU INTEGRA Programme is implemented through two complementary components. The component implemented by UNOPS is focused on supporting the development and implementation of territorial strategies, as well as strengthening capacities for development planning and coordination. The component implemented by SCTM represents the central financial mechanism of the EU INTEGRA Programme and includes a grant scheme supporting integrated projects of local self-governments and regional development agencies. The total budget of this component amounts to EUR 12 million, of which EUR 10.14 million is allocated for project financing, with additional support provided through capacity building of beneficiaries, mentoring and advisory support, as well as project implementation monitoring. Within the SCTM component, two public calls for project proposals and one call for the preparation of technical project documentation are envisaged, with the aim of supporting an integrated, multi-sectoral and territorial approach to development.

The Programme supports projects arising from territorial strategies, integrating multiple sectors and development priorities, and fostering cooperation among local self-governments, regional development agencies and other relevant stakeholders.

The three key results of the EU INTEGRA Programme component implemented by SCTM are:

The first outcome of the SCTM component of the Programme EU INTEGRA 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)