The EU Support to Integrated Territorial Development - EU INTEGRA strengthens governance and fosters balanced socio-economic development in Serbia through an integrated territorial development approach. Funded by the European Union (EU), the EU INTEGRA is implemented by two implementing partners: the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities (SCTM) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). The key national partner is the Ministry of European Integration, responsible for Chapter 22 on Regional Policy and Structural Instruments.
Targeting 144 local self-governments (LSGs) and Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) across three regions - Šumadija and Western Serbia, Southern and Eastern Serbia, and Vojvodina—the EU INTEGRA focuses on capacity building and technical assistance aligned with EU Cohesion Policy 2021–2027, and support in implementing integrated projects.
The European Union (EU) has provided EUR 15 million through the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) 2024 to fund the Programme, of which UNOPS is contracted with three million Euros to build capacities of local, regional and national stakeholders, while the SCTM manages implementation of EUR 12 million for the development and implementation of integrated development projects, support through grant scheme and the integration of projects based on territorial strategies with the framework of the planning and budget system.
A joint Programme Steering Committee (PSC) for the EU INTEGRA Programme inclusive of both projects implemented by UNOPS and SCTM respectively is chaired by the Ministry of European Integration (MEI) and includes representatives of relevant national institutions. More information about the integrated sustainable development is available here.
- Sector
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- Jobs and economic growth
- Components
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- Strengthening National Capacities – Enhancing MEI and national institutions to manage territorial instruments, establish governance mechanisms, and align with EU Cohesion Policy.
- Building Local and Regional Capacities – Supporting LSGs, Regional Development Agencies (RDAs), and stakeholders through provision of technical assistance in strategy development and project management, funding access, and establishment of Project Coordination Units (PCUs) for territorial strategy implementation.
- Developing and Implementing Territorial Strategies – Creating new and strengthening existing strategies, improving project preparation, and facilitating access to EU and financial institution funding.
- Grant Scheme Implementation – Development and management of grant schemes stemming from Territorial Strategies, and ensuring long-term capacity for EU fund management.
- City / District
- 144 municipalities in Šumadija, Western, South and Eastern Serbia, Vojvodina
- EU Contribution
- 15,000,000 €
- Negotiating chapter
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- 22 - Regional policy and coordination of structural instruments
- Implementation period
- December 2024 - December 2028
- Beneficiary
- Ministry of European Integration
- Implemented by
- Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities, UNOPS