The final event of the EU Twinning project Further Development of National Fisheries Legislation was held in Belgrade, marking the successful completion of this important initiative. The project, jointly implemented by Serbia and Spain with support from the European Union, aimed to strengthen Serbia’s national fisheries legislation in line with EU standards and best practices. 

The event began with opening remarks from distinguished representatives: Ms. Stana Božović, State Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management and Acting Assistant Minister, Mr. Nenad Katanić, Assistant Minister at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management and Beneficiary Country Project Leader, Mr. Dario Otero, Deputy Ambassador of the Spanish Embassy in Serbia, and Mr. Nicola Bertolini, Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Serbia. 

Each speaker highlighted the importance of aligning Serbia’s fisheries framework with EU norms and emphasized the value of public technical cooperation in achieving sustainable fisheries management. 

The achievements of the project were presented by Ms. Elisa Carbajo, Member State Project Leader from the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, who joined online, and Mr. Mirko Novaković, Independent Adviser at the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management. 

Project milestones

The speakers highlighted the key milestones achieved throughout the project, including the development of strategic documents, capacity building, and enhanced institutional cooperation between Serbia and Spain. Among the accomplishments, the following activities were emphasized: 

• – A comprehensive sector study and SWOT analysis were conducted to assess the current state and future potential of the aquaculture sector. 
• – A training needs assessment was carried out for competent authorities and other key stakeholders, including producers and processors. 
• – A questionnaire was developed and distributed to relevant stakeholders. The collected responses served as the foundation for shaping the Aquaculture Programme. 
• – A study visit to Spain was organized, during which eight Serbian experts gained insights into aquaculture management practices, including regulatory, production, training, and research aspects. 
• – The National Strategic Plan for Aquaculture was drafted to provide a long-term vision for the sector. 
• – A comprehensive Aquaculture Programme, aligned with the objectives of the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), was developed. 
• – Two workshops, each with over 15 participants, were held to present and discuss the results related to strategic planning, training needs, and programme development. 

In total, 15 expert missions were conducted, involving specialists from both the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Xunta de Galicia’s Ministry of the Sea. This close technical cooperation was instrumental in achieving the project’s objectives. 

The success of this Twinning project reflects the strength of the partnership between Serbia, Spain, and the European Union, and represents a significant step forward in promoting sustainable fisheries management and aligning Serbia’s practices with EU standards. 

The event concluded with a recognition of the dedication, professionalism, and collaborative spirit demonstrated by all stakeholders throughout the project. As a final highlight, participants watched a video showcasing the study visit to Spain, capturing key moments of the exchange and the valuable experiences gained by the Serbian delegation.