About Project

ABOUT THE PROJECT

The Policy and Legal Advice Centre (PLAC IV) project is a continuation of more than a decade of EU support to the process of aligning the national legislation of the Republic of Serbia with the EU acquis. PLAC IV is more than a project - it is a key investment in Serbia’s future, aimed at stronger and more prosperous European Union membership.

PLAC IV provides expert support to the ministries of the Government of the Republic of Serbia and other public institutions in aligning national legislation with European Union standards. Through the process of drafting and improvement of legislation, strengthening of institutional capacities and support to the negotiation process, the project contributes to Serbia’s preparations for EU membership.

The overall objective of the project is to ensure that the Serbian administration effectively conducts accession negotiations and successfully manages the overall process of European integration and pre-accession assistance leading to EU membership.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT FOR THE SERBIAN CITIZENS?

In order for Serbia to meet the conditions for EU membership, it needs to align its legislation with EU law in various areas and implement it effectively. This ensures a single legal framework that applies to all entities within the European Union and guarantees respect for standards of quality, safety and functionality of goods and services.

This is precisely what PLAC IV delivers for Serbia, harmonising laws and regulations and opening the door to:

• A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR BUSINESS: Local companies gain access to the European market under equal conditions with companies from EU Member States, unlocking new opportunities for growth and development.
• STRONGER RIGHTS: Citizens gain better consumer protection, enhanced environmental rights, safer products, higher quality transport, education, healthcare and social protection services, and more.
• ECONOMIC PROSPERITY: Trade with EU Member States becomes easier, investments are attracted, and a more stable business environment takes shape.

PROJECT ACTIVITIES 

Drafting and improving legislation

In practice, PLAC IV is represented by teams of national and international experts who work together with public institutions in the process of harmonising national legislation with the EU acquis — drafting and improving laws, bylaws and other regulations, as well as strategic documents, action plans and guidelines.

Strengthening institutional capacities

In addition to drafting legislation, the project is strongly focused on strengthening the capacities of the public administration to apply harmonised legislation in practice. Together with the institutions, it identifies challenges and works on establishing effective coordination mechanisms between the competent authorities.

Regulatory impact assessment

PLAC IV also carries out regulatory impact assessments of new legislation — examining the administrative, financial and economic effects of aligning legislation with European Union law.

Organisation of public events

Through a series of public events, conferences, workshops and presentations intended for civil servants, the business community and the professional public, the project helps improve understanding of legislative amendments and their implementation in line with EU rules.

NEGOTIATION CHAPTERS IN FOCUS

Through its activities, the project covers 13 negotiation chapters, which represent priority areas for project support:

• Chapter 1: Free Movement of Goods
• Chapter 3: Right of Establishment and Freedom to Provide Services
• Chapter 6: Company Law
• Chapter 8: Competition Policy
• Chapter 9: Financial Services
• Chapter 10: Information Society and Media
• Chapter 11: Agriculture and Rural Development
• Chapter 12: Food Safety, Veterinary and Phytosanitary Policy
• Chapter 14: Transport Policy
• Chapter 15: Energy
• Chapter 27: Environment and Climate Change
• Chapter 28: Consumer and Health Protection
• Chapter 32: Financial Control

Main project beneficiaries are the Ministry of European Integration and the Negotiating Team for the Accession of the Republic of Serbia to the European Union, while horizontally the project actively cooperates with all line ministries and institutions responsible for legislative alignment within their respective chapters.

The PLAC IV project started on 1 June 2024 and has a duration of 30 months. The project budget is EUR 2,393,800.

The project is implemented by IBF International Consulting in cooperation with IRZ and NALED.