3rd Interim report September 2011- March 2012.pdf - Renanetwork.org

The European Union’s Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) 

Regional Environmental 

Network for Accession 

(RENA) 

3 rd Interim Report (final) 

(19 September 2011 – 18 March 2012) 

April 2012 

This project is funded by 

the European Union 

A project implemented by a 

Consortium led by Hulla & Co. 

Human Dynamics KG

Interim Report, No 3, 19 September 2011 – 18 March 2012 

Table of Contents – Interim Report No 3 (19 September 2011 – 18 March 

2012) 

Acronyms and Abbreviations ................................................................................................ 3 

Project synopsis .................................................................................................................... 5 

1. Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 7 

1.1 Background ................................................................................................................. 7 

1.2 Interim Report objectives and scope ........................................................................ 10 

2. Implemented and planned activities............................................................................... 11 

2.1 Mobilisation of the Working Groups and project teams .......................................... 11 

2.2 Communication .......................................................................................................... 1 

2.3 RENA Counterparts in the beneficiary countries ..................................................... 12 

2.4 Other stakeholders and other relevant projects ........................................................ 12 

2.5 Steering Committee .................................................................................................. 13 

2.6 Involvement of NGO community ............................................................................. 13 

2.7 Reporting and RENA Work Plans ............................................................................ 13 

2.8 Working Group 1. Strategic Planning and Investments ........................................... 18 

2.9 Working Group 2. Climate Change ........................................................................... 26 

2.10 Working Group 3. Cross-border Cooperation and Multilateral Environmental 

Agreements ............................................................................................................... 30 

2.11 Working Group 4. ECENA ....................................................................................... 33 

3. RENA Work Plan and Milestones .................................................................................. 38 

3.1 Project Work Plan 2010-2013 ..................................................................................... 38 

3.2 RENA detailed Work Plan for the fourth interim reporting period (April 2012 – 

September 2012) ........................................................................................................ 51 

Working Group 1 Strategic Planning and Investments ........................................................................... 55 

Working Group 2 Climate Change ............................................................................................................. 57 

Working Group 3 Cross border Cooperation and Multilateral Environmental Agreements ........... 60 

Working Group 4 ECENA .......................................................................................................................... 61 

4. Assumptions, risks, problems encountered .................................................................... 68 

4.1 Assumptions .............................................................................................................. 68 

4.2 Risks .......................................................................................................................... 69 

4.3 Problems encountered .............................................................................................. 72 

Human Dynamics Consortium 1


ANNEXES 

Annex 1 Timetable of activities, and estimated number of working days per month 

Annex 2 Updated Logical Framework 

Annex 3 Minutes of the 3 rd Steering Committee meeting 

Annex 4 Incidental Expenditure breakdown 

Annex 5 Minutes of the WGs Annual Meetings 

Enclosed on CD: 

Annex 6 Development of NEAS - Workshop Report 

Annex 7 EU Negotiations Process - Workshop Report 

Annex 8 REACH/CLP - Workshop Report 

Annex 9 Approximation Costs Assessment - Workshop Report 

Annex 10 Planning of Environmental Investments – Workshop Report 

Annex 11 ReCAP Seminar (Skopje) – Media Report 

Annex 12 MMD CRF Reporter kick off – Workshop Report 

Annex 13 MRV within the EU ETS – Workshop Report 

Annex 14 ETS Aviation - Workshop Report 

Annex 15 Module 3 Djerdap – Workshop Report 

Annex 16 RBD Characterisation – Workshop Report 

Annex 17 Modified Water Bodies – Workshop Report 

Annex 18 SEA in IPA programmes – Workshop Report 

Annex 19 Common Inspection Turkey – Workshop Report 

Annex 20 ECENA TNA Batch 2 Countries 

Annex 21 ECENA Training Manual Batch 2 Countries 



ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS 

AECEN Asian Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Network 

BERCEN Balkan Environmental Regulatory and Compliance Network 

BAT Best Available Techniques 

CCFAP Climate Change Framework Action Plan 

CDM Clean Development Mechanism 

CSO Civil Society Organisation 

DABLAS Danube and Black Sea Task Force 

EC European Commission 

ECENA Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Network for Accession 

ECCP European Climate Change Programme 

EIA Environmental Impact Assessments 

EPA Environmental Protection Agency 

EPD Enhanced Permanent Dialogue Process 

ETS Emission Trading Plan 

GHG Greenhouse gases 

H2020 Horizon 2020 initiative 

ICPDR International Committee for the Protection of the River Danube 

ICTY International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia 

IE Incidental expenditures 

IMPEL Implementation and Enforcement of Environmental Law 

INECE International Network for Environmental Compliance and Enforcement 

IPA Instrument of Pre-accession Assistance 

IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change 

IFI International Financing Institutions 

IPF Infrastructure Projects Facility 

IPPC Integrated Pollution Prevention Control 

IQ Implementation Questionnaire 

IRI IMPEL Review Initiative 

KE Key Expert 

MEA Multilateral Environmental Agreement 

MESP Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning 

MMD Monitoring Mechanism Decision 

MRV Monitoring, Reporting and Verification 

NAS National Adaptation Strategy 

NFP National Focal Point 

NPI National Programme for EU Integration 

NPAA National Programme for Adoption of the EU Acquis 

PEIP Priority Environmental Investment Programme 

PM Progress Monitoring of approximation of the EU environmental and climate acquis 

OVI Objectively Verifiably Indicator 

RBD River Basin District 

RCC Regional Cooperation Council 

REC Regional Environmental Centre 

ReCAP Regional Climate Change Platform on Adaptation and Mitigation 

RENA Regional Environmental Network for Accession 

REPIN Regulatory Environmental Programme Implementation Network 

REReP Regional Environmental Reconstruction Programme 

RISP Regional Institutional Support Platform 

RMCEI Recommendation providing for Minimum Criteria for Environmental Inspections 

SAA Stabilisation and Association Agreement 

SC Steering Committee 

SEA Strategic Environmental Assessment 

SEE Southeast Europe 

SEECP South East European Cooperation Process 

TFS Trans-Frontier Shipment (of waste) 

TNA Training Needs Analysis 

ToC Table of Concordance 



UNFCCC 

WBIF 

WFD 

WG 

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 

Western Balkan Investment Framework 

Water Framework Directive 

Working Group 

LIST OF TABLES 

Table 1. Project synopsis .................................................................................................. p. 5. 

Table 2. Overview and status of the activities ............................................................. p. 13 

Table 3. PM Reports 2012 – Timetable of activities ................................................. p. 24 

Table 4. General Work Plan and schedule .................................................................. p. 38 

Table 5. Detailed Work Plan for the next reporting period ...................................... p. 51 

Table 6. Assumptions affecting the implementation of the Project ........................ p. 68 

Table 7. Risks and Mitigation strategies ........................................................................ p. 70 



PROJECT SYNOPSIS 

The project synopsis presented in the table below provides a systematic overview of project 

objectives and expected outputs and deliverables. 

Table 1. Project synopsis 

Project Title 

Client 

Project Starting Date 19 March 2010 

Regional Environmental Network for Accession (RENA) 

European Commission – DG Environment 

Project Duration 36 months, end date: 18 March 2013 

Beneficiaries 

Albania 

Bosnia and Herzegovina 

Croatia 

fYR of Macedonia 

8 beneficiary countries 

Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Water Administration 

Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relation 

Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism of Bosnia-Herzegovina 

Ministry of Spatial Planning, Civil Engineering and Ecology 

Ministry of Environmental and Nature Protection 

Ministry of Construction and Physical Planning 

Ministry of agriculture 1 

Ministry of Culture – Directorate of Nature Protection 

Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning 

Kosovo under UNSCR 

1244/99 

Montenegro 

Serbia 

Turkey 

Objective and Purpose 

Results to be achieved by 

the Consultant 

Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning 

Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism 

Environment Protection Agency 

Ministry of Environment, Mining and Spatial Planning 

Ministry of Agriculture, Trade, Forestry and Water Management 

Ministry of Environment and Urbanisation 

Ministry of Forestry and Water 

The overall objective is to enhance regional cooperation in the Western Balkans and 

Turkey in the field of environment in the prospect of accession to the European 

Union. 

The purpose of this contract is to assist the European Commission in providing the 

Secretariat of the Regional Environmental Network for Accession (RENA). 

Improved regional cooperation between environmental authorities 

Efficient institutional frameworks and technical arrangements established 

Enhanced public participation in environmental planning 

Improved transposition and implementation in relation to EU environmental 

1 Reorganization of state administration - the water sector in the new Ministry of Agriculture, since 22 

December 2011 



legislation 

Improved skills in relation to legislation preparation and enforcement 

Improved capacities in investment planning 

Priority environmental projects and investments identified 

Experience exchange groups and networks established 

Enhanced cross border cooperation in relation to environmental policies, legislation 

and investments 

Planned activities: 

Working Group 1 




Activity 1.1 Support to Approximation Strategy and Planning in BiH and Kosovo 

under UNSCR 1244/99 

Activity 1.2 RISP – Regional Institutional Support Platform 

Activity 1.3 Investment Planning 

Activity 1.4 Public participation in planning 

Activity 1.5 Progress monitoring 

Activity 1.6 Gap assessments of draft legal acts 

Activity 2.1 ReCAP 

Activity 2.2 GHG Reporting 

Activity 2.3 EU-ETS 

Activity 3.1 Nature Protection 

Activity 3.2 Water Management 

Activity 3.3 EIA and SEA 

Activity 3.4 Multilateral Environmental Agreements – gap assessments 

Activity 4.1 Capacity building regarding compliance with environmental legislation 

through better understanding of issues and identification of targeted solutions 

Activity 4.2 Country external assessments 

Activity4.3 EU ETS Compliance 

Activity 4.4 Transfrontier shipment of waste 

Activity 4.5 Inspection and enforcement in cross border nature protection areas 

Activity 4.6 ECENA participation in relevant networking activities, including 

IMPEL and other sister networks 



1. INTRODUCTION 

1.1 Background 

The Regional Environmental Network for Accession (RENA) has been established as a follow-up project 

of REReP, the Regional Environmental Reconstruction Programme for Southeast Europe, which 

ended in 2009. The project has been commissioned to the Consortium led by Human Dynamics 

with its head office in Vienna, Austria. 

The overall project objective is to enhance regional cooperation in the Western Balkans and Turkey 

in the field of environment in the prospect of accession to the European Union. 

The cooperation between the countries through RENA is focused on priority areas of 

approximation to the EU environmental and climate acquis. 

RENA supports eight beneficiary countries, which are Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, 

Kosovo under UNSCR 1244/99, the fYR of Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Turkey. 

RENA primarily supports the administrative authorities with responsibility for environment and 

natural resources in the beneficiary countries, that is, ministries with primary responsibility for 

environmental protection, and other ministries, institutions, and authorities responsible for, e.g., 

nature, climate, water, forestry or chemicals. 

RENA also coordinates and cooperates with other stakeholders and initiatives working in the 

region, including: 

• International Financing Institutions, bilateral donors, international organisations: 

Cooperation is facilitated through Support to EC/IFI Coordination in the Western Balkans and Turkey 

organisation of back to back meetings, participation in workshops and trainings; 

• Other EU related initiatives and projects, like WBIF, DABLAS, HORIZON 2020 and 

others: Cooperation is facilitated through organisation of back to back meetings, participation in training 

and workshops, sharing and promotion of lists of priority projects with regional impact on environment; 

• Environmental Civil Society Organisations and Non-governmental Organisations: 

Cooperation was facilitated through the Environment Forum project until the finalisation of the project, and 

since then it has been facilitated through the nominated representatives of the NGOs; 

• Neighbouring EU member states and other EU member states: Cooperation is facilitated 

through invitations to participate in trainings and workshops. 

RENA priority issues are based on those set by the environment ministers of the eight beneficiary 

countries. These priority issues are: 

• Strategic planning of the pre-accession process; 

• Public participation; 

• Climate change; 

• Cross border cooperation on environment; 

• Preparation of environmental investment projects. 



Concrete RENA activities under the priority issues are covering broad range of activities, including 

capacity building workshops, seminars, training and pilot projects and are implemented through 

four Working Groups as follows: 

WG 1: Strategic Planning and Investments 

WG 2: Climate Change 

WG 3: Cross border Cooperation and Multilateral Environmental Agreements 

WG 4: Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Network for Accession 

All activities designed under RENA are focused on networking and mutual support, in order to 

provide the best possible value with the resources available. The activities are designed to 

complement the major regional and national projects that support approximation of the 

environment and climate acquis. 

WG 1 Strategic Planning & Investments 

The overall objective of this working group is to increase the quality of transposition and 

implementation activities in the beneficiary countries and to assure regional cooperation in 

environmental investment planning. Particular emphasis will be placed on improving the 

transposition of EU environmental legal requirements and improving the institutional structures for 

implementation and enforcement of the transposed EU directives. 

The main tasks of this component are to: 

• Improve plans, strategies and structures for approximation; 

• Identify areas for training and other support to be provided through RISP; 

• Improving public participation in order to build support for the adoption and 

implementation of environmental legislation; 

• Monitoring progress in approximation of the environmental and climate acquis in preparation 

for accession, especially the transposition and implementation of EU environmental 

legislation; 

• Upon their request channelled through the European Commission, providing beneficiaries 

with an external opinion on the compliance of national draft legislation with the EU 

environmental and climate acquis; 

• Build capacity in the identification and preparation of environmental investment projects; and 

• Coordinate environmental investment needs with IFIs. 

WG 2 Climate Change 

The overall objective of this Working Group is to increase capacity in the SEE and strengthen 

cooperation amongst the SEE countries and the EU in policy-making, law drafting and 

implementation of elements of the European climate change policies and legislation (Climate 

change acquis). 

The main tasks of this component are designed to: 

• Build knowledge and capacity in EU climate change policy and legislation from an EU 

accession perspective, and at the level of policy-making, law drafting and implementation in 

the RENA countries; 



• Increase capacity in the RENA countries to prepare GHG emissions inventories in line with 

the EU Monitoring Mechanism Decision (280/2004/EC), the implementing legislation 

(2005/166/EC) and the UNFCCC Inventory Reporting Guidelines for Annex I countries; 

• Increase capacity in the RENA countries to take steps towards a future emissions trading 

system, in particular with respect to Monitoring, Reporting and Verification. 

WG 3 Cross border Cooperation & Multilateral Environmental Agreements 

The overall objective of this Working Group is to increase capacity and strengthen cooperation on 

issues of transboundary importance through creation of the forum of officials from the candidate 

and potential candidate countries to exchange experience on the transposition, implementation and 

enforcement of EU legislation. 

The main tasks of this component are designed to build knowledge and capacity specifically in the 

following fields: 

• Nature protection; 

• Water quality and management; 

• Environmental impact assessment and strategic environmental assessment, and 

• Multilateral environmental agreements. 

Furthermore, this component will assist in: 

• Creating a pool of well-trained officials capable in the implementation of the EU 

environmental, nature, and water sector acquis in transboundary areas; 

• Preparing specific documents to support implementation of EU environmental, nature, and 

water sector acquis; and 

• Developing specific knowledge on the above issues in selected pilot cross border nature and 

water sites. 

WG 4 Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Network for Accession (ECENA) 

The overall objective of this Working Group is to improve the ability of ECENA member 

countries to implement and enforce the EU environmental and climate acquis by increasing the 

effectiveness of inspecting bodies and promoting compliance with environmental requirements. 

The main tasks of this component are to: 

• Build capacity and exchange information amongst enforcement agencies and inspecting 

bodies on compliance with environmental legislation; 

• Increase efficient implementation and enforcement of environmental legislation; 

• Improve the exchange of experience and knowledge with EU member states and beyond 

through stronger co-operation with IMPEL and other sister networks, as well as through 

training and exchange programmes. 

Furthermore, this component will assist in: 

• Creating a forum for better understanding of the specific problems and potential solutions of 

implementation and enforcement of specific laws; 



• Creating a pool of well-trained environmental inspectors and permit writers, capable of 

performing their tasks of implementation and enforcement of the environmental and climate 

acquis; 

• Conducting country-specific assessments of the implementation and enforcement set-up. 

The overall results to be achieved by the project are: 

• Improved regional cooperation between environmental authorities; 

• Efficient institutional frameworks and technical arrangements established; 

• Enhanced public participation in environmental planning; 

• Improved transposition and implementation of EU environmental legislation; 

• Improved skills in relation to legislation preparation and enforcement; 

• Improved capacities in investment planning; 

• Priority environmental projects and investments identified; 

• Experienced exchange groups and networks established; 

• Enhanced cross border cooperation in relation to environmental policies, legislation and 

investments. 

1.2 Interim Report objectives and scope 

The objectives of this Interim Report are: 

• To provide the overview of findings and activities performed by the RENA Project Team 

and Secretariat during the third interim reporting period (19 September 2011 – 18 March 

2012); 

• To provide the detailed Work Plan for the fourth interim reporting period (19 March 2012 – 

18 September 2012). 

This Interim Report covers the following items: 

• The third interim reporting period activities including RENA managerial, communication and 

cooperation aspects; 

• The progress achieved and implementation issues raised during the third interim reporting 

period for a project as a whole and under each of the Working Groups; 

• The RENA Work Plan and milestones with a detailed Work Plan for the next interim 

reporting period (19 March 2012 – 18 September 2012); 

• An update of the assumptions, risks and problems encountered. 



2. IMPLEMENTED AND PLANNED ACTIVITIES 

2.1 Mobilisation of the Working Groups and project teams 

The project team, with the four key experts, was mobilized on the starting date of the project. 

The working procedures and the procedures for the recruitment of the non-key experts are defined 

in accordance with the PRAG. The general requirements for short-term experts have been 

developed (Volume 2 of the Inception Report), but, due to the nature and duration of the project, 

the recruitment of the experts will be an ongoing process that will continue throughout the project. 

Short term experts have presently been mobilised for: 

WG 1 Strategic Planning and Investments 

• Activity 1.2 RISP 

• Activity 1.3 Investment Planning; 

• Activity 1.5 Progress Monitoring; 

• Activity 1.6 Gap assessments of draft legal acts 

WG 2 Climate Change 

• Activity 2.1 ReCAP; 

• Activity 2.2 GHG Reporting; 

• Activity 2.3 EU-ETS; 

WG 3 Cross border Cooperation and Multilateral Environmental Agreements 

• Activity 3.1 Nature Protection; 

• Activity 3.2 Water Management; 

• Activity 3.3 EIA/SEA; 

WG 4 ECENA 

• Activity 4.1 Capacity building regarding compliance with environmental legislation through 

better understanding of issues and identification of targeted solutions (training of inspectors 

and permit writers; 

• Activity 4.2 Country external assessment (preparation of country external assessment reports 

for 7 out of 8 beneficiary countries (except Croatia)); 

• Activity 4.4 Transfrontier shipment of waste 

All activities of the project have been implemented in accordance with the Terms of Reference 

(ToR) of the project and agreed activity schemes for each Working Group. 



2.2 Communication 

The project website can be found at 

www.renanetwork.org . The website has been 

widely used for sharing the public documents 

from the meetings among participants and 

announcement of the upcoming meetings and 

events. 

The RENA newsletters are providing the 

overview of all major events since the 

beginning of the project ensuring their further 

promotion with the general public. The 

newsletters are issued on quarterly basis, 

published electronically and downloadable 

from the website: 

http://www.renanetwork.org/index.phpvie 

w=newsletter_all. 

The RENA brochure is prepared and has 

been published in November 2011, providing 

a description and summary overview of the 

approved Work Plan and project structure. 

The brochure has been published 

electronically and is downloadable from the 

website: 

http://www.renanetwork.org/documents/downloads/RENA%20Brochure.pdf. 

The brochure is also available in printed version and is distributed to the particiants of all major 

events organised by the project. 

2.3 RENA Counterparts in the beneficiary countries 

Communication along with the exchange of 

experience and best practices has been 

fundamental for RENA both at technical level 

and political level (i.e. Ministerial Meetings) 

relating to the Commission’s environmental 

dialogue with the candidate countries and 

potential candidates. 

In line with the countries needs and 

priorities, the project envisages tasks across 

several sectors, involves large number of 

stakeholders from different countries. The 

project is also well coordinated with other 

regional settings, initiatives and national 

assistance programmes. 

RENA Secretariat developed and deployed 

communication tools to provide a hub for 

information, composed of RENA website, 

databases of projects and outputs, extranet 

as RENA partners’ area, number of 

newsletters, all in line with the EC visibility 

guidelines. 

The national Focal Points and Working Group coordinators and contact persons in all beneficiary 

countries except Turkey and Montenegro have not been changed since the last reporting period. 

New Focal Points and Working Group coordinators have been nominated for both Turkey and 

Montenegro. 

The updated RENA contact list is published at the RENA website. 

(http://www.renanetwork.org/index.phpview=contact) 

2.4 Other stakeholders and other relevant projects 

Since the beginning of the project, the collaboration with other initiatives and projects with 

activities similar to the activities of RENA has been established in order to ensure better 

coordination of activities, in particular with the Environment Forum Project and Support to IFI 

Coordination in the Western Balkans and Turkey project, other EU initiatives and projects, such as 

DABLAS, HORIZON 2020, WBIF, UNDP, and IMPEL, INTERPOL and INECE. 



A series of presentations have been given by the team leader and RENA team members on RENA 

and its envisaged activities in various frameworks including RCC, IMPEL, EF Project and IFIs. 

Short summaries of the findings have been included in the 3 rd and 4 th newsletter. 

2.5 Steering Committee 

The third Steering Committee meeting was held on 14 October 2011 in Dubrovnik, Croatia. The 

objective of the meeting was to discuss and approve the second Interim Report covering the period 

March 2011 – September 2011. The minutes of this meeting are included in Annex 3. The Steering 

Committee meetings are held every six months in one of the beneficiary countries. The fourth 

Steering Committee meeting is scheduled to be held on 02 April 2012 in Durres, Albania. 

2.6 Involvement of NGO community 

The system for cooperation with Environment Forum project and inclusion of NGO 

representatives has been established during the Inception Phase. The established system has been 

followed until February 2012 when the Environment Forum project has been finalised. Based on 

the agreement with the European Commission, the coordination will continue using the officially 

appointed NGO Coordination Team composed of Mr. Zvezdan Kalmar, Mr. Miodrag Dakic, Mr. 

Metodija Sazdov and Mr. Gazmend Zeneli. The overall correspondence related to the cooperation 

of RENA and NGO sector is addressed to the NGO Coordination Team, who further process the 

information provided and deals with the related issues. The system for participation of NGO 

representatives to RENA events remains the same. The NGO representatives are invited to every 

regional event organised under various activities of RENA. As per agreed procedure for 

participation, the NGO Coordination Team is informed on upcoming events and activities under 

RENA well in advance and based on the activity description the NGO Coordination Team is 

nominating a NGO representative relevant for certain activity and topic. Due to budget limitations 

and the fact that NGOs are not the main beneficiaries of the RENA project the attention is paid to 

selection of those NGOs whose geographic location will involve the least costs for participation to 

be covered by RENA. However, it should be noted that this is not the prime criteria and that the 

selection is made primarily based on expertise and field of interest, taking geographic location only 

as an advantage. 

2.7 Reporting and RENA Work Plans 

The draft Interim Report, the project Work Plan and activity schemes for each Working Group 

have been prepared. 

Table 2. Overview and status of the activities 

Planned outputs Output/deliverable Date Status 

Horizontal activities 

1 st Ministerial Meeting 30 September 2010 Completed 

2 nd Ministerial Meeting September 2012 Ongoing 

1 st draft Inception Report 30 August 2010 Completed 

2 nd draft Inception Report 16 December 2010 Completed 

3 rd draft Inception Report 16 February 2011 Completed 

Reporting 

final Inception Report 10 March 2011 Completed 

Draft 1 st Interim Report 14 March 2011 Completed 

Final 1 st Interim Report March 2011 Completed 

Draft 2 nd Interim Report August 2011 Completed 

Final 2 nd Interim Report December 2011 Completed 




Draft 3 rd Interim Report March 2012 Completed 

Final 3 rd Interim Report April 2012 

Draft 4 th Interim Report August 2012 

Final 4 th Interim Report September 2012 

Draft Final Report February 2013 

Final Report March 2013 

Team of key experts mobilised March 2010 Completed 

Short term experts identified N/A Continuous 

Kick off meeting 3-4 May 2010 Completed 

RENA Secretariat established March 2010 Completed 

RENA Helpdesk operational August 2010 Completed 

RENA Website online August 2010 Completed 

1 st RENA Newsletter December 2010 Completed 

Key experts familiar with relevant 

projects 

June 2010 

Completed 

Appointment of RENA national 

Focal Points 

June 2010 

Completed 

List of WG Coordinators June/July/August 2010 Completed 

Inception phase 

RENA Network Contact List 

(website) 

August 2010 

Completed 

RENA Brochure (website – public 

and downloadable) 

November 2011 Completed 

Agreement with the SC and EF on 

the participation of EF 

representatives in RENA activities 

September 2010 Completed 

First interim 

reporting period 

Second interim 


Inception missions June/July/August 2010 Completed 

RENA Work Plan drafted August 2010 Completed 

Identification of other stakeholders 

and familiarisation with relevant 

initiatives. 

June/July/August 2010 

Completed 

Preparatory SC meeting 14 June 2010 Completed 

1st SC meeting organised 9 September 2010 Completed 

WG annual meetings 

October 2010-March 

2011 

Completed 

2 nd SC Meeting 18 March 2011 Completed 

Preparation of PM 2010 Reports March 2011 Completed 

1 st Sub-group regional workshop 

(Activity 3.2) 

8-10 March 2011 Completed 

1 st national training (Activity 4.1) 1-4 March 2011 Completed 

Workshop on Approximation 

Planning (Activity 1.1) 

October 2011 

Completed 

Regional workshop on new 

legislation (Activity 1.2) 

May 2011 

Completed 

Seven national workshops on 

investment planning (Activity 1.3) 

May – June 2011 Completed 

Regional workshop on investment 

planning and update of the regional 

list of priority investment projects 

September 2011 Completed 


Seven national workshops on 

Progress Monitoring (Activity 1.5) 

March – May 2011 Completed 

PM Reports 2011 (Activity 1.5) September 2011 Completed 

Regional workshop on EU Climate 

and Energy Package (Activity 2.1) 

March 2011 

Completed 

Regional workshop on EU policy 

and legislation (Activity 2.1) 


Completed 




Regional workshop on ReCAP 

follow up (Activity 2.1) 

June 2011 

Completed 

Regional workshop on MMD 


July 2011 

Completed 

Regional workshop on EU-ETS 



Completed 

Module 1 regional workshop 



Completed 




Regional workshop on basic 

measures and WFD (Activity 3.2) 

March 2011 

Completed 

Regional workshop – EIA/SEA 

transposition (Activity 3.3) 


Completed 

Common inspection (sub-regional 

training) Kosovo under UNSCR April 2011 

Completed 

1244/99 (Activity 4.1) 


training) Bosnia and Herzegovina September 2011 Completed 


Country External Assessment 

Report Serbia (Activity 4.2) 


Completed 


Report fYR of Macedonia (Activity September 2011 Completed 

4.2) 


Report Montenegro (Activity 4.2) 


Regional workshop on EU 

Accession Negotiation Process November 2011 Completed 


Regional workshop on 

REACH/CLP (Activity 1.2) 


Completed 

2 nd Annual meeting of WG 1 

coordinators (Activity 1.2) 


Regional workshop on INSPIRE 


January 2012 

Completed 

Regional meeting “Prioritisation of 

environmental investment projects 

and project preparation” (Activity 


1.3) 

Regional workshop on “The EU 

Third interim requirements and identification of 

reporting period environmental projects. 


Approximation costs assessment” 


Regional meeting “Prioritisation of 

environmental investment projects 

and project preparation” (Activity 

January 2012 

Completed 

1.3) 

Regional workshop “Planning of 

Environmental Investments and 

Prioritisation of Investment 

January 2012 

Completed 

Projects” (Activity 1.3) 


Investment Planning Sub-group January 2012 

Completed 


PM Reports 2011 (Activity 1.5) September 2012 Ongoing 




Compliance check review of Chapter 

IX Import and Expert of Waste (Art. 

48-51) of the final Albanian Law No. 

10 463 of 22.09.2011 on 

INTEGRATED WASTE 

January 2012 

Completed 

MANAGEMENT, comparing the 

transposition with the requirements 

of the EU Waste Directive and the 

Basel Convention (Activity 1.6) 

Full compliance check of the 

Albanian Law on Integrated Waste 

Management with the Directive February 2012 

Completed 

2008/98/EC , repealing certain 

directives (Activity 1.6) 




ReCAP Workshop fYR of 

Macedonia (Activity 2.1) 

February 2012 

Completed 

Regional MMD workshop on data 

gathering and filling (CRF) (Activity November 2011 Completed 

2.2) 

Regional Workshop on ETS/MRV 



National Workshop on inclusion of 

aviation into the ETS (Activity 2.3) 



(Activity 3.1) Djerdap NP 


2 nd Annual Meeting of WG 3 Nature 

Sub-group coordinators (Activity December 2011 Completed 

3.1) 

Regional workshop on RBD 

characterisation (Activity 3.2) 


Regional workshop on Heavily 

modified water bodies and new December 2011 Completed 

modifications (Activity 3.2) 

2 nd Annual Meeting of WG 3 Water 

Management Sub-group 

December 2011 Completed 


Regional workshop on Monitoring 

of Ecological Status, Intercalibration 

and Coordination of Criteria for March 2012 

Completed 

Good Status of Water Bodies 


Regional workshop on SEA and IPA 

programmes (Activity 3.3) 


2 nd Annual Meeting of WG 3 

EIA/SEA Sub-group coordinators November 2011 Completed 



training) Turkey (Activity 4.1) 


Completed 


Report Bosnia and Herzegovina January 2012 

Ongoing 



Report Turkey (Activity 4.2) 

February 2012 

Ongoing 


Report Albania (Activity 4.2) 

February 2012 

Completed 





Report Kosovo under UNSCR 

1244/99 (Activity 4.2) 

March 2012 

Ongoing 

Regional Workshop on EU 

Accession Negotiation process 

(Negotiation simulation) (Activity 

June 2012 

Ongoing 

1.2) 

Regional Workshop on 

Environmental Crime and 

Environmental Liability (Activity 

May 2012 

Ongoing 

1.2) 

Regional workshop on role of 

national and international financing 

sources in environmental financing 

May 2012 

Ongoing 


ReCAP seminar 2 (EU Climate 

policy – Serbia) (Activity 2.1) 


Ongoing 


policy – Turkey) (Activity 2.1) 

April 2012 

Ongoing 

ReCAP seminar 4(EU Climate policy 

– Albania) (Activity 2.1) 

June 2012 

Ongoing 


policy – Montenegro) (Activity 2.1) 

July 2012 

Ongoing 


policy – Kosovo under UNSCR September 2012 Ongoing 

1244/99) (Activity 2.1) 

Fourth interim 


GHG emission inventories – regional 

workshop to includes the results of 

the GHG inventory pilot exercise 


September 2012 

Ongoing 

Regional workshop on registries 

(Montenegro) – combined with July 2012 

Ongoing 

ReCAP seminar (Activity 2.3) 

Module 4 – Regional Workshop - 

Conducting nature impact 

assessments (Shara Mountain) 

May 2012 

Ongoing 


Module 5 - Regional Workshop - 

Developing sound nature cross 

border projects (project 

July 2012 

Ongoing 

development) Durmitor (Activity 3.1) 

Module 6 – Regional Workshop - 

Monitoring Nature Protection Areas September 2012 

Tara (Activity 3.1) 

Ongoing 

Regional workshop - Development 

of the Programme of Measures 


May 2012 

Ongoing 

Regional workshop - EIA/SEA 

differences and common features April 2012 

Ongoing 


Regional workshop - SEA crossborder 

procedures, including 

consultation and interpretation of September 2012 Ongoing 

cross-border impacts (Activity 3.3) 

Common Inspection training on 

selected subjects Cluster I for Serbia, March 2012 Ongoing 




with common inspections (Cluster II) 



selected subjects Cluster I for fYR of 

Macedonia, with common April 2012 

Ongoing 

inspections (Cluster II) (Activity 4.1) 


selected subjects Cluster I for 

Montenegro with common September 2012 Ongoing 

inspections (Cluster II) (Activity 4.1) 

Regional Workshop on EU-ETS 


May 2012 

Ongoing 

Regional Workshop on EU TFS 

(harbour transport) (Activity 4.4) 

April 2012 

Ongoing 

Regional Workshop on EU TFS 

(road transport) (Activity 4.4) 

June 2012 

Ongoing 

The first draft of the second Interim Report has been submitted to the EC and RENA Focal Points 

on 1 September 2011. Comments have been received from Croatia on 21 October 2011 and from 

the EC on 08 December 2011. Received comments have been incorporated and the final version of 

the second Interim Report has been approved on 08 December 2011. Upon the approval, the final 

version of the report has been placed on the RENA website and is available for download. 

