MUNICIPALITY IN REPUBLIKA SRPSKA OFFERS €18,000 INCENTIVE FOR RETURNING RESIDENTS

At a recent session of the Municipal Assembly of Šekovići, one of the most significant regulations aimed at encouraging population return was officially adopted. The new rulebook introduces financial subsidies designed to support families willing to move back to their hometown.

PHOTO: Šekovići

The regulation, titled the Decision on Granting Subsidies to Support the Return of Families to the Municipality of Šekovići, provides substantial financial assistance. According to the mayor, Miladin Lazić, eligible applicants can receive 1,500 KM per month over a two-year period, amounting to a total of 36,000 KM.

“The main requirement for obtaining this support is simply that citizens return to the municipality where they grew up,” Lazić stated.

Public Call Coming Soon

Authorities announced that a public call for applications will be issued soon, with implementation of the program scheduled to begin in September.

The regulation also outlines eligibility criteria. One of the key conditions is that applicants must possess a valid ID card issued by the Ministry of Interior, specifically by the Šekovići Police Station, for at least five years prior to submitting their application.

Fighting Depopulation

According to the latest available data from the 2013 census, Šekovići has a population of just 1,322 residents. Local officials hope this initiative will help reverse the trend of depopulation and encourage people to return and rebuild their lives in the community.

Measures like this, introduced by Šekovići, could serve as a model for other municipalities across Republika Srpska facing a steady decline in population—some of which have fewer than 1,000 inhabitants.