The initiative, funded by the EU’s Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA III), prioritises employment and social inclusion as its main thematic areas.
The call, which opened on 5th September, offers a total of €5.4 million in co-financing from the EU. Prospective participants have until 22nd October to submit their project proposals.
Emanuele Giaufret, the EU Ambassador to Serbia, highlighted the union’s core values during the announcement, stating that democracy, peace, freedom, cooperation, and prosperity are at the heart of this initiative. “These values are what unite the EU,” Giaufret remarked, “and this programme reflects our commitment to fostering cooperation and dialogue for the benefit of all citizens.”
Giaufret further indicated that this project marks the beginning of a larger IPA III programme, with upcoming calls for cross-border cooperation between Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Serbia and Montenegro. These initiatives, he said, will strengthen regional ties and focus on promoting employment, workforce mobility, and the development of tourism, alongside the preservation of cultural and natural heritage.
The EU is firmly committed to the integration of Serbia and North Macedonia into the union, Giaufret noted, and cross-border cooperation will serve as a crucial stepping stone toward achieving common goals. “By working together, we can enhance prosperity and peace for all,” he said.
Serbia’s Minister for European Integration, Tanja Miščević, echoed the sentiment, explaining that projects like these not only promote European integration but also help drive socio-economic development where it is most needed. “These initiatives are essential for strengthening good neighbourly relations and ensuring tangible benefits for local communities,” she added.
North Macedonia’s Minister for Local Self-Government, Zlatko Perinski, expressed optimism for the programme’s potential to foster intercultural exchange and collaboration. He underscored the opportunities for tourism development, particularly in underdeveloped areas, through partnerships with more advanced regions.
The cross-border cooperation programme is designed to enhance economic opportunities, promote social inclusion, and build stronger regional ties, helping pave the way for Serbia and North Macedonia as they move towards EU membership.
