Nis – As part of the project worth 170,000 euros, which was aimed at empowering vulnerable and marginalized groups in 34 local self-governments in the southeastern and southwestern parts of Serbia, the European Union and the Government of Switzerland provided grants for the self-employment of 28 people whose ideas were recognized as the best ones. 

In addition to the aforementioned key results, the project carried out in partnership with the Center for Social Policy, the Center for Public Policy Research and the Education Center in Leskovac, included an analysis of the institutional capacity of local self-governments, an analysis of the employability of vulnerable groups and social protection services in 34 cities and municipalities in the southern part of the country.

Congratulating the new male and female entrepreneurs, Marko Vujacic, the National European Progress Manager, stressed the commitment of the EU and the Government of Switzerland to improving the quality of life of residents of the southern part of the country, with a particular emphasis on improving local governance, both in terms of institutions and the development and implementation of policies in the sphere of social inclusion of vulnerable groups, including their employment.

“The results of the project are not only the indicators of the direction in which local self-governments should be further developed, but also there are good prospects for improving their capacity. We hope that all the analyses and methodologies made and the experiences acquired will serve for better consideration of the needs of vulnerable groups at the local level, as well as for developing relevant policies and innovative models of social services and employment, because social support is necessary for their social inclusion, "Marko Vujacic said.

In three municipalities, which include Bujanovac, Bosilegrad and Merosina, support was provided for the establishment of sustainable social services in accordance with the law which should respond to the needs of the population.

“We jointly provided a new service, domestic help for the elderly, which not only helps the most numerous vulnerable category in the three municipalities, but also includes the engagement of unemployed women, "Danijela Nikolic, from the municipality of Merosina, said.

It was underscored at the meeting that the cooperation between local authorities and institutions at the central level was necessary for the effective implementation of any regulatory and reform changes, while local self-governments should be more focused on mutual cooperation and exchange of experience in the field of social protection and employment of vulnerable groups, where pooling of resources and knowledge may lead to faster reforms.

Source: European Progress and Coordination Body