The Draft Programme on Industrial Safety Open for Public Comments

Belgrade, 20 June 2025 – With the support of the “EU for the Green Agenda in Serbia” project, the Ministry of Environmental Protection has developed a national Draft Programme on Industrial Safety for the period 2026–2035, including the Action Plan.

The draft Programme, aimed at strengthening resilience to major industrial accidents and improving environmental protection, is now open to public comments and suggestions as part of an inclusive public consultation process. The Programme is available HERE.

Industry delivers many goods and services that improve our lives, but when it involves hazardous chemicals, it can also pose serious risks to human health and the environment. Improper handling of such substances can lead to industrial accidents — including fires, explosions, and chemical spills — with consequences for people, ecosystems, and communities. The use of hazardous substances is also increasing due to the development of new technologies. At the same time, climate change is intensifying extreme weather events, such as floods and wildfires, which heighten the risk of industrial incidents.

This Programme will enhance risk management related to major industrial accidents involving hazardous substances throughout their life cycle. It will improve system resilience, support human health, preserve biodiversity and material assets, and promote sustainable development.

The draft Programme and Action Plan were developed and harmonised through two sessions of the Working Group, which included more than 40 representatives of competent institutions and organisations, including relevant ministries, the Standing Conference of Towns and Municipalities, and the Serbian Chamber of Commerce. Effective coordination and joint action among all relevant sectors and institutions are essential for advancing industrial safety.

This Programme represents Serbia’s first public policy document to provide a comprehensive strategic framework for industrial safety, and it is also the first of its kind in the region. Its adoption will allow Serbia to systematically address the challenges in this area and meet its obligations within the EU accession process and under international frameworks, as major industrial accidents can have transboundary impacts.

The Programme has been prepared by key international and EU documents, including the Seveso III Directive (2012/18/EU), the UNECE Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents, the Aarhus Convention, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030). This ensures alignment with EU and UN standards in the field of industrial safety.

The public consultation on the Draft Programme is scheduled for September, with adoption expected by the end of the year.

The drafting process is coordinated by the Ministry of Environmental Protection, with the support of the “EU for the Green Agenda in Serbia” project. This project, implemented by UNDP with technical and financial support from the European Union and in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection, in cooperation with Sweden and the European Investment Bank (EIB), with additional funding from the governments of Sweden, Switzerland and Serbia.