Can the economies of the Western Balkans work together to make waste management more efficient, fair and sustainable? And how can producers take responsibility for the waste their products leave behind?

These were some of the key questions addressed during a regional workshop held in Belgrade, bringing together representatives from institutions, the private sector, and waste management experts from across the region. The aim was to exchange experiences on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) systems, with a focus on mutual learning, identifying common challenges, and finding practical solutions to improve or establish EPR models that support the transition toward a circular economy.

Over two days, participants discussed legal frameworks, implementation challenges, and various EPR system models already in place across the region. Delegations from Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania shared experiences in regulating packaging and e-waste, tyres, and other specific waste streams.

“The EU continues to support Serbia in developing a modern and sustainable circular economy. Through our new €16.3 million support package, we are working with authorities, businesses, and citizens to turn circular economy principles into action — including waste prevention, local action plans, and bio-waste collection in 25 municipalities. It’s great to see workshops like this contributing to our shared efforts,”
said Antoine Avignon, Programme Manager for Environment and Climate Change at the EU Delegation to Serbia.

The workshop was organised by the EU4Green project, implemented by the Environment Agency Austria (Umweltbundesamt), as part of broader support for the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans, where circular economy is one of the key priority areas.

“Waste management can no longer be seen as a purely technical issue — it’s a strategic matter of responsibility, legislation, and economics. Extended Producer Responsibility means that those who place products on the market must also be involved in managing their environmental impact. This approach is fundamental to building a circular economy,”
said Karina Broneder, Circular Economy Expert at the Environment Agency Austria.

Participants also visited the Beo Čista Energija waste management complex in Vinča, one of the largest environmental infrastructure projects in Southeast Europe. The visit included the Energy-from-Waste facility, the Construction and Demolition Waste treatment plant, the new sanitary landfill, and the leachate treatment system.

While EPR systems play a key role in reducing waste generation and promoting recycling, proper treatment infrastructure remains essential to deal with the residual waste that cannot be prevented or reused — ensuring both environmental protection and public health.

ADVANCING WASTE MANAGEMENT IN SERBIA

In addition to in-depth discussions on EPR systems, the workshop also provided a broader context for improving Serbia’s waste management policy. The recently adopted Waste Prevention Plan, updated with the support of the EU4Green project, represents a key strategic document that defines measures to reduce waste at its source — through responsible consumption, product design, and reuse.

The plan is built on circular economy principles and is aligned with EU legislation, marking an important step for Serbia towards more sustainable resource management and reduced environmental impact.

WORKING TOGETHER FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

The Belgrade workshop demonstrated that economies in the region face similar challenges — but also share a willingness to collaborate, learn, and adapt solutions. Instruments like Extended Producer Responsibility are becoming essential tools for reducing waste, strengthening recycling markets, and relieving pressure on landfills.

The EU4Green project will continue to support the Western Balkan economies in implementing the Green Agenda, with a strong focus on actionable policies, strategic documents, and strengthening institutional and business capacities — backed by financial support from the European Union and additional contribution from the Austrian Development Agency (ADA).