Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Suzana Grubjesic stated that cross-border cooperation programmes are important for citizens and local institutions in border areas.
Speaking at the Third national conference on cross-border cooperation, Grubjesic stressed the numerous benefits of cross-border cooperation, emphasising the realisation of assistance projects to SMEs and rural tourism, fight against floods and the establishment of HACCP standards.
She observed that local self-governments must boost their capacity for project preparation and obtaining funds from the EU not only for the sake of finances, but also because this implies the implementation of EU regulations.
She noted that Serbia is aware of the adverse effects of the economic crisis in the EU, but voiced her hope that the budget funds earmarked for cross-border cooperation will not be reduced.
Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia Vincent Degert underlined that cross-border cooperation programmes are composed on the basis of the needs to encourage peace and stability, as well as the economic prosperity in the region.
Degert observed that in the previous period Serbia has achieved a great deal in this remit, adding that there is potential for its development despite the economic crisis.
Director of the EU Integration office Milan Pajevic underscored that all approved projects in this field promote the values which Serbia shares with its European partners and neighbours.
Pajevic remarked that the interest of institutions from Serbia in cross-border cooperation programmes is extremely high and constantly on the rise, while the percentage of utilisation of funds that have been agreed upon stands at 90%.
He recalled that from 2004 to 2007 cross-border cooperation was conducted within the CARDS programme and since then it has been part of the IPA funds, voicing his hope that over 500 projects in Serbia will be financed from EU funds by the year’s end.
