REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE WESTERN BALKANS THROUGH THE SUPPORT OF EU PROJECTS

The paper shows how different support programs intended for institutions and organizations contribute to regional development and cooperation between the countries of the Western Balkans, as well as to higher economic development and prosperity of the region. Unfavourable economic and financial situation in most of the countries needs to be managed with more efficient use of external financial support, which usually in the case of the Western Balkans implies different EU programs. Such programs include the assistance in applying for CBC programmes, which further results in the development of the regional competitiveness through the implementation of joint projects. Such programs (CARDS 2000-2006, IPA 2007-2013 RSEDP2, IPA II 2014-2020) provide the financial support of the EU to resolve the issues of common interest (socio-economic, cultural and historical potentials) for neighbouring countries. The support programs should improve the institutional capacity of Serbia and strengthen the cooperation with the countries of the Western Balkans, which simultaneously implies alignment with European Structural Funds Regulations.