National Plan for Regional Development by 2020 in final phase

A new policy of regional development will be shaped in a national plan covering the period through 2020 that is in the final phase of preparation, Serbian Minister of Regional Development and Local Self-Government Igor Mirovic said on Wednesday.

At the 41st meeting of the Assembly of the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities (SKGO) marking 60 years of that organization, the minister said that the plan will be a reflection of the strategic planning of the national regional policy and regional development from 2014-2020, but also the key means for withdrawing money from European funds, Tanjug news agency has reported.

In the years to come, the Standing Conference will prove that it is a reliable partner of the ministry, but also towns and municipalities, the minister said, noting that the SKGO's 60 years of existence command great respect.

"If we have a clear vision, defined policy, and ready projects, we will be able to use EU funds, but also implement their experiences," Mirovic said.

Joint efforts should be invested in the adoption of regulations so as to help create a system that will ensure that towns and municipalities are an efficient service to citizens and the economy, Mirovic said.