Strengthening of the institutional infrastructure in Bačka for balanced regional development and use of IPA Component 3 for Regional Development

1. Regional Development Agency Bаčkа, Serbia
2. European Affairs Fund of AP Vojvodina, Serbia
3. Faculty of Economics and Engineering Management,Serbia

To establish institutional coordination to provide professional support for local self-governments in Bаčka with the aim of enhancing regional development.

Specific objectives:

(1)    To network relevant stakeholders in regional development in the municipalities of Bačka by creating a regional network and framework for future cooperation and joint development of successful EU projects;

(2)    To improve the municipal absorption capacities in Bаčka;

(3)    To increase the institutional capacities of employees at the municipal level through training in the use of regional development programmes under IPA Component 3.

Expected results:

(1)    Institutional framework in Bаčka for the implementation of projects important for socio-economic development established and strengthened;

(2)    Overall operational programme for the development of Bаčka for the period 2012-2015 adopted;

(3)    Offices for local economic development (LED) qualified for the preparation of IPA 3 projects for regional development – strengthening  the absorption capacities of local self-governments;

(4)    Minimum three intermunicipal project ideas developed;

(5)    Knowledge on institutional framework for balanced regional development in compliance with the Law of the Republic of Serbia increased.

Main activities:

(1)    Establishment of institutional framework for socio-economic development of Bаčka by signing the European Partnership Charter;

(2)    Preparation and adoption of overall operational programme for the development of Bаčka;

(3)    Training for the employees of the LED offices and departments for economy of  Bаčka municipalities;

(4)    Preparation of intermunicipal project ideas;

(5)    Education in the enhancement of balanced regional development.

Target groups: Persons responsible for projects in the municipal administration in Bаčka, Bаčka municipalities.