Activities implemented under each Working Group are described in details in the section below. 

2.8 Working Group 1. Strategic Planning and Investments 

Activity 1.1 Preparation of Approximation Strategies 

Implemented activities during the third interim reporting period 

• Delivery of sub-regional workshop on Environmental Approximation Strategies in Pristina 

(03 – 05 October 2011). 

The workshop agenda has been developed in close collaboration of the project team and the 

Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning (Kosovo under UNSCR 1244/99). The main items 

of the agenda were the following: 

1. National Environmental Approximation Strategy, as a basic planning document for 

achieving full compliance with the EU environmental acquis; 

2. Approximation of EU environmental legislation in practice; 

3. Scope, approach and methodology for development of NEAS – Experience from the fYR 

of Macedonia; 

4. Development of NEAS : The need of executing a full organizational, legislative and 

resource gap analysis; 

5. Development of NEAS: The need for prioritization within the overall and in the individual 

sectors; 

6. Development of NEAS: Development of Directive Specific Implementation Plans 

(DSIPs) 

7. Development of NEAS: Lessons learnt and best practices from EC candidate countries an 

potential candidates; 

8. Economic assessment of cost and benefit analysis in the EU environmental approximation 

process; 



9. Development of NEAS: Impact analysis for the implementation of the EU environmental 

legislation; 

10. Case study (fYR of Macedonia): Impact analysis for the implementation of the EU 

environmental legislation; 

11. Development of NEAS: Defining the Funding Gap for the Approximation Efforts; 

12. Case Study (fYR of Macedonia): Priorities for investments and defining further investment 

needs; 

13. Development of compliance schedules (legislative, institutional, budgetary and schedules 

for investment needs and costs estimates). 

For more details please see the enclosed workshop report (Annex 6). 

• Delivery of regional workshop on Approximation Obligations and Accession Negotiation in 

Brussels, Belgium (23 – 24 November 2011). 

The workshop agenda has been developed in close collaboration of the project team, and the 

European Commission, DG Environment. The lectures has been provided by the representatives 

of the EC DG Environment, selected team of experts and former negotiators from the new 

Member States (Romania and Lithuania) as well as by the RENA Focal Point from Croatia who 

recently closed their negotiation process, the RENA Focal Point from fYR of Macedonia and 

representative of the Permanent Delegation of Turkey to the EU. The provided useful information 

on the EU institutional structure for negotiations such as the role of the Council, Conference on 

accession to the EU, Enlargement Working Group, and the documents, which are considered 

during the process. The presence of the EC DG Environment Desk Officers has provided hands 

on information on the EU institutional structure for negotiations such as the role of the Council, 

Conference on accession to the EU, Enlargement Working Group, documents and which are 

considered during the process. In addition the participants have been familiarised with the EC 

position towards transitional periods as one of the key elements of the negotiation process. The 

main items of the agenda were the following: 

1. The enlargement process: main steps and challenges; 

2. Enlargement process – Negotiations for Chapter 27; 

3. EU Accession negotiations: Institutional challenges for the candidate countries; 

4. How to best prepare for the negotiations for Chapter 27 Environment – EU best practice; 

5. Preparation of position papers – practicalities; 

6. Preparation of implementation plans – practicalities. 


Planned activities for the next interim reporting period 

• As per the Work Plan with the delivery of the two above listed workshops, all activities 

planned under the Activity 1.1 have been fully implemented. 

Activity 1.2 RISP – Regional Institutional Support Platform & Activity 1.4 Public 

participation 


• Delivery of the second regional training/workshop on Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 

(CLP)/(EC)1907/2006 (REACH). The two days regional workshop has been organised in 

Istanbul, Turkey (11 – 12 October 2011). The main items of the agenda were the following: 



1. Introduction on the REACH and CLP Regulations; 

2. Activities of IMMIB on REACH in Turkey; 

3. Approximation status of REACH in Croatia; 

4. REACH specific: Registration; 

5. REACH specific: Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction; 

6. IT organisation under REACH; 

7. Consortium and (pre-) Substance Information Exchange Forum (SIEF) under REACH; 

8. Basic toxicology and risk assessment under REACH; 

9. CLP specific – Regulation; 

10. Role and activities of IMMIB on CLP in Turkey; 

11. CLP specific-Implementation; 

12. Case study on classification and labelling; 

13. Enforcement of the REACH and CLP Regulations in EU Member States. 

A key outcome from the workshop was the need for more trainings and workshops on REACH 

and CLP to be provided. Several trainings with the purposes of awareness raising and in-depth 

capacity enhancement have been suggested by the RENA participating countries. From the 

discussions it can be concluded that the approximation of the RENA participating countries is at 

different stages. All the participating countries have similar inspection system to check REACH and 

CLP compliance, i.e. different inspectorates are responsible for different Articles in the Regulations. 

Croatia and Turkey have invested significant efforts to transpose the REACH and CLP Regulations 

into their national laws. 


• Delivery of the 2 nd Annual Meeting of WG 1 Coordinators. The meeting was organised in 

Brussels, Belgium (25 November 2011). 

The main objective of the meeting was to present the implemented activities since the 1 st Annual 

Meeting and to reach the agreement on the planned activities in the upcoming period (confirmation 

of the selected topics, dates and venues). The agreement has been reached that the remaining 

regional workshops under this working group will be organised with the focus on the following 

topics: 

1. Simulation of the EU Accession Negotiations process; 

2. Environmental Criminal Law. 

• Delivery of the third regional workshop on Directive 2007/2/EC/INSPIRE. The workshop 

has been organised in Vienna, Austria (17 – 18 January 2012). The main items of the agenda 

were the following: 

1. Overview of the INSPIRE Directive, history and common principles on which the 

Directive is based including information on the Road Map for implementing the INSPIRE 

Directive; 

2. Practical organisation of the INSPIRE implementation process in Austria/The relationship 

between the INSPIRE Directive and the implementing rules and working groups 

established in Austria to steer the implementation process and how they work/National 

roles and responsibilities under the INSPIRE Directive – who does what in Austria; 

3. How to develop a coordinated spatial information system capable of data sharing and reuse 

on national, regional, and cross-sector scales; 

4. Slovakia’s national metadata profile and bridging data producers and users; 



5. Exchange of experience on how Slovakia's Geographic Data conforms to INSPIRE; 

6. Added value Spatial Data Infrastructure based on INSPIRE will provide for issues related 

to NATURA 2000 and other protected sites, as well as land use/ land cover issues; 

7. Added value Spatial Data Infrastructure based on INSPIRE will provide for issues related 

to the Water Framework Directive. 

The workshop report is under preparation and will be submitted with the next Interim Report. 

• The update of the EU Handbook on the Implementation of Environmental Legislation has 

been launched. The following activities have been implemented: 

1. Defined scope of the Handbook update; 

2. Development of the list of national implementing measures; 

3. Gap analysis and review of the current version of the Handbook; 

4. Preparation of Handbook introduction and chapter 9 on Noise. 


• Finalisation of the first draft of the updated version of the EU Handbook on the 

Implementation of Environmental Legislation; 

• Delivery of the regional training workshop on Simulation of EU negotiation process on 

Chapter 27 in Skopje, fYR of Macedonia, (June 2012); 

• Delivery of the regional training workshop on Protection of Environment through 

Environmental Criminal Law in Budva, Montenegro, (30 – 31 June 2012); 

Activity 1.3 Environmental investment planning 


• Delivery of the combined meeting “Prioritisation of environmental investment projects and 

project preparation” and regional training/workshop on “The EU requirements and 

identification of environmental projects. Approximation costs assessment”. The combined 

event was organised in Dubrovnik, Croatia (19-20 September 2011). The main items of the 

agenda were the following: 

1. Common approaches for approximation cost assessment; 

2. Lessons learned in Croatia during environmental cost assessment; 

3. Round table discussion on availability of approximation cost numbers in pre-candidate and 

candidate countries; 

4. Cost assessment methodologies; 

5. Examples from environmental cost assessment in new MS and candidate / pre-candidate 

countries; 

6. Costs assessment in Lithuania: fifteen years experience; 

7. Presentation of results from the national Investment Planning sub-group workshops 

8. Roundtable on the identification of environmental investment projects in the region; 

9. KfW approaches to identify and prepare environmental projects in the region; 

10. WBIF approach for identification of environmental investment projects; 

11. IFIs coordination mechanisms in environmental investment projects identification. 




• Delivery of the combined regional training on Planning of Environmental Investments and 

Prioritisation of Environmental Investment Projects and Project Preparation. The training 

was organised in Tirana, Albania (24 – 25 January 2012). The main items of the agenda were 

the following: 

1. Role of investment plans in environmental policy planning; 

2. Institutional aspects of investment planning; 

3. Identification of investment projects in the most heavy-cost sectors (water, waste water and 

waste sectors); 

4. Priority setting for investment projects; 

5. Concrete planning documents under development in RENA countries; 

6. Capacity building and regional cooperation in identification and preparation of 

environmental investment needs; 

7. Prioritisation of proposed investment projects with regional environmental effect; 

8. Identification of environmental investment projects in the region; 

9. Recommendations from Infrastructure Projects Facility (IPF-1): Western Balkans 

Investment Framework 

10. Presentation of the results and recommendations of the Western Balkan Hot Spot 

Investment Study; 

11. Presentation on the progress of the activities of the IFIs Coordination Office. 


• Delivery of the 2 nd Annual Meeting of WG 1 Investment Planning Sub-group Coordinators. 

The meeting was organised in Tirana, Albania (25 January 2012). 



of the selected topics, dates and venues). 

• Participation of RENA KE3, Ms. Semeniene at the meetings/workshops organised by other 

relevant initiatives to introduce the RENA Investment Planning Sub-group, promote the 

planned activities and ensure synergy between Investment Planning Sub-group and other 

relevant initiatives implemented by EC, IFIs and bilateral donors: 

1. Preparation and participation at the 2 nd Regional NIPAC Workshop, Skopje, fYR of 

Macedonia, (5 October 2011); 

2. Participation in Drin Dialogue meeting, 28 September 2011, Podgorica, Montenegro. 


• Preparation and delivery of the combined meeting on Prioritisation of Environmental 

Investment Projects and Project Preparation and regional training workshop on the Role of 

National and International Financing Sources in Environmental Financing - Programmes of 

Measures in Accordance with the Water Framework Directive. The workshops will be 

organised as joint events of the Investment Planning Sub-group and Water Management Subgroup 

in Montenegro (21 – 23 May 2012). 

• Continuous work on the environmental investment project lists and presentation of the 

progress in all Annual meetings, regional training/workshops and relevant meetings of related 

initiatives. 



Activity 1.4 Public participation 

This activity is integrated with Activity 1.2 RISP. 

Activity 1.5 Progress Monitoring 


• Development of information package and announcement documents for PM 2012. Specific 

packages developed separately for each of the beneficiary countries; 

• Provision of information to the EC on preparation of the formal announcement letters, 

highlighting the objectives of the PM 2012, overview of the PM 2012 methodology 

and implementation phases, responsibilities of the beneficiaries and the RENA 

secretariat, time-table and deadlines and announcement of kick-off meeting/ trainings; 

• Preparation of new and updated ToCs and IQs for the environmental and climate acquis and 

submission to the EC for revision and approval (January 2012); 

• Update of the Progress Monitoring Manual ( January – February 2012); 

• Update of the Scoring guidelines for all the beneficiary countries; 

• Submission of approved new and updated ToCs and IQs to the beneficiary countries 

(February 2012); 

• Addressing difficulties occurred in the PM 2011 in some of the beneficiary countries, and 

developing updated PM approach and strategy. Discussion with the countries and the EC on 

proposed solutions (e.g. facilitation of inter-governmental coordination among line ministries 

responsible for different environmental sectors); 

• Preparation and delivery of PM 2012 national training workshops for Albania, Kosovo under 

UNSCR 1244/99, Montenegro, Serbia. The workshops were delivered in the following order: 

1. Pristina, Kosovo under UNSCR 1244/99 (02 February 2012); 

2. Tirana, Albania, (22 February 2012); 

3. Belgrade, Serbia, (14 February 2012); 

4. Podgorica, Montenegro, (16 February 2012). 

• Delivery of draft PM reports to the EC (July 2011); 

• Comments on draft PM reports by the EC (July 2011); 

• Review of draft PM reports by RENA experts (July – August 2011); 

• Preparation and submission of final PM reports to the EC (1 September 2011). 


• Preparation and delivery of PM 2012 national training workshops for Bosnia and 

Herzegovina (Sarajevo 20 March 2012, Banja Luka, 21 March 2012); 

• First round of updating of ToCs/IQs by national Ministry, with guidance and assistance from 

the RENA Secretariat (March 2012); 

• Assessment and revision of the updated ToCs and IQs by the RENA experts (April 2012); 



• Preparation of the first draft PM reports (June 2012); 

• Delivery of draft PM reports to the EC (June 2012); 

• Comments on draft PM reports by the EC (July 2012); 

• Review of draft PM reports by RENA experts (July – August 2012); 

• Preparation and submission of final PM reports to the EC (1 September 2012). 

Table 3. PM Reports 2012 – Timetable of activities 

Tasks - Progress Monitoring Years 15 ( 2012) Deadlines FYI:Time 

Start-up meetings 

RENA Secretariat submits ToCs and IQs templates for environmental 

acquis to ministries 

RENA Secretariat submits ToCs and IQs templates for the climate 

acquis to ministries 

Ministry staff submits filled in ToC and IQs for environmental acquis 

to the local expert (LE) 

Ministry staff submits filled in ToC and IQs for climate acquis to the 

local expert (LE) 

The LE makes first assessments of the ToCs and IQs ,requests (if 

needed) additional input and amendments from the ministry and 

prepares the 1 st draft analysis report ( about 1-2 pages summary per act) 

The ToCs, IQs and draft analysis are submitted to KE at RENA 

Secretariat and ministry 

The ministry staff provides feedback and amendments in order to 

address the LE and KE comments on the ToCs and IQ and draft 

analysis 

The LE prepares second draft analysis report ATI (about 1-2 pages 

summary per act) 

KE and STE – RENA team prepare PM draft reports and submit for 

comments and update to EC DG Environment and ministry 

Jan 20 – Feb 

27 

January 30 

February 15 


April 13 

April 13 

April 13 

April 30 

June 01 

MIN: 1 month for 

filling in tables for 

environmental and 

climate acquis 

LE and KE: 2 weeks 

to produce first drafts 

MIN/LE : 10 days to 

provide updates and 

prepare second draft 

analysis report 

RENA: 1 month to 

prepare draft reports 

Ministries and EC submit comments on the PM draft reports July 31 EC and MIN: 1 month 

KE and STE – RENA team finalize PM reports and submit them 

to the Commission 

Colour legend 

Local Expert tasks (LE) 

Ministry tasks 

KE/STE – RENA team 

September 01 

for commenting 

RENA: 1 month to 

finalize reports 



Activity 1.6 Gap Assessments of draft legal acts 


• Compliance check review of Chapter IX Import and Expert of Waste (Art. 48-51) of the 

final Albanian Law No. 10 463 of 22.09.2011 on INTEGRATED WASTE 

MANAGEMENT, comparing the transposition with the requirements of the EU Waste 

Directive and the Basel Convention. 

• Full compliance check of the Albanian Law on Integrated Waste Management with the 

Directive 2008/98/EC , repealing certain directives 


• Provision of compliance check on the draft Albanian draft Law on Air Quality with the 

Directive 2008/50/EC of the European Parliament and of the 11 Council of 21 May 2008 on 

ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe. 

• Provision of compliance check draft Administrative Instruction on Substances that damage 

the Ozone layer with Regulation (EC) N0 1005/2009 of the European Parliament and of the 

Council of 16 September 2009 on substances that deplete the ozone layer. 

• Compliance check on selected draft legislation with relevant EU Directives, as per request by 

the beneficiary countries. 



2.9 Working Group 2. Climate Change 

Direct communication lines between the RENA WG2 team and DG Climate Action established as 

of mid November 2010 greatly improved the effectiveness and efficiency of the process of drafting 

the Work Plan for the Climate Working Group. Since November 2010 RENA works closely with 

DG Climate Action in implementation of the Work Plan. 

WG 2 coordinators at the Annual meeting on 22 February 2011 agreed on the detailed schedule of 

events for 2011. The details were further discussed and agreed on the WG 2 coordinators meeting 

held on 12 June 2011 in Bonn, Germany. 

The 2 nd Annual meeting of WG 2 Coordinators was held on 18 November 2011, where the Work 

Plan for 2012 was discussed and agreed upon. 

Activity 2.1 ReCAP-Regional Climate Change Action Platform 


• Delivery of the 2 nd Annual Meeting of WG 2 Coordinators. The meeting was organised in 

Tirana, Albania (18 November 2011). 




• Delivery of the first ReCAP Climate Policy Seminar - Opportunities, benefits and challenges 

of EU climate policy and legislation. The event was organised in Skopje, fYR of Macedonia 

(02 – 03 February 2012). 

The Seminar was focused on the EU climate policy and legislation and their opportunities, benefits 

and challenges. The target group of the seminar were national and local authorities, the industrial 

sector and civil society organizations. The seminar has been designed in such a way that the first 

day targeted climate policies and implementation. The topics of the second day addressed the key 

EU climate legislation and the challenges ahead. Key note speakers were: Ms. Laurence Graff 

(Head of Unit, DG Clima), Mr. Robert Liddel (Acting Head of EU Delegation Skopje) and Mr. 

Abdilaqim Ademi (Minister of Environment and Physical Planning). The following key issues have 

been addressed: 

1. The EU’s policy to cut the EU's greenhouse emissions by 80% by 2050 (compared with 

1990 levels); 

2. Further developing low-energy technologies, such as renewable energy sources and electric 

vehicles, and investing in low carbon infrastructure that will stimulate growth and help 

create new job opportunities. 

3. Provision of detailed information on key EU climate legislation, including ETS, MMD, 

Renewable targets, GHG from road transport related legislation, inclusion of aviation into 

the ETS. 

For more details please see enclosed consolidated media coverage report (Annex 11). 




• Preparation and delivery of national two days ReCAP seminar on the EU Climate and Energy 

Package, Belgrade, Serbia (29 and 30 March 2012). Focus: main legislative elements (ETS, 

effort sharing, renewables, CCS, F-gases and CO2 from cars including fuel quality). Target 

group: industry, CSOs; central, regional and local authorities, background institutions. 

• Preparation and delivery of one day national seminar on the EU Climate and Energy Package, 

Istanbul, Turkey (13 April 2012). This seminar planned under Activity 2.1 will be combined 

with a workshop on the ETS (Activity 2.3). Target group: high level officials, CEOs and 

NGOs for the first part (Focus: Climate and energy package) and industry (environment) 

managers, authorities and NGOs for the second part (Focus: Generic workshop on Emission 

Trading Scheme). 

• Preparation and delivery of national two days ReCAP seminar on opportunities, benefits and 

challenges of EU Climate policy and legislation, Albania, Tirana, (6 and 7 June 2012 Focus: 

main legislative elements (ETS, effort sharing, renewables, CCS, F-gases and CO2 from cars 

including fuel quality). Target group: industry, CSOs; central, regional and local authorities, 

background institutions. 

• Preparation and delivery of national two days ReCAP seminar on opportunities, benefits and 

challenges of EU Climate policy and legislation, Montenegro, Podgorica, (4 and 5 July 2012 

Focus: main legislative elements (ETS, effort sharing, renewables, CCS, F-gases and CO2 

from cars including fuel quality). Target group: industry, CSOs; central, regional and local 

authorities, background institutions. 



• Delivery of regional workshop on the Monitoring Mechanism Decision (280/2004/EC) and 

its implementing provisions, Tirana, Albania (16 – 17 November, 2011). 

The workshop concentrated its efforts on presenting the Common Reporting Format (CRF) 

Reporter tool of the UNFCCC and its use in compiling data for the GHG Registries. The MMD 

itself establishes mechanism for monitoring all anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals 

by sinks of GHGs. It enables the implementation of the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol as 

regards national programmes, GHG inventories, national systems and registries of the Community 

and its Member States (MS). Additionally, it ensures the timeliness, completeness, accuracy, 

consistency, comparability and transparency of reporting by the Community and its MS to the 

UNFCCC. The training successfully provided: 

1. Introduction to the CRF Reporter tool; 

2. Overview of Annex I countries experience in using the CRF Reporter (Austria, Croatia, 

Germany, Romania); 

3. Overview of RENA country state of play regarding GHG emission inventories; 

4. How to use IPCC methods to estimate emissions from fuel combustion and fugitive 

emissions; 

5. How to compile national GHG inventory by using the CRF Reporter tool. 

The participants were also given two “real-life-medium-difficulty emission estimation” tasks: 1) fuel 

combustion sectoral approach and 2) fuel combustions reference approach which were successfully 

accomplished with the assistance of RENA experts. 



In addition the modalities of the 2012 MMD exercise were agreed upon: steps to take in the 

framework of the RENA WG 2 CC Activity 2.2. MMD in 2012. 

1. RENA Countries to further familiarise themselves with CRF Reporter tool; 

2. Prepare database for Combustion fuels sector in a harmonised way; 

3. Identify strengths and weaknesses in GHG inventory reporting (focus Sector 1A: 

combustion fuels); 

4. Identify gap filling needs and translate into concrete project proposals for further 

consideration. 

• Following the RENA Climate Change Annual meeting a ToR was prepared for national 

experts to start developing better knowledge and capacity as to gradually improve/increase 

the technical and institutional ability of the RENA countries to prepare submissions of 

National Inventory Reports in the framework of the MMD. As such, the exercise should be 

seen as a first step that should lead to the following concrete results: 

1. Result 1: Identified gaps (data quality and availability with focus on institutional and legal 

aspects) 

2. Result 2: Gap filling requirements to establish a sound framework for data flow 

3. Result 3: Recommendations to translate the above into potential national or regional IPA 

project fiches to address identified gaps 

It is expected that the above exercise’s focus (until summer 2012) should concentrate more on 

improving the process of the preparation of sound inventories towards a full and harmonised 

combustion fuel sector GHG inventory using appropriate guidelines and tools. The focus will be 

on the combustion fuel sector 1A. In addition to the above the exercise will also include as a result: 

4. Result 4: Draft list of activities of Annex 1 of the revised ETS Directive (2009/20/EC) in 

the respective RENA countries. 

The MMD kick-of workshop was held in Zagreb, Croatia (10 February 2012). 



• For each RENA country the project team (key experts and national experts) delivery of the 

following: 

1. Description of the national system and data flow (February 2012). 

2. Delivery of energy balances and first data filled in for sector Combustion Fuels into CRF 

(April 2012); 

3. Delivery of second MMD meeting, Zagreb, Croatia (14 June 2012) to discuss progress; 

4. Final draft CRF combustion fuel sector (July 2012)l 

5. Workshop preparations and presentations (13 – 14 September 2012); 

6. List of installations/activities that fall in the scope of ETS from February to September 

2012. 



• Delivery of regional workshop on Monitoring, Reporting and Verification within the EU 

ETS. The workshop was organised in Zagreb, Croatia (26 – 27 September 2011). 



The target group of the workshop were the officials of the relevant climate change departments of 

the Ministries and authorities of the RENA beneficiaries. This workshop was a follow-up of the 

EU-ETS regional workshop held on 16 and 17 May 2011 in Istanbul. The workshop was focused 

on the issue that will remain the technical challenge for the administrations and the 

industry/aviation operators, i.e. the monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) of GHG 

emissions at installation (or aircraft operator level), as a precondition for a proper implementation 

of any cap-and-trade scheme. The key objective was to provide an overview of how monitoring, 

reporting and verification can be organised at the national level and what is required from the 

installations to comply with the MRV obligations. 


• Preparation and delivery of national ETS conference focusing on inclusion of aviation into 

the EU ETS, Zagreb, Croatia, (28 September 2011). 

The key objective was to provide an overview of how and when Croatia will be included in the 

aviation sector of the EU ETS and what is required from the Airline Operators to comply. The 

target group for this event are Croatian officials of the relevant climate departments of the 

Ministries and involved authorities, as well as the aviation sector in Croatia. The workshop 

addressed in detail the legislation and the MRV procedures. 



• Preparation and delivery of regional workshop on the functioning of Registries, Montenegro 

(6 July 2012). Target group: policy makers of the ministries in the field of climate 

change/ETS and technical experts; 

• In addition, all ReCAP events of 2012 (activity 2.1) have an ETS component on the second 

day of the Seminars, focusing on MRV and aviation. ETS experts under activity 2.3 will claim 

their time under this activity. 



2.10 Working Group 3. Cross-border Cooperation and Multilateral Environmental 

Agreements 

Activity 3.1 Nature Protection Sub-group 


• Preparation and delivery of Module 3 regional workshop: “Communication Strategies with 

Stakeholders”, Djerdap, Kladovo, Serbia (1 – 3 November 2011). The agenda items were the 

following: 

1. Aarhus and public participation; objectives of Communication; 

2. Work with Stakeholders: identifying; involving; informing; 

3. Do’s and Don’ts in involving the public; use of Communication media e.g. press; radio; 

publications; meetings etc.; 

4. Good practice case studies. 


• Delivery of the 2 nd Annual Meeting of WG 3 Nature Sub-group Coordinators. The meeting 

was organised in Podgorica, Montenegro (15 December 2011). 





• Preparation and delivery of the Module 4 Workshop “Module 4: Conducting Nature Impact 

Assessments”, due in the period 15 – 17 May 2012 in Shara. Kosovo under UNSCR 1244/99. 

A fact finding mission to the workshop venue area (Shara) is planned in April 2012 to discuss 

the workshop items and to identify the main local stakeholders. 

• Preparation and delivery of the Module 5: Developing sound Nature project proposals for 

donor consideration (Nature project development), due in 10 – 12 July 2012 in Durmitor NP 

(Montenegro). 

• Preparation and delivery of the Module 6: Monitoring Nature Protection Areas due in September 

2012 in Tara NP (Serbia). 

Activity 3.2 Water Management Sub-group 


• Delivery of the second regional training/workshop “River Basin District characterisation, 

including economic analysis”. In accordance with the work plan, the workshop has been 

organised as back to back event together with Drin Dialogue meeting in Podgorica, 

Montenegro (26 – 27 September 2011). 

The workshop was organised in cooperation with Drin Dialogue. The training covered River Basin 

District characterisation stage, including water bodies’ delineation, pressures and impacts analysis 

and economic analysis, as required by the WFD. As the training was held in the Drin river basin, it 



also covered three major lakes of the region (Shkodra, Prespa and Ohrid), and available data on this 

specific sub-basin was used. The agenda items were the following: 

1. Round table discussion on characterisation of RBDs in pre-candidate and candidate 

countries; 

2. Delineation of water bodies; 

3. Pressures and impacts assessment: water abstraction, diffuse and point pollution; 

4. Pressures and impacts assessment: flow regulation, morphological alterations and other; 

5. Economic analysis of water use; 

6. Introduction to the Drin river basin; 

7. Exercise on Drin river basin district characterisation; 

8. Experience of characterisation of RBDs in EU Member States. 


• Participation of the Water Management sub-group SSTE Mr. Simonas Valatka in DABLAS 

workshop on IRBM Planning and the WFD – How to Get Started The workshop was held 

on 11-12 October 2011, in Belgrade. The expert commented the IRBM Guide, prepared by 

the DABLAS and presented RENA Water Management sub-group and its activities to the 

workshop participants. 

• Preparation and delivery of the 3 rd regional workshop “Heavily modified water bodies and 

new modifications”, Belgrade, Serbia (29 November – 01 December 2011). 

The workshop was building on the results achieved during the second workshop on 

characterisation of RBDs. Three major sessions were presented to participants: 1) Identification, 

Designation and Objectives for HMWB and AWB. Experience of the host country; 2) Definition 

of Good Ecological Potential and Exemptions to the Environmental Objectives, and 3) Experience 

Exchange on the Heavily Modified and Artificial Water Bodies Designation in Member States. 


• Delivery of the 2 nd Annual Meeting of WG 3 Water Management Sub-group Coordinators. 

The meeting was organised in Belgrade, Serbia (01 December 2011). The main objective of the 

meeting was to present the implemented activities since the 1 st Annual Meeting and to reach the 

agreement on the planned activities in the upcoming period (confirmation of the selected topics, 

dates and venues). 

• Preparation and delivery of the 4 th regional training/workshop on Monitoring of Ecological 

Status, Intercalibration and Coordination of Criteria for Good Status of Water Bodies. The 

workshop was held in Shkodra, Albania (28 February – 1 March 2012). 

The topic of ecological assessment and classification systems, and thus monitoring systems is one 

of the most important and technically challenging parts of the implementation of the WFD. The 

workshop consisted of the following sessions: 

1. Monitoring programmes under the WFD; 

2. Classification of ecological status and the intercalibration process; 

3. Lessons learned from EU MS experiences. 

The Participants site visit has been made to Shkodra lake and Drin river, after which Albanian 

participants described the main pressures, quality elements and monitoring system for these water 

bodies. 



The workshop report is under preparation and will be submitted with the next Interim Report. 


• Preparation and delivery of 5 th regional workshop Role of National and International 

Financing Sources in Environmental Financing. Programmes of Measures in Accordance 

with the WFD. The workshop will be organised as joint event with the regional workshop 

under Investment Planning Sub-group in Montenegro (21-23 May 2012). 

Activity 3.3 EIA/SEA Sub-group 


• Delivery of the 2 nd Annual Meeting of WG 3 EIA/SEA Sub-group Coordinators. 

The meeting was organised in Dubrovnik, Croatia (10 November 2011). The main objective of the 

meeting was to present the implemented activities since the 1 st Annual Meeting and to reach the 



• Preparation and delivery of the second training workshop on SEA and IPA programmes. The 

workshop was held in Dubrovnik, Croatia (08 – 09 November 2011). 

During the first regional workshop on EIA/SEA held in June 2011 in Istanbul, Turkey, the 

participants suggested that another topic "SEA for IPA programmes", as quite urgent for RENA 

countries, should be covered by RENA training in the nearest future. Thus the additional training 

was organised. It was focused on SEA practical application for IPA programmes considering their 

specifics. Participants went through all steps and analyses, to be usually performed in SEA and 

which are in line with the approach promoted by the Handbook on SEA for Cohesion Policy 2007 

- 2013. 



• Preparation and delivery of the third training workshop on EIA/SEA differences and 

common features in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina (24 – 26 April 2012). 

Activity 3.4 Multilateral Environmental Agreements 

Implemented activities during the second interim reporting period 

• In line with the decision made during the 2 nd Annual meeting of WG 1 Coordinators ( 24 

November, 2012, Brussels, Belgium), this activity has been merged with the activity 1.6 Gap 

assessment and compliance check of the draft Legislation with the EU environmental acquis 

and Multilateral Environmental Agreements. 

• Compliance check review of Chapter IX Import and Expert of Waste (Art. 48-51) of the 

final Albanian Law No. 10 463 of 22.09.2011 on INTEGRATED WASTE 

MANAGEMENT, comparing the transposition with the requirements of the EU Waste 

Directive and the Basel Convention. 


• Upon request, compliance checks on the draft legislation of the beneficiary countries with the 

EU environmental acquis and Multilateral Environmental Agreements. 



