Technical Assistance for Improvement of Climate Change Policy Framework

Global objective The overall objective to which this action contributes is to support the implementation of the Green Agenda in the Republic of Serbia. Specific objective The specific objectives (Outcomes) of this contract that will contribute to a better environmental and climate change status and life quality of citizens in the Republic of Serbia are as follows: Specific objective 1: Improvement of climate change policy framework Specific objective 2: Improvement of climate change legal framework Specific objective 3: Further development of capacities for implementation of climate change policy and legal framework Specific objective 4: Development of mechanisms for support of industry related to decarbonization. Description of the assignment According to the Declaration on the Green Agenda, the Republic of Serbia committed to work towards the 2050 target of a carbon-neutral continent together with the EU through mainstreaming a strict climate policy and reforming energy and transport sectors. Aligning with the EU's climate goals demonstrates Serbia's commitment to global efforts to combat climate change and protect the environment achieving climate neutrality by 2050. This will require coordinated action across different sectors and levels of government in policy planning. Considering that various sectoral policies and policy documents need to be in line with the EU Green Deal, the Roadmap for further improvement of policy planning in climate change will facilitate collaboration and coordination and make conditions that policy documents are aligned and complementary. The Law on Climate Change was adopted in March 2021. In the meantime, the European Commission has released its "Fit for 55" legislation package, supporting its commitment to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 % by 2030. The package presents a policy action plan on how to reach Europe's climate targets, in line with its ambition to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. Therefore, assistance is needed for the improvement of the relevant legal framework and its adjustment to "Fit for 55" legislation package, alignment and strengthening of the capacities for enforcement of legislation, establishing a framework for implementing technical requirements from bylaws and enabling further alignment with EU ETS. A lack of synergy and an unclear division of responsibility among institutions often exacerbates the problems and inhibits reforms. This problem will challenge the climate change sector in the near future. There is a need to establish a strong and sustainable institutional framework for coordinating the implementation of climate change strategy and enforcing legislation. Therefore, the abovementioned activities shall be followed with an assessment of the institutional framework, recommendations for mechanisms of coordination between relevant institutions and capacity building enabling institutions and staff to be capable of implementing the changes. The contractor will be responsible for monitoring changes in EU acquis and providing support to relevant MEP staff and recommendations for legal and institutional adjustment of the Republic of Serbia following changes of EU acquis considering responsibilities of various institutions according to Law on ministries. The administrative capacity needs to be strengthened to achieve a low-carbon competitive economy and climate-resilient society/economy in line with the EU accession process. Target groups shall be identified, and TNA shall be developed for each of them as the base for the Capacity building plan. Serbia is a signatory to international agreements and commitments aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change, such as the Paris Agreement. Developing mechanisms to support industry decarbonization is essential for meeting obligations and avoiding penalties or trade restrictions. Moreover, decarbonization will enable Serbia to become carbon-neutral by 2050 in an economically resilient and competitive manner. Investing in decarbonization technologies and practices can enhance the competitiveness of Serbian industry in the global market. By reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency, industries can lower production costs, increase productivity, and access new markets that prioritize sustainability. Therefore, within this contract, four Road Maps for decarbonization for different sectors shall be developed and mechanisms to support industry decarbonization. Supporting the capacities of industry for decarbonization can contribute to job creation and economic development in Serbia.