Tim za socijalno uključivanje i smanjenje siromaštva

Local self-governments have a significant role in the application of regulations and achieving EU standards in many areas encompassed by accession negotiations, facing the problem of financing and insufficient capacities for achieving standards and using EU funds, assessed those present at the meeting regarding the role of local authorities in European integrations, held in Belgrade. Therefore, it is necessary to have them well prepared and organized, but also to put aside party interests. The improved monitoring of EU membership negotiations at the local level should contribute to the planned introduction of EU officers who will inform them on the process in a timely manner. The participants of the meeting stated that Serbia will receive EUR 160 million from pre-accession EU funds for the environment and 175 million for agricultural development by 2020.

The Head of the EU Delegation in Serbia, Michael Davenport, assessed on 10 December, at the 42^nd assembly of the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities (SKGO), that the European integration process is being played out in the heart of local self-governments, since over 70% of all EU legislation applies at the local level. Davenport said that the field of rural development and the environment requires regional cooperation and assistance by the central authorities, along with the unification of capacities and the introduction of new knowledge. He told the presidents of local self-governments that they are expected to dedicate efforts to the strategic development of municipalities during the EU negotiation process.

The Minister for Public Administration and Local Self-Government Kori Udovički said that in 2015 the emphasis will be on public administration reform, since that is the third pillar of the European Commission strategy for reforms of the countries in the region. “It is clear to us that we need to simplify regulations and increase administrative capacities at the local level in order to be able to make use of EU funds”, she said. She also emphasized that local self-governments need to take on a greater responsibility in implementing reforms and to direct resources into projects that will benefit the citizens the most.

The Head of the Negotiation Team for Serbia, Tanja Miščević, assessed that the introduction of officials for the EU in local self-governments is very important for the process of Serbia’s accession to the Union due to the role the local level has in the integrations.

Source: EurActiv.rs