Deadline: 11-Mar-2026

The European Commission (EC) is offering a Twinning program to support Serbia in aligning its food safety, veterinary, and phytosanitary policies with the EU acquis. The project, with a budget of EUR 1.8 million, aims to strengthen legislative frameworks, enhance institutional capacity, and improve administrative performance across relevant Serbian authorities. Eligible applicants include public administrations and mandated bodies from EU Member States.

Overview

The Twinning initiative is designed to assist Serbia in transposing EU legislation in food safety, veterinary, and phytosanitary policy (Chapter 12 of the EU acquis). The project focuses on improving public health, animal health and welfare, and plant health, ensuring compliance with European standards.

The project emphasizes administrative capacity-building, strategic legislative support, and the development of well-trained authorities to implement EU-aligned policies effectively.

Objectives of the Project

Overall Objective:

• Ensure full transposition and implementation of the EU acquis related to food safety, veterinary, and phytosanitary policy in Serbia.

• Maintain high standards of public health, animal health, animal welfare, and plant health at national and EU levels.

Specific Objectives:

• Support EU accession negotiations in Chapter 12.

• Develop and refine Serbia’s legislative and strategic frameworks.

• Strengthen administrative structures and competent authorities responsible for policy implementation.

• Reinforce institutional capacity and improve administrative performance.

Scope and Duration

• Geographical scope: Republic of Serbia

• Maximum duration: 24 months, with an additional three months as required

• Budget: EUR 1,800,000

• Key authorities involved:

  • Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management

  • Ministry of Health

  • Other relevant Serbian competent authorities

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible applicants are restricted to:

• Public administrations from EU Member States

• Mandated bodies as defined in the Twinning Manual

Applications must be submitted via National Contact Points of EU Member States.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Member State Project Leader: Overall responsibility for project delivery and coordination

• Resident Twinning Adviser (RTA): Provides on-the-ground guidance, expertise, and ensures compliance with project objectives

• Component Leaders: Lead specific technical areas of the project, ensuring EU alignment within legislative and administrative frameworks

Selection and Evaluation Criteria

Operational Capacity Assessment:

• Evaluates the suitability of the Project Leader, RTA, and Component Leaders

• Conducted on a yes/no basis; a single negative assessment disqualifies the proposal

Award Criteria Scoring:

• Methodology quality and approach (1–5)

• Experience of RTA and Project Leader

• Member State’s experience in cooperation projects

• Administration’s past performance in similar initiatives

• Proposal quality and merit in line with the Twinning Manual Annexes

Why This Twinning Matters

• Ensures Serbia meets EU regulatory standards in food safety, veterinary, and phytosanitary policy

• Strengthens institutional capacity and prepares authorities for EU accession

• Improves public health, animal welfare, and plant health outcomes

• Supports long-term governance and administrative efficiency in alignment with EU norms

How to Apply

1. Identify a Public Administration or Mandated Body eligible under EU rules.

2. Submit the proposal through the National Contact Point of your EU Member State.

3. Include details of the Project Leader, Resident Twinning Adviser, and Component Leaders.

4. Prepare a methodology plan aligned with project objectives and EU standards.

5. Ensure adherence to the Twinning Manual requirements, including scoring and annex compliance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposals submitted by ineligible entities

• Lack of qualified Project Leader or Resident Twinning Adviser

• Incomplete methodology or annex documentation

• Failure to follow National Contact Point submission procedures

• Misalignment with EU acquis and project objectives

FAQs

1. Who can apply for this Twinning project?

Public administrations and mandated bodies from EU Member States only.

2. What is the total project budget?

EUR 1,800,000 is available for this project.

3. How long does the project last?

Up to 24 months, with an optional additional 3 months.

4. Which authorities in Serbia are involved?

Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, Ministry of Health, and other relevant competent authorities.

5. What is the role of the Resident Twinning Adviser (RTA)?

The RTA provides on-site guidance, technical expertise, and ensures project goals align with EU standards.

6. How are proposals evaluated?

Operational capacity is assessed yes/no; award criteria are scored 1–5 based on methodology, experience, and project merit.

7. What is the main focus of this project?

Strengthening Serbia’s food safety, veterinary, and phytosanitary policies to align with EU acquis and prepare for EU accession.

Conclusion

This EC Twinning initiative represents a strategic investment in Serbia’s administrative and legislative capabilities in food safety, veterinary, and phytosanitary policy. By supporting capacity-building, EU alignment, and institutional strengthening, the project contributes to enhanced public health, animal welfare, plant protection, and Serbia’s smooth integration into EU frameworks.

For more information, visit EC.