The European Union (EU) plays a leading role in advancing climate action through comprehensive policies and legally binding targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve climate neutrality. The Republic of Serbia and the EU are cooperating to align Serbia’s legal and institutional framework with EU climate acquis, strengthening its capacities to implement effective climate policies and transition toward a low-carbon economy.
The European Union and Climate Change
The European Union (EU) plays a leading role in global climate action, combining ambitious policy frameworks with legally binding targets to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and promote sustainable development. As part of its long-term climate strategy, the EU aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, while ensuring a just and inclusive transition across its Member States and partner countries.
A cornerstone of EU climate policy is the European Green Deal, which sets out a comprehensive roadmap for transforming the EU into a climate-neutral and resource-efficient economy. It encompasses a wide range of measures, including clean energy transition, circular economy practices, biodiversity protection, and pollution reduction. To operationalize these goals, the EU adopted the “Fit for 55” legislative package, which aims to reduce net GHG emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.
The EU also operates key regulatory and financial mechanisms to support climate action. Among them is the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), the world’s largest carbon market, which sets a cap on emissions and allows trading of emission allowances. In addition, the EU provides financial and technical assistance through instruments such as the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA), supporting candidate countries in aligning with EU standards and policies.
Serbia and EU Climate Alignment
As a candidate country for EU membership, the Republic of Serbia is actively aligning its climate and environmental policies with the EU acquis. This process includes the gradual transposition and implementation of EU legislation, particularly under Chapter 27 (Environment and Climate Change) of the accession negotiations.
Serbia has adopted a number of strategic and legislative measures to advance its climate agenda in line with EU requirements. The adoption of the Law on Climate Change provides the legal basis for a comprehensive national climate policy, including the establishment of monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems for GHG emissions. Efforts are also underway to develop a national emissions trading framework compatible with the EU ETS.
Serbia is also working to integrate climate considerations into sectoral policies, including energy, transport, agriculture, and waste management. This includes increasing the share of renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing resilience to climate impacts. Through IPA-funded projects and cooperation with EU institutions, Serbia is strengthening its institutional and technical capacities to support these reforms.
Serbia also participates in regional initiatives under the Energy Community, which extends key EU energy and climate policies to Southeast Europe. Through this framework, Serbia has committed to implementing relevant EU directives and contributing to regional decarbonization efforts.
Overall, Serbia’s cooperation with the EU represents a key driver of its climate policy development, supporting the country’s transition toward a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy in line with European and global objectives.