2.11 Working Group 4. ECENA 

The focus of the activities during September 2011 – March 2012 was placed on the implementation 

of Activity 4.1 National trainings with exchange, Activity 4.2 Country external assessments, and 

Activity 4.6 ECENA participation in relevant networks. Furthermore preparatory activities have 

been carried out for Activity 4.3 EU ETS Compliance and Activity 4.4 Transfrontier Shipment of 

Waste. 

Activity 4.1 Capacity building regarding compliance with environmental legislation through 

better understanding of issues and identification of targeted solutions 


• Preparation and delivery of fourth national training/workshop on selected subjects in Cluster 

I for Turkey, Izmir, Turkey (4 – 7 October 2011) 

The fourth training course in the series of eight courses was organised in Izmir, Turkey (04 – 07 

October 2011). The total number of participants was 25 (inspectors and permit writers), including 

two inspectors from Montenegro and three inspectors from fYR of Macedonia. The Ege Celik 

Steel factory – (60 kilometres north from Izmir) served as the site where a site visit and a “common 

inspection” were held. As special subject Turkey has originally chosen SEVESOII. In 

communication with the Ministry (MOEF) this was later changed into the overview of waste 

management legislation in the EU, also considering the waste produced by the steel industry. A 

special module on waste management was therefore developed and included in the presentation 

materials. The agenda items of the training were the following: 

1. Introduction, regulatory cycle, management of inspections, priority setting, reporting and 

feedback, basics of permitting, exercise in human resource management. Introduction to 

special subjects (Waste Management); 

2. Developments with reference to the IED/IPPC. Discussion on contents of application and 

Integrated PERMIT; Study on the BREF and/or BAT of the selected industry (Arc 

Furnace steel industry); Presentation on the facility to be inspected by representative of the 

factory, planning of the site visit in groups, experience of the invited inspectors on the 

selected facility; 

3. Site visit and reporting; 

4. Presentation of results of the visit; advice for follow-up; special subject of the beneficiary 

country: Waste Management; 

5. Open Discussion on cooperation between authorities. 

The contributions of the invited inspectors from fYR of Macedonia and from Montenegro were 

excellent and especially contributed to the understanding of the permits and permitting process in 

their respective countries, indicating the status of starting up a fully developed IPPC permitting 

system. The presentations served as a benchmark, indicating that in Turkey the legislative part lags 

behind and that in both Montenegro and fYR of Macedonia, only the first steps have been taken in 

IPPC permit applications and issuance. 

The new requirements in the IED over and above the IPPC requirements have not been 

incorporated at all. The information on the changes induced by the IED is clearly explained and 

will have quite an impact on the human resources (permit writers, inspectors and reporting 

obligations). 

The site visit was once more very illustrative. Full cooperation of the management of the factory in 

providing data enabled the open discussion the required control measures and management of 



waste, resources (scrap) and reduction of fugitive emissions. Some concerns were raised about the 

working conditions in high temperature and high dust environments of the factory. Personal 

protection could be improved considerably. 

Very positive developments have been presented also from the side of the Ministry, including the 

certification requirements in supply of scrap to the steel industry. 

The factory presented their special hazardous waste storage area which was required by the 

authorities. Most waste materials were out- contracted for disposal and recycling. Emphasis has 

been given to the ultimate responsibility for the end use of all waste materials which lies with the 

manufacturer. 

Attention was put on potential dioxins emission problems and the company claims that it has 

adequately taken care of it. 

Useful information was exchanged between the invited inspectors and the factory management on 

cost figures for primary and secondary air treatment of the Arc Furnace. 


• Detailed Topics Definition with focus on the general training package for the second batch of 

four countries (Serbia, fYR of Macedonia, Montenegro and Croatia); 

A similar approach has been followed as for the first batch of 4 countries. In the definition, 

selection of topics, and execution of the activities, consideration has been given to other ongoing 

projects in the countries and the level of speed and status of approximation. The Activity 4.1 

programme should be considered as complementary to ongoing programmes (IPA, TAIEX, 

national and bilateral) with an emphasis being placed on the practical implementation and 

enforcement of directives and regulations with case studies and pilot sites, exchange programme 

activities as central elements. 

The priorities indicated in the inception missions and questionnaires for each country are used as a 

basis for composing the national trainings aiming at a tailor-made approach to the trainings. 

The in-depth training will be achieved by scrutinizing an actual permit of a facility designated by the 

beneficiary country, followed by discussions on the application of the permit with the 

representatives of the factory complemented by onsite visits and reporting. Monitoring and 

enforcement will be discussed and examples of enforcement management and strategies discussed. 

The onsite visits will be accompanied by experienced inspectors from other countries in order to 

exchange their experience with the inspectors of the beneficiary countries. New developments in 

the implementation of directives like IED, REACH, and the Environmental crime directive will 

also be covered, depending on the requests and needs of the beneficiary countries, and the RENA 

budget. 

Based on information provided by the beneficiary countries, supplemented with information from 

participants of the recent meeting of WG 4, an analysis for Serbia, fYR of Macedonia, Montenegro 

and Croatia has been prepared. 

Reference has been made to recent reports of and for the Commission on the state of development 

in the beneficiary countries. 

For mored details please see the enclosed report on the final selection of topics for Batch 2 

countries (Annex 20). 



• Manual and materials development for the second batch of training workshops 

The priorities indicated in the inception mission reports and filled in questionnaires for each 

country are used as a basis for composing the national trainings aiming at a tailor made approach to 

the trainings. In addition based on the comments and experience gained during the training courses 

in the first batch of training workshops, specific additions, adaptations and further elaborations 

have been made. 

The special subjects and specific directives and regulations to be selected might include IED/IPPC 

with EIA, LCP, PRTR, RMCEI, SEVESO II, VOCs, Waste and Chemicals management and 

Environmental Crime 

Based on the discussions with the WG 4 coordinators the following subject and pilot industries will 

be covered in the upcoming period: 

1. Serbia (27 – 30 March 2012): petrochemical plant with IED/IPPC, SEVESOII and waste 

management as special subjects; 

2. fYR of Macedonia (09 – 13 April 2012); steel production (EAF) with IED/IPPC and 

REACH as special subjects; 

3. Montenegro (03 – 07 September 2012), LCP – thermo electric power plant and waste 

landfills as special subjects; 

4. Croatia (planned 01 – 05 October 2012), (calcium aluminates cement plant) with IED/ 

revision of RMCEI as special subjects. 

For more details please see the enclosed training manual (Annex 21). 


• Preparation and delivery of fifth national training/workshop on selected subjects in Cluster I 

for Serbia, Belgrade (27 – 29 March 2012). 

• Preparation and delivery of the 6th national training/workshop on selected subjects in 

Cluster I FYR of Macedonia (planned 9 – 13 April 2012); steel production (EAF) with 

IED/IPPC and REACH as special subjects. 

• Preparation and delivery of the 7th national training/workshop on selected subjects in 

Cluster I Montenegro (planned 3 – 7 September 2012), LCP – thermo electric power plant 

and waste landfills as special subjects 

Activity 4.2 Country external assessments with a review of inspection and enforcement 

powers 


• Fact finding missions and preparation of draft reports for BiH (September 2011), Albania 

(October 2011), Kosovo (October 2011) and Turkey (December 2011). 


• Final editing and website publishing of all Country Assessment Reports for Serbia, 

Montenegro, fYR of Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo under UNSCR 1244/99, Bosnia and 

Herzegovina, and Turkey. Comments on the final drafts are expected to be received from 

Kosovo under UNSCR 1244/99 and Turkey. 



Activity 4.3 EU ETS Compliance 

Implemented activities during third interim reporting period 

• Preparation for the 2-day regional workshop on EU ETS to be organised in Croatia (15 – 16 

May 2012). 

The training topics have been assessed. The assessment was based on the experiences of the EU 

ETS training courses provided under WG 2. The topics are related to the specific tasks of 

inspectors in the process of monitoring, reporting and compliance. Robust, simplified, transparent, 

consistent and accurate monitoring and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions is essential for the 

effective operation of the Emissions Trading System, the EU's key tool for reducing greenhouse 

gas emissions cost-effectively. Only through stringent monitoring and reporting operators know 

how much they emit and are able to identify their reduction potentials Accordingly, industrial 

installations and aircraft operators covered by the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) are 

required to have an emission permit and an approved monitoring plan, according to which they 

survey and report their emissions during the year. In line with the EU ETS Directive, the 

Commission has adopted guidelines for the monitoring and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions, 

known as "MRG". The original guidelines were adopted in 2004 for the first trading period (2005- 

2007) and revised in 2007 for the second trading period (2008-2012). For the third trading period 

(2013-2020), the Commission is currently preparing two regulations replacing the MRG in the 

future: one on monitoring and reporting and one on accreditation and verification. 

Based on the assessment, the selected training topics are the following: 

1. Introduction on ETS and ETS post 2012; 

2. Monitoring , Reporting, Verification and Accreditation; 

3. Monitoring Plans; 

4. Formats of emission reports; 

5. Experience in Germany and Croatia; 

6. Accreditation of Verifiers; 

7. Free industry allocation post 2012; 

8. Inclusion of aviation in the EU ETS. 


• Delivery of the 2-day regional workshop on EU ETS to be organised in Croatia (15 – 16 May 

2012). 

Activity 4.4 Transfrontier Shipment of Waste 


• Preparation of the 1 st regional workshop on TFS to be organised in Istanbul, Turkey (18 – 19 

April 2012). 

• Preparation of the 2 nd regional workshop on TFS to be organised in fYR of Macedonia (13 – 

14 June 2012). 

The workshop programmes have been prepared in close cooperation with the IMPEL expert on 

TFS (Ms. Nancy Isarin). The first draft programme has been distributed and discussed with the 

WG 4 coordinators. Based on the latest feed back during the WG 4 annual meeting in Skopje, FYR 

of Macedonia (18 October 2011) an adapted programme has been elaborated incorporating the 



comments which were related to safety aspects during inspection; return of waste shipment; end of 

waste criteria. 


• Delivery of the 1 st regional workshop on TFS to be organised in Istanbul, Turkey (18 – 19 

April 2012). 

• Preparation of the 2 nd regional workshop on TFS to be organised in fYR of Macedonia (13 – 

14 June 2012). 

Activity 4.6 ECENA participation in relevant networking activities 


• Delivery of the 2 nd Annual Meeting of WG 4 Coordinators. 

The meeting was organised in Skopje, fYR of Macedonia (18 October 2011). The main objective of 

the meeting was to present the implemented activities since the 1 st Annual Meeting and to reach the 



• Provision of support to participation of ECENA members in other networks (GAM IMPEL, 

IMPEL Cluster 1, IMPEL Cluster 2, IMPEL Cluster 3, INTERPOL, Green Force and 

INECE): 

1. 8 th IMPEL General Assembly, Warsaw, Poland, 24-25 November 2011 (participation: Ms. 

Anita Pokrovac Patekar, Croatia and Mr. Igor Trajkoski, fYR of Macedonia); 

2. IMPEL-TFS NCP Exchange Days, Berlin, Germany, 28 – 29 September 2011 

(participation: Mr. Branislav Galesev, Serbia). 

• Participation of RENA TL/WG4 Leader, Mr. van der Putte at the meetings/workshops 

organised by other networks and relevant initiatives to introduce RENA including WG4 

ECENA: 

1. Participation and presentation of RENA at the 8th IMPEL General Assembly, Wasaw, 

Poland (24 -25 November 2011); 

2. Participation in the UNIDO Round Table “Promoting innovative industries and 

technologies for a sustainable future in Europe and the NIS region” Vienna, Austria (30 

November 2011). 


• Provision of support to participation of ECENA members in other networks (GAM IMPEL, 

IMPEL Cluster 1, IMPEL Cluster 2, IMPEL Cluster 3, IMPEL TFS, INTERPOL, Green 

Force and INECE). 



3. RENA WORK PLAN AND MILESTONES 

This chapter contains the Work Plan for the overall period of project implementation and a detailed 

Work Plan for the six month period September 2011 – March 2012. 

3.1 Project Work Plan 2010-2013 

The RENA Work Plan 2010-2013 is set out in the table below. 

Table 4. General Work Plan and schedule 

Already completed activities 

Ongoing activities and 

Planned for next progress report period 

Planned activities beyond next progress report period 

WG 1 

Activity 1.1 

Support to 

Approximation 

Planning in BiH 

and Kosovo 

Activity 1.2 RISP 

– Regional 

Institutional 

Support Platform 

Task Period Planned milestone 

Progress Monitoring Reports 

on approximation in BiH and 

Kosovo 

Proposal of three-day 

workshop and training in 

approximation planning 

(Pristina, Kosovo under 

UNSCR1244/99) 

3-Day Workshop on 

Approximation Planning 

(Pristina, Kosovo under 

UNSCR1244/99) 

2-Day Workshop 

Approximation Obligations 

and Accession Negotiation 

Milestone 

reached 

12/2010 PMR completed 2/2011 

4/3/2011 

3-5/10/2011 

23-24/11/2011 

Agreed training 

activities 

Training materials 

prepared, Workshop 

held 


prepared, Workshop 

held 



23-24/11/2011 

(Brussels, Belgium) 

Task Period Planned milestone Milestone 

reached 

Preparation of 1 st Annual 

WG1 Coordinators/RISP 

meeting 

Prepare training modules on 

new legislation 

1 st Annual WG 1/RISP 

meeting 

1 st Regional Workshop on 

Environmental Crime and 

Liability (Zagreb, Croatia) 

2/2011 

3-4/2011 

Draft of legislation and 

training options sent to 

WG 1 coordinators 

Training 

modules/materials 

prepared 

4/3/2011 Meeting/training held 

30- 31/5/2011 

Training 


prepared. Workshop 

held. 



Podgorica, 


Zagreb, 30- 




Activity 1.3 

Investment 

Planning 

2 nd Regional Workshop on 

CLP/REACH (Istanbul, 

Turkey) 

3 rd Regional Workshop on 

INSPIRE/2 nd Annual WG 1/ 

RISP meeting (Vienna, 

Austria) 

4 th Regional Workshop on 

Environmental Criminal Law 

(Budva, Montenegro) 

5 th Regional Workshop – 

Simulation of EU Accession 

Negotiation Process (Skopje, 

fYR f Macedonia) 

3 rd Annual WG1/RISP 

meeting 

Prepare template for requests 

for national training under 

RISP 

First draft update of 

Implementation Handbook 

11-12/10/2011 

17-18/12/2011 

30-31/5/2012 

06/2012 

Training 



held. 

Training 


prepared 

Meeting/training held 

Training 



held. 

Training 



held. 

12/2012 Meeting held 


Template sent to 

beneficiaries 

11-12/10/2011 

17-18/12/2011 


6/2012 

First draft submitted to 

the EC 

Final updated Annex 

Final Update of 

to the Handbook 

10/2012 


produced and 

published 


reached 

Creation of Sub- group 11/2010 Sub- group created 29/11/2010 

1 st Annual Sub-group meeting 

Programme for the Skopje, 

11/2010 

(Skopje, fYR of Macedonia) 

next period agreed 29/11/2010 

Results evaluated and 

2 nd Annual Sub-group 

25/1/2012 programme for the 25/1/2012 

meeting (Tirana, Albania) 

next period agreed 

3 rd Annual Sub-group 


11/2012 

meeting 

Finalisation of needs 

assessment 

Two national workshops on 

investment plan and financing 

plan development (Albania 

and BiH) 

Three national workshops on 


plan development (Kosovo 

under UNSCR 1244/99, 

Turkey and Serbia) 

Two national workshops on 


plan development 

(Montenegro and fYR of 

Macedonia) 

9/2010 – 

11/2010 




wrap up 

Agreement on topics 

for training and tools 

Agreed national format 

for investment projects 

list 

Description of country 

specific gaps regarding 

investment projects 



list 






list 




29/11/2010 

Tirana, 13 April 

2011; 

Sarajevo, 15 

April 2011 

Pristina, 6 May 


Ankara, 9 May 


Belgrade, 30 


Podgorica, 1 

June 2011; 

Skopje, 2 June 

2011 



Activity 1.4 Public 

participation in 

planning 

Combined regional meeting: 

“Prioritisation of 

environmental investment 

projects and project 

preparation” and 

regional workshop “The EU 

requirements and 

identification of 

environmental projects, 

approximation costs 

assessment” (Dubrovnik, 

Croatia) 

Regional workshop: Planning 

of environmental investment 

and prioritisation of 



preparation (combined with 

second Annual meeting), 

Tirana, Albania 

Combined regional 

meeting: “Prioritisation of 



preparation” and Regional 

workshop: Role of national 

and international financing 

sources in environmental 

financing and Development 

of Programmes of Measures 

in Accordance with the WFD, 

Montenegro 

Regional workshop on 

Development of 

Environmental Financing 

Plans 

Coordination with WBIF, 

IFIs coordination unit and 

other initiatives 


24-25/1/2012 

Workshop report: 

Priority Investment 

Project list updated; 

means for further 

promotion of the list 

confirmed. 

Main EU 

environmental heavycost 

acquis and related 

measures discussed. 

Cost assessment 

methodologies and 

experiences of other 

countries presented. 

Workshop report: 

Example content for 

an investment plan 

21-23/5/2012 Workshop report 

11/2012 Workshop report 

In parallel with 

sub-group 

meetings and at 

the meetings of 


when possible 

Environmental 

investment projects list 

coordinated 


24-25/1/2012 


reached 

Preparation of proposals for 

tools to support transposition 

and implementation of public 

participation requirements in 

the environmental acquis and 

MEAs 

Discussion of proposal at WG 

1/RISP Meeting #1 

Implementation of regional 

trainings on public 


Detailed public 

participation capacity 

building and support 

activity scheme 

prepared 

4/3/2011 Approval of proposal 

12/2011- 

12/2012 

Meeting/training held, 

follow up materials 


Podgorica, 




Activity 1.5 

Progress 

monitoring 

participation in approximation 

of new EU legislation 

(integrated with RISP 

workshops/Handbook 

updating) 

produced and 

published 


reached 

Preparation of 2010 PM and 

completion of ToCs and IQs 

Support in new EU legislation 

and Progress Monitoring 

Assistance in revision and 

correction of draft ToCs and 

IQs 

Preparation of Country PM 

Reports 

Completion of final PM 2010 

country reports 

Agreement on list of 

legislation and approach for 

PM 2011 

EC announcement to 

ministries 

Preparation of new and 

update of the existing ToCs 

and IQs 

New ToCs and IQs submitted 

to EC for review 

Comments and approval of 

new and updated ToCs and 

IQs 

Approved ToCs and IQs sent 

to Beneficiaries 

Agreement with RENA 

countries on draft and final 

reporting dates 

7/2010 Acquis list agreed 5/7/2010 

ToCs & IQs prepared 

7/2010 Support provided 31/8/2010 

7-9/2010 ToCs and IQs updated 

in each beneficiary 

7-11/2010 PM Country Reports 

submitted to EC 

10/2010-2/2011 


Final PM 2010 reports 


EC approval of list of 

legislation and 

methodology 

31/10/2010 

15/11/2010 



2/2011 Letters sent 22/2/2011 






Draft PM Reports 2011 15/6/2011 

ToCs and IQs 

prepared 

ToCs and IQs 

submitted 

ToCs and IQs 

reviewed and approved 

Approved ToCs and 

IQs submitted to 

Beneficiaries 

Reporting deadlines 

agreed 

Draft PM Reports 







1 – 12/7/2011 

EC comments 1/7/2011 EC comments received 18 – 25/7/2011 

Final PM Reports 2011 1/9/2011 

National PM 2011 training 

(Montenegro) 


(fYR of Macedonia) 


(Turkey) 


(Serbia) 

Final PM Reports 


3/3/2011 Training completed 




1 – 14/9/2011 

Podgorica, 


Skopje, 


Ankara, 


Belgrade, 





(Albania) 


(Kosovo) 


(BiH) 

Preparatory activities for PM 

2012 

Preparation of the formal 

announcement of the exercise 

in collaboration with the EC. 

Updating/establishing new 

ToC and IQ for newly 

adopted legislation 

28-29/3/2011 Training completed 




1/2012 

1-2/2012 

Tirana, 


Pristina, 


Sarajevo, 


Address difficulties 

occurred in 2011; 

Solutions proposed 

and discussed; 

Compliance checking 

of selected draft 

legislation alignment 10-12/2011 

with 

EU 

environmental acquis 

upon request; 

Updating the approach 

for the PM activities 

for year 15 . 

Developing 

information package 

and announcement 

documents for 

beneficiaries. 

Providing information 1/2012 

to the EC on 

preparation of the 

formal announcement 

letters; 

Letters sent. 

ToCs and IQs 

prepared and approved 

by the EC 

1-2/2012 

Distribution of the updated 

ToCs and IQs to the 

beneficiary countries 

Introductory/ Kick-Off 

meetings combined with 

national trainings on PM 

methodology for the 

Beneficiaries 

First round of updating of 

ToCs/IQs 

2/2012 

2/2012 

4/2012 

Draft PM Reports 2011 6/2012 

Final PM Reports 2011 9/2012 

ToCs and IQs 

submitted to 

Beneficiaries 

Kick off 

meetings/Trainings 

organised 

First draft of filled in 

ToCs and IQs received 





2/2012 

Pristina, 

2/2/2012; 

Tirana, 

22/2/2012; 

Belgrade, 

14/2/2012 

Podgorica, 

16/2/2012; 

Sarajevo, 

20/3/2012; 

Banja Luka, 

21/3/2012 



Activity 1.6 

Gap assessments 

of draft legal acts 

WG2 

Activity 2.1 

ReCAP – 

Regional Climate 

Change Action 

Platform 

Activity 2.2 GHG 

Reporting 


reached 

Preparation of Template for 

request for RENA support 

under Activity 1.6 


Deployment of experts 3/2011 

Completion of Gap 

Assessment Report on the 

draft legislation 

Evaluation and follow-up of 

As requested 

Template provided to 

beneficiaries 

Model ToR completed, 

STE approved 

9/2012 Draft report prepared 

Activity 1.6 


reached 

1st Annual WG2 meeting 

(Zagreb, Croatia) 

2nd Annual WG2 meeting 

(Tirana, Albania) 



3rd Annual WG2 meeting 11/2012 

1 st regional workshop on the 

EU Climate and Energy 

Package (Budva, Montenegro) 

2 nd regional workshop on EU 

policies and legislation 

(transport, F-gases and non- 

ETS sector policies) (Istanbul, 

Turkey) 

3 rd regional workshop on 

ReCAP follow-up projects 

(Bonn, Germany) 

ReCAP seminar 1 (Skopje, 

fYR of Macedonia) 

ReCAP seminar 2 (Belgrade, 

Serbia) 

ReCAP seminar 3 (Istanbul, 

Turkey) 




Programme confirmed 


for the next 12 months 






and wrap-up 

Workshop report on 

the Climate and Energy 21-22/3/2011 

package 


EU climate policies 

(transport, F-gases and 

non-ETS) 

Workshop report with 

ReCAP Work Plan 



2-3/2/2012 Seminar report 2-3/2/2012 

29-30/3/2012 Seminar report 

13/4/2012 Seminar report 

ReCAP seminar 4 (Albania) 6-7/6/2012 Seminar report 

ReCAP seminar 5 

(Montenegro) 


ReCAP seminar 6 (Kosovo 

under UNSCR 1244/99) 


ReCAP seminar 7 (BiH) 8/11/2012 Seminar report 

Climate projects development 11/2011 ongoing 

Target: 2 projects 

developed to sufficient 

detail which can be 

sustained after project 

completion 

MMD fiche 

prepared and 

approved 


reached 

1 st regional workshop on 30/6-1/7/2011 



Activity 2.3 

EU-ETS 

WG3 

Activity 3.1 

Nature Protection 

implementing the Monitoring 

and Mechanism Decision 

(Skopje, fYR of Macedonia) 

2 nd regional workshop 2 on 

GHG inventory reporting , 

(Tirana, Albania) 

MMD kick off meeting 


Hands on support to prepare 

GHG emission inventories 

4 th regional workshop on 



17-18/11/2011 

10/2/2012 

2/2012 - 

11/2012 

9/2012 

Workshop Report on 

the MMD 

implementation 


the GHG emissions 

inventories and 

reporting 

Meeting held, Work 

Plan agreed 

Progress reporting and 

help desk. Regional 

Experts Meeting on 14 

June in Zagreb 





30/6-1/7/2011 

17-18/11/2011 

10/2/2012 


reached 

1 st regional workshop on EU- 



ETS (Turkey) 

EU-ETS 


2 nd regional workshop on 



EU-ETS (Croatia) 

EU-ETS 


National workshop on 

inclusion of aviation into the 

ETS (Croatia) 

28/9/2011 Workshop Report 28/9/2011 

National EU ETS awareness 

raising event (fYR of 

Macedonia) with ReCAP 


raising event (Serbia) with 

ReCAP 


raising event (Turkey) with 

ReCAP 


raising event (Albania) with 

ReCAP 


raising event (Montenegro) 

with ReCAP 


registries (Montenegro) 

Assist on drafting installations 

list preparation 


raising event (Kosovo under 

UNSCR) with ReCAP See 

above 


raising event (Bosnia and 

Herzegovina) with ReCAP 

3/2/2012 Workshop Report 3/2/2012 

29-30/3/2012 Seminar Report 

13/4/2012 Seminar Report 



6/7/2012 

10/2011 – 

10/2012 

Report on Registries 

and Workshop 

Draft installations lists 




reached 

1 st Nature Sub-group Annual 

Programme established 

28/10/2010 

28/10/2010 

meeting (Zagreb, Croatia) 


2 nd Nature Sub-group Annual 15/12/2011 Programme established 15/12/2011 



Activity 3.2 Water 

Management 

meeting (Podgorica, 

Montenegro) 

3 rd Nature Sub-group Annual 

meeting 

Module 1 regional workshop: 

Development of Nature Sites 

Management Plans (Kopacki 

Rit/Gornje Podunavlje) 

Module 2 – regional 

workshop: Nature 

management and 

strengthening local economy 

(Dorjan Lake) 

Module 3 – regional 

workshop: Communication 

with stakeholders (Djerdap) 

Preparation of the donor 

database 

Module 4 - Workshop. 


assessments 


Developing sound nature 

cross border projects (project 

development) 

Module 6 Workshop: 

Monitoring Nature Protection 

Areas 

Development of follow up 

projects (at least two project 

fiches, etc) 

11/2012 


6 – 8/9/2011 


7/2012 

4/2012 

7/2012 

9/2012 

1/2013 


Programme 

established for the 

next period and wrap 

up 


management planning 

and Workshop 


Nature management 

and strengthening local 

economy 


Stakeholder 

Communication 

Donor database 

prepared and published 

on RENA website 

Workshop report 

Nature Impact 

Assessments 


Nature project 

development 


Monitoring and 

Reporting 





completion 




Project fiche 

for fYR of 

Macedonia 

prepared, 

provision of 

assistance to 

Serbia in 

drafting project 

fiche 


reached 

Creation of Sub- group on 

Water management 

1 st Water Management Subgroup 

Annual meeting 

2 nd Water Management Subgroup 


3 rd Water Management Subgroup 



assessment 

1 st regional workshop - Basic 

measures: the role of the 

Water Framework directive 

(Istanbul, Turkey) 

11/2010 Sub- group created 01/12/2010 

1/12/2010 


11/2012 

9/2010 – 

11/2010 


Programme for the 



programme for the 



wrap up 


for training and pilot 

sites 

Training/workshop 

report including 

description of practical 

examples, used during 

01/12/2010 


01/12/2010 




Activity 3.3 

EIA / SEA 

2 nd regional workshop - River 

Basin District 

characterisation, Podgorica, 

Montenegro 

3 rd regional workshop - 

Heavily modified water bodies 

and new modifications, 

Belgrade, Serbia 

4 th regional workshop - 

Coordination of criteria for 

good water status and 

modelling of environmental 

impact of human activities on 

water bodies, Shkodra, 

Albania 

Combined 5 th regional 

workshop: “Role of national 




of the Programme of 

Measures in accordance with 

the WFD” , Montenegro 

6 th regional workshop - WFD 

derogations and public 

participation, as well as 

stakeholder involvement 


29/11- 


28/2-1/3/2012 

21-23/5/2012 

11/ 2012 

the training 

Pilot site: Drin river 

basin. 

Workshop report. 

Drina river sub-basin. 

Workshop report. 

Check list on major 

steps to be taken 

during the cross-border 

coordination of good 

water status criteria and 

monitoring. 

Guidelines which 

would describe all 

major steps required to 

develop cost-effective 

programme of 

measures for countries. 

Training workshop 


description of practical 

examples from Neretva 

basin, used during the 

training. 


29/11- 


28/2-1/3/2012 

21-23/5/2012 

Assessment of further 

capacity building needs 

11/2012 List of needs 


reached 

Creation of Sub- group on 

EIA/SEA 

1 st EIA/SEA Sub-group 


2 nd EIA/SEA Sub-group 


3 rd EIA/SEA Sub-group 



assessment 

1 st regional workshop - 

Approaches to transposition 

of EIA/SEA directives. 

Application of EIA/SEA and 

IPA projects, Istanbul, Turkey 

2 nd regional workshop - SEA 

and IPA programmes, 

Dubrovnik, Croatia 

3 d regional workshop - 

EIA/SEA differences and 

common features, Mostar, 


18/1/2011 Sub- group created 18/1/2011 



12/2012 

9/2010 – 1/2011 


8-10/11/ 2011 

24-26/4/2012 

Programme for the 



programme for the 



wrap up 


for training and pilot 

sites 



description of 

examples, used during 

the training. 


report. 


report. Quality review 

of prepared EIA/SEA 

documents, to be 



9/2010 – 



8-10/11/ 2011 



Activity 3.4 

Multilateral 

Environmental 

Agreements – gap 

assessments 

WG 4. 

Activity 4.1 

Compliance 

Capacity building 

4 th regional workshop - SEA 

cross-border procedures, 

including consultation and 

interpretation of cross-border 

impacts. 

5 th regional workshop - EIA 

cross-border procedures, 

including consultation and 

interpretation of cross-border 

impacts. 

Assessment of further CB 

needs 

25-27/9/2012 

11/ 2012 

submitted by BiH. 

Guide to 

transboundary 

consultations process: 

steps, activities to be 

carried out and 

responsibilities. 

Guide to 

transboundary 

consultations process: 

steps, activities to be 

carried out and 

responsibilities. 

11/2012 List of needs 


Milestone 

reached 

List of proposed MEAs for 

Agreed list of MEAs 


Activity 3.4 

for gap assessments 


Preparation of Template for 

Template provided to 

request for RENA support 3/2011 

beneficiaries 

under Activity 3.4 


Request from country As needed Request received 

MEA gap assessment 

MEAs gap assessment 

Upon request 

performed 

report delivered 


reached 

Detailed topics definition with 

focus on the general package 

and 1st batch of 4 countries 

(Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia and 

Herzegovina, Turkey) 

Manual and materials 

development for 1st batch of 

training 

1st national training workshop 

on selected subjects Cluster I 

for Albania, with common 

inspections(Cluster II) 

2nd national training 

workshop on selected subjects 

Cluster I for Kosovo, with 

common inspections (Cluster 

II) 

3rd national training 


Cluster I for Bosnia and 

Herzegovina, with common 

inspections (Cluster II) 

4th national training 


Cluster I, Turkey with 


9/2010-11/2010 

11/2010-2/2011 





Topics selection and 

assessment report 1. 


