From March 25 to 27, 2026, the Forum on Regional Development of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina was held at the Science and Technology Park in Novi Sad, gathering numerous representatives of the public, private, and civil sectors.
The forum was opened by the Director of the Regional Development Agency Bačka, Aleksandar Dunđerski, who welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of this event as a platform for dialogue on key issues of regional development.
He highlighted that over the years the forum has grown into a relevant platform for exchanging experiences on institutional capacities, financial mechanisms, and challenges in project implementation, stressing that regional development requires coordinated institutional action, clearly defined support programs, and stable sources of funding.
He also pointed out the importance of efficient and transparent use of funds, especially those from the European Union, as well as the need to identify key challenges and propose concrete solutions for improving the system through such gatherings.
On this occasion, appreciation was expressed to the Science and Technology Park Novi Sad for providing the venue and supporting the organization of the event.
The Minister for European Integration, Nemanja Starović, then addressed the participants, emphasizing that one of the key steps in the process of regional development and European integration is the establishment of an efficient system for managing European Union cohesion policy funds.
He noted that the adoption of a legislative framework is underway, which will lay the foundations for a comprehensive system of management, control, and preparation of strategic documents, and that efforts are being made simultaneously to strengthen capacities at all levels of government, particularly through programs aimed at improving the work of local self-governments.
He also emphasized that numerous projects and strategies have already been implemented, contributing to economic development, infrastructure, and cooperation, and that these programs represent an important instrument in preparing Serbia for membership in the European Union.
It was also announced that during this year, informational sessions will be organized for all interested parties regarding territorial cooperation programs, along with the continuation of current project calls, while the first calls under the next financial perspective are expected from 2028.
After that, Jelena Prica, Assistant Provincial Secretary for Regional Development, Interregional Cooperation, and Local Self-Government, addressed the participants, highlighting the importance of the forum as a meeting point for key stakeholders in the field of regional development.
She emphasized that such gatherings contribute to improving dialogue and cooperation between institutions, as well as strengthening support for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises and the implementation of European Union programs.
She pointed out that without clear institutional frameworks and efficient implementation of development programs, it is not possible to achieve sustainable and balanced development, and that the role of the Provincial Secretariat is to be a reliable partner, an initiator of cooperation, and a support in creating conditions for the realization of development projects.
As part of the forum program, examples of good practice were presented through ongoing international cooperation projects.
Ana Mihajlović from the Regional Agency for the Development of Šumadija and Pomoravlje and Dubravka Živković from the Faculty of Engineering, University of Kragujevac, presented the Danube GeoHeCo project, aimed at promoting the use of hybrid heating and cooling systems utilizing shallow geothermal energy in the Danube region.
Andrea Stijepić from the Regional Development Agency Bačka presented the TRANSFORM project, which aims to develop a framework to support the twin transition through reskilling and upskilling in micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, based on the “Living Lab” approach.
The first panel, dedicated to institutional cooperation in supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, regional development, and European Union programs, brought together representatives of relevant institutions at the national and regional levels.
During the panel, support programs for 2026 were discussed, including standardized services implemented through the network of accredited regional development agencies, as well as support programs of the Provincial Secretariat.
Special focus was placed on strategic issues of sustainability of the support system, co-financing of projects within European Union programs, and strengthening inter-institutional cooperation.
The second panel focused on practical aspects of using EU funds, including reporting, control, and knowledge transfer.
The discussion highlighted challenges related to institutional capacities and administrative procedures, as well as the importance of improving financial mechanisms and project sustainability.
Particular emphasis was placed on strengthening transparency, efficient control, and quality evaluation of projects, as well as timely preparation for the new programming and financial framework for the period 2028–2034.
Within the forum, special attention was given to strengthening capacities for participation in European Union programs through expert workshops dedicated to the development of project proposals under the Horizon Europe program.
During interactive sessions, participants had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the new framework of European research and innovation programs for the period 2028–2034, as well as with methods of interpreting and preparing project calls.
The workshops covered topics such as impact development, dissemination and exploitation of results, as well as practical aspects of implementation, including work package planning, risk management, and budgeting.
Through teamwork and knowledge exchange, participants developed elements of competitive project proposals and strengthened the skills necessary for successful participation in international consortia.
Around 50 European organizations participated in the workshops, further strengthening cooperation and opening space for new partnerships.
The Forum on Regional Development of AP Vojvodina 2026 once again confirmed its importance as a platform that connects institutions, the professional community, and the business sector in order to enhance regional development.
Through a series of panels, presentations, and workshops, important topics were addressed, including the improvement of institutional cooperation, development of project initiatives, and preparation for future European Union programming cycles.
View the Media Corner
