PROJECT SUMMARY
Programme name CBC Programme Serbia–North Macedonia 2021-2027 (IPA III)
Call for proposals 1st Call for Proposals, EuropeAid/182708/IH/ACT/Multi
Contract No. and date of signature 001920833 2024 10520 028 004 000 001-3  signed on 26.06.2026
Title of the project “Bridging Cultures Through Heritage: Empowering Roma Youth and Promoting Sustainable Tourism in Bojnik and Shuto Orizari – Cultural Unity and Tourism for Roma Empowerment” (CULTURoma)
Programme priority axis TP 2: Encouraging tourism and cultural and natural heritage
Programme specific objective 2.1: Enhancement of cultural and natural heritage for sustainable tourism development
Project budget Total project value in EUR € 575,840.16 EU contribution in EUR incl. percentage € 489,464.14 (85%)
Grant beneficiaries Lead applicant

Municipality of Bojnik (Serbia)

 Co-applicants

Municipality of Shuto Orizari (MK); IRIZ – Initiative for Development and Inclusion of Communities, Skopje (MK); [Affiliated] Tourist Organization of Municipality of Bojnik (RS)
Project territory North Macedonia

Skopje Region, Municipality of Shuto Orizari

 Serbia

Jablanica district, Municipality of Bojnik
Project target groups Local authorities and cultural institutions (representatives from local governments, cultural organizations and educational institutions); Roma youth and communities in Bojnik (Serbia) and Shuto Orizari (North Macedonia); Local cultural operators and tourism professionals; Local tourism operators (guides, accommodation providers, cultural event organizers); Cultural heritage and tourism experts. Final beneficiaries: approx. 20,000 local residents of Bojnik and Shuto Orizari; approx. 500,000 visitors and tourists (domestic and international)
Project duration Signed 26.06.2026 | Duration: 36 months (start/end dates to be confirmed upon prefinancing)
Project intervention logic Overall objective (impact): To promote good neighbourly relations, foster EU integration and contribute to the social, economic and territorial development of the cross-border region by improving social and cultural inclusion and developing sustainable tourism led by youth.  Specific objective 1 (SO1): Improvement of cultural infrastructure and facilities by enhancing and rehabilitating public spaces and infrastructure for cultural activities in Bojnik and Shuto Orizari, with a focus on Roma youth. Specific objective 2 (SO2): Promotion of Roma cultural heritage and cross-border tourism by protecting, valorising and promoting the cultural and natural heritage of Roma communities through sustainable tourism and cross-border collaboration.  Intermediary outcomes: iOc1: Improvement of infrastructure and fully operational/equipped facilities for cultural expression of Roma youth in Bojnik and Shuto Orizari (parks, riverbank, cultural premises) iOc2: Cross-border tourism and cultural heritage team operational, promoting Roma heritage and sustainable tourism  Expected results: 1.1 Park and riverbank in Bojnik rehabilitated for cultural and community use 1.2 Park and performance space in Shuto Orizari rehabilitated and made functional 1.3 Open-air theatre equipment supplied for cultural events in Bojnik and Shuto Orizari 1.4 Youth-led Roma theatre performances prepared and staged 2.1 Roma cultural heritage and events in Bojnik and Shuto Orizari mapped by a team of experts 2.2 Cross-border Roma cultural heritage map developed 2.3 Cross-border cultural and tourism cooperation formalised 2.4 Promotional video and short documentary on Roma cultural heritage produced 2.5 Roma cultural heritage events organised in Bojnik and Shuto Orizari
Main activities WP1 – Improvement of infrastructure and facilities for cultural expression of Roma youth: Act. 1.1 Rehabilitation of the park and riverbank in Bojnik; Act. 1.2 Rehabilitation of the park and creation of a performance space in Shuto Orizari; Act. 1.3 Supply of equipment for open-air cultural performances in Bojnik and Shuto Orizari; Act. 1.4 Preparation and staging of Roma youth theatre performances | WP2 – Promotion of cultural and natural heritage in Bojnik and Shuto Orizari: Ac. 2.1 Mapping of Roma cultural heritage/events in Bojnik and Shuto Orizari; Ac. 2.2 Development of a cross-border Roma cultural heritage map; Ac. 2.3 Formalisation of cross-border cultural and tourism cooperation between institutions and stakeholders; Ac. 2.4 Production of promotional audiovisual materials on Roma heritage and cross-border cooperation; Ac. 2.5 Organisation of the “Bojnik Cultural Summer” and “Shuto Orizari Cultural Summer” events