1st batch 

National trainings 

Workshop report and 

report on training 1 







11/2010 

11/2010- 








Activity 4.2 

Country external 

assessments 

II) 

Detailed topics definition with 

focus on the general package 

and the 2nd batch of 4 

countries (Serbia, fYR of 

Macedonia, Montenegro and 

Croatia) 


development for 2nd batch of 

training workshops 



Cluster I for Serbia, with 


II) 



Cluster I for fYR of 

Macedonia, with common 




Cluster I for Montenegro with 


II) 



Cluster I Croatia with 


II) 




2/2012 

27-30/3/2012 

24-27/4/2012 

9/2012 

11/2012 

Needs assessment 

report 2 


2nd batch of National 

trainings 










2/2012 


reached 

Preparation and desk study of 

existing documents and 3/2011 Preparatory report 4-5/2011 

reports for Serbia 

Fact-finding mission Serbia 4/2011 List of findings 5/2011 

Preparation of the countryspecific 

report for Serbia 

report for Serbia 

Country assessment 




existing documents and 4/2011 Preparatory report 5-6/2011 

reports for fYR of Macedonia 

Fact finding mission fYR of 

5/2011 List of findings 5/2011 

Macedonia 

Preparation of the country 

specific report for fYR of 

Macedonia 


existing documents and 

reports for Montenegro 

Fact-finding mission 

Montenegro 


report for 

Montenegro 



reports for Albania 



report for fYR of 

Macedonia 


4/2011 Preparatory report 6-7/2011 

5/2011 List of findings 8/2011 




Montenegro 


9/2011 Preparatory report 9/2011 



Activity 4.3 EU- 

ETS Compliance 

Activity 4.4 

Transfrontier 

Shipment of 

Waste 

Fact-finding mission Albania 10/2011 List of findings 10/2011 



report for Albania 

11/2011 report for 

Albania 

1/2012 


existing documents and 9/2011 Preparatory report 9/2011 

reports for Kosovo 

Fact-finding mission Kosovo 10/2011 List of findings 10/2011 


report for Kosovo 



3/2012 



reports for Bosnia and 

Herzegovina 


Fact-finding mission 10/2011 List of findings 10/2011 



report for Bosnia and 11/2011 

1/2012 


Bosnia and 

Herzegovina 

Herzegovina 



reports for Turkey 


Fact-finding mission Turkey 12/2011 List of findings 12/2011 



report for Turkey 

3/2012 report for 

3/2012 

Turkey 


reached 

Detailed topics definition on 

Climate Change with special 

reference to monitoring, 

reporting and compliance 

systems in the SEE region 

Elaboration of training 

materials 

Implementation of a Regional 

Workshop on EU-ETS with 

participation of two 

neighbouring countries 

representatives 

3/2012 

4/2012 


assessment report 


developed 

5/2012 Training report 

3/2012 


reached 

Detailed Topics Selection and 

assessment on TFS with 

special reference to 

compliance and enforcement 

systems in the SEE 


materials 

Regional workshop no 1 

(harbour) on EU TFS 


TFS no 2 (road transport) 

with participation of two 



3/2012 

3/2012 


assessment report 


developed 

18-19/4/2012 Training report 


3/2012 

3/2012 



Activity 4.5 

Inspection and 

enforcement in 

cross border 

nature protection 

areas 

Activity 4.6 

ECENA 


networking 


reached 

Detailed topics definition of 

Inspection and Enforcement 

in cross border nature 

protection areas 


materials 


Workshop no 1 on Inspection 

and enforcement in cross 

border nature protection areas 

(Lake Ohrid) 


Workshop no 2 on Inspection 

and enforcement in cross 

border nature protection areas 

9/2012 Topics selection report 

10/2012 


developed 

10 -11/2012 Training report 

11-12/2012 Training report 

(Skadar Lake) 


reached 

Establishment of ECENA 

Working Group and Annual 

Working Group meetings. 1st 

Annual Working Group 

meeting, Budva, Montenegro 

2nd Annual Working Group 

meeting, Skopje, fYR of 

Macedonia 

3rd Annual Working Group 

meeting 

Participation of ECENA 

members in other networks 

(GAM IMPEL, IMPEL 

Cluster 1, IMPEL Cluster 2, 

IMPEL Cluster 3, 

INTERPOL, Green Force 

and INECE) 

20/10/2010 


Detailed multi-annual 

programme established 

Results evaluation and 

plans next reporting 

period 

10/2012 Results evaluation 

9/2010 – 

3/2012 

Reports of participants 

to ECENA 

20/10/2010 




3.2 RENA detailed Work Plan for the fourth interim reporting period (April 2012 – 

September 2012) 

The detailed Work Plan for each of the four Working Groups is given for the fourth interim 

reporting period (April 2012 – September 2012). 

Table 5. Detailed Work Plan for the next reporting period 

WG 1 

Activity 1.1 

Support to 

Approximation 

Planning in BiH 

and Kosovo 


– Regional 

Institutional 

Support Platform 

Activity 1.3 

Investment 

Planning 

Activity 1.4 Public 


planning 


Milestone 

reached 


reached 

4 th Regional Workshop on 

Environmental Criminal Law 

(Budva, Montenegro) 

5 th Regional Workshop – 

Simulation of EU Accession 

Negotiation Process (Skopje, 

fYR f Macedonia) 

First draft update of 

30-31/5/2012 

06/2012 

6/2012 

Training 



held. 

Training 



held. 

First draft submitted to 


the EC 


reached 

Combined regional 

meeting: “Prioritisation of 



preparation” and Regional 

workshop: Role of national 




of Programmes of Measures 

in Accordance with the WFD, 

Montenegro 

Coordination with WBIF, 

IFIs coordination unit and 


21-23/5/2012 Workshop report 

In parallel with 

sub-group 

meetings and at 

the meetings of 


when possible 

Environmental 

investment projects list 

coordinated 


reached 

Implementation of regional 12/2011- Meeting/training held, 



Activity 1.5 

Progress 

monitoring 

Activity 1.6 

Gap assessments 

of draft legal acts 

WG2 

Activity 2.1 

ReCAP – 

Regional Climate 

Change Action 

Platform 

Activity 2.2 GHG 

Reporting 

Activity 2.3 

EU-ETS 

trainings on public 

participation in approximation 

of new EU legislation 

(integrated with RISP 

workshops/Handbook 

updating) 

12/2012 follow up materials 

produced and 

published 


reached 

First round of updating of 

ToCs/IQs 

4/2012 

First draft of filled in 

ToCs and IQs received 

Draft PM Reports 2011 6/2012 



Final PM Reports 2011 9/2012 




reached 

Completion of Gap 

Assessment Report on the As requested 

draft legislation 

Evaluation and follow-up of 

Activity 1.6 

9/2012 Draft report prepared 


reached 

ReCAP seminar 2 (Belgrade, 

Serbia) 


ReCAP seminar 3 (Istanbul, 

Turkey) 


ReCAP seminar 4 (Albania) 6-7/6/2012 Seminar report 

ReCAP seminar 5 

(Montenegro) 




Climate projects development 11/2011 ongoing detail which can be 


completion 

MMD fiche 

prepared and 

approved 


reached 

Hands on support to prepare 

GHG emission inventories 

2/2012 - 

11/2012 

Progress reporting and 

help desk. Regional 

Experts Meeting on 14 

June in Zagreb 




9/2012 






reached 


raising event (Serbia) with 




WG3 

Activity 3.1 

Nature Protection 

Activity 3.2 Water 

Management 

Activity 3.3 

EIA / SEA 

Activity 3.4 

Multilateral 

Environmental 

Agreements – gap 

ReCAP 


raising event (Turkey) with 

ReCAP 


raising event (Albania) with 

ReCAP 


raising event (Montenegro) 

with ReCAP 





Report on Registries 

6/7/2012 

registries (Montenegro) 

and Workshop 


reached 

Preparation of the donor 

database 



assessments 


Developing sound nature 

cross border projects (project 

development) 

Module 6 Workshop: 

Monitoring Nature Protection 

Areas 

Development of follow up 

projects (at least two project 

fiches, etc) 

6/2012 

4/2012 

7/2012 

9/2012 

1/2013 

Donor database 

prepared and published 

on RENA website 

Workshop report 

Nature Impact 

Assessments 


Nature project 

development 


Monitoring and 

Reporting 





completion 

Project fiche 

for fYR of 

Macedonia 

prepared, 

provision of 

assistance to 

Serbia in 

drafting project 

fiche 


reached 

Combined 5 th regional 

workshop: “Role of national 




of the Programme of 

Measures in accordance with 

the WFD” , Montenegro 

21-23/5/2012 

Guidelines which 

would describe all 

major steps required to 

develop cost-effective 

programme of 

measures for countries. 

21-23/5/2012 


reached 


3 d regional workshop - 

report. Quality review 

EIA/SEA differences and 

24-26/4/2012 of prepared EIA/SEA 

common features, Mostar, 

documents, to be 


submitted by BiH. 


Milestone 

reached 



assessments 

WG 4. 

Activity 4.1 

Compliance 

Capacity building 

Activity 4.2 

Country external 

assessments 

Activity 4.3 EU- 

ETS Compliance 

Activity 4.4 

Transfrontier 

Shipment of 

Waste 

Activity 4.5 

Inspection and 

enforcement in 

cross border 

nature protection 

areas 

Activity 4.6 

ECENA 


networking 

Request from country As needed Request received 

MEA gap assessment 

MEAs gap assessment 

Upon request 

performed 

report delivered 


reached 



Cluster I for Serbia, with 


II) 



Cluster I for fYR of 

Macedonia, with common 

27-30/3/2012 

24-27/4/2012 







reached 





3/2012 



report for Turkey 

3/2012 report for 

Turkey 

3/2012 


reached 



4/2012 

materials 

developed 


Workshop on EU-ETS with 

participation of two 5/2012 Training report 




reached 

Regional workshop no 1 

(harbour) on EU TFS 

18-19/4/2012 Training report 


TFS no 2 (road transport) 

with participation of two 





reached 


reached 

Participation of ECENA 9/2010 – Reports of participants 



members in other networks 

(GAM IMPEL, IMPEL 

Cluster 1, IMPEL Cluster 2, 

IMPEL Cluster 3, 

INTERPOL, Green Force 

and INECE) 

3/2012 to ECENA 

Working Group 1 Strategic Planning and Investments 

Following the decision in the Steering Committee that WG1 should focus on new EU legislation, 

the activities in WG 1 and WG 3.4 are divided into two areas: Transposition of new legislation 

(legal part) and Implementation of new legislation (institutional part). During the reporting period, 

project team fully implemented tasks foreseen under Activity 1.1, therefore the focus in the 

upcoming period will be placed on the Activity 1.2 RISP, Activity 1.5 Progress Monitoring and 

Activity 1.6. Gap Assessment of draft legal acts. During inception missions, priorities in the new 

legislation were identified, and at the WG1 Coordinators meeting selection of training topics, 

location and dates were made for regional trainings that will be provided under WG 1 in 2011. 

During 2 nd Annual meeting of WG 1 Coordinators, the topics, dates and venues for the regional 

trainings to be organised in 2012 have been agreed and confirmed. 

All beneficiaries confirmed their interest in the activities that will be delivered under WG1 and 

Activity 3.4, emphasising the importance of Progress Monitoring, exchange of experience and 

trainings in transposition and implementation of new legislation. 


As per the Work Plan with the delivery of the two above listed workshops, all activities planned 

under the Activity 1.1 have been fully implemented. 

Activity 1.2 RISP & Activity 1.4 Public participation 

During next reporting period focus will be placed on the following: 

Delivery of the regional workshop on Simulation of EU negotiations on Chapter 27 

Following the regional workshop on EU Accession Negotiation Process held in Brussels, Belgium 

(November 2011) under Activity 1.1, the decision has been made at the WG1 2 nd Annual Meeting 

to build on the results of the first workshop and develop the programme for the second regional 

workshop that will be held under Activity 1.2. The programme will be developed in close 

collaboration with the DG Environment and will include simulation exercises as well as drafting 

position papers on particular EU directive. 

The lectures will be provided by the selected team of experts and former negotiators from the new 

Member States (Romania and Lithuania), representatives of EC DG Environment, as well as 

representatives of the beneficiary countries. 

The workshop will provide information and the overview of the overall negotiation process with 

the general objective of improving the negotiation skills of the responsible officials of the countries 

that are or will start with their EU accession negotiations. 

Specific objectives of the workshop are to: 

• Provide officials responsible for EU accession and the environmental and climate acquis with 

information on the EU institutional structure for negotiations such as the role of the Council, 



Conference on accession to the EU, Enlargement Working Group, documents, which are 

considered during the process; 

• Provide hands on information on the EU institutional structure for negotiations; 

• Provide opportunity for participation in the simulation exercises and drafting the position 

papers on the particular EU directive. 

The training will be organised in Skopje, fYR of Macedonia in June 2012 (exact dates to be 

confirmed). 

Delivery of the regional workshop on Protection of Environment through the Criminal law 

Following the regional workshop on Approximation of Directive 2008/99/EC on the protection of 

the environment through criminal law held in Zagreb, Croatia (May 2011) under Activity 1.2, the 

decision has been made at the WG1 2 nd Annual Meeting to build on the results of the first 

workshop and develop the programme for the second regional workshop that will be held under 

Activity 1.2. Since the workshop is the follow up of the introductory workshop organised in May 

2011 and since the target group will be slightly different, the draft questionnaire has been developed 

and distributed to the beneficiary countries in order to obtain their suggestions for final shaping of 

the agenda. 

The workshop will be organised in Budva, Montenegro (30 – 31 May 2012). 

Update of the EU Handbook on the Implementation of Environmental Legislation 

Delivery of the first draft of the Handbook update in accordance with the agreed methodology. 

Specific focus has been placed on the update related to climate acquis being the least transposed 

and implemented in the beneficiary countries. 


During the next reporting period the focus will be placed on the following: 

Delivery of the combined meeting on Prioritisation of Environmental Investment Projects and 

Project Preparation/ Regional workshop on the Role of National and International Financing 

Sources in Environmental Financing and Regional workshop on Programmes of Measures in 

Accordance with the WFD (Activity 3.2) 

The workshop will, on one hand, be dealing with the demand of finance for the EU accession 

driven activities – Development of the Programme of Measures in accordance to the WFD. On the 

other hand, it will discuss a range of potential funding sources – the supply of finance side, and 

acquaint on how these funding sources have been used in the EU MS and train on how they can 

potentially be used in candidate and pre-candidate countries. 

This workshop will be combined, as decided during the second SC meeting, with the work on 

identification and update of environmental investment project lists. EU, other initiatives and IFIs, 

related to the environmental investment planning in Balkan countries and Turkey, will be invited to 

the workshop to hear results of the workshops held so far and of the status of the environmental 

investment projects lists. 

The workshop will be organised in Podgorica, Montenegro (21 – 23 May 2012). 




A detailed schedule for PM 2012 has been prepared, and this will be made more precise for each 

country so that the PM 2012 reports are submitted in sequence over a two-week period. The 

following activities are foreseen: 

First round of updating of ToCs/IQs by national Ministry, with guidance and assistance from 

RENA Secretariat (April, 2012). 

Assessment and revision of the updated ToCs and IQs by the RENA experts ( April , 2012). 

Preparation of the first draft PM reports ( May 2012). 

Incorporating the comments on the draft PM reports ( July 2012). 

Developing final PM reports ( August 2012). 

Activity 1.6 Gap assessment of draft legislation 

This is an activity that will be carried out in response to requests from the beneficiaries and 

approved by the European Commission. A template for making a request has been prepared in 

March 2011 and distributed to the beneficiaries. At present the following requests have been 

received and approved for further processing by the EC: 

Request for compliance check on the draft Albanian draft Law on Air Quality with the Directive 

2008/50/EC of the European Parliament and of the 11 Council of 21 May 2008 on ambient air 

quality and cleaner air for Europe; 

Request for compliance check draft Administrative Instruction on Substances that damage the 

Ozone layer with Regulation (EC) N0 1005/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council 

of 16 September 2009 on substances that deplete the ozone layer. 

Working Group 2 Climate Change 

Activity 2.1 Regional Climate Change Action Platform on Adaptation and Mitigation 

to converge towards the EU climate change policy and legislation 

During the next reporting period, focus will be placed on the following: 

Delivery of 2 nd ReCAP Seminar (Opportunities, benefits and challenges of EU climate policy and 

legislation) in Belgrade (29-30 March 2012) 

Delivery of 3 rd ReCAP Seminar (Opportunities, benefits and challenges of EU – Turkey climate 

cooperation) in Istanbul (13 April 2012) 

Delivery of 4 th ReCAP Seminar (Opportunities, benefits and challenges of EU climate policy and 

legislation) in Tirana (6 – 7 June 2012) 

Delivery of 5 th ReCAP Seminar (Opportunities, benefits and challenges of EU climate policy and 

legislation) in Podgorica (4 – 5 July 2012) 

These high level seminars focus on the EU climate policy and legislation and their opportunities, 

benefits and challenges. The target group of the seminar will include national and local authorities, 

the industrial sector and civil society organizations. The seminar is designed in such a way that the 

first part will target climate policies and implementation. The second part will address key EU 

climate legislation and the challenges ahead. The seminars are focused on the following: 



• ETS (post 2012); 

• Effort Sharing Decision; 

• Renewables; 

• MMD; 

• CO2 from transport; 

• Aviation inclusion into the ETS; 

• EU Energy policy. 

The seminars will address the overall EU 20-20-20 policy, EU legislation and the 2050 roadmap. In 

addition the required implementation structures for (future) Member States will be explained. The 

seminars will also include country strategies to achieve targets as specified in Directive 2009/28/EC 

with examples and presentations from selected member states. The EU ETS will not be addressed 

in detail, as ETS is covered in detail in activity scheme 3. 

The seminars will facilitate up to 100 persons from industry, CSOs central, regional and local 


Activity 2.2 Creation of inventories, implementation of Monitoring Mechanism 

Decision (280/2004/EC), including institutional arrangements and resources 

needed, preparation of reports on emission inventories and emission projections 

During next reporting period the focus will be placed on the following: 

Hands on support to prepare GHG emission inventories and 4 th Regional MMD Workshop 

For each RENA country the project team will deliver the following: 

• Description of the national system and data flow (February 2012); 

• Deliver energy balances and first data filled in for sector Combustion Fuels into CRF (April 

2012); 

• Participate (pro-)actively with the RENA experts during the assessment of the first draft and 

during RENA country missions (modalities to be agreed later); 

• 2nd meeting in Zagreb on 14 June to discuss progress; 

• Final draft CRF combustion fuel sector ( July 2012); 

• Workshop preparations and presentations (September 2012); 

• List of installations/activities that fall in the scope of ETS from February to September 2012. 

The project team will work closely with the respective RENA Climate Coordinators and the 

National Compilers (UNFCCC NFPs, if applicable) of the countries. Experts and the RENA 

countries will indicate to the RENA secretariat a schedule of meetings with the RENA Climate 

coordinators during the assignment period. 

The UNFCCC NFP/RENA Coordinators has sent official letters to the UNFCCC Secretariat 

requesting access codes for the CRF Reporter tool, for the training purposes. 

Activity 2.3 Capacity building on the EU Emission Trading System/(EU-ETS) 




Delivery of the ETS components within the Activity 2.1 ReCAP events 

Within the ReCAP events the second parts addresses ETS legislation and its implementation. The 

focus is on the issue that will remain the focal technical challenge for the administrations and the 

industry: monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) of GHG emissions at the installation level. 

These systems are a precondition for any cap-and-trade scheme. 

The key objective is to provide an overview of how monitoring, reporting and verification can be 

organised at the national level and what is required from the installations to comply with the MRV 

obligations. 

The agenda will include the following items: 

• Generic explanation of ETS (cap and trade); 

• Monitoring, Reporting, Verification, Accreditation for ETS (post 2012); 

• Central role of the monitoring plan in the Compliance with ETS; 

• Steps towards Compliance, Verification and the Submission of Emission Reports: 

Requirements and formats of emission reports; 

• Experience in emission monitoring and reporting from installations of a Member State; 

• Aviation inclusion into the ETS. 

The agenda’s are currently under development and the facilitators are being contacted by RENA 

with assistance from DG Climate Action. 

Preparation of a regional workshop on functioning of Registries - 6 July 2012 

The preliminary draft agenda for this event is due in May 2012 and the facilitators will be recruited 

with the assistance of DG Climate Action. 

Next to the full activation of the Union registry, existing national registries will also be operational, 

in particular for the allocation of allowances and the completion of compliance activities for 

stationary installations. 

These registries exist for all the EU Member States plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. The 

agenda will include the following items: 

• National plans indicating the allowances assigned to each Member State; 

• Accounts (held by a company or a physical person) to which those allowances have been 

allocated; 

• Transfers of allowances ("transactions") performed by the account holders; 

• Annual verified CO2 emissions from installations; 

• Annual reconciliation of allowances and verified emissions, where each company must have 

surrendered enough allowances to cover all its emissions. 

The national registries also provide access to significant information, including a number of reports 

on the participants and the performance of the trading scheme. 



Working Group 3 Cross border Cooperation and Multilateral Environmental 

Agreements 



Delivery of the Module 4 three days regional workshop “Conducting Nature Impact Assessments”, 

Shara, (14 – 17 May 2011) 

This workshop will focus on preparation of Nature Impact Assessments in line with Article 6 of 

the Habitats Directive. 

The objective of this workshop is to explain to participants the methods and techniques in the field 

of nature impact assessment and to present cases studies focusing on do’s and don’ts. The agenda 

will be drafted along the following items: 

• Required data for conducting impact analysis (acid deposition impact, air pollution impacts, 

fragmentation impacts; noise impacts); 

• Steps for a Full Nature Impact Assessment; 

• How to deal with gaps in knowledge and data; 

• Case studies. 

Delivery of the Module 5 three days regional workshop “Developing sound Nature project 

proposals for donor consideration (Nature project development), Durmitor, 10-12 July 2012 

This workshop will focus on translating Problem and Threats Analysis into a positive vertical 

intervention logic, including development of logframe and sound project fiches. 

The agenda will be drafted along the following items: 

• Donor financing of Nature; 

• Sound project proposal development based on a problem and threats analysis; 

• Project fiches under IPA; 

• Good practice case studies; 

During the implementation of this training programme we will investigate how possible gaps that 

remain in the delivery of the training programme (due to financial limitations), can be supported 

and filled in by other donors. 



Delivery of 5th regional workshop Role of National and International Financing Sources in 

Environmental Financing. Programmes of Measures in Accordance with the WFD. This event will 

be held together with the Investment Planning sub-group in Montenegro (21 – 23 May 2012) 

The workshop will, on one hand, be dealing with the demand of finance for the EU accession 

driven activities – Development of the Programme of Measures in accordance to the WFD. On the 

other hand, it will discuss a range of potential funding sources – the supply of finance side, and 

acquaint on how these funding sources have been used in the EU MS and train on how they can 

potentially be used in candidate and pre-candidate countries. The workshop will build on the results 



achieved during the previous Water Management sub-group workshop, where the importance and 

role of water monitoring, and in particular biological monitoring, was discussed in details. 

Activity 3.3 EIA/SEA 


Delivery of the third regional workshop “EIA/SEA differences and common features”, Mostar, 

BiH (24 – 26 April 2012) 

The third regional training/workshop “EIA/SEA differences and common features” will be held in 

Neretva/Trebisnjica river basin management with focus on upper horizon (cross-border countries 

– Croatia and BiH). 

BiH will submit existing basis document, namely EIA for the project. Croatia and Montenegro are 

invited to add available documents from their side. Quality review of prepared EIA/SEA 

documents, to be submitted by BiH representatives, will be performed and analysed during the 

workshop. Spatial scope of the assessment (both SEA and EA) will be one of the features to be 

specifically addressed in the training. 

Activity 3.4 MEA gap assessment 

In line with the decision of the RENA WG 1 Coordinators this activity has been merged with the 

Activity 1.6. 

Working Group 4 ECENA 


Activity 4.1 Capacity building regarding compliance with environmental legislation 

through better understanding of issues and identification of targeted solutions 

The national trainings in the first batch of 4 countries (Albania, Kosovo under UNSCR 1244/99, 

Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey) have been finalised . For the second batch of 4 countries 

(Serbia, fYR of Macedonia, Montenegro and Croatia), the detailed topics have been assessed and a 

standard basic training manual with the addition of special subjects has been produced. The 

following trainings will be delivered: 

Delivery of the 5 th Common Inspection training on selected subjects in Cluster I, Serbia (27 – 30 

March 2012) 

In accordance with the TNA, the training agenda will include the following items: 

• Day one: Introduction, regulatory cycle, management of inspections, priority setting, 

reporting and feedback, basics of permitting, exercise in human resource management. 

Introduction to special subjects (SEVESO Intro); 

• Day two: Developments with reference to the IED/IPPC. Discussion on contents of 

application and Integrated PERMIT of the ( selected units) of the PANCEVO petrochemical 

plant http://www.hip-petrohemija.com/home.8.html ; Study on the BREF and/or BAT of 

the selected industry/unit; Presentation on the facility to be inspected by representative of the 

factory, planning of the site visit in groups, experience of the invited inspectors on the 

selected facility. 

• Day three: Planned site visit and reporting. 



• Day four: Presentation of results of the visit; advice for follow-up; special subject of the 

beneficiary country: IED and SEVESO II and waste management. 

Delivery of the sixth Common Inspection training on selected subjects in Cluster I for fYR of 

Macedonia (24 – 27 April 2012) 

From the inception mission, WG 4 annual meetings and the questionnaires it was clear that fYR of 

Macedonia would like to receive a national training on IED/IPPC (steel industry) with the 

combination of permitting and inspection. 

Management 

The selection made by the representative of Macedonia shows a clear need for management 

(ranking 1 as urgent) showing that the overall organization requires additional skills. The emphasis 

must be put on planning, budgeting and priority setting on permitting and inspections. The 

thinking on strategies require a lot of attention indicating an organization in development, while in 

view of its development minor interest yet in non compliance response and feedback in the 

management field is shown. 

Permit issuing 

Integrated permitting, enforceable permit conditions require maximum attention and combined 

with monitoring will rank 1 in order to preserve the quality for the future realizing however that the 

enforcement structure is not yet settled and provided with sufficient and adequate human 

resources. Negotiating skills is rated 2 but in view of limited personnel and regulations that allow 

negotiating considered less opportune. 

Inspection 

Enforceable permit conditions and monitoring requirements are high on the list (rating 1) in line 

with the results in the inception meeting. So the quality of the permits including monitoring 

conditions is rightly chosen in the preparation of the future quality of the organization. A solid base 

for the future is chosen above sophistication in structures and conditions. 

Summarising 

In the practical training sessions integrated permitting and enforceable permit conditions in the 

context of the IPPC and IED is covered and shown how these work. The negotiating part will be 

focused on the contents of BREFs and BAT. 

The training programme has to focus on life inspections on an existing facility and its permit. This 

visit will be executed and coached by experienced inspectors. The installation to be visited is a steel 

industry (Electric Arc Furnace) in Skopje (Makstil factory) 

The special subjects requested for this training are IPPC/IED and REACH. 

Training schedule (24 –27 April 2012) 

• Day one: Introduction, regulatory cycle with reference to existing and new legislation, 

management of inspections, priority setting with developments (IRAM- Easy Tools), 

reporting and feedback, basics of permitting, exercise in human resource management. 

Introduction to special subjects (REACH); 

• Day two: Developments with reference to the IED/IPPC. Discussion on contents of 

application and Integrated PERMIT of the cement industry; Study on the BREF and/or BAT 

of the selected industry (Steel production:Electric Arc Furnace); Presentation on the facility 



to be inspected by representative of the factory, planning of the site visit in groups, exchange 

of experience of the invited inspectors on the selected facility; 

• Day three: Planned site visit and reporting; 

• Day four: Presentation of results of the visit; advice for follow-up; special subject of the 

beneficiary country: IPPC/IED and REACH. 

Delivery of the seventh national training workshop on selected subjects in Cluster I for 

Montenegro (3 – 7 September 2012) 

From the inception mission, WG 4 annual meetings and the questionnaires it was clear that 

Montenegro would like to receive a national training on IED/IPPC (LCP) with the combination of 

permitting and inspection. Being relatively new organisation EPA requested training to be focused 

on the new staff. 

Management 

The emphasis is put on priority setting on permitting and non compliance response, which is in line 

with the development of the new ministry. 

The thinking on strategies requires a lot of attention for an organization in development, however 

in view of the lack of personnel practical hands on experience is more understandable. Once the 

practical experience is gained the need for more structures and strategies will be footed on 

experience of available capacities and capabilities of the personnel. The financial possibilities will 

then determine the progress potential. 

Permit issuing 

Enforceable permit conditions, monitoring requirements and monitoring conditions rightly have a 

ranking 1 in balance with the limited possibilities in the country to enforce. So the quality of the 

permits including monitoring conditions is chosen in the preparation for the future. Permit 

structures apparently are yet of a lesser importance, although one could introduce in an early stage 

risk based management in prioritising permits issuing. 

Inspection 

The suggestions made in the questionnaire show a high rating (1) on non compliance response and 

investigating skills. In line with the expressed need for practical hands on training, the interest for 

the site visit was rather high. 

Summarising 

In the preparation of these practical training the subject of permit writing and enforceable permit 

conditions in the context of the IPPC and IED will be practiced and is shown how they work. The 

negotiating part will be focused on the contents of BREFs and BAT for example on the power 

industry (LCP’s). The training programme will focus on the existing facility and its permit. The site 

visit will be executed and facilitated by experienced inspectors. The installation to be visited is 

thermal power plant. The special subject requested in the training is IPPC for the power plant. The 

large combustion plant industry at Pljevlja will be visited. 

The suggestion is to have planning and budgeting specialists from the ministry of Environment 

and/or entities while furthermore participants in the field of actual permit writing either from the 

entities or major cantons involved with and submitting permits and controls. Institution 



representatives involved with monitoring might be considered as well. The emphasis should be 

placed upon active field participants rather than administrative participants. 

Activity 4.2 Country external assessments with a review of inspection and 

enforcement powers 

The specific objective of Activity 4.2 is to assess national, regional and local environmental capacity 

covering the whole management cycle of policy, legislation, permitting, verification and control, 

monitoring and reporting, focussing specifically on the issues of permitting, inspection and 

enforcement. 

In the period up to March 2012, seven country external assessment reports have been produced for 

Serbia, Montenegro, fYR of Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Albania. The reports for 

Kosovo under UNSCR 1244/99 and Turkey are under preparation. 

During the next reporting period, the country assessments will be finalised and prepared for 

website publishing. The series of reports will be placed on the RENA website to be available to 

other networks and organisations who are interested. 

The assessments are independent evaluations of national, regional and local environmental capacity 

covering the whole management cycle of policy, legislation, permitting, verification and control, 

monitoring and reporting. They cover all media and nature protection but focus more specifically 

on pollution control, which is the primary area of IMPEL/ECENA interest. Inter-sectoral 

approaches have been of increasing importance and continue to be so with the implementation of 

the water framework directive as well as IPPC, for example. 

Assessments are based on existing material plus intensive in-country discussion with the relevant 

groups, at central and regional levels and locally where relevant, distinguishing (where practical) 

between implementation practices related to broader national legislative requirements and those 

responding to EU requirements, which are of primary interest to the project. 

The desk study as a basis for the country assessments cover documents not only related to the 

respective countries such as the progress monitoring reports but also those including IMPEL 

review initiatives (IRI) reports that have been made for other countries (around 15 in total for EU 

member states with Croatia, Slovenia, Romania and Latvia as the latest ones). Here it should be 

mentioned that IMPEL IRIs are concentrating on the inspection functions based on the RMCEI 

whereas the external country assessments look also specifically at other elements of the regulatory 

cycle. 

Activity 4.3 EU ETS Compliance 

Delivery of the regional workshop on EU ETS, Zagreb, Croatia (15 – 16 May 2012) 

The following preparatory activities for delivery of the above workshop will be implemented in the 

period March – April 2012: 

Finalisation of training topics. The selection of topics has been finalised and are related to the 

“chain of compliance” processes within the EU ETS: 

• Permitting - Submission Monitoring Plan (MP) (art 4); 

• Approval of MP by Competent Authority (art 5, 6 and 14); 

• Implementation approved MP by Operator; 



• Drafting of Annual Emission Report (AER) and Verification of Emission Data by 

Independent Verifier against approved MP. 

In line with the EU ETS Directive, the Commission has adopted guidelines for the monitoring and 

reporting of greenhouse gas emissions, known as "MRG". The original guidelines were adopted in 

2004 for the first trading period (2005-2007) and revised in 2007 for the second trading period 

(2008-2012). For the third trading period (2013-2020), the Commission is currently preparing two 

regulations replacing the MRG in the future: one on monitoring and reporting and one on 

accreditation and verification. 

The training topics are based on specific tasks of inspectors within this framework and specifically 

refer to the process of monitoring, reporting, and verification. These topics are to be further 

elaborated in Task 2 and 3. 

