The first workshop dedicated to harmonizing legislation in the field of risk management under the EU’s Seveso Directive on the control of major accident hazards involving dangerous substances was held on April 11, 2025, in Belgrade. The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the IPA project “EU for Improved Planning and Implementation of Chapter 27 in Serbia”, with support from the Serbian Chamber of Commerce. More than 40 participants, including relevant operators, institutions, and consultants, attended in person and online.
The focus of this workshop was to discuss and provide feedback on two draft rulebooks prepared by the project consultants: on the Content and Methodology for Preparing the Safety Report, and on the Preparation of an Internal Plan for Controlling Major Chemical Accidents. These bylaws are part of the operators' responsibilities under the Law on Risk Management of Major Accidents Involving Hazardous Substances, which was passed in the Parliament last November.
The event was opened by Ms. Aleksandra Imširagić Đurić, Assistant Minister in the Environmental Management Sector, who emphasized the importance of the new law and the subsequent bylaws to be adopted. She highlighted the Ministry's commitment not only to harmonizing with EU acquis but also to ensuring the safety of citizens. Ms. Imširagić pointed out that the Ministry of Environmental Protection is working on the preparation of 10 bylaws, three of which have already been adopted, two are finalized and will be approved, two are under preparation, and three will be completed with the assistance of the Project. With the adoption of this implementing legislation, significant harmonization with the EU acquis in the risk management area will be achieved.
Ms. Svetlana Zhekova, the team leader of the Chapter 27 Project, presented the project and its goals in assisting Serbia to further align its environmental protection and climate change policies, as outlined in the Negotiating Positions, with the aim of achieving a higher level of preparedness. She expressed her gratitude to the Ministry, especially to Ms. Imširagić and her team, for excellent cooperation, and acknowledged the valuable contributions of the project experts Zoran Luković and Slobodan Tošović.
Ms. Suzana Milutinović, a representative of the Ministry, provided an overview of the new Law on the Control of Major Accident Hazards Involving Dangerous Substances, which aims to enhance safety measures and public awareness around industrial sites that handle hazardous materials. Companies/operators handling dangerous substances above certain thresholds must regularly inform the public who could be affected by an accident, provide safety reports, establish a safety management system, and implement an internal emergency plan. The law tightens procedures for public consultation on projects involving plants covered by the legislation. It also introduces stricter inspection standards to ensure that companies comply with safety regulations. Additionally, the law specifies the content of external (off-site) contingency plans, ensuring that communities are prepared for potential accidents.
The two draft rulebooks, resulting from the work of project experts in collaboration with the Ministry, were presented. Afterward, participants had the opportunity to comment on the drafts and offer suggestions. The remainder of the workshop was dedicated to answering participants’ questions, discussing comments, and clarifying key points. The participants appreciated the transparency and the information provided by the Ministry.
The next planned workshop within the project will present the draft Rulebook on the Methodology for Defining Conditions and Prevention Measures in Spatial Planning, scheduled for November of this year.