Jablanica & Pcinja District
serbiaABOUT PILOT AREA
The Jablanica and Pčinja districts, located in the far south of Serbia, have been historically shaped as border regions exposed to diverse political and cultural influences. The area is characterised by mountainous landscapes, valleys, preserved nature and notable biodiversity. The two districts span 6,290 km² and include 13 municipalities with a population of around 380,000, more than half of whom live in rural areas.
The region is affected by long-term depopulation, population ageing and continued out-migration of young people. Economically, the Jablanica and Pčinja districts are among the least developed areas in Serbia. Unemployment is high, wages are below the national average, and agriculture is mostly small-scale and traditional. Agriculture, crafts and micro-businesses dominate the local economy, while tourism holds potential but remains insufficiently developed.
ABOUT VULNERABLE GROUPS OF THE PILOT AREA
The rural areas of Jablanica and Pčinja face a range of social and economic challenges that require strategic planning and innovative solutions. Limited infrastructure, unequal access to essential services, and insufficient employment opportunities particularly affect young people and contribute to migration.
At the same time, evolving social and technological trends are reshaping traditional lifestyles and local identities. The Regional strategy for rural development identifies three main priorities: improving living conditions, increasing efficiency in agriculture and forestry, and promoting sustainable rural economic growth.
As target groups of the Serbian pilot location, the project specifically addresses NEET youth, women, and local entrepreneurs, who face limited access to education, employment, and resources. The project aims to enhance skills, foster social and women’s entrepreneurship, and provide supportive networks, mentorship, and tools to strengthen their economic and social inclusion, creating new opportunities for engagement and development within the rural community.
NEWS/OUTCOMES
ESIRA MAP Meeting: Advancing Social Innovation in the Druskininkai Region
On 9 September 2026, the Institute of Economics and Rural Development at the Lithuanian Centre for Social Sciences, together with the Druskininkai Local Action Group, organised an ESIRA project (Enhancing Social Innovation in Rural Areas) MAP (Multi-Actor Platform)...
ESIRA presented at the Community-based Cooperatives Festival in Abruzzo
From 4 to 6 September 2026, Borghi IN Rete organised the Community-based Cooperatives Festival in Abruzzo, Italy, bringing together community cooperatives, local communities, institutions, organisations and researchers working to strengthen the social and economic...
ESIRA stand attracts strong interest at Grensedagarna BRIDGE
This week, the Norwegian ESIRA-team participated in the Norwegian-Swedish cross-border event Grensedagarna BRIDGE at Morokulien. Together with Innlandsstatistikk and Innlandet County Council, the project presented ongoing activities in the Kongsvinger...
ESIRA Regional Dissemination Workshop in Druskininkai Showcases Community-Led Social Innovation
On 26 June 2026, the ESIRA Regional Dissemination Workshop “Social Innovation in Rural Areas: Results of Implemented Social Initiatives and Future Opportunities” took place in Druskininkai Municipality, Lithuania. The event brought together more than 100 participants,...
The Fifth General Assembly was held in Lithuania
The Fifth General Assembly of the ESIRA project was held from May 19 to 22, 2026, in Druskininkai, Lithuania. The meeting was organized by the Lithuanian Centre for Social Sciences and Druskininkai Local Action Group. Over three days, partners reviewed ESIRA progress,...
ESIRA Regional Dissemination Workshop in Leskovac Highlights Support for Rural Women Entrepreneurs
A regional dissemination workshop was held on 11 May 2026 in Leskovac, Serbia, bringing together women entrepreneurs from rural areas, representatives of local development institutions, entrepreneurship experts, and specialists in marketing, branding, and business...
ARENA_Gaming Kongsvinger officially established
ARENA_Gaming Kongsvinger, a pilot from the Norwegian partner in ESIRA, was formally established as a non-profit association on 4 May. As a community-driven and non-commercial initiative, ARENA_Gaming represents a clear social economy initiative, aiming to create an...
INITIATIVE TO SUPPORT WOMEN-LED RURAL BUSINESSES LAUNCHED IN LESKOVAC
An initiative aimed at strengthening small women-led businesses from rural areas was launched on 18 February 2026 in Leskovac. The event was organized by the Institute for Development and Innovation (IRI), together with the Center for Development of Jablanica and...
STRENGTHENING THE SOCIAL ECONOMY IN REGIONS: DRUSKININKAI RURAL AREA
On December 8–9, 2025, the Institute of Economics and Rural Development of the Lithuanian Center for Social Sciences, together with the Druskininkai Local Action Group, organized a two-day ESIRA project working meeting. The event brought together representatives of...
ESIRA project held scientific dissemination workshop and Community of Practice session on rural innovation
The ESIRA project successfully organized its final Scientific Dissemination Workshop for this year, titled “From Collaboration to Action: How Multi-Actor Platforms Shape Rural Innovation”, followed by a Community of Practice (CoP) session entitled “Lessons Learned and...