Elaboration of training materials and subjects 

The following subjects will be covered in the training and presentation materials: 

• Introduction on ETS and ETS post 2012; 

• Monitoring , Reporting, Verification and Accreditation; 

• Monitoring Plans; 

• Formats of emission reports; 

• Experience in Germany and Croatia; 

• Accreditation of Verifiers; 

• Free industry allocation post 2012; 

• Inclusion of aviation in the EU ETS. 

Activity 4.4 Transfrontier Shipment of Waste (TFS) 

Delivery of the regional workshop on TFS, Istanbul, Turkey (18 – 19 April 2012) 

Delivery of the regional workshop on TFS, Skopje, fYR of Macedonia (13 – 14 June 2012) 

The following preparatory activities for delivery of the above workshop will be implemented in the 

period February – April 2012: 

Finalisation of training topics (TFS with special reference to compliance and enforcement systems): 

In 1994 the Council Regulation 259/93 on the supervision and control of shipments of waste 

within, into and out of the European Community, came into force. One of the main purposes of 

the European waste regulation is to prevent the shipment of environmentally harmful waste to 

countries that do not have the provisions to cope with these wastes. Another purpose is to take 

care of the environmentally sound processing of the waste. The regulation has been replaced by the 

Waste Shipment Regulation 1013/2006 in 2007. The enforcement of this Waste Shipment 

Regulation WSR (further referred to as WSR) is a competence of individual Member States. For an 

effective and efficient enforcement, organizations have to cooperate over their national borders as 

transboundary movements of wastes exceed these borders. 

Since RENA countries in the area of TFS are collaborating with IMPEL, the training topics have 

been selected in cooperation with IMPEL experts and with feedback from the WG 4 coordinators 

Elaboration of training materials and subjects 



The following subjects and materials will be covered: 

• Introduction on international and European legislation on transboundary shipments of waste; 

• Enforcement of waste shipment rules; 

• Waste classification; 

• Case study from the region; 

• Safety issues; 

• IMPEL TFS Training DVD; 

• Port Inspections; 

• Collaboration and Communication; 

• End of waste criteria; 

• Dealing with illegal shipments of waste and their return; 

• Customs procedures and administrative processes; 

• Practical exercises with site visit (harbour/road border site). 

PPTs, checklists, basic supporting documents and regulations (use will be made of IMPEL 

documents adapted to the situation in the RENA countries) will be provided. 

The selected training topics will be related to the selected pilot sites and accordingly adapted 

(harbor and road transport). 

Activity 4.5 Inspection and Enforcement in cross border Nature protection areas 

The present activity scheme is closely linked with the activity scheme described in Working Group 

3 Cross-Border Cooperation & Multilateral Environmental Agreements - Nature Protection, which 

has the general objective to Create a forum of officials from candidate countries and potential 

candidates to exchange experience on issues of transboundary relevance including transposition, 

implementation and enforcement of EU legislation on nature. 

The present activity scheme is especially focused on the enforcement aspects. Many issues are 

relevant in this respect including: 

• the need for transboundary cooperation; 

• the need for joint management (for example harmonized monitoring indicators, centralized 

joint baseline data, and monitoring data); 

• legal framework harmonisation with integrated roles into national legislation. 

The regulatory role is not only confined to nature aspects but also aspects regarding the 

environment. Depending on the area strengthening the regulatory and enforcement capacity might 

be needed for specific nature aspects but also for fisheries, forestry, and water management and 

environmental management in general. 

Since RENA countries in the area of Nature Inspection are collaborating with GREENFORCE, 

the training topics have been selected in cooperation with GREENFORCE experts and with 

feedback from the WG 4 coordinators in the selected countries for the pilot sites. 



The following tasks are planned to be implemented in the coming reporting period: 

Finalisation of training topics 

The training topics in the area of cross border nature protection areas with special reference to 

compliance and enforcement systems have been identified as follows (draft): 

• cross border enforcement aspects; 

• enforcement systems in poaching and illegal logging; 

• monitoring reporting; 

• enforcement strategy; 

• general knowledge on the compliance and enforcement aspects related to the Habitats and 

Wild birds directive and CITES convention; 

• inspection planning in nature reserves/national parks, 

• response to non-compliance; 

• assessment of means and materials in Nature Inspection; 

• cooperation and communication with other authorities and the public. 

• Elaboration of training materials and subjects 

Elaboration of training materials 

The following training materials will be prepared: PPTs, checklists, basic supporting documents and 

regulations. 

As per the work plan, two regional workshops will be delivered in October and November 2012. 

Activity 4.6 ECENA participation in relevant networking activities 

Continued support is envisaged by presentations and participation of the TL and RENA team 

members on RENA and its planned activities in various frameworks including RCC, IMPEL, EF 

Project and IFIs. 

Further support to participation of ECENA members in other networks (GAM IMPEL, IMPEL 

Cluster 1, IMPEL Cluster 2, IMPEL Cluster 3, INTERPOL, Green Force and INECE) will be 

provided. 

In the IMPEL meeting of June 2012, a decision is expected by IMPEL(with a change of IMPEL 

statut and rules) to open its membership not only for EU candidate countries but also for potential 

candidates for EU membership. 



4. ASSUMPTIONS, RISKS, PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED 

We set out the assumptions and risks below and comment on how these issues might be addressed 

and any risks mitigated. We have revised some risks from Low to Medium, in response to the 

findings during and after the Inception Phase. 

Section 4.3 describes specific issues related to the project, occurred during the reporting period. 

4.1 Assumptions 

• Institutional support and readiness of relevant authorities to engage in regional cooperation 

and resources made available for participation in RENA activities; 

• Beneficiaries will be willing to cooperate and give access to information in a transparent 

manner; 

• Relevant authorities will be willing to enable all stakeholders to take part in RENA’s activities 

and be able to allocate resources to implement the project; 

• Commitment of the project beneficiaries and partner institutions to apply the results; 

• A high level of involvement, cooperation and participation of all the stakeholders, including 

CSOs and IFIs; 

• Willingness of sectors within the public administrations of partner countries to cooperate 

with their colleagues in other sectors, like environment; 

• High level of institutional stability without major shifts in responsibilities of ministries and 

other institutes, or shifts of key staff involved in the project implementation. 

We share the assumptions in the ToR, that successful implementation of the project is based on the 

pre-conditions listed in the table below: 

Table 6. Assumptions affecting the implementation of the Project 

Assumption 

Institutional support and 

readiness of relevant 

authorities to engage in 

regional cooperation and 

resources made available for 

participation in RENA 

activities 

Beneficiaries will be willing to 

cooperate and give access to 

information in a transparent 

manner 

Relevant authorities will be 

willing to enable all 

stakeholders to take part in 

RENA’s activities and be able 

to allocate resources to 

Observations/Comments 

Political commitment by the beneficiary countries has been provided since 

the beginning of the project. Nominated national Focal Points posses 

sufficient authority in their country’s administration to serve as a hinge 

between RENA and the country, and to promote the internal country 

discussions on RENA issues and involvement of staff in RENA activities. 

Political support from the Environment Ministers is long-standing and 

evident. Commitment to build on and use the project outputs is equally 

important. Reports should generate actual changes in the administration and 

processes in the countries 

Cooperation, data availability and the timely access to these data are highly 

important to proceed with network activities according to planning and to 

provide quality outputs. 

Since the beginning of the project a number of background documents have 

been provided and extensive meetings were held with the beneficiary 

institutions. 

Beneficiary country governments have shown their incontestable willingness 

to participate in RENA. So have environmental CSOs from the region 

through a Joint Statement in June 2009 to the RENA Ministerial Meeting 

(still to be discussed at that meeting). For donors and international 

organisation cooperation with RENA presents the continuation of their roles 



implement the project. 

Commitment of the project 

beneficiaries and partner 

institutions to apply the results 

A high level of involvement, 

cooperation and participation 

of all the stakeholders, 

including CSOs and IFIs 

Willingness of sectors within 

the public administrations of 

partner countries to cooperate 

with their colleagues in other 

sectors, like environment 

High level of institutional 

stability without major shifts in 

responsibilities of ministries 

and other institutes, or shifts of 

key staff involved in the 

project implementation 

previously established with REReP and ECENA. Altogether no relevant 

problems concerning participation are to be reported. 

Commitment to work with the project results is equally important as 

producing them. The reports produced are further used in the beneficiary 

countries for generation of further outcomes. 

RENA to a high extent continues the paths of REReP and ECENA. Both 

have operated as successful networks for many years with a high level of 

involvement of all stakeholders. 

So far, the involvement of CSOs in all the activities of the project and the 

involvement of IFIs, mainly in the activities of the WG1 are being 

established to the high extent and it is expected that this level will be 

maintained during the lifetime of the project. 

The will to cooperate between different sectors of public administration is a 

crucial success factor for most government action around the globe. The 

sectors covered by the RENA working groups are in most beneficiary 

countries shared by several ministries. In most of the cases different sectors 

in the public administration are willing to cooperate. This has been 

demonstrated especially with the implementation of Activity 1.5 Progress 

Monitoring and Activities implemented under WG 2. 

Project implementation has been conducted so far in more or less stable 

environment. Continuity has been established and enable building up 

ownership and the use of the project results. In some of the countries 

(Turkey and Montenegro), changes of Focal Points and WG Coordinators 

have occurred, however without strong impact on the project 

implementation. 

4.2 Risks 

The main risks of this contract are the following: 

• Lack of co-operation by stakeholders; 

• Carrying out activities with little added value with regard to what has already been done, in 

particular by REReP; 

• Lack of effective coordination and interaction with on-going activities related to the subject 

matter of the contract resulting in overlaps, confusion and wasting of valuable resources; in 

order to minimise this risk, an effective coordination with related programmes and other 

donor activities must be implemented during the contract (see section 1.5); 

• Lack of political commitment; 

• Involved stakeholders are not sufficiently stable; 

• Partner countries have insufficient interest and institutional capacity to provide (proper) data 

or delegate qualified staff to the network activities; 

• Partner countries have insufficient capacity to make use of the project results; 

• Lack of will of sectors in the public administrations to cooperate with their colleagues in 

other sectors, like environment; 

• Different levels or speeds of involved countries in their approximation to the environmental 

acquis; 

• Language barriers. 



Table 7. Risks and Mitigation strategies 

Risk Likelihood Impact Mitigation Strategy 

Lack of cooperation 

by 

stakeholders 

Carrying out 

activities with 

little added value 

with regard to 

what has already 

been done, in 

particular by 

REReP 

Lack of effective 

coordination 

and interaction 

with on-going 

activities related 

to the subject 

matter of the 

contract 

resulting in 

overlaps, 

confusion and 

wasting of 

valuable 

resources 

Low 

Low 

Medium 

Medium 

High 

High 

Lack of political 

commitment Low High 

Involved 

stakeholders are 

not sufficiently 

Medium 

High 

Given the commitment demonstrated so far this risk 

appears to be low, although the region is an area 

sensitive to conflicts that may flare overnight. If lack of 

cooperation occurs at the political level the Consultant 

will discuss the situation with the Contracting Authority 

to find an approach that fits to the situation. Noncooperative 

behaviour at the operational level will be 

prevented by proper and positively oriented 

management of working groups and activities, as much 

as possible giving room for all involved to express 

themselves and as much as possible taking care there is 

something in it for everyone. Continued noncooperative 

behaviour will first be discussed with the 

involved person outside the meeting and if not 

successful by addressing his/her superior. 

As demonstrated so far, the Work Plan has been 

designed and implemented in such a way that all the 

activities are not repeating previously implemented 

activities but are building on achieved results and 

outcomes and their further development. 

In order to minimise this risk, an effective coordination 

with related programmes and other donor activities will 

be implemented during the contract. 

During the project’s Inception Phase the Consultant has 

intensively communicated with the key persons involved 

in the final phases of REReP in order to smoothly link 

RENA to REReP. (handover meeting with REC) 

The Consultant has also conducted a survey of related 

projects in the region and interviewed responsible 

Consultants and officials to identify potential overlaps 

and decide to what extent RENA could and should be 

active in these areas. 

In some areas, especially Climate (WG2), Investments 

(WG 1.3), and Cross border (WG3.1-3.3), the Consultant 

has identified numerous well-funded projects with which 

RENA overlaps and which have been carefully analysed 

to determine how RENA – with its small, focused 

budget – could contribute to progress on these 

environmental management issues. 

Given the commitment demonstrated so far this risk 

appears to be low.. 

Where needed the consultant will make every attempt to 

get in touch with key decision makers to convince them 

to participate by explaining the benefits of their 

involvement for their country. The Consultant will only 

take such action after consultation with the Contracting 

Authority. 

The timely nomination of National focal points and 

working group coordinators during inception are a 

positive indication in this respect. 

Government change, regular changes in administrative 

structures and staff, can all bring instability to RENA. 

The Consultant is not in a position to influence such 



stable 

Partner 

countries have 

insufficient 

interest and lack 

institutional 

capacity to 

provide (proper) 

data or delegate 

qualified staff to 

the network 

activities 

Partner 

countries have 

insufficient 

capacity to make 

use of the 

project results 

Lack of will of 

sectors in the 

public 

administrations 

to cooperate 

with their 

colleagues in 

other sectors, 

like 

environment 

Different levels 

or speeds of 

involved 

countries in 

their 

approximation 

to the 

environmental 

acquis 

Low 

Medium 

Medium 

Medium 

High 

High 

Medium 

Medium 

developments. To mitigate the effects of instability the 

Consultant has developed pro-active (such as helpdesk, 

personal approach, providing documentation and 

explanation, web reference, etc.), bringing newly 

involved stakeholders to the right level of understanding 

and involvement. 

In many cases of instability it should be possible in a 

rather early stage to sense upcoming changes. This will 

enable us to anticipate by (gradually) shifting our efforts 

towards the new situation. Major or overnight changes 

with an impact on project implementation may call for 

consultations with the Contracting Authority to 

conclude on the steps to take. The RENA website and 

helpdesk have been established. 

From the very start of the project cooperation between 

the Secretariat and our experts and the RENA focal 

points in the beneficiary countries has been established 

on a very high level. 

It is difficult to mitigate this risk, as the current situation 

is the case in many countries, including EU Member 

States. Through proper involvement of local staff during 

the project (with making efforts to have to right people 

attend the activities), and through the issuance of 

reports, manuals, electronic information tools, we are 

succeeding to reach the relevant audience for each of the 

project elements, to sustain the project results (perhaps 

to be used at a later date) and build on personal contacts 

between peers across the region and across different 

networks. 

Will to cooperate is often influenced by fear for the 

unknown, the uncertainty whether it will harm people’s 

current status, benefits and powers. The Consultant is 

practicing an open approach involving key stakeholders 

first. So far no obvious non-cooperation or obstruction 

occurred. If occurred our working group managers will 

take the lead in mitigating the situation looking for 

solutions. In case of sustained non-cooperation or 

obstruction that hinders project quality we will seek for a 

solution or conclusion in close consultation with the 

Contracting Authority. 

The speed in approximation to the EU acquis differs per 

beneficiary country. RENA is taking into account the 

different speeds in designing the project activities and 

when drafting documents. 

Ad hoc country specific assistance from the side of the 

project is provided where possible in order to contribute 

to mitigating the different speeds. The contracting party 

is kept up-to-date of countries’ progress and may at its 

discretion decide to discuss specific elements in a 

political context. 

External country specific assessments and specific 

country assistance is for example taken up in the work 



Language 

barriers 

Low 

High 

plans of WG 1 and 4. 

English language skills among stakeholders in the 

beneficiary countries has not created significant barriers 

in the project implementation. 

As agreed with the Commission, in general no 

documents are translated in the local language, except 

for particular issues. 

In the national trainings however, a budget for 

translation/interpretation has been taken up, when and if 

needed. 

4.3 Problems encountered 

Specific issue currently under discussion is participation of ECENA members in IMPEL. Currently 

only candidate countries for EU accession are eligible for IMPEL membership and only some of 

the beneficiary countrues are eligible to receive the financing for participation in IMPEL activities 

directly by IMPEL. 

Within the RENA beneficiary countries only Republic of Croatia, fYR of Macedonia and Turkey 

are IMPEL members. IMPEL membership of Montenegro as a candidate country is presently being 

discussed. 

The Commission has taken steps to assist other beneficiary countries of RENA to obtain the 

membership status in IMPEL and hence the possibility for greater participation in IMPEL activities 

by sending a letter to the IMPEL board. 

This letter stated that the Commission would like to suggest IMPEL considers the application of 

Potential Candidate countries (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo under UN Security Council 

Resolution 1244, Albania, Serbia) to IMPEL. This would however require a change in the IMPEL 

statute and rules. No decision has been taken yet and follow-up activities have been taken. A final 

approval by IMPEL is expected in their upcoming meeting in June 2012. 


Annex 1. Timetable of activities 

2010 2011 2012 2013 KE1 KE2 KE3 KE4 SSTE JSTE 

Calendar month Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar 

Inception phase M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 M6 M7 M8 M9 M10 M11 M12 M13 M14 M15 M16 M17 M18 M19 M20 M21 M22 M23 M24 M25 M26 M27 M28 M29 M30 M31 M32 M33 M34 M35 M36 

Inception phase activities 60 40 40 40 0 0 180 

60 40 40 40 0 0 180 

Implementation phase 

Working Group 1 - Strategic Planning and Investments 

Activity 1.1. Overview Report on Approximation in SEE 2 7 0 0 49 84 142 

Activity 1.2. RISP – Regional Implementation Support 

Platform 

5 49 6 0 30 178 268 

Activity 1.3. Investment Planning 5 8 90 0 65 244 412 

Activity 1.4. Public Participation in Planning 5 26 4 0 20 144 199 

Activity 1.5. Progress Monitoring 5 74 0 0 250 154 483 

Activity 1.6. Gap Assessment of draft legislation 4 26 0 0 16 144 190 

26 190 100 0 430 948 1694 

Working Group 2 - Climate Change 

Activity 2.1. Regional Climate Change Platform on Adaptation 

and Mitigation 

31 0 0 60 110 154 355 

Activity 2.2. GHG inventories and GHG reporting 20 0 0 20 35 154 229 

Activity 2.3. Capacity building on the EU ETS 10 0 0 40 45 129 224 

61 0 0 120 190 437 808 

Working Group 3 – Cross-Border Cooperation and Multilateral Environmental Agreements 

Activity 3.1. Nature Protection 5 0 12 55 38 204 314 

Activity 3.2. Water Management 5 0 74 0 55 259 393 

Activity 3.3. EIA / SEA 5 18 60 0 66 250 399 

Activity 3.4. Multilateral Env. Agreements – gap assessment 5 12 4 0 21 134 176 

20 30 150 55 180 847 1282 

Working Group 4 - Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Network for Accession (ECENA) 

Activity 4.1. Capacity building regarding compliance with env. 

legislation 

56 0 0 36 56 136 284 

Activity 4.2. Country external assessments 14 30 0 0 48 106 198 

Activity 4.3. EU ETS Compliance 13 0 0 13 8 82 116 

Activity 4.4. Transfrontier Shipment of Waste (TFS) 13 0 0 9 8 82 112 

Activity 4.5. Inspection and Enforcement in CB Nature 

protection areas 

10 0 0 10 20 64 104 

Activity 4.6. ECENA participation in relevant networking 

activities 

7 0 0 7 0 64 78 

113 30 0 75 140 534 892 

Project complition phase 20 10 10 10 0 94 144 

20 10 10 10 0 94 144 

300 300 300 300 940 2860 5000

Estimated number of working days per month 

Month Apr-10 May-10 Jun-10 Jul-10 Aug-10 Sep-10 Oct-10 Nov-10 Dec-10 Jan-11 Feb-11 Mar-11 Apr-11 May-11 Jun-11 Jul-11 Aug-11 Sep-11 total 

M1 M2 M3 M4 M5 M6 M7 M8 M9 M10 M11 M12 M13 M14 M15 M16 M17 M18 Y1 

KE 1 Team leader 4 11 12 3 19 10 12 13 6 11 10.5 11 12 16.5 5 2 8 11 177 

KE 2 Legal expert 4 8 18 8 11 13 5.5 10 4.5 6 10.7 21.5 8 14 15 11 17 2 187.2 

KE 3 Env.Investm. 4 6 9 4 9 8 8.5 11 8 5 7 10.5 7 6 5 3 6 10 127 

KE 4 Env.Acquis 3 11 12 6 5 12 8 8 6 7 15 17 10 19 12 8 12 13 184 

Senior STEs 7 17 22 13 14.5 6 8 12.5 40.5 35 83 66.5 7 22.5 60 414.5 

Junior STEs 7 10 3 5 4 0 12 11 19 53 53.5 27.5 56.5 62.5 324 

Month Oct-11 Nov-11 Dec-11 Jan-12 Feb-12 Mar-12 Apr-12 May-12 Jun-12 Jul-12 Aug-12 Sep-12 Oct-12 Nov-12 Dec-12 Jan-13 Feb-13 Mar-13 total 

M19 M20 M21 M22 M23 M24 M25 M26 M27 M28 M29 M30 M31 M32 M33 M34 M35 M36 Y2 

KE 1 Team leader 9 9 6 10.5 6 10 10 5 6 5 2 5 5 5 5 5 10 9.5 123 300 

KE 2 Legal expert 9 11 4.5 13.5 8 10 5 3 5 2 5 6 6 5 5 5 5 4.8 112.8 300 

KE 3 Env.Investm. 9 13 5 10 13 10 12 16 10 10 10 6 10 12 8 8 6 5 173 300 

KE 4 Env.Acquis 11.5 16.5 10 11 10 10 10 5 5 5 7 5 0 2 2 2 2 2 116 300 

Senior STEs 46 44.5 11 18 55 40 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 20 30 21 20 10 525.5 940 

Junior STEs 62 78 55.5 84.5 134 180 190 190 170 170 170 170 180 160 160 150 150 82 2536 2860 

Grand 

total


2. UPDATED LOGICAL FRAMEWORK MATRIX 

INTERVENTION LOGIC 

OVERALL OBJECTIVE 

The overall objective of the project is to enhance 

regional cooperation in the Western Balkans and 

Turkey in the field of environment in the prospect of 

accession to the European Union. 

PROJECT PURPOSE 

The purpose of the project is to assist the European 

Commission in providing the Secretariat of the Regional 

Environmental Network for Accession (RENA). 

RESULTS TO BE ACHIEVED 

Overall results: 

• Improved regional cooperation between 

environmental authorities 

• Efficient institutional frameworks and technical 

arrangements established 

• Enhanced public participation in environmental 

planning 

OBJECTIVELY VERIFIABLE 

INDICATORS 

Enhanced regional cooperation in the Western 

Balkans and Turkey in the field of 

environment in the prospect of accession to 

the European Union. 

Fully functioning RENA Secretariat in Vienna 

supports and implements RENA activities (see 

logframe under activities) as from April 2010. 

• Capacity building and training 

• Information exchange 

• Ad hoc assistance in relation to 

transposition, implementation and 

enforcement of EU law and requirements 

• Progress Monitoring 

SOURCES OF VERIFICATION 

• European Commission Progress Reports 

• Final and 6-monthly interim reports 


• Other thematic reports and publications 

• Project website 


• WG workshop and training reports with 

evaluations 

• Workshop background documents 

• Needs assessment reports 

• Overview approximation report SEE 

• Annual country Progress Monitoring 

ASSUMPTIONS 

• Institutional support and readiness of 

relevant authorities to engage in regional 

cooperation and resources made 

available for participation in RENA 

activities 

• High level of institutional stability 

without major shifts in responsibilities of 

ministries and other institutes, or shifts 

of key staff involved in the project 

implementation. 

• Willingness of sectors within the public 

administrations of partner countries to 

cooperate with their colleagues in other 

sectors, like environment. 

• Relevant authorities are willing to enable 

all stakeholders to take part in RENA’s 

activities and be able to allocate 

resources to implement the project. 

• Commitment of the project beneficiaries 

and partners to cooperate and give 

access to information in a transparent 



• Improved transposition and implementation in 

relation to EU environmental legislation 

• Improved skills in relation to legislation preparation 

and enforcement 

• Priority environmental projects and investments 

identified 

• Experience exchange groups and networks 

established 

• Enhanced cross-border cooperation in relation to 

environmental policies, legislation and investments 

Specific results by each thematic Working 

Group: 

• WG 1 Strategic Planning & Investments: 

Increased quality of transposition and 

implementation activities within beneficiary countries 

and regional cooperation in environmental 

investment planning assured. Particular emphasis to 

be placed on improved transposition of EU 

environmental legal requirements and set up of 

institutional structures more capable for 

implementation and enforcement of the transposed 

EU laws. 

• Development of best practice documents 

• Preparation of Approximation Strategies 

• Three-day Workshop on Environmental 

Approximation Planning for 12 officials of 

Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo under 

UNSCR 1244/99 

• Two day workshop on environmental 

approximation obligations and accession 

negotiations 

• Training materials and Manual 

• Report on assessment, future needs and 

next steps. 

• RISP: Annual meetings in 2011 and 2012 

conducted as well as extraordinary RISP 

meetings as needed and approved. 

• Training/workshops on new EU legislation 

• Update of the Implementation Handbook 

• Strategic planning and investments: Annual 

meetings conducted as well as extraordinary 

meetings as needed and approved. 

• Seven national workshops (per each country 

reports 

• Country assessment reports on the 

enforcement capacity 

• Formulated follow-up projects 

• Training materials 

• Lists of participants 

• Guidance documents and manuals 

• Continuously updated and fully 

documented project website 

• CDs with all relevant RENA project 

documents 

• RENA Network Guide 

• RENA Brochure 

• Newsletters 

• Strategy papers 

• Work plans 

• Workshop evaluation 

• Training materials and Manual 

• Report on assessment, future needs and 

next steps. 

• RISP meeting reports 

• RISP training reports 

• Report on RISP and proposals for future 

activities 

• Updated Implementation Handbook for 

2011 and 2012 

• Agreed national format for investment 

projects list 

• Description of country specific gaps 

regarding investment projects 

• Workshop report on the EU 

requirements and identification of 

environmental projects. Approximation 

cost assessment. 

• Example content for an investment plan 

• Workshop report on the Role of national 

manner. 

• A high level of involvement, cooperation 

and participation of all the stakeholders, 

including CSOs and IFIs 

• Avoiding carrying out activities with little 

added value with regard to what has 

already been done, in particular by 

REReP 

• Effective coordination and interaction 

with on-going activities related to the 

subject matter of the project. 



• WG 2 Climate Change: 

Increased capacity in SEE and strengthened 

cooperation within SEE and between SEE countries 

and the EU in the field of policy making, law drafting 

and implementation of elements of the European 

except Croatia) on investment planning and 

financing plan development 

• Four combined regional workshops on 1) 

The EU requirements and identification of 

environmental projects; approximation 

costs assessment; 2) Planning of 

environmental investment; 3) Role of 

national and international financing sources 

in environmental financing; 4) Development 

of Environmental Financing Plans and 

• Identification and Prioritisation of 

Environmental Investment Projects. 

• Public participation: Needs assessment for 

support in the transposition and 

implementation of public participation 

requirements in the EU acquis and 

multilateral environmental agreements; 

Participation of representatives of the 

Environmental Forum in RENA meetings 

and activities; Documents and activities in 

support of institutional strengthening in 

public participation in the beneficiaries 

• Annual Progress Monitoring Reports and 

training on new legislation and progress 

monitoring in 2013. 

• Legal gap assessments: Up to eight gap 

assessments of draft legal acts; Proposals for 

follow-up activities, workshops, training, or 

exchange of information 

• Background documents and minutes for the 

three annual meetings of the RENA Climate 

Change Working Group; 

• ReCAP: Three successful regional capacity 

building and informative workshops 

targeting 8 – 24 relevant policy makers from 

all RENA countries on the (1) climate and 

and international financing sources in 

environmental financing. 

• Example content for a financing plan 

• Priority investment project list updated. 

• Public Participation Needs Assessment 

Report prepared and submitted to RISP 


• Public participation capacity-building 

and support activity plan 

• Annual report on PP activities carried 

out 

• Follow up documents produced and 

published 

• ToCs & IQs prepared 

• Progress Monitoring Country Reports 

• Training report on new EU legislation 

and progress monitoring 

• Eight gap assessment reports of draft 

legal acts 

• RECAP Needs assessment report 

• Workshop report on Climate and Energy 

Package 

• Workshop Report on climate policies 

related to transport and F-gases 



Climate Change Programme and EU Climate Change 

Acquis 

energy package, (2) EU policies on 

transport/fuels and F-gases; (3) 

Identification of follow-up national RECAP 

events; (4) 6 national RECAP events on 

developing concrete national climate 

actions/projects; (5) Climate projects 

developed and translated into donor project 

proposals. 

• GHG emission inventories and reporting: 

Group of trained professionals (8-24) from 

regional network of SEE professionals and 

experts on GHG emission inventories 

focusing on (1) Monitoring Mechanism 

Decision; (2) GHG emissions onventories 

and reporting; (3) on special topics (selected 

following the previous two workshops); 

Three reports on the regional workshops; 

At least Hands on support missions on 

preparing inventory reports 

• EU-ETS: Three Regional Seminars on EU- 

ETS targeting 8-24 relevant policy makers 

from RENA countries: (1) General EU- 

ETS seminar; (2) Seminar on monitoring, 

reporting and verification (3) Seminar on 

functioning of registries; (4) Draft national 

lists of installations to be included into the 

ETS. 

• Preparatory Workshop on national 

RECAP events 

• Six national RECAP Seminar Reports 

• Two GHG reporting exchange mission 

reports 

• At least two concrete and detailed 

RECAP proposals prepared for donor 

consideration 

• Workshop Report on Monitoring 

Mechanism Decision 

• Workshop report emission inventories 


• EU-ETS Seminar Report 

• EU-ETS Seminar report on monitoring, 

reporting and verification 

• EU-ETS Workshop Report on Registries 

EU-ETS national workshop Reports on 

doing inventories 

• EU-ETS Draft installations list from at 

least three RENA countries 

• WG 3 Cross-Border Cooperation & Multilateral 

environmental agreements 

Increased capacity and strengthened cooperation on 

issues of transboundary importance (Nature, Water 

and EIA/SEA) through creation of a forum of 

officials from the candidate countries and potential 

candidates and exchange of experience on 

• Nature: Three annual meetings of the 

Nature Protection Working Group; Two 

year Regional training programme at 6 pilot 

sites in 2011 and 2012; (6 module training 

programme for 20 regional national experts 

and stakeholders from pilot sites. Pilot sites: 

(a) Shara; (2) Gornje podunavlje; (3) 

Djerdap; (4) Tara; (5) Durmitor-Sutjeska; (6) 

Dojran. 

• Workshop Report on Sites Management 

Nature 

• Workshop Report on synergy between 

sites management and local economy 

• Workshop report on communication 

strategies 

• Workshop report on conducting nature 



transposition implementation and enforcement of 

EU legislation 

• Water Management: Three annual meetings 

of the sub-working group, six training 

workshops on 1) Basic measures: the role of 

the WFD; 2) River Basin District 

characterisation, including economic 

analysis; 3) Heavily modified water bodies 

and new modifications; 4) Coordination of 

criteria for good water status and modelling 

of environmental impact of human activities 

on water bodies; 5) Development of the 

Programme of Measures and measures 

related to Article 9 (cost recovery); 6) WFD 

derogations and public participation, as well 

as stakeholder involvement. Three pilot 

sites: Drin, Drina and Neretva river basins. 

• EIA/SEA Three annual meetings of the 

sub-working group, training workshops on 

Approaches to transposition of EIA/SEA 

directives; SEA and IPA programmes; 

impact assessments 

• Workshop report on conducting nature 

impact assessments 

• Workshops report on developing sound 

nature project proposals 

• Workshop report on monitoring and 

reporting nature protection areas 

• At least two detailed follow-up cross 

border nature proposals for donor 

consideration 

Water 

• Workshop report on Basic measures: the 

role of the WFD, including description 

of practical examples. 

• Workshop report on RBD 

characterization, including economic 

analysis 

• Workshop report on HMWB and new 

modifications. 

