Today in Skopje, the Minister of Local Self-Government, Risto Penov, had a meeting with the Serbian Minister responsible for balanced regional development, Edwin Djerlek. The meeting discussed the experiences of both countries in the implementation of the policy for balanced regional development and the progress in the process of integration into the European Union. The ministers emphasized that it is very important that balanced regional development be encouraged with funds from the state budget, but it is also important to build capacities for greater absorption of funds from the IPA funds of the European Union.

Balanced development should provide better living conditions in less developed areas and municipalities, but also encourage the overall development of the state and the region.

It was also emphasized that it is necessary to strengthen the capacities for implementing innovative solutions, to follow the development goals and measures in the EU documents and to apply the good practices from the member states of the European Union.

The ministers expressed satisfaction with the cooperation between the two countries, with the use of funds from the IPA Cross-Border Cooperation Program, which also has an impact on balanced regional development. Challenges exist, it was said, but it is important that the cooperation continues and that we find solutions for greater connection, for faster development of the region and for improving the quality of life of our citizens.