EU SUPPORTS BETTER AIR QUALITY IN 29 CITIES AND MUNICIPALITIES ACROSS SERBIA

With the support of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Serbia, the United Nations Development Progamme (UNDP) is supporting 29 local self-governments to improve air quality. The local self-governments were selected through a public call that was announced in May this year as a part of the initiative „EU for Green Agenda in Serbia“.

Twelve local self-governments will receive direct support in the development and improvement of local action plans for air quality management: Subotica, Uzice, Kraljevo, Novi Pazar, Bor, Zajecar, Nis, Pancevo, Beograd, Pirot, Paracin, and Beocin. This support represents a step forward toward the realization of the plans which will contribute to the reduction of air pollution and the implementation of the Green Agenda in Serbia. Air quality plans and short-term action plans are adopted to preserve and improve air quality and prevent or reduce the harmful effects of air pollution on human health and the environment, in accordance with the Law on Air Protection.

In addition, the representatives of additional 17 local self-governments will have the opportunity to improve their knowledge and skills through training, so that they can better plan and implement air protection measures. These are employees in the following cities and municipalities: Cuprija, Bujanovac, Sokobanja, Sombor, Veliko Gradiste, Arandjelovac, Vlasotince, Monica, Prijepolje, Backa Palanka, Pozega, Negotin, Dimitrovgrad, Medvedja, Bosilegrad, Opovo, and Loznica. 

At the first training in air quality planning, budgeting, and implementation of measures, which was held on 20-21 October in Belgrade, representatives of all selected local governments worked directly with mentors and had an opportunity to exchange experiences.

The guidelines with examples of good practices will be prepared for local self-governments, which will assist them in the air quality planning process, reducing pollution and improving the health of the citizens. 

The project „EU for the Green Agenda in Serbia“, with the financial support of the European Union and in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection is implemented by UNDP in cooperation with the Embassy of Sweden, the European Investment Bank, and the Government of Switzerland.