“A top priority on our European path include is making Serbia a modern state, a state of satisfied citizens and a state that provides a service to its citizens and businesses. Support under the IPA programme is aligned with the priorities of the Serbian Government, as compliance with the European standards is not an end in itself; instead, our aim is to implement reforms in the society to ensure a higher quality of life and a better life for our citizens”, was the message by Minister Obradović to the participants of the final conference of the programme Exchange 5 – EU Support to Local Self-Governments, which was held in Belgrade today.
She recalled the EU was the donor contributing the most to local self-government reform in the Republic of Serbia, as witnessed by one of its longest-lasting actions, the Exchange programme, the fifth stage of which is about to end.
“The MPALSG as the implementing agency, together with its partners, the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities and the Ministry of Finance, has achieved the set objectives in the fields of property management and programme budgeting and I am glad our Ministry has been recognised as the coordinator of these processes that will contribute to local economic development”, Minister Obradović said in conclusion.
Assistant Minister and head of the Local Self-Government System Department Mr. Saša Mogić addressed the conference on behalf of the Ministry.
The Exchange 5 programme is part of the ongoing reforms, within the framework of which the Republic of Serbia, with EU support, makes efforts to improve governance in local self-governments and enhance the level of service in cities and municipalities to promote local development.
The programme, which supports efficient property management, strategic planning and programme budgeting, is worth a total of EUR 4.75 million and has been implemented since April 2017.
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