• Workshop report on Coordination of 

criteria for good water status and 

modeling of environmental impact of 

human activities on water bodies. 

• Check list on major steps to be taken 

during cross-border coordination of 

good water status criteria and 

monitoring. 

• Guidelines on the development of costeffective 

programme of measures in 

accordance with WFD. 

• Workshop report on WFD derogations 

and public participation. 

• List of further needs. 

EIA/SEA 

• Workshop Reports, Guidelines, list of 



• WG 4: Environmental Compliance and 

Enforcement Network for Accession (ECENA): 

Improved ability of ECENA member countries to 

implement and enforce the EU environmental 

legislation by increasing effectiveness of inspecting 

bodies and promoting compliance with 

environmental requirements 

EIA/SEA differences and common 

features; SEA cross-border procedures, 

including consultation and interpretation of 

cross-border impacts; EIA cross-border 

procedures, including consultation and 

interpretation of cross-border impacts. Pilot 

sites: Operational Programmes; four HPPs 

on Moraca river , Neretva/Trebisnjica river 

basin management with focus on upper 

horizon; Motorway Morinë – Merdar.. 

• Gaps assessment Mutlilateral environmental 

agreements: Implementation questionnaires 

(IQs) prepared for selected MEAs; 

Maximum 12 implementation 

questionnaires completed and assessed; 

Maximum 12 MEA implementation reports 

completed 

• Capacity building permit writers and 

inspectors Before 3/2013: Two Training 

Topics assessments; Eight national training 

workshops ; Training Materials and 

Manuals; Pool of 20 well trained 

environmental inspectors and permits 

writers per country, capable of performing 

their tasks of implementing and enforcing 

the environmental acquis 

• Common inspections and site visits: eight 

national training workshops selected pilot 

sites will be visited and inspected with 

inspectors from other countries 

• Country external assessments: Seven 

country assessment reports with 

assessments of national, regional and local 

environmental capacity covering the whole 

management cycle of policy, legislation, 

permitting, verification and control, 

further requirements report 

Gaps assessment multilateral agreements 

• Maximum 12 MEA implementation 

reports completed 

• Two regional Training Topics 

assessment reports 

• Eight national training reports on 

permitting and inspection with training 

manuals and common inspections 

• Preparatory Report Country 

Assessments 

• Seven RENA Country Assessment 

Reports 

• EU-ETS Regional Workshop Report 

• Two TFS Regional Workshop Reports 

• Two Cross border nature protection 

inspection Workshop Reports 

• Reports participants of ECENA sister 

networks 



IMPLEMENTATION PHASE 

ACTIVITIES 

Activity 1.1 Overview report on approximation in SEE 

Activity 1.2 RISP – Regional Institutional Support 

Platform 


Activity 1.4 Public participation in planning 


Activity 1.6 Gap assessments of draft legal acts 






monitoring and reporting, focussing 

specifically on the issues of permitting, 

inspection and enforcement 

• EU-ETS compliance: One 2-day regional 

training workshop with participation of 

neighboring countries representatives (for 

example Bulgaria and Romania) 

• TFS: Two 2-day regional training 

workshops with participation of 

neighboring countries representatives (for 

example Bulgaria and Romania) 

• Cross border nature protection: Two 2-day 

regional training workshop with 

participation of neighboring countries 


• ECENA participation in networks: Three 

annual meetings of the ECENA Working 

Group; Participation in about 5 events per 

year (as average) of inspectors/permit 

writers from the region in other sister 

networks 

MEANS 

Country coordinators+PR/Visibility 

Junior Non-Key Experts: 900 wd – (800 + 100 

wds) 

Inception 

Team Leader: 60 wds 

Key Expert 2: 40 wds 



WG 1 Strategic Planning and Investments: 




CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO 

ACHIEVE SUCCESS 

Given the RENA history so far political 

support from the side of Environment 

Ministers seems evident, being a first 

precondition for successful RENA 

cooperation. Commitment to work with the 

project results will however be equally 

important. Reports may be nice for the 

record, they are much nicer if they are not 

just a piece of output, but generate actual 

outcomes. As it seems the commitment to 

be involved is rather strong in the 

beneficiary countries giving good hope that 



Activity 3.3 EIA and SEA 

Activity 3.4 Multilateral Environmental Agreements – 

gap assessments 

Activity 4.1 Capacity building regarding compliance 

with environmental legislation through better 

understanding of issues and identification of targeted 

solutions 


Activity4.3 EU ETS Compliance 

Activity 4.4 Transfrontier Shipment of Waste 

Activity 4.5 Inspection and enforcement in cross border 

nature protection areas 

Activity 4.6 ECENA participation in relevant 

networking activities including IMPEL and other sister 

networks 


Senior Non Key Experts: 430 wds 

Junior Non-Key Experts: tbd 

Incidentals: 430.827 euro 

WG 2: Climate Change 








WG 3: Cross border cooperation 








WG 4: ECENA 








Final phase 




steps forward will be made. 

Cooperation and data availability and the 

timely access to these data are highly 

important to proceed with network 

activities according to planning and to 

provide quality outputs. These elements 

will definitely impact the usefulness of the 

project report results and the benefit all 

stakeholders can have from it. 

Many activities are planned in RENA. The 

allocation of staff and resources to 

participate in the events may be a bit 

difficult in a number of cases. Not only in 

terms of quantity, also in terms of quality. 

This may mainly refer to representatives of 

public administrations (many countries 

having limited experienced senior 

resources) and civil society organisations. 

The efficiency and effectiveness of the 

knowledge transfer in the workshops and 

events will highly depend on this aspect. 

Proper project implementation is served 

with a stable environment. Continuity will 

be an important aspect in building up 

ownership and the use of the project 

results. Since the project deals with 

countries that have so far shown regular 

political and administrative alterations it is 

likely that in some of them relevant changes 

potentially impacting project results will 

take place 






“Regional Environmental Network for Accession” 

Ref: EuropeAid/128906/C/SER/Multi 

Minutes of the Meeting 

3 rd Steering Committee meeting 


Date: 14 October, Dubrovnik, Croatia 

Place: Hotel VALAMAR DUBROVNIK PRESIDENT, Iva Dulcica 142, Dubrovnik, Croatia 

Time: 09:00 – 17:00 

Participants: 

Beneficiaries/Focal points 

• Mr. Fatos Bundo - Focal point for Albania, Director of EU Integration and Projects, Ministry of 

Environment, Forests and Water Administration 

• Ms. Azra Rogović Grubić - Focal point for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Senior Advisor for International 

Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations 

• Ms. Mira Medić - Focal point for Croatia, Director of the Directorate for the EU, Ministry of 

Environmental Protection, Physical Planning and Construction 

• Ms. Jadranka Ivanova - Focal point for fYR of Macedonia. Head of the Department for European Union, 

Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning 

• Mr. Muhamet Malsiu - Focal point for Kosovo under UNSCR 1244/99. Director of Environmental 

Department, Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning 

• Ms. Milja Stanojević - Focal point for Montenegro. Advisor, Department for International Cooperation and 

Sustainable Development, Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism 

• Mr. Nebojša Pokimica – Focal point for Serbia, Assistant Minister, Ministry of Environment, Mining and 

Spatial Planning 

European Commission 

• Ms. Daniela Topirceanu, Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Preparedness/Civil Protection, 

Veterinary, DG Enlargement, European Commission 

• Ms. Madalina Ivanica, RENA Task Manager, Policy Officer, International Relations and Enlargement, 

DG Environment, European Commission 

Project Team 

• KE1/TL. Mr. Ike van der Putte 

• KE2. Mr. Mihail Dimovski 

• KE3. Ms. Daiva Semeniene 

• KE4. Mr. Imre Csikós 

RENA Secretariat 

• Mr. Tumennasan Dolgor, Human Dynamics 

• Mr. Ruža Radović, Human Dynamics 

• Ms. Slavica Ašković, Human Dynamics 

Official welcoming 

The meeting was opened by Mr. Csikos, welcoming Ms. Stanojevic, new Focal Point for Montenegro and Ms. 

Topirceanu from DG Enlargement and Mr. Dimovski, new KE2 of RENA. 

Ms. Medic welcomed participants on behalf of Croatia, indicating the satisfaction with the progress of the project 

achieved so far and presented in the draft 2 nd Interim Report. Ms. Ivanica thanked to Ms. Medic for hosting the 

meeting in Croatia. Ms. Ivanica welcomed Mr. Dimovski, being at the SC meeting for the first time as the 

replacement on the position of KE2 instead of Ms. Whitehead who has left the project due to a health reasons 

and Ms. Stanojevic, new Focal Point of Montenegro. Ms. Ivanica explained that the last part of the meeting as 

per agenda will be devoted to discussion on the continuation of activities in the region under RENA 2 once the 

project is over. 

Page1 

This Project is funded by the 

European Union 

A project implemented by Human 

Dynamics Consortium



Adoption of the agenda 

Proposed agenda was unanimously adopted. 

Minutes of the second SC meeting 

Mr. Csikos gave a brief overview of the minutes of the previous SC meeting where the first Interim Report has 

been presented and discussed. The minutes of the second SC meeting were approved. Under this point the 

participation of NGOs under Environment Forum project has been discussed. Since the NGOs are sending 

their representatives to RENA events as representatives of EF project and the project is ending in December 

2011, the conclusion was that the bilateral discussion will be held with EF project Team leader to establish the 

modality through which the participation of NGO representatives on RENA events will be continued even after 

the EF project is closed. 

Draft Interim Report (March 19, 2011 – September 18, 2011) (TL/KE 1 Ike van der Putte) 

Mr. van der Putte presented the 2 nd Interim Report, its structure and contents as well the progress of the project 

in line with the work plan. Hard copy of the main text of the Interim Report has been distributed to participants 

along with the CD containing the annexes. Mr. van der Putte also announced that the next Ministerial Meeting 

will be organised by EC DG Environment with support from RENA Secretariat end of March 2012. The exact 

date will be determined and announced to the countries as soon as possible. The absence of Turkey at the SC 

Meeting and announced absence on WG4 2 nd Annual Meeting was tackled and Ms. Ivanica said she will check 

the issue with counterparts from Turkey. 

Working Group 1 – Strategic Planning and Investments/Activity 3.4 MEAs (KE2 Mihail 

Dimovski) 

Mr. Dimovski presented the activities done under WG 1 during second interim reporting period, approach and 

methodology applied, potential issues/obstacles and solutions as well as planned activities, approach and 

methodology for the next reporting period (September – March 2012). 


Regional training originally envisaged to be organised with the focus on BiH and Kosovo under UNSCR 

1244/99 was due to the cancelation of BiH, organised as sub-regional training with the main focus on Kosovo 

under UNSCR 1244/99 with participation of representatives of fYR of Macedonia. Two main topics covered 

with the sub-topics were: (1) Designing the preparation of approximation strategies and programmes and (2) 

Economic and Financial Approximation Strategy. The result of the training was developed programme outline 

for the potential content of Kosovo under UNSCR 1244/99 EAS. Major issue was absence of representatives of 

BiH due to the location of the training. Although project offered to change the location of the training, the 

participation could not be achieved. RENA Secretariat will prepare and send the letters to the relevant Ministries 

in BiH in order to promote participation of country representatives at RENA events and EC will tackle this issue 

at their upcoming Sub-committee meetings. 

Ms. Ivanica expressed her disappointment with the fact that no BiH representatives were nominated to 

participate at the above workshop as planned. Ms. Rogovic Grubic explained that several problems were 

influencing this, such as the language barrier, other obligation, location, coordinator of WG that is not very 

active, etc. Ms. Rogovic Grubic explained that the offer has been made by RENA Secretariat that the same 

training at the national level is provided to BiH, possibly back to back with national TA on development of EAs 

that is about to be initiated in BiH. 

The next training to be held under this Activity is regional training on Approximation Obligations and Accession 

Negotiation in Brussels. The training will provide overview of the negotiation process; ensure exchange of 

experience and best practices with candidate countries and NMS with participation of chief negotiators EC DG 

Environment Desk Officers and DG Enlargement as lecturers. In order to avoid numerous travels, the training 

will be organised back to back with 2 nd Annual Meeting of WG 1. 


So far two regional trainings have been held in the reporting period: 

• First regional training/workshop on Directive 2008/99 (Criminal law)/Directive 2004/35/EC 

(Environmental liability), Zagreb, 30-31 May, 2011 

• Second regional training/workshop on Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 (CLP) and (EC)1907/2006 

(REACH), Istanbul, 11-13 October, 2011 – (to be reported in the next Interim report) 

In the coming period the project team will prepare and deliver: 

Page2 




Dynamics Consortium



• Regional training/workshop on Directive 2007/2/EC/INSPIRE (to be delivered in collaboration with 

the Austrian Environmental Agency) 

• Annual WG 1/ RISP meeting (to discuss and agree on the details of trainings to be delivered in 2012) 

• Update of the EU Handbook on the Implementation of Environmental Acquis – the project team will 

in collaboration with EC determine the scope and methodology of the update, draft the list of relevant 

EC judgments between 2007 and 2011, reviewing the current version of the Handbook to identify and 

revise any obsolete information, revise existing fiches covering separate EC legislation to accommodate 

for amendments adopted between 2007 and 2011, prepare new sub-sections for entirely new EC 

legislation adopted within the implementation period (2007-2011). Analysis of the Handbook will 

include 3 interrelated steps: legal gaps analysis, implementation gaps analysis and analysis of the current 

version of the Handbook. 

On the issue of the Handbook update, Ms. Medic asked if there is a budget for translation of the updated 

Handbook, but unfortunately the translation or the printing cannot be financed by the project. However, the 

electronic version will be made available for download and RENA Secretariat will check with the PR expert the 

possibilities to make electronic version in more user friendly format. 

Activity 1.5 Progress Monitoring 

Progress Monitoring is considered to be the activity with high importance. PM provides information not only to 

the EC but also to the countries and helps them to understand where they stand in terms of their progress 

toward EU. All PM Reports were prepared and submitted by mid September, 2011. Some difficulties that have 

occurred in the year 14 of PM exercise were the following: information not provided for number of sectors 

without explanation on reasons behind, contradictory information provided in ToCs, legislation adopted in 

previous PM period reported as progress, etc. 

Main issue to be discussed is scoring of draft legislation as progress although being in line with the current PM 

methodology. Ms. Medic commented that in line with the methodology, the draft legislation was scored as a 

progress. Croatia is of the opinion that such methodology should be kept as preparation of draft is for a fact a 

progress and present incentive to the countries. Mr. Dimovski agreed with the point, clarifying that the 

difference should be made between transposition progress and transposition efforts. Draft legislation should be 

reflected in the report, and the scoring methodology can remain as such with the condition that if draft 

legislation remains a draft for the period longer than 2 or 3 years the scored points will be deducted. Ms. Ivanica 

explained that EC takes into consideration the adopted legislation as real indicator of transposition progress. 

Draft legislation shows efforts toward reaching the progress, but if draft is not adopted in a reasonable period of 

time then there is no progress and progress scores awarded based on a draft cannot be kept. The reasonable 

period of time is to be agreed with the countries, and the suggestion is that this reasonable period of time should 

be 3 years. However no changes will be made until the agreement is reached on the proposed changes. Ms. 

Medic explained that the reasonable deadline for adoption should be agreed amongst the countries and EC. Mr. 

Dimovski asked the Focal Points to declare if they agree with the modification of the scoring methodology as 

explained above. The Focal Points agreed clarifying that the reasonable deadline for adoption of new legislation 

should be set to the period of three years. 

Ms. Ivanova agreed to the period of three yeas being a reasonable time for the adoption of the legislation, but 

not to the procedure of decreasing the score if the deadline is not fulfilled. 

One of the issues the project team faced during preparation of PM Reports for 2011 was inter ministerial 

coordination. The issue was resolved by additional involvement of EC and project team, additional meetings and 

coordination and this practice will continue during next year as well. 

Ms. Ivanova explained that the deadlines are rather tight and that it would be helpful to receive the ToCs and 

IQs as soon as possible and that additional trainings on filling in the ToCs and IQs for new legislation will be 

welcomed. 

Ms. Radovic explained that delay in delivery of blank ToCs and IQs in 2011 was partly caused by late 

determination of the list of legislation for Climate Acquis, but since the list of legislation for year 2012 will 

remain the same, the delays are not expected. 

Activity 1.6 Gap Assessment of Draft Legal Acts 

The project team developed the template for requesting the legal gap assessment or compliance check of draft 

legal acts. So far, only one request have been received, from Montenegro, with very short deadline for the project 

team to prepare compliance check for draft SEA legislation. 

The project team will provide advice to beneficiary countries on draft legislation for which they would benefit 

compliance checking and will continue to provide support under this activity, but it is essential that sufficient 

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period of time is given for compliance check implementation, i.e. that compliance check is requested by the 

countries well in advance. 


Under this activity during the reporting period the project team prepared request template for gap assessment of 

MEAs. So far no requests were received and project team would like to propose new approach to this activity. 

The activity could be focused on SEA and EIA. The main objective of such revised activity could be to 

overcome accession challenges in proper implementation of EIA and SEA but also to assist the countries in 

adhering to international obligations in transboundary EIA and SEA, namely the Convention on Environmental 

Impact Assessment in Transboundary Context (1991 Espoo Convention) and the Protocol on Strategic 

Environmental Assessment (2003 Kiev protocol). The activity could be a good opportunity for further synergy 

with Water Management, Nature and EIA/SEA Sub-groups and activities of RENA, but also with other regional 

initiatives. The outputs of such revised activity could be gap analysis of relevant multilateral environmental 

agreements (MEAs), legislation, and actual implementation, overview of institutional gaps related to the 

implementation of the Espoo Convention (EIA) and Kiev Protocol (SEA) and preparation and provision of 

guidelines for the environmental requirements for IPA projects (in line with IPA implementing Regulation 

718/2007). 

Ms. Medic commented that the production of guidelines under this activity would be rather useful for the 

countries. 

Ms. Azra Rogovic Grubic noted that BiH would need to continue work under this activity as initially planned 

with legal gap assessment, but this is still to be officially confirmed to RENA Secretariat once checked internally 

in the country. 

Ms. Ivanova also suggested that this proposed modification should be discuss in the countries internally and that 

the proposed changes can be confirmed only after this internal discussions. 

However, the conclusion was reached that the gap assessment will not remain limited to initially confirmed 

international conventions but will be open to all priorities that countries might have. 

The final decisions on the above proposed changes will be made at the second annual meeting of WG1 that will 

be held in November 2011 in Brussels. 

Working Group 2 Climate Change (KE4 Imre Csikos) 

Mr. Csikos presented the overview of activities implemented in the reporting period under WG2, as well as 

planned activities for the coming reporting period(s) in accordance with the revised work plan of this working 

group. Under this working group (under various Activities of WG), eight events (workshops, trainings) so far has 

been organised. 

The general conclusion made by the project team after year and a half of the implementation of the work plan is 

the following; different levels of capacity in the countries to develop climate change policies; all RENA countries 

(including Croatia) need to continue to take steps to achieve convergence with the EU Climate acquis; all RENA 

countries are required to step up human resources and skills capacity; high-level message from the EC to the 

region is required to push forward the activities in this area; transfer of knowledge on EU climate policies and 

legislation will provide opportunities to the region to unlock the renewable energy potentials, to achieve 

sustainable development through transformation towards zero carbon economies and to create new economic 

potentials to achieve set of renewable targets (new jobs). 

RENA WG 2 role is seen as a vehicle for the region to explore and unlock opportunities to implement 

(elements) of the Climate Acquis through awareness raising, establishment of platform of climate experts, 

development of concrete projects to be financed by various donors and capacity building. 

It has to be noted that IPA 2011- 2013 programme contains climate change as one of the top priorities. Thus 

RENA programme should also maximize benefits of IPA support. So far only a very limited number of IPA 

Climate proposals exist, although the budget is 800 million Euros for climate and environment (together). Most 

of the climate proposals will likely include IPA I (capacity building). Under RENA WG2 suggestion for 

prioritisation of IPA Climate proposals has been made and it is still to be confirmed by the countries. 

In the coming reporting period under three activities of this WG a cascade of events is planned to be 

implemented. The always present concern is the absorption capacity of the countries. 


1. Skopje, fYR of Macedonia, 19 and 20 January 2012, National ReCAP seminar (EU Climate and Energy 

Package) with maximum 100 participants representing industry, CSOs; central, regional and local 


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2. Belgrade, Serbia, 15 and 16 February 2012, National ReCAP seminar (EU Climate and Energy Package) 

with maximum 100 participants representing industry, CSOs; central, regional and local authorities, 

background institutions. 

3. Istanbul, Turkey, March 2012, National ReCAP seminar (EU Climate and energy package) with 

maximum 100 participants representing high level officials, CEOs and NGOS. This meeting was initially 

planned to be held in November 2011 but was postponed for March 2012. 

Before each event KE 2 will visit the countries to discuss the level and other details of each workshop. Ms. 

Ivanova noted that the country is looking forward to the proposed event. In relation to IPA funds mentioned, 

there is also proposal from fYR of Macedonia that the guidelines for transposition of EU Climate Acquis are 

produced in order to help the countries in implementation of this complicated legislation. Mr. Csikos agreed with 

the statement and explained that WG 2 will help the countries per request to draft project fiches for the activities 

that cannot be covered by RENA work plan and could be financed by IPA. Ms. Topirceanu noted that while 

drafting the project fiches, the source of financing has to be known in order to avoid drafting in vain. Ms. 

Topirceanu also commented that agendas for the workshops mentioned to be implemented under Activity 2.1 

have to reflect the various interest of the wide audience that will attend these workshops. Ms. Medic added that 

their Ministry already submitted twice proposal for TA project to be financed by IPA but the proposal was 

declined with the justification that the priority for funding is placed on judiciary reforms. Ms. Topirceanu replied 

that they have no influence on national programmes, but as per her experience the priorities for financing strive 

usually from national strategic documents and if the justification for refusal was such, than the justification for 

the proposed projects has to be very strong in order to get the required funding. 

Activity 2.2 MMD 

The activities planned for the next reporting period: 

1. Tirana, Albania, 16 and 17 November 2011. Two days regional workshop on preparation of GHG 

emissions inventories and reporting (focus on selected sectors)/back to back with 2 nd annual meeting of 

WG 2, 18 November 2011; 

2. Zagreb, Croatia, March 2012: The scope of the regional workshop will be defined on the basis of 

discussions and identified needs during the first two workshops, and is to be agreed by the Commission 

and RENA Working Group 2. 

Under this activity, hands-on support in preparation of GHG emission inventories in line with the MMD are 

planned. If possible, missions to some EU Member State(s) with a focus on, for example a specific sector or 

specific needs of the beneficiary country/ies are planned. The exact scope and methodology for this is still to be 

discussed with the beneficiary countries, on which basis a programme will be prepared. Along with this, targeted 

missions of experts from EU Member States to a RENA country to provide assistance on GHG inventory and 

reporting process are planned. The focus is to provide possibility for solving practical/technical problems. Here 

existing expertise of (MS and other) experts could be applied. 

Activity 2.3 EU ETS 

The activities planned for the next reporting period are focused on delivery of regional workshops on EU ETS. 

These workshops will be combined with the national workshops described under Activity 2.1. This approach was 

already implemented in Zagreb where the combination of national Activity 2.1 workshop and regional Activity 

2.3 workshop was organised with success end of September 2011. 

Working Group 3 – Cross border cooperation and MEAs (KE4 Imre Csikos) 

Activity 3.1 – Nature Protection Sub-group 

Mr. Csikos presented the activities implemented under this Sub-group in the reporting period. Two regional 

trainings were held: 

Module 1: Development and Implementation of Nature Sites Management Plans. Location: Kopacki Rit, Croatia 

(Serbia, Croatia, Hungary). During this training focus was placed on the topics such as: management plan 

development with a participatory approach; implementation of management plans; involvement of stakeholders. 

The evaluation results demonstrated that the approach to development of Management Planning was new for 

participants, but also that there is no cross border cooperation between Serbia and Croatia which threatens 

integrity of the site. The conclusion after the training is that economic developments overrule nature objectives 

and that EU legislation will secure better protection of Kopacki Rit. 

Module 2: Nature Management and strengthening the local economy: creating business and revenues in cross 

border areas: Dojran Lake (fYR of Macedonia and Greece). During this training focus was placed on the topics 

such as: creation of revenues from nature management; modules for stimulation of local economies; options for 

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financing nature; making links to management planning. During the training, project team discovered that 

problems on Dojran Lake are related to: artificially filling of water table (deep aquifer) due to unsustainable 

agricultural (irrigation) practices; eutrophication; need for scientific environment and nature study to be 

developed and need for development of joint cross border management plans in order to support preservation 

of Dojran Lake. 

Preparations are on-going for the implementation of Module 3 that will be held in Djerdap, Serbia (Serbia and 

Romania). Under this module focus will be placed on communication with stakeholders. 

In the next reporting period, Module 4 will be implemented on Shara Mountain (cross border of fYR of 

Macedonia, Albania, Kosovo under UNSCR 1244/99). 

Working Group 1 – Strategic Planning and Investments/Activity 1.3 / Working Group 3 – 

Cross Border Cooperation and MEAs (KE3 Daiva Semeniene) 

Activity 1.3 – Investment Planning Sub-group 

Ms. Semeniene presented the activities implemented under this Sub-group in the reporting period. During period 

April to June 2011, seven national workshops (in each country) on investment planning and financing plan 

development has been organised. These were followed by regional workshop on the EU requirements and 

identification of environmental projects and approximation costs assessment. This regional workshop was also 

focused on preparation of prioritised lists of environmental projects with regional impact. Main conclusions after 

the national workshops were the following: additional efforts in transposition of heavy costs directives were 

necessary; some important strategic documents were still missing, in particular those, which contained identified 

projects for full compliance with the EU requirements; cooperation among institutions remained problematic, 

despite that some steps were being taken by establishing joint working groups and other mechanisms; capacity 

building in project cycle was needed on both central and local level; better established procedures were needed 

for project identification, prioritisation and implementation; and finally, more clear commitment from countries 

on level of local financing was needed. 

Development of long lists of projects should be considered as necessary part, preparing for membership 

negotiations. 

Regional workshop on planning of environmental investments combined with 2nd annual meeting of this Subgroup 

is planned to be held in December 2011 in Tirana. This workshop will also be devoted to further 

development of priority lists of environmental investment projects with regional impact (final decision on the set 

of criteria to be used along with the first draft lists will be produced). 

Collaboration with other regional initiatives and IFIs is ongoing (Sub-group experts participated in the meetings 

organised by WBIF, DABLAS, etc. Project team provided inputs to DABLAS newsletter and Guide for rapid 

pre-appraisals of urban wastewater projects). 

Activity 3.2 – Water Management 

Ms. Semeniene presented the activities implemented so far as well as planned activities with more details for the 

events planned for first half of 2012. Two regional workshops were held in March and September 2011 resulting 

with the improved capacity of the participants on the RBD characterisation, delineation of water bodies, 

pressures and impacts assessment including diffuse and point pollution, water abstraction and morphological 

pressures, adequate monitoring systems and typology, identification of water bodies at risk, etc. 

Next regional workshop will be focused on heavily modified water bodies and new modifications and will be 

combined with the 2 nd annual meeting of this Sub-group. The workshop/meeting will be held in December 

2011. Two more regional workshops are planned in the first half of 2012. 

Activity 3.3 – EIA and SEA 

Ms. Semeniene presented the activities implemented under EIA/SEA Sub-group in the reporting period as well 

as planned activities with more details for the events planned for first half of 2012. Under this Sub-group one 

regional workshop on approaches to transposition of EIA/SEA directives was held. Next workshop on SEA for 

IPA programmes is planned to be held in November 2011 combined with the 2 nd annual meeting of this Subgroup. 

During first half of 2012 two more regional workshops are planned. 

Working Group 4 – ECENA 

Mr. van der Putte presented the activities implemented in the reporting period as well as planned activities with 

more details for the events planned for 2012. 

Activity 4.1 Common Inspection training 

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The project team implemented sub-regional trainings designed under the Activity 4.1, involving approximately 20 

participants per training + inspectors from two other RENA countries in order to improve the exchange of 

experience. The trainings were implemented for the first four batch of countries. The Manual for national 

trainings have been developed. 


Under Activity 4.2 the country external assessments were finalised for Serbia, fYR of Macedonia and 

Montenegro. Site visits were organised for preparation of the reports for Albania and Kosovo under UNSCR 

1244/99. The visit to Turkey is planned for December 2011. 

Activity 4.3 EU ETS compliance 

The first regional workshop on EU ETS compliance is planned for May 2012 to be held in Croatia (still to be 

confirmed). 

Activity 4.4 TFS 

The first regional workshop on TFS (harbour and ship transport) will be organised in collaboration with IMPEL 

in April 2012 in Turkey. Second workshop is planned to be held on road transport in June 2012. 

Activity 4.5 Inspection and Enforcement in cross border Nature protection areas 

The first regional workshop on nature inspection is planned to be held on Lake Ohrid in October 2012. Second 

regional workshop is planned to be held on Skadar Lake in November 2012. 

Activity 4.6 ECENA participation in relevant networking activities including IMPEL and other sister 

networks 

Collaboration with other relevant networks continued during reporting period, with main focus on collaboration 

with IMPEL. The efforts of the EC initiated in the previous reporting period resulted with the possibility that 

IMPEL will change their rules and will allow potential candidates to become the members of the IMPEL. This 

change will become official most probably after the next General Assembly Meeting of IMPEL that will be held 

in Warsaw, 24 November 2011. 

Under this activity, 2 nd Annual meeting of WG4 will be held in Skopje on 18 October 2011. 

Discussion on the future of RENA 

Ms. Ivanica explained that the discussion on the future of RENA was initiated during 2 nd SC meeting held in 

March 2011 and that Focal Points were asked to start thinking on the priorities that should be included on 

possible RENA 2 project. 

Ms. Topirceanu made an introduction with the general statement on IPA funds. IPA is instrument for preaccession 

process. All projects whether national or regional financed by IPA have to be related to pre-accession. 

Most funds under IPA are related to national projects and are distributed in line with the strategic documents 

produced by the countries. In 2009 it was decided that the countries had to be more involved in the process of 

design of projects. Eight priority sectors are established. In order to ensure more participative approach and 

following the decision made in 2009 working groups are created to design sector plans for the regional 

interventions. One counterpart has been appointed for each country (national IPA coordinators – NIPACs). 

NIPACs are responsible for communication with DG Enlargement. In practice it has been demonstrated that 

communication between NIPACs, line ministries in the countries and RENA Focal Points has not been 

established at the expected level. Sector plan was produced for the period 2011 – 2013. Twice a year 

coordination meetings are organised by DG Enlargement for NIPACs. On these meetings strategic decisions 

and choices are made. One of the strategic decisions is related to RENA 2. At the meeting held in May 2011, it 

was expected that some basic grounds for priorities for RENA 2 will come from RENA 1. However, these 

grounds were not ready for meeting in May. NIPAC for fYR of Macedonia, Mr. Vlatko Trpeski therefore took 

over the responsibility to coordinate the process of consulting RENA FPs and relevant stakeholders in order to 

make necessary preparations for drafting the project fiche. The information was collected, but the lessons 

learned from RENA 1 showed that the focus of the countries is rather regional. Draft project fiche has been 

developed, but it has been rejected since multi beneficiary context has not been properly justified. Therefore 

more efforts are needed in collecting the relevant information in order to prepare justifiable project fiche proving 

the sustainability of the possible future project. 

Ms. Ivanica confirmed that first attempt to receive the information and proposals from FPs for RENA 2 were 

not at the expected level as most of them could fit perfectly under national IPA and some of them were related 

to the activities that are already under implementation in RENA 1. Therefore it has been decided to launch 

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second round of information and proposals collection in order to prepare the final draft of project fiche for 

RENA 2. The general idea is to build on the achievements of RENA 1. RENA FPs are therefore kindly asked to 

discuss internally the possibilities and to send to EC suggestions and proposals on the thematic areas and 

activities needed to be implemented under RENA 2. 

