Law on Strategic Environmental Assessment

Strategic environmental assessment examines the consequences of a plan or programme while its fundamental choices are being shaped. Unlike assessment of an individual project, it considers a broader framework: the distribution of activities, development options, alternatives and the combined consequences of multiple interventions. It is particularly relevant when a plan will guide future construction, infrastructure or use of resources.

The law governs the decision to undertake assessment, the report, consideration of alternatives and involvement of the public and interested authorities. The authority preparing the plan must follow the applicable procedure, while the competent environmental authority plays a role in evaluation and approval of the report. Assessments do not all have the same scope: this depends on the type of plan, its possible significant effects and the statutory criteria.

Residents and associations can follow announced public inspection, request available documents and submit specific comments on the report and proposed solutions. Compare the plan with local conditions: existing pollution, water sources, sensitive areas, nearby homes and other planned activities. The question is not simply how much one facility will emit, but how several decisions together alter living conditions. Read the report alongside the plan and retain your comments and the explanation of how they were considered.

The new law was published in Serbia’s Official Gazette 94/2024 and replaces the legislation in 135/2004 and 88/2010. Article 39 preserves the earlier procedure for plans and programmes whose preparation had already begun. Article 43 postpones specified nature conservation appropriateness assessment provisions for two years after entry into force. That period had not expired on 10 October 2026, the verification date. Check the start of preparation, the applicable regime and the deadlines actually announced for consultation.

Strategic assessment does not replace a subsequent project assessment, construction permit or other authorisation. The ability to challenge an act depends on the act and procedural standing. The official source is the text adopted by Serbia’s National Assembly. This informational editorial overview and translation by Avangarda is not an official translation and does not replace the current statute or qualified legal assistance.

Helps you identify how environmental effects and alternatives are considered before a plan is adopted and where public participation can influence the choice.

Residents, communities, associations, planners, specialists, journalists and authorities preparing or reviewing plans; challenge rights depend on the particular act.

During preparation or amendment of a spatial, urban or other relevant plan or programme, especially the assessment decision and consultation on the report.