In a series of four three-day missions, Slovenian experts provided guidance to Serbian officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and local development stakeholders on implementing the LEADER approach within the IPARD III program. The focus was on establishing a framework to promote local development in Serbia through topics such as operational structure, supportive legislation, and the formation of rural networks.
Interactive workshops were held during all meetings, attended by potential Local Action Groups (LAGs), representatives from municipal associations, informal rural networks, and other stakeholders. The final mission took place in rural Serbia, visiting potential LAG areas near Šid, Sremski Karlovci, Kovilj, Sokobanja, and Bela Palanka. Here, Serbian LAG members had the opportunity to learn from a Slovenian LAG representative about their experiences with the LEADER approach since 2007.
The bilateral technical assistance project from Slovenia in Serbia concluded with a final conference at the Serbian Ministry of Agriculture in Belgrade on September 27, 2024. High-ranking officials from the Serbian Ministry of Agriculture and the Embassy of Slovenia in Serbia also attended the conference. Slovenian experts and ministry representatives presented key project results and recommendations for successful implementation of the LEADER approach in Serbia.
Key recommendations included ongoing communication with stakeholders, regular training for ministry and LAG employees, forming dedicated teams within the ministry and payment agency, timely legislative preparation, field animation, and collaboration with EU member states experienced in implementing the LEADER approach. The highlight of the project was the presentation of the Action Plan for the LEADER approach in Serbia for 2024-2025, focusing on rural development through local community involvement.
The costs of expert missions were covered under the Agreement for the implementation of bilateral technical assistance from Slovenia to Serbia, financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia. The project aimed to strengthen institutional capacities for implementing IPARD III Measure 5 – Community LEADER Initiative in Serbia.
Overall, the project’s success lies in fostering local development through collaborative efforts between public and private sectors in strategically selected pilot areas. The exchange of knowledge and experiences between Slovenia and Serbia has paved the way for a more sustainable and inclusive approach to rural development in Serbia.