Central Serbian Municipalities in Brussels

cing, regional development, education and economy. The office presents the interests and promotes the Central Serbian Municipalities to the EU, by offering publications and other promotional material to those interested in information about the Central Serbian Municipalities and their policy. It establishes co-operation between the Central Serbian Municipalities and other European regions, cities and municipalities, but also academic and business community, attends events about European policy and contributes to further socio-economic development of Central Serbian Municipalities. The Priority themes of the office are the industrial development, education and lifelong learning program, agriculture and development of rural areas, high-quality environment and countryside, ICT and regional innovation, culture and tourism promotion (especially industrial heritage protection), sport and peace initiatives.KRAGUJEVAC is the fourth largest city in Serbia and occupies the area of 835 km² with about 200,000 inhabitants. It is a homeland of the modern Serbian state, whose capital it was from 1818 to 1841. During this period, administrative, economic, educational, medical and cultural institutions that were first in Serbia were established in Kragujevac. It is the largest city in Central Serbia.ARANĐELOVAC is the municipality with the Bukovička spa situated in its center. The spa park occupies the area of 21.5 hectares at the foot of the Bukulja Mountain, 76 km from Belgrade. The healing mineral water and healthy mountain air, many cultural and historical monuments and care for comfort and recreation of guests are part of a two centuries long tourism tradition.BATOČINA - As one of the oldest settlements in Šumadija, it is first mentioned in the late twelfth century. It was given special history significance by Prince Milan Obrenović in 1872, when it was declared small town through his decree. Batočina is situated in the eastern part of Šumadija, on the lower flow of the Lepenica River and at the left bank of the Morava River. Batočina is spread over the area of 136 km2 with the population of about 13 thousand inhabitants. Its rich nature and cultural and historical heritage make it attractive for tourists and chance travelers. LAPOVO has a very favorable geographical position. It is situated on the Corridor 10, at the intersection of the highway Belgrade-Nis. Lapovo is one of the most important railway junctions on the railway line Belgrade - Nis - Athens. Due to its geographical position, Lapovo is in the process of dynamic economic development, which is accompanied with a large number of domestic and foreign investors.RAČA is the seat of the same municipality with 16 settlements and the total area of 216 km². There are 4196 households with 12,562 inhabitants. The important roads, which connect Rača with other municipalities and cities, pass through it: main road Markovac - Rača - Topola and regional road Cerovac - Rača - Smederevska Palanka.SvilajnacREKOVAC is located in the southeastern part of Šumadija in the Pomoravlje area. It is located 24 kilometers south of Kragujevac and 157 kilometers south of Belgrade. The left side of Rekovac includes one part of the Gledić Mountains and the right side includes one part of the Juhor Mountain. The seat of the municipality is town Rekovac. It covers a small part of the former Levač field, and today this area is called Levač, and residents of Municipality of Rekovac are known as Levčani.