Agricultural Policy Dialogue Germany – Western Balkans (APD), Phase 1

The project has developed from a predecessor project on harmonised wine. The aim is to strengthen economic and political relations between the countries of the Western Balkans and to promote regional exchange. In addition, the individual countries are supported in their progress in the EU accession process. The countries of the Western Balkans are: Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.

The Agricultural Policy Dialogue covers the working priorities of organic farming, soil protection, wine regulation, agricultural innovation systems and women in agriculture. Representatives of the ministries of agriculture are advised on the further development and harmonisation of their respective national regulations and institutions with each other and with applicable EU standards. Regular exchange between the countries in regional expert advisory working groups (REAWGs) contributes to regional integration.

The local project implementer is the Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group (SWG) of South Eastern Europe. IAK Agrar Consulting GmbH is the lead partner in the consortium with Geisenheim University.