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.