Interreg Programs: Opportunities for All
At the Business Innovation Center in Kragujevac, on December 17th, a Promotion of Interreg Programs took place: Urbakt, Danube, Adrion, and Interreg Europe. The event was jointly organized by the Ministry for European Integration, the Regional Economic Development Agency of Šumadija and Pomoravlje (REDASP), and the European House, as part of their joint efforts to inform and motivate local actors to actively participate in European projects. These institutions provide technical assistance and advice throughout the application process, making the Interreg programs more accessible and understandable to all stakeholders.
EU Support for Local Development
The European Union provides significant support to local institutions in Serbia, enabling them to enhance their capacities and implement strategically important projects. Interreg programs open doors for local governments, public enterprises, cultural and healthcare institutions, civil society organizations, and other non-profit actors to collaborate with countries across Europe. This support contributes to regional development, strengthens institutional capacities, and addresses common challenges.
The event gathered numerous local representatives, who had the opportunity to learn more about the application opportunities and specific steps for establishing partnerships within the Interreg programs. Snežana Andrić, a representative of the European House, presented the "EU Opportunities" platform and emphasized: "Our main goal is to inform you about current EU funds, as well as the support it provides in various areas such as business and innovation, education, culture, agriculture, and green transition. In addition to public calls and grants, the platform offers information about opportunities for students, professional training, as well as competitions for young people." The platform gathers all available information about European Union funds, but also highlights opportunities offered by EU member states through their own programs, embassies, or institutions. Rade Mirković, a representative of the Ministry for European Integration, which is responsible for implementing these programs in Serbia, provided detailed information about the application conditions, upcoming calls, and available financial opportunities.
Nenad Popović, director of the Regional Economic Development Agency of Šumadija and Pomoravlje (REDASP), shared practical experiences and examples of successful projects implemented through the Interreg programs. Special emphasis was placed on two projects supported by the Interreg Danube Region Program, co-financed by the European Union: Culinary Trail (Culinary Trail of the Ethnic and Local Cuisine in the Danube Region) and NRGCOM (Creating appropriate operational conditions for renewable energy communities in the Danube Region).
Participants were provided with information on how to successfully create project ideas, find partners, and secure funding through EU programs.
Interreg programs are intended for all non-profit institutions registered in the areas covered by the program, including local governments, public enterprises, educational and healthcare institutions, agencies, associations, chambers, and civil society organizations. In addition, certain calls allow the participation of private enterprises, further expanding the range of opportunities for developing innovative projects. These programs especially emphasize the importance of partnerships with organizations from other European countries, contributing to the exchange of knowledge and joint solutions for the challenges faced by local communities.
Interreg programs represent a powerful tool for strengthening cooperation between Serbia and the European Union. Through financial and technical support, they enable local communities to implement projects that bring tangible benefits to citizens. The Ministry for European Integration, the European House, and accredited regional development agencies are available to assist and encourage local institutions to recognize the potential and actively participate in creating a shared European future.
