EU PROGRES

The documentary film “I Want to… because I Live Here” was made within the good governance campaign, which the European Union and the Government of Switzerland have been funding through the European Partnership with Municipalities Programme EU PROGRES. The five-episode documentary illustrates the application of the good governance principles with reports on projects launched in Leskovac, Vranje, Raška, Novi Pazar and Sjenica. The film will be broadcast on more than 20 local TV stations across Serbia in the next few weeks to raise awareness of compliance with the principles of accountability, transparency, civic participation, efficiency and equality also among the residents of municipalities not participating in the Programme.

The film features reports on the construction of the Leskovac Green Zone, where several factories are to be built, the establishment of the Vranjska Banja Assistance Centre, the design of the Novi Pazar spatial plan, the digital system to support citizens in Sjenica and the one on the job training workshop in Raška for persons with disabilities. The film features good practice examples, which are explained by the representatives of local self-governments, civil society organisations and EU PROGRES.

By complying with good governance practices in their work, the local governments demonstrate their commitment to the citizens, that they respect their views and are endeavouring to address their key problems. This, in turn, increases the citizens’ trust in the governments, as well as their understanding of the role and powers of the local self-governments and the importance of their active participation in the process of taking important decisions. The promotion of the good governance concept and principles is one of the four components that constitute the pillars of all the activities of the European Partnership with Municipalities Programme.

The documentary film “I Want to… because I Live Here” can also be viewed on the European Partnership with Municipalities Programme official YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/PROGRESprogram.