The Twinning Project “Strengthening and Adaptation of Administrative Capacities for the Introduction of the Organization of Agricultural Markets” marks a significant milestone in aligning Serbia’s agricultural sector with European Union (EU) standards.

The project’s closing ceremony was held in Belgrade. Distinguished speakers included Ms. Anja Javor, Acting Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management, Mr. Nenad Katanić, Assistant Minister, beneficiary country Project Leader and high officials of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Serbia and the Polish Embassy. The event highlighted the achievements, with project management from Poland, France and Lithuania presenting the results and reaffirming the importance of EU-Serbia cooperation in modernizing agriculture​.

Funded through the EU’s Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA), this project demonstrates the EU’s unwavering support for Serbia’s accession process by enhancing competitiveness, ensuring market stability, and fostering sustainable agricultural practices. The project commenced in May 2022, and was completed over 33 months, including two extensions. Contracting authority is Ministry of Finance, Department for Contracting and Financing of European Union Funds.

Implemented by a consortium of experts from Poland, Lithuania, France, including experts from Germany and Italy, the project involved close collaboration between EU member states and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management (MAFWM) in Serbia, the primary beneficiary. The overarching goal was to strengthen the administrative and technical capacities of Serbian institutions to implement the Common Market Organization (CMO) mechanisms in line with EU regulations. This harmonization ensures that Serbia’s agricultural sector is well-prepared to meet both domestic and international market demands.

The project covered six key components, addressing nearly all agricultural sectors. Activities included drafting 37 regulations and rulebooks, conducting training sessions, and organizing six study visits to EU countries, providing Serbian experts with valuable insights into best practices. Over 800 expert days were dedicated to the project, involving contributions from 38 experts from 5 member states across various institutions.

Key accomplishments included preparing the draft Law on Wine and its accompanying by-laws, such as regulations on oenological practices, wine labeling, and control mechanisms. Rulebooks for fruit and vegetable marketing standards were also developed, along with strategies for school milk and produce schemes, aimed at fostering healthy eating habits and increasing demand for local agricultural products. In the animal products sector, new rulebooks were drafted for egg, poultry, and dairy quality standards, alongside a support program for the beekeeping industry. Administrative capacities were bolstered in sectors such as sugar, tobacco, and hops, with specific regulations prepared to streamline data management and certification processes.

Notable horizontal achievements included the development of a Marketing Information System (MIS), guidelines for trade mechanisms, and frameworks for public interventions and private storage aid systems. The project also focused on fostering producer organizations and their associations to enhance market positioning, optimize costs, and stabilize producer prices.

Serbian experts are now equipped to implement these regulations and adapt to future EU requirements, supported by long-term collaboration with EU member states established during the project. The Ministry’s qualified staff and the robust frameworks developed ensure that Serbia’s agricultural sector is ready for EU accession, at least in the domain of CMOs.

Overall, this Twinning Project not only underscores the EU’s dedication to supporting Serbia’s modernization but also highlights the tangible benefits of international cooperation.