Pilot Action – Serbian members in an EGTC
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Due to the absence of a national legal framework in Serbia, Serbian municipalities are not able to become full members in European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC). Their role is limited to that of observers, which excludes them from participating in strategic decision-making, accessing institutional benefits, and engaging in long-term governance opportunities reserved for full EGTC members.
The pilot action intends to prepare an updated draft of the EGTC law for Serbia, in cooperation with the relevant Serbian ministries to facilitate Serbia’s transition from observer to full EGTC membership.
The pilot action will strengthen the institutional capacity of Serbian and Hungarian municipalities engaged in cross-border cooperation and enable balanced and effective participation in shared governance structures. Local administrations will have enhanced ability to access EU funding and the general public will benefit from a more efficient use of cross-border infrastructure, greater alignment in service provision, and increased opportunities for socio-economic development. All of this will lead to comprehensive regional cooperation, stronger territorial cohesion and a strengthening of the integration of Serbian municipalities as equal partners of their EU member counterparts.