Following Belgrade, Novi Sad and Niš, residents of Novi Pazar now have their own Europe House — a space dedicated to dialogue, learning and the promotion of European values — officially opened on December 8.
Located in the very heart of the city, just steps away from the City Assembly (Stevana Nemanje 2 Street), Europe House Novi Pazar is envisioned as a vibrant hub for cultural exchange, innovation and community engagement, aiming to deepen the connection between the local population and the European Union.
Novi Pazar is one of the youngest communities in Serbia. That makes it a natural home for a place like the Europe House — where young people can learn more about the EU, discuss their ideas and concerns, and see how European values and policies relate to their lives and ambitions - said Andreas von Beckerath, EU Ambassador to Serbia.
Our goal is simple — to ensure that every resident of Novi Pazar and the wider Sandžak region has direct access to reliable information about the EU and tangible opportunities for participation - Beckerath emphasized during the official opening.
Wherever it operates, Europe House serves as a center of cultural and artistic life. It enriches local communities through educational programs, debates and conferences, becoming a space where people, ideas and cultures come together under one European roof.
Ambassador Beckerath opened the doors of the Novi Pazar Europe House alongside Mayor Nihat Biševac and representatives of the EU Delegation to Serbia.
Today, we affirm our European orientation — our commitment to strengthening institutions, investing in education, improving infrastructure and creating a society of equal opportunities for all our citizens. In that process, the support of the European Union is extremely important to us - stated Mayor Biševac.
For the Sandžak region — known for its rich cultural, historical and multiethnic identity, with Novi Pazar at its center — the Europe House carries particular significance.
The region’s identity is shaped by the coexistence of diverse cultures and religions. Citizens of Novi Pazar will find in the Europe House an inclusive space that promotes European values such as unity in diversity, mutual respect and tolerance.
Mission of the Europe House includes supporting citizens, businesses, civil society organizations and local officials in understanding EU processes and pre-accession funds. This assistance plays a vital role in financing infrastructure, economic development, education and social services — all of which directly improve quality of life in Novi Pazar and nearby municipalities.
Opening of the Europe House in Novi Pazar was part of a two-day visit by the EU Delegation to Serbia, led by Ambassador Beckerath. During the visit, he met with city leaders, national minority representatives, civil society organizations and media. The delegation also toured The Ras Museum, as well as Novi Pazar School of Design, which is implementing the project on improving waste-management practices by the program EU PRO Plus.