Improved Public Services for 15,000 Citizens
December 19, 2024

Belgrade, December 18, 2024 – Over the past four years, 15,000 citizens in 7 cities and municipalities in Serbia have benefited from improved public services tailored to the priority needs of their local communities. This is one of the results presented at the United Nations headquarters in Belgrade as part of the “Regional Programme of Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 2 (ReLOaD2)”.
Maja Vučković Krčmar, representing the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia, emphasised that this initiative points the way to a more transparent, inclusive and accountable local government.
"When local governments and non-governmental organisations work together, positive change is not only possible, but inevitable. We have managed to build trust between local authorities and citizens, create a platform for constructive dialogue and demonstrate the power of collaboration through democratic processes," stated Vučković Krčmar.
Thanks to grants totalling one million euros, 58 civil society organisations (CSOs) have provided new services in various areas over the past four years – from healthcare and social protection to preserving cultural heritage, promoting sustainable agriculture and improving the skills of young people. The majority of the financial support, 80%, was provided by the European Union, with the remainder coming from the budgets of local governments in Babušnica, Vladičin Han, Vrnjačka Banja, Kruševac, Topola, Novi Sad and Subotica. All initiatives by CSOs were selected with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through Public Calls by local governments.
"Close cooperation between local authorities and civil society contributes to a better quality of life for all citizens. Together with international, national and local partners, we continue to support the promotion of local democracy in Serbia," said Fabrizio Andreuzzi, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, who announced that this initiative will continue for the next four years.
Žarko Stepanović, Acting Assistant Minister for Human and Minority Rights and Social Dialogue noted that the main objectives of this project are in line with the objectives pursued by the Ministry in terms of participatory democracy and the involvement of CSOs in local policy-making processes.
The civil society initiatives implemented enabled 248 young people to receive training in digital and other professional and communication skills necessary to improve their job prospects. In addition, some initiatives helped pregnant women and new mothers to improve their physical and mental health and supported women in rural areas to market their local products through social media. The civil society organisations also carried out activities that contributed to environmental protection, the diversification and improvement of the tourism offer and the development of the creative industries.
This event was organised within the “Regional Programme of Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 2 (ReLOaD2)”. initiative financed by the European Union and implemented by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
