At the launch of the RETFOR project, officials from Croatia, Serbia, and the EU reported that the €2.8 million initiative—85% financed by the Interreg Croatia–Serbia 2021–2027 programme—would contribute significantly to the protection and sustainable management of the Spačva–Bosut Basin, a vital cross-border ecological area.
Mihajilo Dašić, adviser at Serbia’s Ministry for European Integration, stated that RETFOR represented an important joint step in addressing the consequences of climate change.
He reportedly stressed that, despite differences, both countries must act together to protect the ecosystem.
According to Konstantinos Soupilas from the EU Delegation to Serbia, RETFOR was an example of how European cooperation could address environmental challenges in ways that benefit both nature and local communities.
He added that EU investments through Interreg promote sustainability, innovation, and solidarity.
It was announced that key infrastructure activities would be carried out, including the construction of the Lipovac water barrier and groundwater level monitoring, led by Hrvatske vode and Vode Vojvodine.
These efforts were said to aim at improving water supply and regional ecological stability.
Ognjen Dopuđ, director of the European Affairs and Development Fund of Vojvodina, reportedly described RETFOR as more than a project, calling it a legacy of cross-border partnership and a shared European commitment to both people and nature.
