UNOPS has supported Serbia’s alignment with the EU acquis in 3 critical chapters: Chapter 11 Agriculture and rural development, Chapter 12 Food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary control and Chapter 13 Fisheries. The goal of the UNOPS expert has been to strengthen Serbia’s strategic and legislative frameworks, improve institutional capacities and provide targeted recommendations to advance negotiations and ensure effective EU integration. Ultimately, the assignment aimed to create actionable pathways for Serbia’s progress in agriculture, food safety and fisheries by adopting EU-compliant practices, improving management systems and aligning policies with EU acquis requirements.

The UNOPS advisor has worked alongside Serbia’s Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of European Integration to analyse Serbia’s Progress Report focused on agriculture and rural development (chapter 11), food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary policy (Chapter 12) and Fisheries (Chapter 13). Thereafter, the K4R programme has updated and refined Serbia’s negotiation position for Chapter 11, focusing on critical areas such as direct payments, the paying agency, the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS), the Farm Advisory System and State Aid in Agriculture. This effort ensured that the revised documents addressed EU requirements and priorities effectively.

Finally, the K4R expert supported the Serbian delegation in preparing for key discussions with the European Commission. This included providing practical guidance on presenting Serbia’s priorities and addressing any potential challenges, strengthening the country’s capacity to negotiate effectively and advocate for its agricultural interests.

The work of the K4R advisor has significantly advanced Serbia’s EU accession process by aligning its agricultural policies with EU standards. Updating the negotiation position for Chapter 11, including direct payments, IACS and state aid, has enhanced Serbia’s capacity to support Serbia’s sustainable development by improving agricultural support systems and policies, fostering a more competitive and efficient agricultural sector. Farmers benefit directly through better access to support, clearer policies and rural development initiatives, boosting productivity and resilience. These efforts impact everyday lives by strengthening Serbia’s agricultural economy, creating rural jobs and ensuring long-term food security and environmental sustainability for both farmers and society at large.

“My assignment in Serbia has been pivotal in supporting the ongoing negotiations, particularly in updating the Negotiation Position for DG AGRI. I have built strong communication channels with the Ministry of European Integration, which has been essential in advancing our shared goals.”

– Senior Advisor on EU integration – horizontal support for Chapters 11, 12 and 13, UNOPS K4R Programme

The assignment supports SDG 2: Zero Hunger by enhancing sustainable agricultural practices and improving food security through mechanisms such as direct payments and the common market organization.

Next, the assignment supports SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation by advancing rural development policies that empower local communities to play an active role in water and sanitation management.

Finally, the assignment supports SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by promoting stronger economic, social and environmental connections between urban, semi-urban and rural areas through more effective national and regional development planning.