EU PROGRES

Minister without Portfolio in the Government of the Republic of Serbia, Dr. Sujejman Ugljanin, signed a Memorandum of Understanding, according to which the Office for Sustainable Development of Underdeveloped Areas joined the efforts of the European Union, the Government of Switzerland and the United Nations Office for Project Sevices – UNOPS, in implementing the European Partnership with Municipalities Programme – PROGRES, aimed at supporting the development of underdeveloped municipalities in the South and South West Serbia.

During today's ceremony, Minister Ugljanin said: “This Memorandum of Understanding lais down special guidelines and directions for joint activities of the Office and PROGRES, which will primarily be focused on preparation od project proposals and technical documentation for economic projects, environmental projects and social infrastructure projects, as well as the implementation of development projects of local, regional and national significance.“

First joint activities of PROGRES and the Office for Sustainable Development of Underdeveloped Areas will be related to cofinancing the preparation of technical documentation for infrastructural projects in Tutin and Žitorađa, two in each municipality. The office shall provide € 50,000, and three donors – PROGRES, the European Union and the Government of Switzerland € 60,000. PROGRES and the Office shall support the  construction of the Center for Agricultural Development of Pešter, for which the European Union and the Government of Switzerland have provided € 220,000. 

Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to the Republic of Serbia, Adriano Martins, reminded that since 2000, the European Union has invested € 2.3 billion in the economic development of Serbia. He said: “One of the three key conditions for accession to the EU is the ability of economy to cope with competition in the market. Improving competitiveness of economy means improving the quality of life of citizens.“

Beatrice Meyer, Director of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, said: “ Swiss support to PROGRES is primerily focused on establishing the principles of good governence. Experience shows that no development project can be successful without the application of good governence principles, which imply the definition of roles and responsibilities, participation of stakeholders, transparency of budgeting process and financing, and non-discrimination in selecting the project beneficiary. This approach to project implentation is a win-win solution. It will bring citizens closer to the government, improve the quality of public services and inspire confidence of voters.“     

The European Union Supports the European Partnership with Municipalities Programme - PROGRES with €14.1 million, the Swiss Government with € 2.5 million, while the Share of the Government of the Republic of Serbia is € 1.5 million. PROGRES is implemented in 25 municipalities of the South and South West Serbia. Its objective is to facilitate social and economic development of 25 municipalities in the South and South West Serbia.