Phase 2 of the APD Germany – Western Balkans officially launched

On Feb 28, 2023, the kick-off meeting of the second phase of the Agricultural Policy Dialogue (APD) Germany – Western Balkans took place at IAK Agrar Consulting GmbH in Leipzig. The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) and covers the six Western Balkan countries Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, Northern Macedonia and Serbia. The APD focuses on topics such as wine, soil, organic farming, AKIS and rural youth, which are dealt with by regional expert advisory working groups (REAWGs).

We were very pleased that all important APD stakeholders were able to participate – either in person or online. Among others, a representative of the donor BMEL, the Secretary General of our partner Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group (SWG) of South Eastern Europe as well as German key experts, who advise the regional expert advisory working groups (REAWGs), were present. Colleagues from SWG's policy advice and project management departments as well as other key experts were also connected online.

In intensive discussions, all participants succeeded in finding a common starting point for the work in the new project phase and in initiating an intensified exchange between REAWGs. The foundation for a successful project implementation has been laid!