Protocol on Cooperation between European Affairs Fund-AP Vojvodina and University of Novi Sad signed

A Protocol on Cooperation between European Affairs Fund-AP Vojvodina and University of Novi Sad (UNS) has been signed today at the University of Novi Sad. The Protocol envisages organising internship for UNS students to learn about the Fund’s activities and processes of European standard implementation in our country. The Protocol on Cooperation between the University of Novi Sad and European Affairs Fund-AP Vojvodina has been signed with the aim of improving the cooperation between the two institutions through student internship and supporting Europeanization in our country, bearing in mind the strategic approach of the Republic of Serbia to European integration enhancement and resolution of the institutions to support the development of Autonomous Province of Vojvodina and the whole Republic in this process. In addition, the aim of the Programme is to create a circle of experts capable of developing and implementing European projects, with reference to the increasing availability of EU funds for their financing.

Referring to the example of municipalities in AP Vojvodina, where over 250 projects are currently being implemented, the Fund’s director, Predrag Novikov has indicated this time that there is a greater need for students to obtain training and acquire practical knowledge and skills on EU functioning and ways of standard implementation in Autonomous Province of Vojvodina and Serbia. He has said that in the forthcoming period greater importance will be attached to the implementation of European standards in rural policy and rural development, as well as strengthening of regional cooperation. Bearing in mind the Funds’ developed international network with different European institutions whose member the Fund is, he has suggested that it will be possible for a part of internships to take place abroad. The rector of the University, Prof. Miroslav Vesković PhD has reminded of the fact that UNS is chairing the Danube Rector’s Conference in 2010 and pointed out the role of the university in regional and international networking. Since a growing number of instituions in Vovjodina and Serbia will be directly involved in Serbia’s accession to the European Union, there is a growing need for human resources trained in cooperating on issues of European standard implementation, and this internship program is a unique opportunity for students of UNS to gain new practical knowledge in this area.