A second public call for the improvement of cross-border cooperation between Serbia and North Macedonia was presented at an online conference by representatives of the Serbian Ministry for European Integration, the Operational Structure of the Serbia – North Macedonia Cross-border Cooperation Programme 2016–2020, and the Ministry of Local Self-Government of North Macedonia, in cooperation with the Serbian Ministry of Finance.

Serbia’s Assistant Minister of European Integration, Mihajilo Dašić, said at the online conference that the Serbia – North Macedonia Programme has enabled existing capacities to be upgraded and has paved the way for cooperation which had been lacking, improving the quality of life in local and border areas through the application of innovative and sustainable solutions to common issues.

The conference included the presentation of seven projects that were implemented within the first call, such as “Seeds of Inclusion – social enterprises for economic development and social inclusion,” “Improvement and protection of human health and environment by reducing the risk of pollution through efficient waste management,” and “Less garbage, fewer risks, better health”.

Project proposals for the second cycle of the Serbia – North Macedonia Cross-border Cooperation Programme, which provides for almost €1.9 million for the promotion of employment, workers’ mobility, social and cultural inclusion, as well as the development of tourism, cultural and natural heritage of the two countries, can be submitted until 8 June.