The FPs should keep in mind few criteria (based in which proposals will be judged in the approval process): 

1. Reference to strategic documents; 

2. Other means and tools than trainings should be considered for exchange of knowledge and experience; 

3. "added value" brought by a multi-beneficiary/regional approach compared to a national one; 

4. number of priority areas addressed 

5. the extent to which the Action builds on the results of previous EC interventions; 

6. the realism of the Action in the given timeframe/the probability that similar Actions could be 

implemented in the meantime with financing from other sources 

7. the cost effectiveness and efficiency of the Action; 

8. the number of IPA categories of Beneficiaries that would effectively benefit from the Action/equal 

treatment of all IPA Beneficiaries; 

9. the capacity of the target groups/beneficiaries to ensure sustainability to the Action; 

10. the number of elements that plead in favour of the Action's sustainability; 

11. the degree to which the Action allows synergies; etc. 

Ms. Ivanica added that FPs should consult project experts in the process of proposal and suggestions 

preparations. The project team will prepare a document on the lessons learned from RENA 1. The documents 

(logframe matrix, project fiche) have to be ready by February 2012. Therefore the information from the 

countries has to be prepared by mid November 2011 including the minutes of the meetings held in the countries 

internally. 

Ms. Ivanova explained that this process for collection of information was not presented to FPs as described at 

the meeting, first time when the process was launched, otherwise the information that were provided by the 

countries would probably be different. 

Ms. Medic asked for clarification on the position of Croatia in RENA 2, whether there is a need for full or 

limited or involvement at all. Ms. Ivanica replied that most probably the involvement will not be necessary but 

that will depend on the timing for start up of RENA 2. 

Follow up points 

The follow-up points resulting from the meeting are: 

Follow-up points By whom Deadline 

Lessons learned and evaluation report on RENA 1 RENA Secretariat November 2011 

Proposals for RENA 2 project fiche Beneficiaries Mid November 2011 

Decision on the scope of activities under Activity 3.4 Beneficiaries Mid November 2011 

Decision on the revision of the scoring system for PM 

(reasonable period of time – 3 years, deduction of 

awarded points after the reasonable period of time) 

Beneficiaries Mid November 2011 

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Human Dynamics Consortium 

3 rd Interim Report, Annex 4- Incidental Expenditure budget breakdown




2 nd 

Annual Meeting of WG 1 


Date: 

Participants: 

Beneficiaries 

25 November 2011, Brussels, Belgium 

Mr. Fatos Bundo, RENA Focal Point, Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Water Administration 

Ms. Biserka Puc, WG 1 Coordinator, Ministry of Environmental and Nature Protection 

Ms. Jadranka Ivanova, RENA Focal Point, Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning 

Mr. Muhamet Malsiu, RENA Focal Point/WG 1 Coordinator, Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning 

Mr. Zymer Mrasori, WG 1 Deputy Coordinator, Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning 

Ms. Milja Stanojevic, RENA Focal Point, Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism 

Ms. Brankica Cmiljanović, WG 1 Contact Person for Progress Monitoring, Ministry of Sustainable Development 

and Tourism 

Ms. Nada Mihailovic, Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism 

Mr. Velibor Goranovic, Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism 

Mr. Nebojsa Pokimica, RENA Focal Point, Ministry of Environment, Mining and Spatial Planning 

Mr. Miroslav Tadic, Ministry of Environment, Mining and Spatial Planning 


• Ms. Madalina Ivanica, RENA Task Manager, DG Environment, European Commission 

Project Team 

• Mr. Imre Csikos Key expert 4 

• Mr. Mihail Dimovski Key expert 2 


• Mrs. Ruza Radovic Project manager, Human Dynamics 

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Official welcoming 

The meeting was opened by Mr Dimovski by greeting all the participants for coming to the second 

annual meeting of the WG 1 “Strategic planning and Investments”, who announced that the discussion 

will be led on the approach and methodology that was applied, whether the activities were in line with 

the expected results, about any obstacles or problems the participants may have faced during the 

implementation as well as well as discussion on the planned activities of the WG 1. Mr Dimovski 

explained the importance of the WG 1 which deals with transposition and, at some extent, with 

implementation of the environmental acquis; it also covers progress monitoring, capacity building in 

transposition and implementation process, legal assistance and it works in synergy with other WGs since 

all WGs under RENA programme are interrelated. 

Approval of the agenda 

The proposed agenda was approved by the participants. 

1.1 “Preparation of Approximation Strategies” 

Mr Dimovski presented the implemented activities under Activity 1.1 “Preparation of Approximation 

Strategies”. 

The Sub-Regional Training Workshop “Preparing Environmental Approximation Strategy” was held in 

Prishtina from 3-5 October, 2011. The workshop was requested by Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo 

under UNSCR 1244/99 due to the urgent need of getting assistance in the start-up activities regarding 

the Environmental Approximation Strategy. Due to the unavailability of participants Bosnia and 

Herzegovina cancelled their participation. The training methodology was developed in collaboration with 

the beneficiaries. Over 16 lectures and power point presentations accompanied with a number of case 

studies and examples has been provided. Two main topics were covered with sub-topics: 

- Designing the preparation of approximation strategies and programmes 

- Economic and Financial Approximation Strategy 

As the outcome of the workshop the outline for project fiche for NEAS in Kosovo under UNSCR 

1244/99 has been developed. The outline will be further used by the authorities in discussion with EC in 

seeking further assistance. 

Regional workshop on the Approximation Obligations and the Chapter 27 was implemented in the 

period 23 – 24 November 2011. Participation of former negotiators from Romania and Lithuania 

provided hands of experience to the participants. The workshop was particularly important for the 

countries that are slightly behind with the accession process and provided them with the information 

needed for better negotiation preparation. 

1.2 “Regional Institutional Support Platform”/1.4 “Public Participation” 

Under Activity 1.2 “Regional Institutional Support Platform” the first regional workshop on Directive 

2008/99 (Criminal law)/Directive 2004/35/EC (Environmental liability) was organized in Zagreb (20-21 

May, 2011). Second regional workshop on Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 (CLP) and (EC) 1907/2006 

(REACH) was organized in Istanbul, Turkey (11-12 October, 2011). The workshop was delivered by 

RENA KE 1/TL Mr Ike van der Putte and SSTEs and it was a highly technical meeting. 

Mr Dimovski added that there are on-going preparations for the third Regional meeting on INSPIRE 

Directive. He shortly explained that this Directive is new and it requires effort by the countries to 

implement it. The contacts have been made with the Austrian Environmental Agency to jointly organise 

the workshop. The agreement has been reached to organise the workshop on 17 and 18 January 2012 in 

the premises of Austrian Environmental Agency in Vienna, Austria. 

Under Activity 1.2, the project team will provide the update of the Handbook on Implementation of the 

environmental acquis. The handbook presents the most interesting publications of the EC. The 

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Handbook represents a very comprehensive material covering the best practices on the environmental 

acquis and has to be regularly updated. 

Mr Dimovski once again emphasized the complexity of updating the handbook. First of all, the scope of 

the handbook update needs to be defined. One of the very important issues presents research and 

collection of new references to national implementing measures for new EC environmental legislation. 

This task requires a lot of time and effort and cooperation with relevant authorities. There is a need to 

review the whole Handbook in order to identify and revise any obsolete information. Mr Dimovski 

added that the existing fiches covering separate EC legislation need to be revised to accommodate for 

amendments adopted between 2007 and 2011. Importance of typing up new sub-sections for entirely 

new EC legislation in the relevant sectors adopted within the implementation period was emphasized. 

He explained that the Handbook analysis will include three interrelated steps: 

1. Legal gaps analysis 

2. Implementation gaps analysis 

3. Analysis of the current version of the Handbook 

Discussion – Planned Activities 

Mr Dimovski invited the participants to discuss on the abovementioned topics regarding the remaining 

workshops to be delivered. 

The participants agreed that the workshop on Simulation of EU Accession Negotiation process should 

be organized in Macedonia in May/June 2012 and the workshop on Environmental Crime should be 

organised in Montenegro in May/June 2012. 

Activity 1.5 Progress Monitoring of the Transposition and Implementation of the EU 

Environmental Acquis 

Mr Dimovski explained that preparation of PM reports requires lots of resources and inter-ministerial 

cooperation and he also emphasized that a number of difficulties could be faced during its 

implementation. Main purpose of PM reporting is to provide updated, comprehensive overview of the 

current situation in the beneficiary countries concerning the status of transposition and implementation 

of the environmental acquis. It is assisting the countries’ approximation strategies, planning resources and 

in defining priorities within the approximation process. It provides specific information on issues that 

could constitute barrier in the accession process. Progress Monitoring also proved information to the EC 

where the country stands with transposition and implementation of the Environmental acquis. . 

Mr Dimovski explained what difficulties occurred in Progress monitoring exercise 14. Those difficulties 

are not to be generalized since they vary from country to country. 

Information was not provided for number of sectors without explanation on reasons behind. He 

emphasized the problem of getting empty tables which provide no information and are useless as 

such. 

Contradictory information was provided in some Tables of Concordance. This might happen 

because persons who filled those in were changed and new ones were not sufficiently trained for 

that task. 

Legislation adopted in previous PM reported as a progress which should not happen. 

Implementation questionnaires are incomprehensible (no data on reasons behind expired deadlines). 

Short explanation for the reasons should be noted. 

Legislation drafted more than three years ago scored as progress. 

Planned Activities 

The following activities will be implemented in the upcoming period under Activity 1.5: 

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Update of PM Manual (Nov-Dec 2011) 

Update of approach and methodology for PM year 7 (15) (Nov-Dec 2011) 

Update of the ToR and selection of local experts assigned in each country (December 2011 – 

January 2012) 

Development of information package and announcement documents, developed specifically for 

each of the beneficiary countries (January 2012) 

Update/development of new ToCs and IQs for newly adopted legislation (2012) 

Introductory/Kick-off meetings combined with national trainings on PM methodology for the 

beneficiary countries (February 2012) 

Distribution of the updated tables of concordance and implementation questionnaires to the 

beneficiary countries (February 2012) 

Participants agreed that the training is needed both for new staff as well as some additional training for 

more advanced persons who were already involved in PM previously. After short discussion it has been 

concluded that training will be provided for Kosovo under UNSCR 1244/99, Serbia, Montenegro, 

Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

Mr Dimovski presented several measures for improving PM activity. Updating includes making 

difference among progress in transposition (adopted legislation) and transposition efforts (draft 

legislation). Scoring should be accompanied with clear justification. He explained that mentoring will be 

provided in order to help ministerial staff to identify issues and propose solutions. Coaching will be 

organized to guide individuals through specific tasks, such as completion of ToCs and IQs. 

Demonstration, in terms of seeing the best practices examples and facilitation present some of the 

measures for improving the PM activity. 

Activity 1.6 “Gap Assessment / Compliance Check of Draft Environmental Legal Acts” 

Mr Dimovski noted that this activity is associated with the previous one, i.e. Progress monitoring 

activity. As agreed request for compliance check is coming from the beneficiary country and is received 

by the Commission and then forwarded to the RENA Secretariat. The request should come associated 

with the draft legislation as well as with updated ToCs and other information, if possible. The next step 

is checking of provisions, paragraph by paragraph basis. It is emphasized that checking is performed only 

for legal part; and does not enter in the area of fairness of legislation or its interpretation. The results are 

then presented in a table format where each EC provision is matched with the corresponding 

transposing national article. It can easily be seen whether the provision is in compliance or not. In the 

summary of findings, it is clearly stated whether the transposition is adequate or not or partially in 

compliance and where not, the main reasons for the flaws are presented. The draft compliance tables are 

submitted to the EC and to the beneficiary country and further analysis and revisions are carried out, if 

needed. It is important to emphasize that opinion does not express opinion of EC but reflects an 

opinion of RENA Secretariat solely. 

Request template for gap assessment of draft legal acts was prepared and distributed. Montenegro sent a 

request for compliance check of draft SEA legislation. Request from Albania on compliance check of the 

draft Law on Integrated Waste Management with the provisions of the Waste Directive and Basel 

Convention has been received. 

Maximum of eight compliance checks are planned to be performed during the lifetime of the project. As 

for the timing, at least ten days are needed for this task but it is always desirable to receive it well in 

advance in order to avoid overlapping with other on-going activities. Mr Dimovski stressed once again 

the importance of understanding of the benefits of compliance checking. 


Mr Dimovski said that this activity is not so much related to environmental acquis however they are 

interrelated. He informed the participants on implemented activities during the second interim reporting 

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period when preparation and distribution of request template for gap assessment of draft legal acts was 

performed (April 2011). So far no response to make gap analysis was received. Conclusion after 

discussion was that this Activity should be merged with the Activity 1.6. 

CONCLUSION: 

The main activities and conclusions of the meeting are the following. 

All the activities planed under Activity 1.1 has been fully implemented; 

Two more regional workshops will be delivered under Activity 1.2: the workshop on Simulation of 

EU Accession Negotiation Process and the Workshop on Environmental Crime. Both workshops 

will build on the results achieved during the workshops implemented previously under the Activity 

1.2. 

Activity 1.5 Progress Monitoring – agreement was made on the scoring system. Overall 

methodology for PM was agreed; help and assistance on this will be provided by RENA Secretariat 

as needed and requested. The PM kick off meetings and trainings will be organised for: Kosovo 

under UNSCR 1244/99, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina; 

Activity 1.6 Compliance check – Participants agreed on its usefulness and its benefits. Countries are 

strongly encouraged to perform it. 

Activity 3.4 – to be merged with the Activity 1.6. 

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2 nd Annual Meeting of WG 3 Water Management Sub-group 


Date: 

Participants: 

Beneficiaries 

25 January 2012, Tirana, Albania 

Mr. Fatos Bundo - Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Water Management, Albania 

Ms. Azra Rogović-Grubić - Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations 

Ms. Nermina Skejovic Huric - Agency for Watershed of Adriatic Sea 

Mr. Kiril Kalkašliev - Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning 

Mr. Kosta Trajkovski - Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning 

Ms. Albana Hajrizi-Kunushevci - Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning 

Ms. Visare Hoxha - Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning 

Ms. Hikmete Morina - Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning 



• Mr. Antoine Avignon – EU Delegation in Tirana, Albania 

Project Team 

• Mr. Ike van der Putte – KE 1/RENA TL 

• Ms. Daiva Semėnienė – KE 3/WG 1 Environmental Investment Planning Sub-group Leader 

• Mr. Arūnas Kundrotas – SSTE/WG 1 Environmental Investment Planning Sub-group 

• Mr. Christoph Prandtstetten – SSTE/WG 1 Environmental Investment Planning Sub-group 

• Mr. Romualdas Lenkaitis – SSTE/WG 1 Environmental Investment Planning Sub-group 

• Ms. Simona Daugintienė – JSTE/WG 1 Environmental Investment Planning Sub-group 

Other stakeholders: 

• Ms. Joanna Fiedler – IFI Coordination Office – Sector Environment 

• Mr. Sohail Hassan – Infrastructure Project Facility in Western Balkans (IPF 1) – Western 

Balkans Investment Framework 

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The Annual Meeting was opened by Ms. Daiva Semėnienė, RENA Key Expert 3, who welcomed the 

participants and made an introductory presentation. 

The first part of the meeting was devoted to the RENA WG1 Environmental Investment Planning Subgroup 

activities during the last year. Ms. Semėnienė gave a brief overview of the implementation status of 

the work plan of the Environmental Investment Planning Sub-group, recalling national workshops in 

seven countries, content and outcomes of the first two regional training workshops, as well as some 

quantitative results. 

Ms. Semėnienė listed all planned national workshops and training sessions. Two of the regional trainings 

are already completed and two more are planned for the year 2012. 

National workshops (in each country) on investment planning April-June 2011 

and financing plan development 

Regional workshop: The EU requirements and identification of 

environmental projects. Approximation costs assessment 

September 2011, 

Dubrovnik 

Regional workshop: Planning of environmental investments 24-25 January 2012, 

Tirana 

Regional workshop: Role of national and international financing First half of 2012 

sources in environmental financing 

Regional workshop: Development of Environmental Financing Second half of 2012 

Plans 

In addition, Ms. Semėnienė acquainted participants with the training materials and other outputs which 

are planned for this subgroup: 

• Agreed national format for an investment projects list; 

• Description of country specific gaps regarding investment projects; 

• Example content for an investment plan; 

• Example content for a financing plan; 

• Workshop reports; 

• National lists of investment projects; 

• Updated list of the regional priority environmental investment projects 

Ms.Semėnienė presented eight activities of coordination with other EC initiatives which had been 

conducted so far. 

Furthermore, Ms. Semėnienė provided post-evaluation graphs of the first two regional trainings. On 

average 17 participants were present in the Environmental Investment Planning sub-group trainings. 

Evaluation of trainers, training programme and logistical arrangements was mainly excellent and good. 

During a roundtable discussion exact dates and preliminary venues were agreed for the next two regional 

workshops and the last annual meeting: 

Regional workshop: Role of national and international financing 

sources in environmental financing Programmes of 

Measures in accordance with the WFD. 

Together with the Water Management sub-group 

Regional workshop: Development of Environmental Financing 

Plans. Annual meeting 

21-23 May 2012, Visegrad or 

Podgorica 

20-22 November 2012 

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Mr. Antoine Avignon proposed to extend workshops to more than two days combining them with a 

short tour or site visit in order to ensure better exchange of experience. 

Discussion on future RENA 2 

Ms. Madalina Ivanica briefly introduced the next stage of RENA 2, which is preliminary planned in 

2013-2015, and noted that the EC was keen to continue RENA project activities in Balkan countries and 

Turkey. Currently discussions on the follow-up actions are going on and main issues and topics have to 

be identified during the coming months. It is important that any follow-up actions are designed in 

accordance with the needs of the beneficiaries. RENA 2 will still remain a capacity building project, 

however, it will be more practice-oriented and will aim at more tangible results. Ms. Ivanica reminded 

that all ideas should have a regional character. She invited the participants to have brainstorm and to 

express their needs for future RENA 2. 

Mr. Fatos Bundo proposed to keep EIP sub-working group in future RENA 2 and to have trainings not 

only for national-level officials but also for representatives of local authorities who are responsible for 

infrastructure projects. Due to other responsibilities it is too difficult for national-level authorities to 

train municipalities. Besides, he expressed the need to have some study tours and to share experience not 

only among RENA beneficiary countries but with a bit more advanced, though similar, countries within 

the EU as well. 

Ms. Madalina Ivanica commented that such idea could be supported by RENA 2 but due to lack of 

sources it would be probably better first to train the trainers who would have obligations to provide 

training to the local authorities. 

A representative of Kosovo under UNSCR 1244 asked for assistance in the implementation and 

enforcement of some EU directives and in the transposition of the water sector directives to their 

national legislation. 

Ms. Ivanica commented that transposition of the EU directives while drafting national laws is not part of 

RENA activities and that a number of workshops related to the directives in the water sector have been 

provided during current RENA activities. RENA could only assist in gap assessment. Furthermore, such 

kind of assistance will hardly have a regional character and therefore probably will not be supported by 

RENA. 

A representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina offered a few ideas as well. BiH did not establish an IPA III 

structure in time. Since IPA III is for the training of using the Cohesion and Structural Funds so 

currently there is a gap and BiH is not able to use these funds. Therefore, representatives from BiH 

expressed a need for support to establish IPA III, so that they could have a centralized system of 

preparation and implementation of projects financed by those funds. Furthermore, BiH asked for 

support in preparing for negotiations with the EU. Moreover, representatives of BiH strongly supported 

continuation of Croatian participation in future RENA 2 activities, since this would enable other 

countries to get experience from Croatia. 

A representative of fYR of Macedonia noted lack of coordination between IFIs and bilateral donors, 

therefore RENA could take a role of coordination between all donors so that everyone gets a clearer 

picture of what is going on. 

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Besides, representatives from fYR of Macedonia noted the importance of the issue of cost recovery. 

They stressed the public reluctance to pay higher tariffs, which need to cover investments and operation 

of infrastructure projects. During the round table discussion an idea to invite more stakeholders during 

earlier stages of project implementation in order to raise public awareness was supported. 

Furthermore, more discussions on the need of capacity building on tariff setting of various level 

authorities were held. 

Mr. Hassan explained that the key component of each IFIs project is capacity building of municipalities. 

Ms. Fiedler noted that capacity building of national-level authorities is crucial because they must have 

enough knowledge of technologies to be able to forward this knowledge to local-level authorities and 

citizens. 

List of ideas for RENA 2: 

- study tours; 

- more work with local authorities (municipalities); 

- institutional systems to implement projects; 

- more effort for transposition; 

- assistance in preparation for negotiations (also use experience from Croatia); 

- support for establishment of IPA III structures; 

- coordination among funding institutions and EU; 

- raising public awareness; 

- capacity building for a negotiation team; 

- improving approximation process management; 

- impact on the private sector. 

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2 nd 




Annual Meeting of WG 2 Climate Change 


Date: 18 November 2011, Tirana, Albania 

Place: Hotel Diplomat Fashion 

Time: 09:30 – 15:30 

Participants: Added as an Annex 1 to the Minutes. 

Official welcoming and approval of the agenda 

The meeting was opened by Mr. Csikós by thanking all participants for coming to the Second Annual Meeting of 

the WG 2 Climate Change to discuss the further implementation of the Work Plan as proposed by the RENA 

Team, and also to present the results of the MMD: CRF Reporter Workshop held on 16-17 November. 

Ms Laureta Dibra, RENA Climate Change WG Coordinator at the Albanian Ministry of Environment, Forestry 

and Water Administration expresses her satisfaction with the fact that the training workshop and the annual 

meeting were held in Albania and wished everyone a very fruitful discussion. 

The Agenda was approved unanimously. 

Overview of Status of RENA (Ike van der Putte, RENA Team Leader) 

Mr Van der Putte stressed to the participants the overall objective of the RENA project which is to enhance 

regional cooperation in the Western Balkans and Turkey in the field of environment in the prospect of accession 

to the European Union. Its purpose is to assist the European Commission in providing the Secretariat of the 

Regional Environmental Network for Accession (RENA) assistance to the RENA country beneficiaries. He also 

talked about the institutional set up and informed that the next Ministerial meeting will take place at the end of 

March 2012. He also mentioned project organisation, being divided among 4 working groups: 

WG 1 – Strategic Planning and Investments (Leader Mr Mihail Dimovski (replacing Ms. Cynthia Whitehead), 

Co-Leader Ms. Daiva Semeniene); 

 

 

 

Working Group 2 – Climate Change – (WG Leader Mr. Imre Csikós, WG Co-Leader Mr. Ike van der Putte); 

Working Group 3 – Cross-border Cooperation and Multilateral Agreements – (WG Leader Ms. Daiva 

Semeniene, WG Co-Leader Mr Imre Csikós); 

Working Group 4 – Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Network for Accession – (WG Leader 

Mr. Ike van der Putte, WG Co-Leader Mr. Imre Csikós). 

Mr Van der Putte informed the participants about the numerous initiatives, workshops and trainings within the 

different working groups. Additionally, the project team has established contacts with other initiatives and 

projects with the activities similar to the activities of RENA in order to establish better coordination of activities, 

in particular with the Environment Forum Project and Support to IFI Coordination in the Western Balkans and 

Turkey project, other EU initiatives and projects, such as DABLAS, HORIZON 2020, WBIF, as well as UNDP, 

and IMPEL. 

With regard to the involvement of the NGO community, the project established cooperation on three levels: 

Participation of EF project representatives at the annual meeting of RENA Working Groups and 

Ministerial meeting; 

Nomination of mirror coordinators by the EF project that will collaborate closely with RENA WG 

coordinators on further collaboration and participation in the activities defined in RENA Work Plan. 

Possibility for engagement of experts from the NGOs under EF project for conducting specific 

activities under RENA. 

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Status of Project Implementation in RENA WG 2 – Climate Change (Imre Csikos) 

Mr. Csikós presented the overview of the RENA Climate activities until to date, provided considerations for the 

RENA Workplan with the special attention to the Activity Scheme 2.1 (ReCAP), the Activity Scheme 2.2 

(MMD) and the Activity Scheme 2.3 (ETS). He also presented activities in the first quarter 2012. So far, the 

following events took place within this WG: 

– First event: Annual RENA Working Group Meeting on Climate in Zagreb, Croatia on 22 

February 2011 (activity scheme 2.1, Task 1) 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

Second Event: Activity Scheme 2.1: Regional Workshop on the Climate and Energy Package in 

Budva, Montenegro on 21 and 22 March 2011 (activity scheme 2.1, Task 2) 

Third event: Activity Scheme 2.3: Regional Workshop on the revised EU –ETS in Istanbul, 

Turkey on 16 and 17 May 2011 (this workshop) (activity scheme 2.3) 

Fourth event: Activity Scheme 2.2: Regional Workshop on EU Policies and legislation on 

transport/fuels and F-gases in Istanbul, Turkey on 18 May 2011 (activity scheme 2.1, Task 2) 

Fifth event: Activity Scheme 2.1: Regional workshop on the Identification of follow-up 

national ReCAP events on concrete climate actions in Bonn, 12 June 2011 (activity scheme 2.1, 

Task 3) 

Sixth event: Workshop on the Monitoring Mechanism Decision (280/2004/EC) and its 

implementing provisions in Skopje on 30 June and 1 July, 2011. (Activity scheme 2.2) 

Seventh event: Workshop on the Emission Trading Directive in Zagreb - focus on MRV, 26 

and 27 Sep (Activity Scheme 2.3) 

Eighth event: Workshop on the inclusion of aviation into the ETS in Zagreb, 28 Sep (Activity 

Scheme 2.3) 

Ninth event: Workshop on the use of CRF Reporter Tool in Tirana, 16-17 November 

(Activity Scheme 2.2) 

Tenth event: Second Annual Climate Group meeting in Tirana, 18 November (Activity 

Scheme 2.1) 

He also presented the consolidated results of the participants’ evaluations so far, where majority felt that 

workshops achieved the objectives set, that the workshops content was well suited to their needs, while the 

practical work was relevant and informative. The trainers also scored very high marks and the majority of 

participants thought the time at the workshops well spent. 

60 

50 

40 

30 

20 

10 

Workshop Achieved Objectives 

Workshop content well suited 

Practical work was 

relevant/informative 

Workshop was interactive 

Trainers 

Attending the workshop was 

time well spent 

0 

Excellent 

Good 

Average 

Acceptable 

Poor 

Unacceptable 

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The results of the training confirmed that the countries have different levels of capacity to tackle the climate 

change issues however all the RENA countries (including Croatia) need to continue to take steps to achieve 

convergence with the EU Climate Acquis. The 2011 workshops’ conclusions stressed the desirability of a highlevel 

message from the EU side to the Region. Additionally, workshops’ participants welcomed RENA climate 

initiatives that aim for the transfer of knowledge on the latest developments in relation to the EU climate policy 

and legislation to the RENA country climate experts. In order to be able to continue providing this valuable 

input, it was proposed that the project will implement many more events in 2012 but as the relevant target group 

within environment remains very small it is necessary to involve other line Ministries more systematically. As all 

2011-2013 IPA programmes (national and regional) contain climate change as one of the top priorities, the 

RENA should maximise its benefit unlocking these opportunities. 

The following events were proposed for the RECaP in 2012: 

1. ReCAP fYR of Macedonia: January 2012, Skopje 

The date was set in the week from 23-27 January, Skopje with the fYRoM CC Coordinator Teodora 

Grncarevska, who reminded that the workshop should mainly focus on national authorities and industry, given 

particular attention to the high-ranking officials. Mr Yrjö Mäkelä (EC) indicated that the corresponding 

representation level will be provided from the European Commission. The workshop should focus on the 

Climate and Energy package, giving a broad overview of other relevant legislation. Mr Mäkelä reminded that the 

Road Map for Energy 2050 to be adopted in December should also be given a prominent place in the workshop. 

Ms Grncarovska added that it would be very useful to have the institutional set up and financial aspects of the 

legislation elaborated on in the presentations. Mr. Mäkelä explained that in his opinion the presentations should 

focus on general presentation of policy level and not too much on the details of EU legislation. The next EU 

Multi-Annual Financial Framework should also be mentioned as it gives more prominence to the climate change 

issues in the EU budget (cross-sectoral). Ms Grncarovska proposed that the Head of EUD in fYRoM be present 

at the workshop as they coordinate IPA. It was agreed that the first draft of the Agenda will be sent in the first 

week of December 2011. After that, sending of invitations will be coordinated among the Project and the 

Ministry of Environment to ensure the maximum turnout. 

2. ReCAP Serbia, 16-17 February, Belgrade 

This national 2-day event will also focus on the Climate and Energy Package and its legislative elements. The 

target group will be ministries officials, as well as regional and local authorities (if applicable) and the industry. 

Ms Repac (Serbia) reminded that it would be very important to avoid duplications of the issues as there will also 

TAIEX workshop on ETS in March 2012. Imre Csikós confirmed that rather than overlapping the agendas will 

complement each other. 

3. Following ReCAP events 

The next RECaP events will take place in Turkey, April 2012 (Istanbul), which will particularly focus on high 

level and industry CEOs, Montenegro, May 2012 (Podgorica), for industry, institutions and NGOs, Albania, 

June 2012 (Tirana), Kosovo, September 2012 (Pristina) and B-H, October 2012 (Sarajevo). The participants 

mentioned that it would be very good that the media, particularly the journalist educated in environmental issues 

be involved as well. 

4. MMD 

On the Monitoring Mechanism Decision (MMD) Activity the following events were planned in 2012: the two 

days regional workshop on preparing GHG emission inventories and reporting was held in Tirana (16-17 

November). It is planned that the GHG inventory results using CRF Reporter Tool will be presented in June 

workshop in Zagreb. In the meantime, the project will provide hand-on assistance to the countries in the 

implementation of this exercise. (See later) 

5. ETS 

Furthermore, other events within the ETS activity will also be taking place in 2012: fYRoM, Skopje: week 

between 23-27 January 2011; Sub-regional awareness raising seminar on the EU ETS (combined with the 

proposed ReCAP event; Turkey, Istanbul – March 2012: national RENA ETS workshop. Additionally, from 

2012 onwards exchange missions of SEE experts from the beneficiary institutions and EU MS experts from the 

relevant institutions will be organised to provide: 

-Assistance to prepare lists of installations in line with the third phase of the EU ETS (excluding aviation). 

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-Assistance with Preparation of concrete IPA Climate projects (e.g. fiche MMD Turkey, Fiche climate modelling 

Croatia). 

Enlargement 2011 Package – Climate Considerations (Yrjö Mäkelä) 

Mr. Mäkelä greeted the participants and introduced the recently adopted Enlargement Package, which consists of 

the following documents: 

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

Enlargement Strategy Paper 

Eight Progress Reports 

Opinion on Serbia’s membership application 

Opinion on Croatia’s readiness to sign an accession treaty with the EU 

In response to the findings of RENA during its first year of operation as well as bilateral contacts, the 

Commission adopted the following key message through its Enlargement Strategy Paper: Enlargement 

countries need to become better prepared to withstand climate change and align with the EU’s efforts to 

address this challenge, including through awareness raising. Progressive climate action will bring 

benefits through low-carbon development and can create jobs”. 

For the purpose of accession negotiations, the Chapter 27 is renamed "Environment and Climate Change" from 

now on (except for Turkey and Iceland). 

Mr Mäkelä stressed that this year's Progress Reports put significantly more emphasis on climate, including 

through detailed reporting on the beneficiaries' progress on climate policy and legislation. 

Reporting on this Chapter was made more through and now covers developments in the following areas: 

• The existence of a climate policy framework 

• International commitments/pledges and their implementation 

• Co-operation with the EU on climate issues in the international and regional fora 

• Convergence with the EU climate legislation 

• Administrative capacity in the field of climate change 

• Co-operation with other involved Ministries and authorities 

• Awareness-raising needs 

Additionally, further climate-related measures are reported in the context of the energy, transport and 

environment sections of the Progress Reports. 

Mr Mäkelä illustrated his point with an example on Croatia’s Progress Report, which states that important 

progress has been achieved in terms of climate change policy framework, compliance with international 

obligations, as well as to a certain extent on harmonisation with and the transposition of the EU legislation. 

However, the Progress Report concludes that;”Significant efforts are still required to further strengthen administrative 

capacity, especially as regards nature protection and climate change. Regarding climate change, significant further efforts are still 

necessary to complete the legislative alignment and to ensure implementation, in particular in the areas of aviation, free allocation, 

registries and auctioning.” 

