In Serbia, the implementation of the twinning project entitled “Further Development of National Legislation in Fisheries” has officially begun, which aims to improve legislation within Chapter 13 – Fisheries, as part of the negotiations on membership in the European Union. This project lasts eight months, and the representatives of Spain participate in its implementation. The goal is for Serbia, as a future member of the EU, to harmonize its legislation and regulations with European standards.
According to the assistant minister of agriculture, Nenad Katanić, one of the key tasks in the coming period is the identification of critical points in the fisheries sector that could represent obstacles on the way to EU membership. A special focus is placed on legal entities involved in fish processing in Serbia. Their active participation in the project is of great importance for successful alignment with European legislation. All actors in this process must understand what awaits them in the EU accession process and how it will affect their business.
Fishing, twining and next steps
Katanić pointed out that significant work has been done so far in the field of analysis of domestic legislation in the fisheries sector, as well as in the development of the basic legislative framework. An action plan for the transfer, adoption and implementation of EU legislation in Serbia was also created. The project is a key part of the broader process of accession to the European Union, because through it the basic documents necessary for the use of funds from the EU Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund, which is available to all EU members, will be drawn up.
In order for EU members to gain access to the funds, it is necessary to draw up an Operational Program, which must be approved by the European Commission. The operational program is directly related to the previously prepared draft partnership agreement. In this document, the country’s development strategy is defined and specific programs are proposed. These programs are the subject of negotiations between the member state and the European Commission. In this context, through this project, Serbia will create a multi-year National Strategic Plan for Aquaculture, harmonized with the relevant EU legislation.
The project is divided into two main components. The first refers to the development of institutional capacities and the drafting of a strategic document, while the second is focused on the preparation of the Fisheries Program. These components enable the Serbs to build the capacities and structures necessary for the implementation of European standards in the field of fisheries, as well as for the use of available funds. The project has a key role in achieving Serbia’s full membership in the EU, especially in the context of adapting legislation and developing the fisheries sector.
Source: Agronews
Source: boljazemlja.com
