The Ministry of Environmental Protection and the European Union are launching a new support package covering climate change policy, circular economy and bio-waste management in Serbia. The total value is approximately €16.3 million, according to information published by the EU in Serbia. The programme is intended to improve environmental outcomes for citizens through legislative and policy improvements, strengthened capacities in public and private sectors, and investment in waste separation and collection.
The European Union’s Ambassador to Serbia, Emanuele Giofre, said the support is linked to efforts to curb global warming amid impacts such as forest fires, floods, heatwaves and water shortages. He stated that direct support has been secured for establishing a carbon pricing mechanism, supporting local circular economies with local governments and businesses, and launching a bio-waste and green waste collection campaign in 25 municipalities. Giofre added that the environmental and climate package begins this month.
Climate change component: legal alignment and carbon pricing support
The climate change component focuses on the policy and legal framework for climate change. It also includes strengthening capacity for climate change management and supporting the development of mechanisms to help industry decarbonize. The component involves amendments to the Climate Change Law to better align it with EU regulations.
Part of this work is aimed at enabling a carbon pricing mechanism in line with the EU system. The allocated budget for the climate change component is €1.5 million.
Circular economy component: roadmaps, action plans and awareness
The circular economy component is designed to develop roadmaps for circular economy approaches for local governments. It also includes action plans for circular economies and measures to raise awareness. Local governments are set to receive support to implement local resource-efficiency actions.
Private companies will receive tailored support intended to help them explore business opportunities connected with circular economy practices. The allocated amount for this component is €709,270.
Bio-waste component: collection services across five waste regions
The bio-waste component supports new collection services for bio-waste from individual households and small businesses. It also includes green waste collection from public places in 25 municipalities. The municipalities are distributed across five waste management regions: Subotica, Pančevo, Sremska Mitrovica, Užice and Pirot.
Green waste such as pruning residues from gardens and parks is planned to be composted rather than disposed of in landfills. This approach is described as reducing costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Approximately 40,000 tons of green waste annually could be diverted from landfills.
The project is scheduled to run for 24 months, ending at the end of December 2026. The allocated budget for the bio-waste component is €14.1 million.