EU Awards €5.2 Million Contract to GOPA PACE for Strengthening EU Communication Network in Serbia
23 Oct 2025
The EUINFONET project, a strategic initiative to improve the European Union's communication and outreach efforts in Serbia, has awarded GOPA Partners in Action for Change and Engagement (GOPA PACE) and its Serbian branch GOPA International Energy Consultants GmbH ogranak Beograd a €5.2 million contract from the European Union, represented by the European Commission. The agreement, which was signed on August 5, 2025, intends to increase public awareness of EU programmes and policies as well as Serbia's journey towards EU membership.Overview and Goals of the ContractThe EUINFONET contract, which was published under Official Journal S 162/2025 (Notice 554284-2025), is centred on offering knowledge and technical support to the EU Delegation in Serbia. The project will oversee the Europe Houses throughout Serbia, which are important physical locations for public diplomacy and citizen engagement, and act as the main communication centre for EU-related information for a period of 24 months.The main goal of the initiative is to raise Serbians' knowledge and comprehension of the European Union, its principles, and how it supports Serbia's social and economic advancement. The project aims to strengthen ties between the EU and Serbia and promote transparency regarding the accession process through partnerships, public events, digital campaigns, and media relations.Organisations Taking PartRegulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 was used to manage the tender by the contracting authority, the European Union (represented by the European Commission). In collaboration with its Belgrade branch, GOPA PACE, a Brussels-based company renowned for strategic communication and policy engagement initiatives throughout Europe and beyond, is leading the winning consortium.GOPA PACE, which highlighted its vast experience in EU-funded communication programmes and regional engagement initiatives in the Western Balkans, won the contract out of six competing tenders.Contract Value and Assessment StandardsThe awarded contract has a total value of €5,197,000, which is marginally less than the €5.2 million estimate. Prioritising technical excellence, communication strategy, and the consortium's ability to carry out nationwide outreach campaigns, the tender was assessed on the basis of 80% quality and 20% price.In order to highlight EU contributions to Serbia's development, GOPA PACE will coordinate with national and local stakeholders, maintain the Europe Houses in Belgrade and Novi Sad, and create and implement multi-platform media content.Importance and EffectIn Serbia, where accurate, relatable, and transparent information about the EU is still crucial for public engagement and trust, the EUINFONET project marks a significant advancement in public diplomacy and communication reform.The initiative seeks to improve public discourse and communication channels in order to: Increase public awareness of Serbia's accession roadmap and EU policies. Encourage European ideals like sustainable development, democracy, and the rule of law. Boost awareness of EU-funded initiatives that help Serbian companies and communities. Additionally, this project supports the EU's long-term commitment to Serbia's European future by being in line with its larger Enlargement Strategy and communication framework throughout the Western Balkans.Concerning the Winning ConsortiumOne of the top development consulting networks in Europe, the GOPA Consulting Group, includes GOPA Partners in Action for Change and Engagement (GOPA PACE). In the Western Balkans, Africa, and the Caucasus, GOPA PACE has successfully carried out a number of EU-funded projects and has a solid track record in strategic communications, social impact campaigns, and institutional visibility projects.GOPA International Energy Consultants GmbH ogranak Beograd, its Serbian branch, will be crucial to the organization's operations in organising regional events and keeping in close contact with Serbian government agencies and media.To sum upA key component of the EU's communication strategy in Serbia is expected to be the EUINFONET project, which will guarantee consistent, reliable, and people-centered engagement across the nation. This initiative highlights the European Union's commitment to open communication, cooperation, and mutual understanding between Brussels and Belgrade as Serbia moves forward on its path to EU membership. #Serbia, #EuropeanUnion, #SerbiaTenders #EUINFONET, #ContractAward, #GOPA PACE, #EU DelegationInSerbia, #CommunicationNetwork, #PublicDiplomacy, #EUAccession, #GovernmentContracts, #AwardedTender, #ProcuremenNews, #WesternBalkans, #EU-fundedProjects, #StrategicCommunication, #Brussels, #Belgrade
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Serbia’s Interior Ministry Awards €2.44 Million Contract for Specialized Fire and Rescue Vehicles
14 Oct 2025
The Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia has awarded a €2.44 million contract to Vatrosprem proizvodnja doo, a Belgrade-based manufacturer of firefighting vehicles and equipment, for the supply of specialized intervention vehicles designed to boost emergency and disaster response capacity across Serbia’s cross-border regions.The award, announced in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJ S 193/2025), falls under the project titled “A More Secure Cross-Border Area by Enhancing the Emergency Response Capability,” funded through the INTERREG IPA CBC Romania–Serbia Programme.Contract Scope and SpecificationsUnder the agreement, Vatrosprem proizvodnja will deliver eight emergency response vehicles - two fire and rescue trucks and six firefighting water tender trucks - equipped with advanced tools and systems for firefighting, technical rescues, and hazardous materials (HAZMAT) operations.The fire and rescue trucks will feature: Capacity for six firefighters 3,000 liters of water and 150 liters of foam tank Integrated firefighting and rescue tools for structural, wildfire, and traffic accident interventions The firefighting water tender trucks will support field operations with 7,000-liter water tanks, 200-liter foam tanks, and equipment for basic firefighting and rescue missions, serving as supply units for other first-response vehicles.The delivery and commissioning period is expected to last 13 months.Enhancing Serbia’s Emergency Response ReadinessThis investment represents a strategic step in strengthening Serbia’s civil protection and emergency response infrastructure, particularly in border regions prone to natural disasters and cross-border incidents. By improving the mobility and technical readiness of the Sector for Emergency Management, the project supports faster response times, safer operations, and greater interoperability with neighboring countries - a key objective of the INTERREG IPA CBC framework.Award and EvaluationThe open procurement procedure attracted three eligible bids, with Vatrosprem proizvodnja doo securing the highest score under the lowest-price criterion. The contract was formally signed on September 29, 2025.The procurement was partially financed by the European Union, underlining the EU’s commitment to supporting regional cooperation and resilience-building in Southeast Europe.About Vatrosprem proizvodnja dooFounded in Belgrade, Vatrosprem proizvodnja doo is a medium-sized Serbian company specializing in the production of firefighting and rescue vehicles, pumps, and protective equipment. With decades of experience, the company has become a reliable supplier to Serbian and regional fire services, emphasizing innovation, safety, and compliance with European standards.Looking AheadOnce delivered, the new intervention vehicles will be distributed to key fire and rescue units across Serbia’s border regions, improving operational readiness and coordination with Romania under the cross-border cooperation initiative. The project marks another step in Serbia’s ongoing modernization of its emergency response fleet and demonstrates strong alignment with EU-supported disaster risk reduction goals.#Serbia, #Belgrade, #Ministry of Interior, #Vatrosprem proizvodnja, #FireAndRescueTrucks, #EmergencyResponse, #PublicSafety, #INTERREG IPA CBC, #ProcurementNews, #ContactAwards, #EU-FundedProjects, #DisasterPreparedness, #FirefightingEquipment, #GovernmentContracts, #MotorVehicle, #SmartVehicle
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