Round Tables on the Territorial Strategy of the Urban Area of the Cities of Kraljevo and Čačak and the Municipalities of Vrnjačka Banja, Ivanjica and Raška
Within the component of the EU INTEGRA programme implemented by UNOPS, ten territories have received support for the preparation of territorial strategies, including the territory of Kraljevo and its partner local self-governments.
As an important part of the strategy development process, the thematic round tables bring together representatives of local self-governments, the public, private and civil sectors to review the results of the contextual and preliminary SWOT analyses, identify key development challenges and potentials of the territory, and define future development directions.
Opening the event, Emanuela Borova emphasized that the process of developing the territorial strategy began earlier this year with the aim of establishing a strategic framework for the development of a functional territory that goes beyond the administrative boundaries of local self-governments and districts.
“Today’s round tables represent an important phase in this process, as they enable us to discuss and further improve the draft analysis of the current situation and needs together with a broader circle of local experts and relevant stakeholders, jointly verify the findings, and complement them with new data and practical experience,” Borova said.
As highlighted during the event, the analysis shows that the territory covered by the strategy has significant development potential, primarily reflected in strong industry and entrepreneurship, tourism growth, rich cultural and natural heritage, developed educational and innovation capacities, as well as substantial human potential. At the same time, the analysis also pointed to challenges faced by local self-governments, including youth outmigration, a shortage of qualified labour, uneven development of urban and rural areas, infrastructure pressures, and the need for a green and sustainable transition.
“The development of the territorial strategy represents the basis for future joint development planning and more efficient use of European Union development funds, with the aim of improving the quality of life of citizens across the entire territory covered by the strategy,” said Viktor Veljović, Capacity Development Manager within the EU INTEGRA programme component implemented by UNOPS.
Veljović added that the EU INTEGRA programme builds on the results of the EU PRO Plus programme, through which the model of integrated sustainable territorial development was already introduced in Serbia, and that EU INTEGRA continues its implementation through the preparation of territorial strategies for ten additional territories across the country.