Serbia to build system for efficient management of cohesion policy funds: More investments in less developed areas

The Serbian government has approved the Draft Law on the Establishment and Functioning of the Cohesion Policy Management System, which sets a solid legal basis for building an efficient and effective system for managing the European Union’s cohesion policy funds.

The draft law envisages the establishment of a clear institutional framework and strengthening of administrative capacities for the implementation of cohesion policy, as well as the development of key planning and programming documents that will direct funds towards priority areas and investments of importance for the country’s development, the government said in a statement.

The establishment of such a system, it added, is one of the key conditions for the successful opening and closing of accession negotiations within the framework of Negotiation Chapter 22 - Regional Policy and Coordination of Structural Instruments.

In order to be ready for membership in the European Union, Serbia is obliged to ensure a credible system for programming funds from cohesion policy funds, have quality programming documents and have a strong administrative capacity to withdraw funds from the first day of membership.

The implementation of cohesion policy will enable the strengthening of economic and social cohesion within the country, as well as the promotion of sustainable development after accession to the European Union, through the efficient and transparent use of available funds, the statement says.

The government emphasizes that this will create conditions for directing resources and investments towards less developed areas, with a special focus on improving infrastructure, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, investing in research and development, improving education and healthcare, as well as opening up new employment opportunities. In this way, it contributes to the creation of a more balanced, competitive and prosperous national economy.

Vlada Republike Srbije

Draft Law on the Establishment and Functioning of the Cohesion Policy Management System

management of European Union cohesion policy funds

Chapter 22 Regional Policy and Coordination of Structural Instruments

accession negotiations with EU

investments toward less developed areas