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The conference opened with remarks from the President of the Priboj Municipal Assembly, Boris Mrdović who welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of Pribojska Banja as the most visited tourist destination in the municipality. He expressed his gratitude to the European Union for its support, as well as to the project partners from Montenegro for their constructive cooperation.

Programme Manager of the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia, Konstantinos Soupilas, expressed his satisfaction with attending the event and commended the project for its contribution to sustainable tourism in the cross-border region. He also announced that a new Call for project proposals within the Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Serbia-Montenegro will soon be launched, encouraging local stakeholders to apply.

The importance of cross-border cooperation programmes for strengthening the tourism offer of Priboj was presented by Vladan Radović from the Tourist Organization of Priboj. The achieved project results were outlined by Vidoje Didanović, Project Manager, who highlighted the tangible improvements delivered through the initiative.

Particular attention was given to the development of the 1,500-meter health trail, constructed in 2024 as one of the central project activities. The trail passes through a mixed forest, includes benches, waste bins, an outdoor gym, a children’s playground, and a wooden rest shelter, and is equipped with LED lighting and protective infrastructure such as concrete retaining dams and drainage pipes. It is now actively used by both tourists and local residents.

After the formal programme, conference participants visited the newly developed trail in Pribojska Banja and had the opportunity to view firsthand a key result of the project.

The project is implemented by the Tourist Organization of Priboj as the lead partner, in cooperation with the Eparchy of Budimlje and Nikšić and the Tourist Organization of Nikšić. The total project budget is EUR 324,931.10, with 76.47% financed by the European Union.

Source: IPA CBC programme Serbia – Montenegro website

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The call is opened for the following thematic priorities:

Priority 1: Employment, labour mobility and social and cultural inclusion across borders

• Specific Objective 1: To improve the quality of public health and social services for inclusion of marginalised groups in the programme area

Priority 2: Encouraging tourism and cultural and natural heritage

• Specific Objective 1: To enhance and promote commonly coordinated cross-border tourism offer based on a protected cultural and natural heritage

Guidelines for applicants, as well as the complete Application package, are available at the following LINK.

Deadline for submission of project proposals is 26 January 2026. at 15:00h.

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The conference was attended by Mr. Konstantinos Soupilas, Programme Manager at the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia, who emphasized in his opening remarks the importance of EU support for the development of sustainable tourism and the strengthening of regional cooperation between Serbia and Montenegro.

The project, implemented by the Regional Agency for Spatial and Economic Development of Raški and Moravički Districts (RDA) from Kraljevo in partnership with the Centre for Sustainable Tourism Initiatives (CSTI) from Podgorica, aimed to develop a new joint tourism offer based on the natural and cultural heritage of rural cross-border areas.

A special focus was placed on the newly developed digital platform for destination promotion, as well as the studies mapping the cultural and natural heritage of the cross-border region.

“The highlight of the project is the development of eight thematic routes – four in Serbia and four in Montenegro. Alongside them, we developed a digital platform, held educational workshops, and mapped the cultural and natural heritage of this area through our studies, thus creating an entirely new tourism product,” stated Ms. Lucija Vasiljević, Director of the RDA.

The panel discussion addressed the potential of cultural and natural heritage for enhancing tourism offers and fostering regional development. Participants emphasized that projects such as this contribute to sustainable resource management and strengthen the interconnectedness of local communities.

The conference concluded with the screening of the project’s promotional video and the message that Creative Twinning stands as an example of successful European Union support in strengthening regional cooperation, expanding tourism offerings, and promoting sustainable development in Serbia and Montenegro.

Source: IPA CBC programme Serbia – Montenegro website

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During the two-day activity, held on 29 and 30 October, participants conducted river rescue simulations on the Drina, including water rescue operations and the evacuation of injured persons following a traffic accident. The demonstration exercise showcased a high level of coordination, quick response, and the use of modern rescue techniques in water and difficult terrain conditions. The exercise involved members of rescue services from Foča and Plužine, along with other relevant institutions.

As the main financier of this project, the European Union supports initiatives that bring long-term benefits for visitor safety and the sustainable development of the region. Through cross-border cooperation, the EU contributes not only to safety improvements but also to the development of an integrated tourist destination recognized for adventure tourism and outdoor activities.

The second rescue exercise will be organized in 2026 in the Municipality of Plužine, further enhancing the capacities and safety of visitors to this popular tourist destination.

These exercises are part of the T.A.R.A v.2.0 project, financed by the European Union under the IPA III CBC Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021–2027 cross-border cooperation program. The project is jointly implemented by the Municipalities of Plužine and Foča, in cooperation with the Foča Tourist Organization and the “Piva” Nature Park, with the goal of developing an integrated Foča–Plužine tourist destination internationally recognized for adrenaline and adventure tourism.

