Taking into account
major regional challenges recognised by the European Commiss...
Taking into account
major regional challenges recognised by the European Commission’s (EC) strategy
for 'A Credible Enlargement Perspective for and Enhanced European Union (EU)
Engagement with the Western Balkans' (Strategy) , such as reform of public administration,
better implementation of fundamental rights, social inclusion and regional
cooperation, the Government of Norway has decided to fund a sub-regional
programme “Norway for You” covering Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia, to be
implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). However,
due to the political and operational specificities of each country, it has been
decided to implement separate projects in Serbia, Macedonia and Montenegro.
The Project in Serbia
is designed to be flexible and respond to local needs as they are identified.
Focus will be increasing employment opportunities for vulnerable population and
providing support to social cohesion and inclusion in the less developed areas,
and will work on local infrastructure enhancement, all contributing to a more
balanced socio-economic development of primarily under-developed areas of
Serbia.
The Government of
Norway has allocated funding for the implementation of the Project in Serbia
during 24 months.
There are four results
that the Project will achieve:
- Result 1: Improved Access to Employment of the Most Vulnerable and
Marginalised Groups (in Particular Women and Youth in Rural Areas)
- Result 2: Enhanced Social Inclusion
- Result 3: Improved Living Conditions and Local Infrastructure
- Result 4: Information Security of the Government of Serbia
Strengthened
The key stakeholders
and the direct beneficiaries of the Project are the local self-governments
(LSGs) and their institutions and organisations, regional development agencies,
civil society organisations (CSOs), business support organisations (BSOs), as
well as individual beneficiaries, especially women and youth. The final
beneficiaries are the inhabitants of the underdeveloped areas where the Project
will be implemented.
All Project activities will be undertaken in
partnership with the Government of Serbia, in cooperation with the national and
local institutions, with the aim of allowing them to respect the legal
requirements and, where relevant, EU accession criteria. This will ensure
national ownership and help develop national capacities.