Belgrade, 6 October 2026 – Within the Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 3 (ReLOaD3), Maja Vučković Krčmar, Project Manager at the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia, and Fabrizio Andreuzzi, Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Serbia, today awarded grants worth USD 280,000 in total to representatives of 21 civil society organizations (CSOs).

The European Union provided 70% of the funding, while the remaining 30% was contributed by the partner local governments of Aranđelovac, Vranje, Vrnjačka Banja, Ćuprija, and Šabac. Thanks to these grants, CSOs will deliver new public services aimed at improving the quality of life of citizens in these five cities and municipalities. All initiatives were selected for support through a previously launched public call for proposals.

“An active and independent civil society, together with transparent local government grounded in citizen participation, is central to Serbia’s European path. The European Union will continue to stand alongside all those working to strengthen these foundations. You can count on the full support of UNDP at every step, and on the European Union’s firm backing throughout. We are proud to be your partners and wish you every success,” said Maja Vučković Krčmar, Project Manager at the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia.

“Civil society organizations are essential for building more inclusive, connected, and resilient communities. They are often the first to recognize people's needs and provide support where it is needed most. That is why it is important for local governments to improve their procedures for allocating public funds and further strengthen cooperation with civil society, so they can better serve their citizens,” said Fabrizio Andreuzzi, UNDP Serbia Deputy Resident Representative.

The selected projects will focus on supporting young people, women, children with developmental disabilities, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups, addressing areas such as mental health, education, employment, and social inclusion. They will also contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage, promotion of local tourism, environmental protection, and the testing of innovative solutions, including the responsible use of artificial intelligence in education. Altogether, the initiatives are expected to improve the quality of life of more than 2,000 people.

“Our goal is to make everyday life easier for families of children with autism by providing parents with more knowledge, support, and time for themselves, ultimately reducing stress within the family. While children engage in sports, socialize, and learn how to be active members of the community, parents will have an opportunity to rest, learn massage techniques, and receive psychological support,” said Danijela Savić, President of the Association for Support to Persons with Autism Govori Glasno from Vranje.

“The aim of our project is to make the protection of vulnerable people during disasters an institutional standard in crisis and emergency situations in Šabac. Through the application of WHO methodology and the development of operational plans for civil society response, we are building a sustainable system of cross-sectoral cooperation that eliminates improvisation during emergencies. Our goal is clear: a community is truly resilient only when it is fully inclusive and leaves no one behind,” said Slaviša Kovač from the organization Development Center for Preventive Intersectoral Services (PRIMUS) from Šabac.

“We will contribute to the digital transformation of local education systems in Vrnjačka Banja and Ćuprija by strengthening the knowledge and skills of teaching staff for the innovative and ethical use of artificial intelligence in lesson planning and classroom instruction,” said Vanesa Belkić from the Center for Balanced Regional Development from Belgrade.

More information about all awarded CSO initiatives is available HERE.

Over the past nine years, ReLOaD has supported the implementation of 74 civil society initiatives, benefiting more than 13,000 citizens across Serbia.

ReLOaD3 is funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).