VISIT OF THE HEAD OF THE OSCE MISSION TO SERBIA AMBASSADOR JAN BRAATHU TO THE EUROPEAN AFFAIRS FUND OF AP VOJVODINA

The director of the European Affairs Fund of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina, Aleksandar Simurdić, hosted the head of the mission of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Ambassador Jan Braathu, and his associates.

Ambassador Braathu pointed out that the goal of the OSCE mission is to help Serbia build strong, independent, responsible and efficient democratic institutions by working with public institutions, civil society and the media in the areas of rule of law and human rights, law enforcement, democratization and media pluralism. Also, the mission deals with the development of sustainable partnerships between the authorities and the civil sector in order to cooperate on issues in the field of environmental protection, education and regional networking and networking of young people.

During the meeting, the Director of the Fund presented current activities of the Fund with  special focus on cooperation with local governments, which aim to make a planned contribution to better use of local capacities for the absorption of funds through external sources of funding.

The systematic approach to the local includes mapping the state and potential of Vojvodina cities and municipalities, planned strengthening of administrative and institutional capacities for more efficient administration in the service of citizens, as well as preparation and implementation of projects financed from external sources, as its integral program part.

This is recognized as the first topic of joint cooperation, which will provide the Fund with significant support in the implementation of planned goals when it comes to promoting local and regional development of AP Vojvodina.