Source: IPA III CBC programme Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro website

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It all began with training sessions on gender stereotypes. The group of 240 participants explored the unconscious biases that limit career choices. They learned practical tools to challenge these mindsets. Consequently, they gained the confidence to pursue careers in sectors traditionally dominated by men.

Therefore, participants were introduced to careers in ICT, metal production, and construction. Through hands-on workshops and detailed presentations, they discovered not only the skills required- Also, they found out about the rewarding opportunities these industries offer. Excited to put their learning into practice, 40 participants joined employer-led field visits and “learning by doing” programs, experiencing real workplaces and tasks firsthand.

The impact didn’t stop there. A community-wide awareness campaign reached over 5,000 people. The inspiring video clips and podcasts, highlighting role models and showcasing women succeeding in male-dominated sectors were part of the campaign.

Through these efforts, women and young people are no longer just observers in traditionally male sectors. They are skilled professionals, confident in their abilities, and equipped to shape the future of their industries. This project proves that with the right support, economic empowerment is not just a goal, it’s a reality.

The Association of Businesswomen of Serbia is not stopping there. They are opening doors to opportunities that once seemed out of reach. Continuing their mission to break barriers and empower women, they share insights about women’s growing role in the ICT sector. It was one of the project’s goals, too.

🎙️ The interview with Dragana Panajotović, Executive Director of UPZ Serbia, at the link below 👇

🔗 https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1DFrNWP5QQ/

Source: IPA CBC programme Serbia – North Macedonia website

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Behind this initiative stands a partnership between institutions and organizations from both countries that cherish cultural heritage: the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments of Sremska Mitrovica, the Archaeological Museum “Roman Municipium” in Skelani, the Tourist Organization of Srebrenica, and the NGO Center for Sustainable Development and Democracy – CORD. Together, they brought history to life and turned it into a new opportunity for cross-border communities.

The project focused on the Roman Municipium in Skelani — an archaeological site of great significance that received new protection and valuation. At the same time, ancient mosaics in Sremska Mitrovica were restored and became part of the permanent exhibition at the Imperial Palace. In this way, valuable remains of ancient civilization were preserved and transformed into a strong attraction for visitors interested in history and culture.

New tourist itineraries connected archaeological sites with other local attractions, creating a rich experience for travelers. Each location tells its own story, yet together they form a mosaic linking the region’s past and future.

Workshops, trainings, and networking activities gathered local tourism professionals, enthusiasts, and cultural actors who will continue to build sustainable cultural tourism. A lasting network of people and institutions has been established to carry the project’s legacy forward.

The project was implemented from June 2023 to December 2024, with a total value of €382,926.25. By preserving and promoting cultural heritage, this initiative demonstrates how the past can serve as a foundation for new tourism opportunities and the revitalization of local communities. Its impact is already visible — in the faces of visitors, new tour schedules, and the increasingly vibrant cultural scene of the cross-border region.

Source: IPA CBC programme Serbia – Bosnia and Herzegovina website

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The project’s goal was to use the potential of birdwatching as a foundation for new tourism experiences and as an opportunity to engage vulnerable social groups in the labor market. In the lesser-known areas of Donje Podrinje (Serbia) and Konjuh (BiH), new tourist routes were created, featuring informative boards and trained guides who help visitors discover the natural beauty of these regions.

What makes this project special is its focus on people with disabilities, mental challenges, women from rural areas, and social welfare beneficiaries. Through workshops and training, they learned to make birdhouses and bird food, and with the purchase of packaging machines, a new brand — “Bird’s Nest” — was launched. Their products can already be found in local stores, recognized for their socially responsible character.

Within the project, 40 birdwatching guides were trained, while study visits, educational games for children, and media campaigns were organized, including video materials and study tours for journalists. Birdwatching has thus become more than just a hobby — a new opportunity for social and economic growth.

The project partners — Caritas Šabac, the Red Cross of Tuzla Canton, and the Bird Protection and Study Society of Serbia — demonstrated that cross-border cooperation can lead to lasting results. Their joint work resulted in new products, skills, and networks that will continue even after the project’s completion.

Birds will continue to cross borders — but now, they will be followed by tourists, guides, and new generations of social entrepreneurs.

The project was implemented from May 1, 2023, to April 30, 2025, with a total value of €209,847.86. The lead partner was Caritas Šabac, with project partners the Red Cross of Tuzla Canton and the Bird Protection and Study Society of Serbia.

Source: IPA CBC programme Serbia – Bosnia and Herzegovina website

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