Ivana Lazic

Head of the Vienna office of the Interact Programme

Ivana Lazic has over two decades of professional experience in programme management and international cooperation, particularly within the context of EU regional policies and Interreg governance. She has worked in various fields and roles, facilitating the exchange of best practices across Europe. Her expertise encompasses programming issues, the roles and responsibilities of programme authorities, project selection, monitoring project implementation, decision-making processes, strategic project management, and international collaboration.

Ivana’s tasks include designing and moderating international events, numerous workshops, and seminars across Europe, as well as consulting with the European Commission and other EU stakeholders. She has also facilitated discussions and activities for the EU macro-regional strategies for the Danube region and the Adriatic-Ionian region (EUSDR and EUSAIR). Focused on supporting cooperation programmes from the Western Balkans and accession countries, she has provided strategic guidance, innovation, and change initiatives.

In her current role as the Head of the Vienna office of the Interact Programme, Ivana is responsible for managing the international team, planning and overseeing programme performance, providing strategic content, and maintaining relationships with external stakeholders at the EU level.

Previously, Ivana worked in cross-border cooperation units in public administration in Serbia and served as a teaching and research assistant at the Faculty of Spatial Planning at the University of Belgrade and the Institute for Architecture and Urban Planning of Serbia. She holds a Master’s degree in Spatial Planning from the University of Belgrade.