The Government of the Republic of Serbia has adopted the Industrial Safety Program for the period 2026–2035, together with an Action Plan for 2026–2030. With the adoption of this document, the Republic of Serbia for the first time establishes a comprehensive and long-term framework for the systematic management of risks related to major industrial accidents, based on the principles of prevention, preparedness, and timely response.
The adopted Program and Action Plan represent an umbrella policy document that systemically regulates the field of prevention and response to chemical accidents and is the first document of its kind in Serbia and the region. It establishes a strategic framework for strengthening capacities for the prevention and management of the consequences of major industrial accidents such as fires, explosions, and releases of hazardous substances, which can seriously endanger human health, the environment, and the economy, and often have cross-border impacts. Importance of the Program lies in the further alignment of the national system with European Union regulations, primarily the SEVESO III Directive and the UNECE Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents, as well as in strengthening capacities for cross-border cooperation in the management of industrial risks.
The Industrial Safety Program improves the prevention and control of industrial risks at 116 SEVESO sites in Serbia (facilities involved in the production and storage of oil, petroleum products and liquefied petroleum gas, petrochemical products, fertilizers, chemicals, metals, and thermal and electric energy), with the aim of reducing the likelihood of accidents and the release of harmful substances, in order to protect public health and preserve the quality of air, water, and soil. A special focus of the Program is on strengthening the capacities of institutions, local self -governments, and the business sector, along with improving monitoring and early warning systems, enabling timely identification and mitigation of risks and thereby enhancing society’s resilience to industrial hazards. At the same time, the Program encourages the application of modern technologies and the transition toward a sustainable industry, with an ensured assessment of the financial resources required for the implementation of planned measures.
The process of developing the Program was inclusive and based on information collected from relevant stakeholders. The Program was published twice as part of e-consultations, followed by a public debate and more detailed presentations of the documents to the interested public, with opportunities to participate in discussions and submit comments.
The development of the Program was supported by the EU for the Green Agenda in Serbia project, which, with financial support from the European Union and in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection, is implemented by UNDP, in cooperation with Sweden and the European Investment Bank (EIB), with additional financial resources provided by the governments of Sweden, Switzerland, and Serbia.