Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Bozidar Djelic said  yesterday that the Serbian government set aside €7.3 million for construction of a completely new research centre Petnica, €5.1 million for infrastructure and €2.2 million for its equipment.

Djelic, who together with Minister of Education and Science Zarko Obradovic and Mayor of Valjevo Zoran Jakovljevic visited this research station to see the works on its construction, upgrading and reconstruction, said that after the reconstruction is over, it will become a leading European out-of-school educational centre.

Djelic called on donors, companies and former students of Petnica to become friends of the science centre and help it cover its operating costs.

Djelic said that owing to investments, Petnica will have as of spring, when the works should be completed, a new laboratory, a new accommodation facility instead of the current makeshift one, and the renovated library, a kitchen, classrooms and halls with modern equipment.

This will increase the station’s capacity by 50% and it will be possible to introduce completely new programmes.

Djelic recalled that this is part of a great investment cycle in scientific and technological infrastructure of our country worth €400 million.

This investment will also be a strong asset for Valjevo which will be able to promote educational tourism.

Obradovic voiced hope that new young researchers will be discovered in Petnica, who are necessary to Serbia for its future and noted that this investment will bring benefits to Serbia’s educational system and science, as well as to the town of Valjevo.

The works on Petnica are being financed through a financial arrangement with the European Investment Bank (EIB) for development of scientific and technological infrastructure worth €200 million.

After visiting the construction site, Djelic, Obradovic and Jakovljevic met with students of summer courses in Petnica.