Local self-governments in Serbia now have the opportunity to receive financial support for the preparation of high-quality Project Design and Technical Documentation, creating the conditions for the implementation of future integrated territorial development projects and investments through the Ministry of European Integration's EU Support to Integrated Territorial Development – EU INTEGRA Programme, funded by the European Union.
The Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities (SCTM), as an implementing partner of the Programme, has launched a Call for Proposals for the Preparation of Project Design and Technical Documentation, continuing its efforts under the EU INTEGRA Programme to strengthen the capacities of local self-governments for planning and implementing integrated territorial development.
The Call is intended for cities and municipalities with existing Territorial Strategies developed under the EU PRO Plus Programme, as well as for those currently developing their Territorial Strategies through the EU INTEGRA Programme. Its objective is to provide local self-governments with grant funding for the preparation of Project Design and Technical Documentation, as well as other documents required for the implementation of integrated development projects.
Eligible applicants are local self-governments that have developed or are currently developing Territorial Strategies, whether covering urban areas of one or more local self-governments. Project proposals may be submitted individually or in partnership with regional development agencies, institutions, public enterprises, educational and research institutions, business associations and civil society organisations.
A total of EUR 733,000 has been allocated under this Call, while individual grants range from EUR 30,000 to EUR 70,000, depending on the type of Territorial Strategy. Grant funding provided through the Call covers between 55% and 80% of the total eligible costs for the preparation of Project Design and Technical Documentation.
This Call represents a continuation of the comprehensive support provided to local self-governments through the Ministry of European Integration's EU Support to Integrated Territorial Development – EU INTEGRA Programme. Following the first Call for Proposals for Local Development Projects, launched in 2025, which resulted in grants being awarded to five integrated projects, the new Call focuses on supporting the preparation of Project Design and Technical Documentation, enabling local self-governments to prepare projects for timely implementation. Another Call for Proposals is planned for the coming period, ensuring comprehensive support for integrated territorial development—from project preparation to project implementation.
The National IPA Coordinator and State Secretary at the Ministry of European Integration, Mira Radenović Bojić, stated that a good idea alone is not enough without a well-prepared project, adding:
"That is precisely why, in cooperation with the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Serbia, through the Ministry of European Integration's EU Support to Integrated Territorial Development – EU INTEGRA Programme, we have secured additional financial support for local self-governments for the preparation of Project Design and Technical Documentation."
As she emphasised, the objective is to ensure that local self-governments are ready to apply for future grant funding and implement integrated projects that will deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
"Together with the European Union, we will continue investing in strengthening local capacities and promoting more balanced development across all parts of Serbia," concluded Radenović Bojić.
The Ministry of European Integration's EU Support to Integrated Territorial Development – EU INTEGRA Programme is funded by the European Union with EUR 15 million and implemented by the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities (SCTM) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). The Programme supports the implementation of the European model of integrated territorial development in Serbia, based on the principles of the European Union's Cohesion Policy, by strengthening local partnerships, supporting the development and implementation of Territorial Strategies, and implementing integrated development projects.
The deadline for submitting applications is 5 October 2026.
More information about the EU Support to Integrated Territorial Development – EU INTEGRA Programme, the Call for Proposals and the application package is available on the EU INTEGRA Programme website (www.euintegra.org.rs) and the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities website (www.skgo.org).
