With financial support from the European Union through the T.A.R.A. v.2 project, works have been successfully completed to improve lighting at key tourist and cultural-historical sites in Foča, further strengthening the tourism potential of the area.
As part of the project, energy-efficient LED lighting has been installed on the upper and lower bridges over the Ćehotina River, as well as on the Clock Tower in the city centre, a protected cultural and historical monument. This intervention highlights the architectural and historical value of these sites while significantly reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.
In addition, a modern LED billboard has been installed at the entrance to the city. It will be used to promote tourist attractions in the cross-border Foča–Plužine area, contributing to better visibility and stronger connection of the tourism offer of the two municipalities.
The Mayor of Foča, Milan Vukadinović, stated that “the arrangement of the urban part of the city has significantly improved its appearance, with special attention also given to the regulation of the Ćehotina riverbed. This is only one of the steps; we continue our activities to make Foča a more beautiful and better-organised place to live and visit.”
The works were carried out in line with energy efficiency standards and with minimal environmental impact. The total value of the works amounts to BAM 191,891.80 (EUR 98,107).
With the new lighting in operation, Foča has significantly enhanced the visual identity of its historic centre, making it more accessible and attractive during evening hours. The project is expected to contribute to longer tourist stays and an enriched overall tourism experience in the cross-border area.
The Representative of the Delegation of the European Union to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Fermin Cordoba, stated that the European Union is pleased to support projects such as T.A.R.A. v.2.0, which contribute to the development and diversification of the tourism offer in the cross-border area of Foča and Plužine, drawing on the rich cultural and natural heritage. Such initiatives strengthen sustainable tourism, improve local capacities, and open new opportunities for economic development and employment in the region.
This project represents another example of successful cooperation between local communities with the support of the European Union, aimed at preserving cultural heritage and promoting sustainable tourism development.
The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of the Delegation of the European Union, local authorities, project partners, and stakeholders from the tourism sector. Addresses were also given by Spomenka Popadić, Director of the Foča Tourist Organization, and Slobodan Delić, Mayor of Plužine, who emphasized that cooperation between municipalities is not only a European trend but a real necessity, and that thanks to such joint initiatives lasting over a decade, both municipalities have recorded significant progress in the tourism sector.
The T.A.R.A. v.2.0 project is jointly implemented by the Municipality of Plužine and the Municipality of Foča, in partnershi p with the Foča Tourist Organization and the Nature Park “Piva”, and runs until 30 November 2026.
