Serbian government adopts Chapter 27 negotiating position

The Government of Serbia has adopted the negotiating position for Chapter 27 – environment and climate change and sent it to the European Commission in Brussels.

It is an opportunity to open another chapter in 2020 as part of the EU accession process, according to the Ministry of Environmental Protection.

The negotiating position for Chapter 27 is a complex document, drafted by 150 representatives from 28 state institutions and bodies.

The document includes a total of 14 annexes and has 1,650 pages

The negotiating position for Chapter 27 includes a total of 14 annexes and has 1,650 pages. It explains the financial framework for the activities to be implemented in the future, in order for Serbia to meet EU environmental standards.

Investments in the water and waste sectors are estimated at EUR 7.5 billion

High costs and limited funds of the public sector are the main reasons for the transitional periods for most waste and water directives. Investments in the water and waste sectors are estimated at EUR 7.5 billion.

They will be financed by EU funds (64%), national funds (18%) and local funds (4%) and loans (14%). It is also envisaged that the private sector will contribute to the financing of projects, especially in the waste management sector.

The Industrial Emissions Directive requires large investments mainly for private companies

The Industrial Emissions Directive (IED) requires large investments, mainly by private companies. The total investment required for facilities to achieve full compliance is EUR 1.3 billion.

The action plan for strengthening administrative capacities in the environment sector envisages the recruitment of 1,450 employees.

The government has adopted the negotiating position after positive opinions were given by the National Assembly’s committees on environmental protection and European integration.