The local governments that signed the memorandum are Arilje, Bojnik, Veliko Gradište, Vlasotince, Golubac, Leskovac, Ljubovija, Novi Pazar, Užice, Ćuprija, Topola, Raška, Mali Zvornik, Žabalj i Zaječar.

My country has a tradition of more than 170 years in providing citizens the possibility to participate directly, including with initiatives and referendums in political decision-making. We are convinced that this constitutes one of the most effective instruments of the successful development of Switzerland. This is a good practice that we are pleased to share. For this reason, we are providing this support to Serbia, stated Urs Schmid, Swiss Ambassador in Serbia.

The project contributes to achieving the planned results set by the public administration reform strategy, and in particular, the program for the reform of the local government system. "Selected cities and municipalities are given the role of bearers of these qualitative improvements, which will be reflected in greater openness of administrative business and building trust between citizens and local governments," said Nikola Tarbuk, General Secretary of the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities (SKGO).

“The second phase of the program, which ended last year, supported 44 local governments to generate 4.7m euro in additional revenue through property taxes. Action plans in the field of good governance have been implemented in 36 local governments, which have improved the participation of citizens in local decision-making, explained Alexander Grunauer, head of the program. "Accountable local finances and citizen´s participation."

The Swiss government is supporting the program "Accountable local finances and citizen´s participation" with over 5.1 million Swiss francs in the period 2021-2025. The program is implemented by the Swiss Helvetas Intercooperation organisation.