ASSESSING INSTITUTIONAL EFFECTIVENESS IN LOCAL BUDGETARY FINANCING OF SPORTS IN SERBIA

The financing of sports by public authorities in Serbia is based on institutional prerequisites that ensure the sustainability and development of sports activities at the local level. As a public service, sport requires systemic support through a clearly defined legal framework, strategic planning, and appropriate financial mechanisms that enable efficient allocation and utilization of budgetary resources. Local authorities play a key role in establishing these conditions through the implementation of regulatory measures, institutional coordination, and the application of financing models adapted to the specific needs of local communities. This paper analyzes the efficiency and effectiveness of the sports financing system at the local level, with a special focus on budgetary allocations. The methodological framework of the research is based on the analysis of reports by the State Audit Institution, which assess the processes of planning, allocation, monitoring, and reporting on the use of budget funds intended for sport. The evaluation of achieved results is also conducted in relation to the set goals and priorities. A dedicated segment of the analysis explores how accountability mechanisms influence the governance of sports organizations, particularly in the process of revising development objectives and aligning them with the local budgeting framework. The insights gained from this research underscore the importance of strengthening institutional structures and promoting fiscal transparency in public sector management, as essential prerequisites for the efficient allocation of resources and the sustainable development of sports at the local level.