Serbia - 5 August 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 Contract
The 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 Part
Regulation (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 Standards
The 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 Effect
In 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:
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Increase public awareness of Serbia's accession roadmap and EU policies.
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Encourage European ideals like sustainable development, democracy, and the rule of law.
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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 Consortium
One 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 up:
A 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.
Tags:
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