Ecorys examines impact of two EU-funded programs in Serbia
Ecorys has completed two sweeping evaluations of EU-funded programs in Serbia, revealing that targeted investments have successfully expanded school access for vulnerable children and strengthened economic ties along sensitive border regions.
The two newly finalized studies, commissioned by the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia, provide fact-based backing to shape future EU funding strategies in the Balkans. By assessing multi-year initiatives in classroom integration and regional cooperation, the reports offer a roadmap for alignment with EU standards as Serbia continues its accession process.
Serbia is not currently a member of the EU, though the country has been working towards accession into the bloc since 2012. Negotiations have been ongoing for years as questions over eligibility hinge on prickly issues, like bringing corruption under control, upholding democratic standards, the lingering territorial dispute with Kosovo, and the Slavic country’s long-standing political alignment with Russia.
The various areas that need to be addressed were set in a European Commission report, which divides the work to be done into chapters. The chapter that addresses education and culture was provisionally closed already in 2017, with Serbia judged to have a “good level of preparation”. This indicates that the education system is on the right path, though more work needs to be done before meeting EU standards.
More inclusive education
The first study completed by Ecorys, an international economics and research consultancy, examined EU support for inclusive education across Serbia. This initiative aimed to improve access to classroom learning for vulnerable groups, including children with disabilities, Roma communities, and families facing socioeconomic hardships. The evaluation analyzed broad policy shifts and looked at practical measures being taken on the ground.
Key areas of review included updates to the legal framework, training programs for teachers, and the creation of specialized support services for students with additional learning needs. Investigators also looked at efforts to bridge the digital divide, which became particularly urgent during the pandemic.
The analysis found that EU interventions successfully expanded school access, boosted institutional capacity, and promoted inclusive practices throughout the Serbian school system. In its final report, Ecorys suggested using the European Union accession process to further lock in these educational reforms. The consultants also urged the Serbian Ministry of Education to develop a long-term plan for digital inclusion.
Fostering cross-border unity
The second evaluation focused on cross-border cooperation programs between Serbia and its neighbors under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance framework. These programs seek to drive economic, social, and regional development in EU border zones by co-funding joint projects. The various projects connect public authorities, civil society groups, and local organizations across national borders.
The Ecorys team assessed projects across multiple themes, including job creation, social inclusion, environmental protection, and cultural tourism. The study checked how effectively these cross-border partnerships solved shared problems and developed local economies.
The final report recommends that future programs align more closely with distinct local needs. The consultants highlighted small-scale environmental protection and waste management as smart targets for future funding.
Making improvements to local ecology both protects nature and helps boost tourism by creating cleaner, nature-based attractions. Eastern Serbia is home to beautiful nature areas – including impressive mountains, canyons, and forests – that have already been attracting a growing number of intrepid tourists from abroad.
The report also suggested streamlined governance and more active training to help civil society organizations win and manage future grants. That would help government projects access funding and manage collaborations more effectively.
Building evidence for future funding
Ecorys used a mixed-methods approach to gather data for both studies. The team combined extensive document reviews with field visits and interviews with national institutions, local leaders, and program beneficiaries across Serbia. This methodology ensured that the final perspectives reflected the realities of the people receiving the aid.
The findings offer a clear foundation for future EU interventions, ensuring that subsequent investments maximize efficiency and sustainability. By analyzing past implementation challenges, the studies help build more resilient and high-quality public systems in Serbia.
This is not the first time that Ecorys has supported programs related to reforms in EU-adjacent countries. For example, the firm previously supported a comprehensive reform program undertaken by the Armenian justice system, a project ultimately aimed at compliance with EU standards and an eye toward eventual membership in the bloc, though Armenia is in a much earlier phase of the accession process when compared with Serbia.
