Belgrade, June 13, 2023 - With the support of the "EU for Green Agenda in Serbia" initiative, a comprehensive training session was conducted for representatives from national, provincial, and local institutions responsible for issuing integrated permits. The training attracted over 70 participants, both in-person and online. Integrated permits are granted by competent authorities at various levels to plants that may pose risks to human health and the environment, aiming to prevent and control pollution stemming from these facilities.
The issuance of integrated permits in Serbia is regulated by the Law on Integrated Prevention and Control of Environmental Pollution, which incorporates elements of the EU Industrial Emissions Directive into the legal framework of the Republic of Serbia. By aligning with international environmental protection standards through the implementation of these legal measures, Serbia underscores the importance of equipping competent authorities and operators with the necessary knowledge and skills to implement the required measures effectively.
In addition to providing information on national procedures for issuing integrated permits, the training offered insights into the implementation of industrial directives in EU member states. Participants gained a deeper understanding of common challenges faced by permitting authorities and Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) plant operators, such as limited staff capacities, incomplete requirements, and substantial financial investments required for implementing necessary measures. To address these issues, training sessions and technical assistance are provided to competent authorities and IPPC facility operators through projects funded by the European Union and other donors. The knowledge acquired through these initiatives will play a crucial role in ensuring the effective implementation of environmental regulations and measures, ultimately reducing industrial emissions and fostering a cleaner environment.
This training was organized in collaboration with the IED Serbia project, "Green Transition – Implementing Industrial Emissions Directive in Serbia 2021-2025" implemented by the Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy at the University of Belgrade.
The project "EU for Green Agenda in Serbia", with the technical and financial support of the European Union and in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection, is implemented by UNDP in cooperation with the Embassy of Sweden and the European Investment Bank (EIB), with additional funding from the Governments of Sweden, Switzerland and Serbia.