Roundtables on Territorial Strategy within the EU INTEGRA Programme in Vranje

Earlier this year, the City of Vranje launched the process of developing its territorial strategy for the urban area, which will serve as the basis for planning sustainable territorial development in line with models applied by European Union member states. The thematic roundtables are part of the participatory strategy development process and provide an opportunity for representatives of the public, private and civil sectors to discuss the results of the contextual and preliminary SWOT analyses, as well as key topics for the city’s future development.

“The analysis that will be presented shows that Vranje has significant potential for further development, ranging from its rich cultural and natural heritage and tourism potential to its industrial tradition and favourable geographical position. At the same time, we are aware of the challenges, from demographic trends and population decline, through infrastructure limitations and lack of green spaces, to the need to strengthen the local economy and improve connections between urban and rural areas. That is why these thematic roundtables are important, as they bring together a broader circle of local experts and relevant stakeholders to discuss and further improve the proposed analysis of the current situation and needs with new data and practical experience,” said the Mayor of Vranje Slobodan Milenković while opening the event.

“Through the EU INTEGRA programme, we continue to strengthen the capacities of local self-governments for planning and implementing integrated and sustainable territorial development, building on the results achieved through the EU PRO Plus programme. This approach is focused on urban and functional areas, with the aim of making better use of their potential, addressing key challenges and citizens’ needs, and defining clear development priorities,” said Viktor Veljović, Capacity Development Manager within the part of the EU INTEGRA programme implemented by UNOPS.

He reminded participants that, through a public call, technical support for the preparation of territorial strategies had been approved for ten territories across Serbia, stressing that the roundtables ensure that the next steps in development planning are based on realistic insights and the needs of local communities.

EU Support for Integrated Territorial Development – EU INTEGRA strengthens local self-governments in Serbia through the application of European models of integrated territorial development. The programme, worth EUR 15 million, is financed by the European Union, coordinated by the Ministry for European Integration, and implemented by the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities and the United Nations Office for Project Services. The initiative supports local self-governments in three regions: Šumadija and Western Serbia, Southern and Eastern Serbia, and Vojvodina.