From the Past to the Future: Building Stronger Cross-Border Partnerships
The project partners met in Leskovac, Serbia, for the kick-off meeting of From the Past to the Future. The partnership brings together four organisations from Serbia and North Macedonia- City of Leskovac, Municipality of Kriva Palanka, National Museum in Leskovec and Centre for the Development of Jablanica and Pcinja Districts.
Although the project is just beginning, the team already has valuable experience from previous joint initiatives.
Building on Experience and Shared Goals
The partners bring expertise, commitment and a shared vision. Together, they will preserve cultural and natural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism across the border.
The project will revitalise the Textile Museum Complex in Leskovac. It will also improve the thematic hiking route to the Monastery of St. Joachim Osogovski in Kriva Palanka.
In addition, the partners will develop a virtual tour, modernise museum exhibits and document 110 cultural and natural heritage sites. Creative workshops for children and joint promotional events will help more people discover this shared heritage.
From Planning to Action
During the kick-off meeting, the partners reviewed initial implementation progress and clarified their responsibilities. They also established the arrangements for joint project management and strategic oversight.
Furthermore, the team discussed research and heritage mapping, investment preparations, procurement and financial reporting. They also agreed on operational priorities and next steps for November and December 2026.
The Lasting Value of Cross-Border Cooperation
Strong partnerships grow through trust, shared experience and continuous learning. However, they also create opportunities for new organisations to develop their skills through hands-on project implementation.
That is the beauty of cross-border cooperation: established partnerships grow stronger, new partners gain experience, and knowledge creates opportunities for future collaboration.
🇪🇺 From the Past to the Future is co-funded by the European Union under the Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Serbia–North Macedonia 2021–2027.
