Representatives of the City of Prokuplje, institutions, businesses, civil society and the local community discussed the vision for the city’s future development and project ideas that could contribute to its achievement at today’s Public Forum. The Forum was held as part of the development of the Territorial Strategy for the Urban Area of Prokuplje, with European Union support through the “EU Support for Integrated Territorial Development – EU INTEGRA” Programme, implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of European Integration.
The EU INTEGRA Programme is implemented by the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities (SCTM) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). Under the Programme component led by UNOPS, local self-governments receive technical assistance for the development of territorial strategies in line with EU Cohesion Policy.
Valentina Vidović, Head of the Department for the Establishment and Development of the Management System fot the EU Structural and Cohesion Funds at the Ministry of European Integration, noted that the Ministry, with the support of the European Union, continuously works on preparations for the future use of EU funds. An important part of these preparations is strengthening capacities at the regional and local levels and improving the way territorial development is planned. The European Union’s Cohesion Policy is based on the principle that development interventions should be designed in line with the specific needs, challenges and potential of each territory, with the active involvement of local institutions, businesses, civil society and citizens.
“The development of a territorial strategy represents an important step in this process, as it enables the economic, social and spatial potential of the city to be assessed, while key development challenges and priorities for its future development are jointly identified. It is equally important that these priorities do not remain merely strategic commitments, but are translated into concrete, well-prepared projects and investments that can contribute to improving citizens’ quality of life and the sustainable development of Prokuplje. Through the EU INTEGRA Programme, we aim to support local self-governments in gaining the experience and capacities needed to apply this integrated and territorial approach to development, which will be of particular importance in Serbia’s further preparations for the future EU Cohesion Policy,” Vidović said.
Dobrila Ranđelović, member of the City Council of Prokuplje emphasised that the Territorial Strategy should contribute to unlocking the city’s development potential and making Prokuplje more attractive and recognisable, building on its local identity while linking existing potential with innovation, new knowledge and a modern economy.
“The future development of Prokuplje should be based on the preservation and valorisation of its natural, cultural and architectural heritage, the improvement of public spaces and the activation of those that are currently underused, as well as the development of green infrastructure and a knowledge-based economy. An important part of this development is ensuring equal access for all citizens to social and healthcare services, employment opportunities, culture, sports and recreation,” Dobrila Ranđelović, said.
“A participatory approach is an important part of developing a territorial strategy and is embedded throughout the entire process, from the analysis of the current situation and thematic discussions with local stakeholders to the definition of objectives and measures. The Public Forum further broadens participation, enabling us to jointly define the vision for future development and project ideas through discussions on key development themes. Through EU INTEGRA, we are building on the approach piloted under the EU PRO Plus Programme and providing expert support to ensure that the results of this process provide a sound basis for the future development of Prokuplje,” said Viktor Veljović, Capacity Development Manager within the EU INTEGRA Programme component implemented by UNOPS.
Seventh-grade students from two Prokuplje primary schools, “Ratko Pavlović Ćićko” and “9. oktobar”, also shared their perspectives on the city’s future. Through the “My City in the Future” art competition, they presented their ideas of how Prokuplje could develop and become a better place to live. Public Forum participants voted to select the three best works, whose authors received awards. The awards were presented to the teachers and children by Valentina Vidović from the Ministry of European Integration and Vladimir Stojčić, a member of the Prokuplje City Council.
