Environment Accession Project in Serbia, Phase 4 (ENVAP4) 2022-2026

The main results, achieved in close cooperation between MEP and ENVAP4 team, which impacted the Chapter 27 negotiations and approximation process, as presented in the ENVAP 4 Progress Report are the following: - Information regarding environmental investment and financing was improved, allowing better coordination between corresponding processes inside MEP (for example, priority setting and coordination between Department of Project management (DPM), Environmental Projects Management Department, Department for Cooperation with Local Self Governments Units, Waste Management Department) and with other institutions dealing with environmental investment, improve reporting to European Commission (COM) by supporting Department for European Integration in providing information regarding progress for the annual progress reporting as well as information for the Subcommittee meeting) - Technical assistance (TA) programming was improved through a closer link between negotiations and approximation process needs and resources. For TA management the TA projects inventory table was developed as a tool for TA projects monitoring and programming, providing DPM (and other units as needed) with information regarding planned, ongoing and completed TA projects - Institutional capacity was strengthened by providing a programming assistant support to DPM during the demanding EU Operational programme development period and for the other assistance programming needs. - The quality of information provided by MEP as an input to the Serbia Progress Report 2023 was improved, including comments to the main recommendations from the Serbia Progress Report 2022. As a result, some recommendations in the Serbia Progress Report 2023 were softened or/and reformulated - A better understanding of the reasons for assessments in the Serbia Progress Report 2023 was achieved through supporting DEI for a systematic analysis of the recommendations and the potential reasons for such formulations. - Preparation for the next reporting period improved by supporting DEI in addressing recommendations from the Serbia Progress Report 2023, by developing more systemic information regarding international agreements, by developing a waste indicators table coordinated with SEPA and similar. - Governance for Chapter 27 improved through better information exchange, in particular related to the investment management between MEP units and cooperation between levels of governance while addressing reporting obligations from LSGs. - Progress reporting related understanding and networking of MEP staff improved (from DEI, DPM, Department for circular and green economy, Department for Strategic Planning, Climate Change Department, Waste Management Department, Environmental Projects Management Department, Wastewater Management Department, International Cooperation Department) through visiting of several waste and water sector facilities contributing to the achievement of Chapter 27 targets. - Attention on the situation regarding achievement of EU targets highlighted through work with SEPA on bio and biodegradable waste indicators and presenting MEP (Assistant Minister, Sector for International Cooperation, Projects and Climate Change, DEI, DPM, Waste Management Department, Circular and Green Economy Department, International Cooperation Department, SEPA) their impact to recycling and other targets set in waste sector directives.

Chapter 27 for Serbia negotiated and closed, approximation of Chapter 27 advanced, leading to higher level of environmental protection and contributing to improved quality of life for Serbian citizens. The Ministry´s ability is strengthened in inclusive management of approximation and negotiations process, in order to bring Serbias environment protection standards and climate change policies in line with EU requirements. 1. Ministry is strengthened in leading role for Chapter 27 approximation and negotiations coordination, progress monitoring, reporting and priorities-based planning. 2. Ministry is strengthened in coordination and facilitation of Chapter 27 requirements implementation.