Serbian cultural heritage is an integral part of the common heritage of the EU, and the EU is committed to its preservation as part of the collective future – this is the main message of the second day of the European Opportunity Week, which is dedicated to the topics from the domain of culture.

The Ambassador of the European Union in Serbia – Emanuele Giaufret opened the day, filled with panels and talks by experts, who will talk about the opportunities that the European Union offers to cultural workers.

“With great pleasure I open the second day of the EU Opportunity Week, which focuses on culture and tourism. Culture and cultural heritage are at the heart of the European Union. They connect our peoples and unite us in our diversity, empowering citizens to support the core values ​​of our Union: freedom, democracy, equality, solidarity, the rule of law and respect for human rights. These values ​​are of vital importance for fostering a common feeling of belonging to the European project, a project in which we see Serbia and its people as an integral part,” Ambassador Giaufret said.

He added that together with the EU, Serbia ensures greater protection of cultural actors and heritage: Serbian cultural heritage gives rich and invaluable contribution to the common heritage of Europe that increases its richness and diversity.

“The EU is committed to preserving Serbian cultural heritage as part of our common European identity. As part of the EU family, Serbia’s cultural treasures will enjoy the highest level of protection and recognition in Europe,” the Ambassador said.

On that occasion, one project was highlighted: „EU for cultural heritage and tourism“. The goal of the project was not only to preserve the past but also to create economic and cultural opportunities for the future. This initiative included eight municipalities in eastern Serbia, Lower Danube and Topola in central Serbia. The project is aimed at the development of tourism as a significant economic potential for the economic development of Eastern Serbia and Lower Danube, and the EU allocated EUR 22 million for its activities. The Golubac Fortress, Fetislam, Felix Romuliana, Rajačke Pimnice and the King’s Cellar in Topola are the largest projects financed by this project.

“Topola and Pimnice are just some of the important cultural heritage sites. They mark the biography of every citizen of Serbia, who is starting to get to know his country”, said Stanko Blagojević, Assistant Minister of Culture, and added that he would like to thank the European Union for its contribution and for the increasing funds for restoration and maintenance of such sites.

Blagojević mentioned the importance of connecting the culture and tourism sectors.

“When it comes to the protection of cultural heritage, it is always necessary to cooperate first with the sector of tourism, and the contribution of the EU in that domain is excellently recognized. Tradition finds its best expression in culture. In that domain, we cooperate a lot – as if we were already a member of the European Union”, concluded the Assistant Minister of Culture.

The European Union’s support for cultural heritage and tourism in Serbia provides both economic opportunities and sustainable preservation of historical sites, benefiting local communities. Through initiatives such as Creative Europe and regional cooperation, the EU will continue to support Serbian cultural actors, encouraging stronger ties with Europe and promoting cultural growth.

 

The European Opportunity Week, the second one in a row, is being held this year from September 23 to 27. The first four days cover the topics of business and innovation, culture, civil sector, media, education, youth and sports, local development, and the activities take place in the European House Belgrade. On the last day, panels on local development, territorial cooperation and green transition, as well as formal ceremonies and networking are held in Niš, at the “Tami” Hotel.

Find the detailed agenda and other details of the European Opportunity Week on the following page: https://eumogucnosti.rs/evropska-nedelja-mogucnosti/  

During this event, you will have the opportunity to hear all about the most important European programs, projects and funds that are available in Serbia. Opportunities are numerous and include public calls, grants, loans, youth opportunities, student exchanges, competitions, skills development and free training.

If you are not able to follow the program live or online, you will be able to find all the sessions on the EU YT channel in Serbia, after October 7.