The main objective of the 15^th Stakeholder Group Meeting held on 28^th February, 2017 at the Youth Office in Priboj, Serbia was to present outcomes of the First call of the ABD Grant Scheme within the LEIWW project; ongoing, realized and planned activities within EU project: “Fostering regional cooperation and balanced territorial development of Western Balkan countries in the process towards EU integration”, and presentation of the work of the Youth Office in Priboj as an example of good practice in the cross border region of “Drina-Tara”.

The meeting was opened and welcomed by Mr. Jasmin Hodzic, Assistant to the Mayor of the Municipality of Priboj. He stated that the cross-border region of “Drina-Tara” is important both from political and economic aspect. Municipality of Priboj and other municipalities from the cross-border region are peripheral from the capital cities in the respective countries, therefore people are more connected to each other. On this fact the European Union has detected and established this region. The economic importance of the existence of the cross-border region is to increase awareness of the entrepreneur spirit, protection of the environment and to stop the historical stagnancy of this region. Stakeholders are not rivals, together they can be stronger. This is a signal to be awaken and to become more active in using available funds.

The SWG Regional Manager stated that a regional umbrella organization such as the SWG is entitled to facilitate cooperation through political and policy dialogue related to the agriculture and rural development. By exchange of information, sharing of knowledge and best practices, it fosters creation of strong and effective partnerships that can address common interests and challenges in line with the EU perspective.

Conclusions from the meeting:

• Organization of final Stakeholder Group Meeting in April till the end of ABD 4 phase;
• Three more regional events will be supported till the end of ABD 4 phase;
• Organization of Capacity building for Grant beneficiaries and interested stakeholders in April.

After the presentation there was organized a facultative visit to the Heritage Museum in Priboj. The museum was established in 1990 with main activities: research, preservation, collection and presentation of artistic and historical works and cultural heritage of the Municipality of Priboj. The museum is one of the organizers of the regional festival “Days of Danilo Lazovic” organized in November in honor of the famous actor who originates from Priboj.