The National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia has adopted the Law on Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC), completing the regulatory framework needed for more effective control of industrial emissions and enabling further alignment with European Union standards.

The new legislation marks an important step in Serbia’s ongoing efforts to reduce industrial pollution and strengthen environmental protection, following the adoption of the Industrial Safety Programme 2026–2035. Together, these documents establish the foundation for an integrated approach to managing industrial risks and reducing pollution, with a focus on prevention, emissions control, and greater system resilience.

The IPPC Law introduces a modern and more efficient system for monitoring and managing industrial emissions, based on integrated permits and the application of Best Available Techniques (BAT). This framework enables coordinated reductions of emissions affecting air, water, and soil, while increasing transparency and accountability among industrial operators. The new regulatory framework also improves the procedures for issuing and monitoring integrated permits, making the process clearer, more efficient, and more consistent in practice, while strengthening oversight and enforcement mechanisms. The law is largely aligned with the European Union Industrial Emissions Directive, further enhancing Serbia’s legal and institutional framework in this area.

The development and improvement of the law were supported through the EU for the Green Agenda in Serbia initiative. Over the past two years, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has provided continuous technical assistance to the Ministry of Environmental Protection to ensure the legislation is aligned with EU directives and practically implementable. This support included analysis of the existing integrated permitting system, identification of key challenges in implementing IPPC regulations, preparation of expert recommendations for strengthening the legislative framework, and the organization of consultations with public institutions, the business sector, and the professional community. At the same time, the knowledge and capacities of IPPC operators and staff in institutions responsible for implementing the law were strengthened, creating the conditions for its effective and sustainable implementation.

The implementation of this law is particularly important for industries with the greatest environmental impact. The new regulatory framework is expected to contribute to cleaner air, better protection of water resources, soil, and natural resources, as well as improved public health. It is also expected to encourage investment in cleaner technologies and support the development of a more sustainable industrial sector.

The EU for the Green Agenda in Serbia initiative is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with technical and financial support from the European Union and in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection, in cooperation with the Embassy of Sweden and the European Investment Bank (EIB). Additional funding has been provided by the governments of Sweden, Switzerland, and Serbia.