Belgrade, July 11, 2025 - Vranje, Vrnjačka Banja, Ćuprija, Sombor, and Šabac have been selected through a public call as partner cities and municipalities to participate in the third phase of the Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 3 (ReLOaD3). This programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), aims to strengthen democracy at the local level by enhancing cooperation between local authorities and civil society and increasing citizen participation in decision-making processes.

The selected five cities and municipalities will receive financial and expert advisory support to strengthen partnerships with civil society organizations. ReLOaD3 will promote transparency in funding civil society organizations (CSOs) projects from local budgets and contribute to greater involvement of citizens in decision-making processes to improve the quality of public services at the local level.

Through this programme, partner cities and municipalities will have the opportunity to utilize grants totalling $561,500 to fund civil society projects that are of public interest and in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

In addition, ReLOaD3 will encourage inclusivity and citizen engagement in the decision-making process, support the implementation of civic initiatives, and contribute to the development of local communities throughout Serbia.