The European Green Week 2021 is dedicated to the ‘zero pollution ambition’. It will also look at other relevant European Green Deal initiatives, such as the climate initiatives, as well as initiatives in the fields of energy, industry, mobility, agriculture, health and biodiversity. The EU Green Week 2021 in Serbia will be marked by a series of events that will take place in several cities until June 5.
Pollution affects everybody – through the air we breathe, the water we drink or the land we grow our food on. It is the largest environmental cause of multiple mental and physical diseases, and of premature deaths. Pollution is also one of the main reasons for the loss of biodiversity. It reduces the ability of ecosystems to protect people and provide services such as carbon sequestration and photosynthesis.
But it can be prevented. The EU Action Plan toward a Zero Pollution Ambition is a key action of the European Green Deal for 2021. It will help to create a toxic-free environment across the EU by better monitoring and, reporting, and by preventing and remedying pollution from air, water, soil, and consumer products.
It will also support the post-COVID 19 recovery by helping to rebuild a more sustainable EU economy, creating job opportunities and reducing social inequalities.
The Government of the Republic of Serbia, together with the European Union, is working on harmonizing legislation and creating a framework for sustainable and efficient use of natural resources, reducing carbon dioxide, eliminating harmful and wasteful behaviors and protecting the environment for present and future generations. With the support of the EU, Serbia is working to improve the quality of life of its citizens, making sure that laws and policies are aimed at preserving air, water and land.
The EU supports Serbia in achieving its environmental goals and raising them to EU standards. In the past 12 years, Serbia has received over eight billion euros from the EU budget alone, including over 4 billion euros in grants, making the EU by far the largest donor in Serbia. The EU has so far invested over 400 million euros in the environment sector in Serbia.
EU assistance contributes to better life for hundreds of thousands of Serbian citizens, so far.
EU strives to support Serbia as much as possible including it in the Green deal, as a key element for the economic recovery and grow. The EC Economic and Investment Plan and the Western Balkans Green Agenda adopted at the Sofia summit are important building blocks for enhancing the already strong cooperation between the EU and Serbia.
“The green transition for our Continent can only be fully effective if we all take swiftly and concerted actions. I am glad that Serbia and the EU share this common objective. I look forward to working closely to supporting Serbia in this regard”, states Ambassador Sem Fabrizi, Head of EU Delegation to Serbia.