Mr Mäkelä then added that there are also IPA implementation reports which explain progress in the use of the 

IPA instrument. 

Mr Mäkelä also stressed that the objective of the proposed 2014-2020 EU budget is that 20% of the EU 

financing should become climate related, which will also indirectly reflect on the RENA countries. 

Finally, the conclusions were that the Commission is giving significant further visibility to the urgent needs of 

the RENA beneficiaries to step up efforts on climate issues, both within the enlargement process and 

internationally. Additionally, the Commission is ready to enhance support through an increased use of different 

instruments available (SAA Councils, SAA Committees, Sub-committees, RENA I and II, high-level events, 

technical meetings, Progress Reports, screening reports, monitoring reports, IPA I and II, mainstreaming of 

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climate into the EU 2014-2020 budget, TAIEX, peer reviews, etc.) However, dedication of the RENA countries 

is crucial as the success depends on the countries own efforts. 

MMD: CRF Reporter Workshop Summary and Results (Davor Vesligaj and Imre Csikós) 

Mr Davor Vesligaj discussed the results of the Monitoring Mechanism Decision Workshop, which concentrated 

its efforts on methods to collect and interpret data and submission through the Common Reporting Format 

(CRF) Reporter tool of the UNFCCC and its use in compiling data for the GHG Registries. The MMD itself 

establishes a mechanism for monitoring all anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals by sinks of GHGs. 

It enables the implementation of the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol as regards national programmes, GHG 

inventories, national systems and registries of the Community and its Member States (MS). Additionally, it 

ensures the timeliness, completeness, accuracy, consistency, comparability and transparency of reporting by the 

Community and its MS to the UNFCCC. Mr Vesligaj summarised the training which successfully provided: 

• Introduction to the CRF Reporter tool 

• Overview of Annex I countries experience in using the CRF Reporter (Austria, Croatia, Germany, Romania) 

• Overview of RENA country state of play regarding GHG emission inventories 

• How to use IPCC methods to estimate emissions from fuel combustion and fugitive emissions 

• How to compile national GHG inventory by using the CRF Reporter tool 

The participants were also given two “real-life-medium-difficulty emission estimation” tasks: 1) fuel combustion 

sectoral approach and 2) fuel combustions reference approach which were successfully accomplished with the 

assistance of RENA experts. 

Mr Imre Csikós complemented the previous presentation by presenting conclusions and steps to take in the 

framework of the RENA WG 2 CC Activity 2.2. MMD in 2012. The purpose of the CRF Reporter Exercise was 

to: 

• RENA Countries to familiarise themselves with CRF Reporter tool 

• Prepare database for Combustion fuels sector in a harmonised way 

• Identify strengths and weaknesses in preparing energy balances, GHG data inventory exercises and 

emission factors (focus Sector 1A) 

• Identify gap filling needs and translate into concrete project proposals for further consideration 

The following steps would be required in order to continue with the exercise: 

1.Countries shall identify an inventory team for Sector 1A (Combustion fuels) 

Each RENA country should send the RENA Secretariat CVs of two experts. The EU CV template was provided 

with the note that these experts should not, according to the IPA rules, be civil servants. The deadline for 

submission of CVs is 15 December 2011 and they should by be sent to ruza.radovic@humandynamics.org 

with a copy to Imre.csikos@renanetwork.org and imijatovic@yahoo.com. 

Experts will be working on the CFR reporter for Combustion Sector and will also be employed to work on 

identifying installations/activity as per the ETS Annex I. The work should start from 1 January and would last 

until 30 September 2012. ToR for experts will be prepared in December 2011 by the RENA Secretariat. 

2.Data collection (January – April 2012) 

This part of exercise will focus on the energy balance of each of the RENA countries. Additionally, the experts 

would focus on identifying the relevant data suppliers/institutions (activity data and emissions factors are 

required). The work would also concentrate on establishing the framework for data flow. Description of the 

national system and data flow would then be submitted to RENA by 15 February 2012. 

3.Installation of CRF Reporter 

In cooperation with the UNFCCC, the countries will obtain a copy of the CRF Reporter for the training 

purposes. This process will be coordinated between the countries UNFCCC national focal points and the RENA 

Secretariat for optimum results. 

4.First data imported in the CRF Reporter 

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The first draft should be ready by 25 March, while the data would be exported to the RENA experts for 

verification purposes and assistance. 

5.Missions in April/May to countries to identify issues 

First country missions could be organised in April or May 2012 to identify problematic issues. On these 

occasions, various analyses such as SWOT, gap identification, etc. will be carried out to identify data quality and 

availability, institutional and legal issues as well as problems in data flow. Additionally, there will be a possibility 

to organise consultative meetings in Berlin/Copenhagen/Zagreb (options) to discuss progress (a, b and c). 

6.Completion of work (CRF filled for Sector 1a) by 15 May 

7. Workshop in June to present results and identify follow up: 

a. Identify gaps (data quality and availability, institutional, legal) 

b. Gap filling requirements to establish framework for data flow 

c. Possibility to translate the above into an IPA project fiche 

8. Identify list of installations that fall in the scope of ETS (June – September) 

9. Prepare IPA Fiches with the RENA assistance (June – September) 

Mr Csikos also presented three guideline documents which are essential for this exercise: 

- Good Practice Guidance ( http://www.ipcc-nggip.iges.or.jp/public/gp/english/) 

- UNFCCC CRF Reporter 2.2 User Manual 

- (http://ghg.unfccc.int/download/CRFReporter/CRFReporter-v3.3-User-Manual.pdf) 

- Guidance on Interpretation of Annex 1 of the EU ETS Directive 

( http://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/ets/docs/guidance_interpretation_en.pdf). 

Round table discussion 

Round table discussion mainly concentrated on the RENA proposal for the CRF Reporter exercise. Ms Olivera 

Kujundzic expressed her doubt regarding the possibility that such experts can be found in Montenegro. 

However, some other participants believed that it would be possible to nominate people who had done similar 

work previously (fYR of Macedonia, Serbia). Mr Csikós also mentioned the intention to create a pool of regional 

RENA experts or the so called task force of experts to carry the work and to enable capacity building in the 

GHG inventory issues for the RENA countries, a main purpose of this exercise. 

Mr Csikós mentioned that the main purpose of the exercise is to start building better knowledge and capacity as 

as to gradually improve the technical and institutional ability of the RENA countries to prepare submissions of 

National Inventory Reports in the framework of the MMD. As such, the exercise should be seen as a first step 

that should lead to: 

a. Identify gaps (data quality and availability, institutional, legal) 

b. Identify gap filling requirements to establish framework for data flow 

c. Possibility to translate the above into national or regional IPA project fiches to address identified gaps 

It is expected that the above exercise’s focus (until summer 2012) should focus more on improving the process 

of the preparation of sound inventories (combustion fuel) sector 1A towards a full and harmonised combustion 

fuel sector FGF inventory using appropriate guidelines and tools. 

IPA Project Fiche Training Session (Imre Csikós) 

As this was repeatedly requested by the participants Mr Csikós provided the training session on the IPA Project 

Fiche drafting. Ms Grncarovska stressed the importance of examples being deeply rooted in practical and 

concrete issues, such as the MMD implementation for fYRoM. Subsequently it was agreed that the RENA 

experts will assist fYRoM in drafting such a fiche. Additionally, Teodora emphasised that it would also be very 

beneficial if national workshops on the Logframe/project fiche drafting could be organised within the RENA 

project. Mr Csikós also presented the funding opportunities, with a focus on IPA financing: 

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IPA 2011- 2013 

Environment and Climate Change 

Croatia: 



77.4 Million (18% of total IPA budget) 

fYRoM: 54.85 Million (18%) 

Turkey: 465.64 Million (18%) 

Albania: 51.55 Million (20%) 

Bosnia and Herzegovina: 54.22 Million (17.3%) 

Montenegro 

Final figures not yet available 

Serbia: 99 Million (16%) 

Kosovo (UNSCR 1244/99): 24.42 Million (12%) 

Multi: 17 Million (3.26%) 

Cross border: Unstated (total budget all sectors 225 

Million) 

He pointed out in detail to the most common mistakes in drafting project fiches and provided solutions for these 

situations. The workshop used two examples on how to prepare a sound intervention logic for projects 

addressing the following concrete issues (proposed on the spot by participants): 

- Improve ambient air quality in major urban centres in the Western Balkans 

- Improve ability of RENA countries to prepare National Inventory Reports by RENA countries 

The intervention logic for both projects was prepared in the workshop using the participatory approach. 

Participants indicated that these types of sessions should be used more systematically on future RENA Climate 

work. It was also suggested to hold regional RENA Climate workshops on preparing sound IPA fiches for 

Climate. Mr Csikós mentioned that this could be done, but that as a consequence (for budgetary reasons) 

another planned topic should go. 

Closure of the meeting 



Provide 2 CVs for the CRF Reporter Exercise 

Send Agenda for the RECaP event in Skopje, 23-27 

January 2012 

RENA countries/WG 2 CC 

Coordinators 

RENA WG 2 CC Team 

Leader 

15 December 2011 

1 week of December 2011 

Assist in drafting project fiche on MMD for fYRoM RENA WG 2 CC experts As per agreement 

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Annex 1: PARTICIPANTS’ LIST: 



names contact details Institution 

1 Laureta Dibra 

(Albania) 

2 Melita Zdilar 

(Croatia) 

3 Teodora Grncarovska 

(FYRoMFYRoM) 

4 Olivera Kujundzic 

(Montenegro) 

5 Flutra Pula Morina 

(Kosovo) 

6 Nezakete Hakaj 

(Kosovo) 

ldibra@moe.gov.al, 

laureta_dibra@yahoo.com 

Melita.zdilar@mzopu.hr, +385 1 3782 165 

t.grncarovska@moepp.gov.mk 

Olivera.kujundzic@mrt.gov.me 

flutrapula@gmail.com, Flutra.morina@ksgov.net 

Nezakete.hakaj@ks-gov.net 

Ministry of Environment, 

Forestry and Water 

Administration; Head of Air, 

Climate Change and 

Chemical Sector 

Ministry of Environmental 

Protection, Physical Planning 

and Construction 

Ministry of Environment and 

Physical Planning, State 

Councillor 

Ministry of Sustainable 

Development and Tourism 


Spatial Planning; Senior 

Officer, Air Protection 

Sector 


Spatial Planning, WG 2 

Climate Change Coordinator 

7 Ana Repac (Serbia) Ana.repac@ekoplan.gov.rs Ministry of Environment, 

Spatial Planning and Mining, 

Climate Change Division 

8 Lavdosh Ferruni 

(Albania) 

organic@abcom.al 

Environmental Forum 

9 Imre Csikos Imre.csikos@renanetwork.org RENA expert 

10 Ike van der Putte Ike.van.der.putte@renanetworl.org RENA TL 

11 Davor Vesligaj vesligaj@ekonerg.hr RENA expert 

12 Ivana Mijatovic imijatovic@yahoo.com, + 385 91 45 55 

580 

RENA expert 

13 Bendis Bocari bbocari@gmail.com RENA National Coordinator 

for Albania 

14 Antoine Avignon Antoine.avignon@eeas.europa.eu EU Delegation to Albania 

15 Yrjö Mäkelä Yrjo.makela@ec.europa.eu, +322 299 

1729 

EC 

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2 st 




Annual Meeting of WG 3 Nature Protection Sub-Group 


Date: 

Place: 

12 December, 2012, Podgorica, Montenegro 

Best Western Premier Hotel 

Time: 09:30 – 14:30 

Participants: 

Beneficiaries/WG 3 Coordinators 

Ms. Silvamina Alshabani - Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Water Administration 

Ms. Azra Korac Mehmedovic - Federal Ministry of Physical Planning and Environment 

Ms Petra Mihalic - Ministry of Culture, Nature Protection Directorate 

Ms Biserka Vistica - Kopacki Rit Nature Park 

Ms Ruzica Marusic - Kopacki Rit Nature Park 

Ms Daniela Kamceva - Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning 

Ms Dejana Naumcevska - Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning 

Mr. Ismail Hetemaj - Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning 

Ms. Ana Lekic, - Environmental Protection Agency 


• Ms. Madalina Ivanica, DG Environment, European Commission 

Environment Forum Project 

• Mr. Natasa Kovacevic, Environment Forum representative 

Project Team 

• Mr. Imre Csikos, WG3 Nature Sub-Group Leader 

• Mr. Eddie Idle, Short Term Expert 

• Mr. Tim Bines, Short Term Expert 

• Ms. Ivana Mijatovic, Short Term Expert 


• Mr. Ruza Radovic 

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Official welcoming and approval of the agenda 

The meeting was opened by Mr. Csikos, Nature Working Group Leader by thanking all participants for coming 

to the Second Annual meeting of WG 3 Nature Sub-Group to approve the work plan for 2012, and to discuss 

ideas for the RENA II project,. Mr. Csikos outlined in brief the main elements of the agenda and asked Ms 

Lekic, the representative of the host country, and Ms Madalina Ivanica to greet the participants. Furthermore, 

the participants were invited to briefly introduce themselves. 

The proposed agenda was unanimously approved. 

Status of Project Implementation in RENA WG 3 Nature (Imre Csikos) 

Mr Csikos discussed the RENA nature activities that were implemented, according to the RENA Work plan, in 

2011. Three trainings were carried out: Kopacki Rit-Gornje Podunavlje (9-11 May, Croatia), Dojran Lake (6-8 

Sept., fYROM) and NP Djerdap (1-3 Nov., Serbia). Mr Csikos summarised the results of the training and 

presented lessons for the future. He also talked about the economic impact of nature values and ecosystem 

services of the environment. As a conclusion Mr Csikos mentioned that it would be ideal to ensure continuity of 

the training by enabling the same people to come. Also, RENA experts can assist in development of cross 

border nature projects. However, initiative is needed from beneficiaries on this issue. In case of cross border 

nature project development a more pro-active involvement of national Ministry requested because of 

international dimension. 

During discussion, Ms Ivanica stressed that the momentum of the project should be used to continue with 

further activities in RENA II project. Ms Kovacevic informed about the biodiversity research in Serbia, 

Montenegro and Albania and emphasised the need for a greater stakeholder involvement in nature projects. 

Also, developing project proposals should be encouraged by the national governments as the level of capacity for 

drafting projects in Montenegro is quite low. She sees Taiex as a great tool to assist in this. Furthermore, she 

hopes Environmental Forum will be part of the RENA II. Ms Ivanica assured her that NGO participation 

would be more that welcomed. 

Ms Csikos suggested that in the next RENA project, 2-3 protected sites could be selected for a detailed 

preparation of management plans. These plans would be result of a 2-year process with strong stakeholder 

involvement. Mr Bines mentioned the case of Poland where some 50 management plans were drafted within the 

same time frame. He also mentioned that a mechanism for stakeholder involvement needs to be in place. Mr 

Csikos commented that economic interests are high on the agenda in the entire region. Mr Bines explained that 

Natura 2000 is perceived as a reason for concern for economic stakeholders. Mr Csikos stressed the importance 

of raising public awareness, especially at the policy level, which also implies the involvement of the European 

Commission. Ms Kovacevic mentioned that it would also be a good idea to carry out impact assessment of 

climate change in the region. 

The work plan for the next year was unanimously approved. 

Managing Kopacki Rit Nature Park (Biserka Vistica, Director, Kopacki Rit Nature Park) 

Ms Biserka Vistica’s first presentation focused on the Nature Park Kopacki Rit and its ecosystem services. She 

also talked about plan and animal species which are characteristic for the Park and the monitoring methods used 

to improve the Park management. The second presentation centred on communicating methods used in 

Kopacki rit, target audiences and the message. She also talked about communication media, the staff skills and 

training which has been provided to enable the staff to successfully tackle the various management issues. 

Stakeholder Involvement in Management Planning (Tim Bines) 

Mr Bines talked about the importance of stakeholders in the management planning process. He presented 

identification and categorisation of stakeholders and stressed the significance of the messages, the medium and 

the process. 

Round Table Discussion 

Mr Csikos provided information about the impact of previous trainings: articles and photos on the websites of 

Kopacki rit Nature Park, National Park Djerdap and the Turkish Ministry of Environment. Also, Nature Park 

Kopacki Rit and the National Park Djerdap initiated informal cooperation during the 3 rd regional training in 

Serbia 

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Ms Ivanica stressed the importance of hearing opinions from the beneficiary countries on what is relevant to 

them in terms of nature protection activities for the period after March 2013 when the current RENA project 

will end. 

Ms Vistica stressed that networking and financing from the EU is always welcomed. However, she feels that 

lessons on how to manage better is crucial for people in the field. The Kopacki Rit management submitted 4 

project proposals for the EU financing this year but she thinks that training on preparing good project proposals 

is still lacking. Therefore, training on how to manage better could be organised. She believes link with economy 

should be present (figures should also be provided). 

Ms Ivanica mentioned that Kopacki rit is a good example to follow and emphasised that the EC counts on 

Croatia to share their experience and provide leadership. 

Mr Bines mentioned that the centre for excellence could also be established to provide with the best practice 

approach for all the protected areas in the beneficiary countries. 

Ms Mihalic commented that Croatia has just established its first regional Mura-Drava protected area, but feels 

that there is an increased role for the stakeholders and the media in this process. The stakeholders should be 

explained how they can benefit and how the process and the protected area can be in their interest too. 

Ms Madalina Ivanica recapped the ideas provided by the beneficiaries for the next RENA: 

• Drafting complete management plans 

• Nature Impact Assessment 

• Dorjan Lake as a pilot project 

• Small projects in the Parks (promotional activities, producing info materials, etc.) 

• Economic analysis of the Sites 

• Stakeholder involvement 

Mr Csikos believes that the good cooperation between the Parks which has started in the RENA should be 

continued in the next RENA with the more official networking of Parks. So far very little contact between park 

managers in different beneficiary counties (even in cross-border areas) has been observed so far. However, all 

duplication of activities should be avoided. 

Mr Csikos also proposed that the next project could also focus on regional cooperation at the Natura 2000 sites 

with a special emphasis on big mammals (such as wolf, lynx and bear). 

Mr Ismail Hetemaj commented that appropriate assessments of Natura 2000 sites are very important but 

manners of dealing with it must be established. Ms Radovic reminded participants that all activities must be 

within the regional framework. She also suggested that a regional guidebook on the issues mentioned so far 

might prove to be useful for the countries. Additionally, there might be less trainings but with longer duration (5 

days). Ms Lekic proposed that training on the process of issuing nature permits/permitting could be provided. 

Ms Naumcevska suggested that Mr Csikos’s proposal on the drafting of management plan for Dojran Lake is 

taken into account while drafting the project proposal for the next RENA project. Mr Csikos commented that 

this would require a lot of proactive involvement of the fYRoM Ministry of Environment as well as their Greek 

counterparts. Mr Bines mentioned that training on the conflict management could also be useful in such 

sensitive situations as the Dojran Lake. 

Ms Alshabani stressed the importance of proper management of the parks, restoration of some plants/sites and 

involvement of stakeholders. Ms Korac Mehmedovic suggested that as the management plan for the UNA 

National Park (participants in the NP Djerdap training) was sent into governmental procedure the project might 

assist with its implementation. 

Mr Csikos emphasised the importance of continued networking between the parks. Furthermore, Mr Csikos 

commented that the RENA can assist in resolving the crisis of biodiversity by explaining the benefits of the 

Natura 2000 to the regional governments and particularly to the economic stakeholders. Also, training could be 

given on legal aspects of the Natura 2000, and particularly Art. 6 of the Habitats Directive. He also suggested 

that some 3 cross-border sites could be selected within the Inception period but that the national governments 

on both sides of the border must be in an agreement over this. 

Ms Radovic reiterated that if regional network of park managers is to be established within the next RENA it 

would also mean certain responsibilities for the beneficiary: regular meetings, conclusions and recommendations 




Dynamics Consortium 

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issued while RENA can assist in printing of the promotional materials, drafting of documents on common 

issues/problems, case studies: best practises, etc. 

Mr Tim Bines also mentioned branding as one of the issues that could be the focus of one of the trainings: 

develop a branding set on the site. This could be combined with the regional network. Additionally, crossministries 

and cross-government working could also be addressed in order to bridge this gap. Mr Csikos stressed 

again that the RENA can assist governments in implementing the Natura 2000 by rationalising benefits on 

sustainable tourism, forestry, branding. The main point is that the message should go to the sufficiently high 

level. 

Ms Madalina Ivanica concluded the meeting by saying that the European Commission will take into 

consideration all these suggestions during the preparation of the project proposal for the next RENA II. 




Ideas for the next RENA project proposal: 

• Drafting a complete management plan 

• Nature Impact Assessment 

• Dorjan Lake as a pilot project 

• Small projects in the Parks (promotional 

activities, producing info materials, etc.) 

• Economic analysis of the Sites 

• Stakeholder involvement 

• Park Managers’ Network 

• Regional cooperation at the Natura 2000 

sites with a special emphasis on big 

mammals (such as wolf, lynx and bear). 

• Training on the process of issuing nature 

permits/permitting 

• Assist with implementation of NP UNA 

national park 

• Drafting of guidebooks on common 

issues/problems, case studies: best 

practises, etc 

• Branding 

• Training on Standardised Monitoring 

Methods for different types of Parks 

European Commission - 

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2 nd Annual Meeting of WG 3 Water Management Sub-group 


Date: 

Participants: 

Beneficiaries 

01 December 2011, Belgrade, Serbia 

Ms. Viola Saliaga - Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Water Management, Albania 

Ms. Aida Bezdrob - Agency for Water Area of the Sava River 

Mr. Emil Bakula - Agency for Watershed of Adriatic Sea 

Ms. Dunja Barisic - Ministry of Environmental Protection, Physical Planning and Construction 

Ms. Ljupka Dimovska Zajkov - Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning 

Ms. Jasmina Trpevska - Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning 

Mr. Aleksandar Petkovski - Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning 

Ms. Aleksandra Drobac-Cuk - Ministry of Environment, Mining and Spatial Planning 

Ms. Tina Ciric - Ministry of Environment, Mining and Spatial Planning 

Ms. Marija Dragovic - Ministry of Environment, Mining and Spatial Planning 

Ms. Dobrila Kujundzic - Ministry of Environment, Mining and Spatial Planning 

Ms. Bahar Ayşe Aydin - Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs, Turkey 

Ms. Çiğdem Özonat - Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs, Turkey 



Project Team 

• Ms. Daiva Semėnienė Key expert 3/ WG 3 Water Management Sub-group Leader 

• Mr. Stephan von Keitz ST expert/WG 3 Water Management Sub-group 

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• Mr. Philip Mellen ST expert/WG 3 Water Management Sub-group 

• Mr. Simonas Valatka ST expert/WG 3 Water Management Sub-group 

• Ms. Simona Daugintienė Junior expert/ WG 3 Water Management Sub-group 

• Mr. Aleksandar Maksimovic Junior expert/ WG 3 Water Management Sub-group 

The Annual meeting was opened by Ms. Madalina Ivanica, who welcomed the participants and 

expressed her positive attitude towards Water Management sub-group training activities and how it is 

been carried out so far. Ms. Ivanica asked participants for a feedback and comments of completed 

activities as well as recommendations for improvement. Ms. Ivanica invited everyone to be active and to 

look together for the best solutions of further activities. 

Ms. Daiva Semėnienė, RENA Key Expert 3 welcomed the participants and made an introductory 

presentation. 

The first part of the meeting was devoted to the RENA WG3 Water Management Sub-group activities, 

held so far. Ms. Semėnienė gave a brief overview of the implementation status of the WG3 Water 

Management Sub-group workplan, reminding the first three workshops and their outcomes, as well as 

some quantitative results in brief. Ms. Semėnienė presented post evaluation graphs of the first three 

trainings. On average 17 participants were present in the Water Management sub-group trainings. 

Valuation of trainers, training programme and logistical arrangements was mostly excellent and good. 

Ms. Semėnienė listed all planned training sessions and selected pilot cases. Three of them are already 

completed. 

Topic 

Date and venue 

1. Basic measures: the role of the WFD completed 8-10 March 2011, Istanbul 

2. River Basin District characterisation completed 26-27 September 2011, Podgorica 

3. Heavily modified water bodies and new modifications completed 29 November – 1 December 2011, 

Belgrade 

4. Coordination of criteria for good water status and First half of 2012 

modelling of environmental impact of human activities 

on water bodies 

5. Development of the Programme of Measures and First half of 2012 

measures related to Article 9 

6. WFD derogations and public participation, as well as Second half of 2012 

stakeholder involvement. 

During roundtable discussion exact dates and preliminary venues were agreed for the next three 

workshops as follows: 

Topic Case study Dates and venue 

4. Coordination of criteria for good water 

status and modelling of environmental 

impact of human activities on water bodies. 

Drin river basin 28 February – 01 March 2012, 

Tirana (Albania). Optional in other 

town of Albania which is closer to Drin 

river. 

5. Development of the Programme of 

Measures and measures related to Article 9 

Drina river subbasin 

21-23 May 2012 (workshop will be 

combined with the WG sub-group on 

Investment Planning) 

Visegrad (BiH) or Podgorica 

(Montenegro) 

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6. WFD derogations and public 

participation, as well as stakeholder 

involvement. Third Annual meeting. 

Neretva river 

basin 

17-19 October 2012, Mostar 

(BiH)or Zagreb (Croatia) 

Ms. Dragana Milovanović (Serbia) commented that in addition to national presentations it would be 

very useful to have regional cross border cooperation activities presented in the future trainings as well. 

For example, on March 2012 Danube River Basin Management Plan will be completed and during the 

next meeting presentation about it could be made. 

Mr. Stephan von Keitz supported this idea. RENA countries might have problems which can be 

specific and different from the ones in the EU Member States, so presentation of such kind of joint 

activities could be very helpful. It would be also very useful and interesting to compare methodologies 

applied for the development of RBMPs. It is not correct to think that EU Member States have all the 

knowledge and accession countries may just copy the activities already performed. Mr. Von Keitz 

stressed that all countries should sit together and collect good ideas. There is no one who knows all the 

necessary topics related to the WFD implementation, so RENA meetings are an excellent opportunity 

for all participants to work jointly. 

Ms. Dunja Barisic (Croatia) noted that all Water Management sub- group workshops were very useful 

and the third one was the best. Participants were very active. She also stressed that the knowledge gained 

during the workshop was very useful for practical implementation as there were quite many problems 

with these issues in her own institution. She expressed her wish to have more emphasis on the WFD 

related economic analysis. 

Ms. Semėnienė promised to the participants that in the future topics on economic issues will be 

presented during morning sessions, as these topics are in most cases new to participants and thus require 

good concentration. 

She asked participants to express their particular needs and wishes regarding the next 4 th training 

workshop. 

Ms. Ljupka Dimovska Zajkov (Macedonia) wishes to have presentation on MIKE SHE model in 

order to learn and to have some exercises with it. It would be useful to receive information what data is 

needed for modelling and to decide which model to use. 

Mr. Stephan von Keitz noted that modelling issue is very ambitious, though every country should go 

through this process. During training session it would be fair enough to have only ecological assessment 

related discussions and to leave chemical assessment out. Chemical status will be touched anyway, as it is 

overlapping with ecological status and that would be already quite challenging. At the end of the day we 

will know how the system basically works and could be applied, for example for Sava RB. Mr. Stephan 

von Keitz expressed his opinion stating that no model could substitute monitoring. Modelling can 

forecast how execution of measures would work and affect ecological status. Mr. Stephan von Keitz 

expressed his doubt whether it would be efficient to go into details of specific modelling during the 

coming training. 

Mr. Simonas Valatka asked participants what would be the focus and task for the modelling. The more 

sophisticated model you have the more sophisticated data is needed. Usually lack of reliable data is the 

main problem. Expert proposed to focus on monitoring issues and how to obtain more reliable data. 

Ms. Semėnienė invited participants to send their specific ideas for the next 4 th training within two 

weeks so that the programme could be accordingly adjusted. She invited participants also to comment on 

the content of 5 th and 6 th training. The latter is planned together with the third Annual Meeting. 

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Participants didn’t have any comments on the content of 5 th and 6 th training. 

After some discussion venue and dates for the future workshops were agreed, as presented in the table 

above. 

Ms. Semėnienė reminded that during the 4 th workshop draft Checklist on Major Steps to be Taken 

During the Cross-border Coordination of Good Water Status Criteria and Monitoring would be 

provided and discussed. In the 5 th workshop draft Guidelines on the Major Steps Required to Develop 

Cost-effective Programme of Measures will be discussed. 

Discussion on the future RENA 2. 

Ms. Madalina Ivanica shortly introduced idea of RENA 2 and noted that EC was keen to continue 

RENA project activities in Balkan countries and Turkey as positive effects could be seen. Currently 

discussions on the follow up actions are ongoing and main issues and topics have to be identified in the 

coming months. It will be rather important that any follow up actions are designed in accordance to the 

needs of the beneficiaries. RENA 2 will still remain capacity building project, but will be more practically 

oriented and will have more tangible results. One example could be support in preparation of real 

transboundary RBMPs in accordance with the WFD. Ms. Ivanica reminded that all ideas should have 

regional character. 

Ms. Ivanica invited participants to present their needs for future RENA 2 activities either during this 

annual meeting or to discuss with colleague at home and to send information within two weeks. 

Ms. Semėnienė mentioned that coordination of international RBMPs and/or implementation measures 

among countries is very important. New RENA project could involve similar kind of activities, such as 

periodical meetings among responsible institutions of neighbouring countries. 

Mr. Stephan von Keitz noted that in some countries RBMPs are carried out by consultants and idea 

would be to look “over the shoulder”, i.e. to have “on-site and hands-on" training from those who are 

preparing or have prepared these Plans. Thus, exchange of experience and a practical touch of things, 

which are already elaborated, would be a useful thing to do. 

Ms. Semėnienė proposed support in implementation of new water sector directives, such as Floods, 

Marine Directives etc. Study tours to specific sites would be a very helpful instruments for future RENA 

countries. 

Mr. Simonas Valatka offered an idea to support coordination of monitoring process among several 

countries in order to have common understanding on monitoring and different parameters and to share 

the knowledge afterwards, as well as to compare the results while using different methods. 

Ms. Viola Saliaga proposed study tours to other countries with small real assignments. 

Ms. Dragana Milovanović (Serbia) asked for a support in funding participation in regular meetings, 

related to bilateral and multilateral agreements etc. 

Ms. Ljupka Dimovska Zajkov (Macedonia) asked for support and training on how to use and work 

with the WISE. 

It was agreed that participants would discuss more with their colleagues at home and send ideas to Ms. 

Daiva Semėnienė within two weeks. 

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2 nd 


Annual Meeting of WG 3 EIA/SEA Sub-group 


Date: 

Participants: 

Beneficiaries 

10 November 2011, Dubrovnik, Croatia 

Ms. Jasmina Katica - Federal Ministry of Spatial Planning 

Ms. Ana Kovacevic - Ministry of Environmental Protection, Physical Planning and Construction 

Ms. Anamarija Matak - Ministry of Environmental Protection, Physical Planning and Construction 

Mr. Zoran Bosev - Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning 

Ms. Saska Brblic - Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning 

Mr. Biljana Spiroska - Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning 

Mr. Ismail Hetemaj - Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning 

Mr. Shukri Shabani - Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning 

Mr. Enver Tahiri - Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning 

Ms. Brankica Cmiljanović, Ministry of Sustainable Development and Tourism 

Mr. Slobodan Sremcevic, Ministry of Environment, Mining and Spatial Planning 

Ms. Deniz Asik Yilmaz - Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs, Turkey 



Project Team 

• Ms. Daiva Semėnienė Key expert 3/ WG 3 SEA/EIA Sub-group Leader 

• Mr. Martin Smutny ST expert/WG 3 SEA/EIA 

• Ms. Simona Daugintienė Junior expert/ WG 3 SEA/EIA 

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The Annual meeting was opened by Ms. Daiva Semėnienė, RENA Key Expert 3. 

The first part of the meeting was devoted to the RENA WG3 SEA/EIA Sub-group activities, held so 

far. She made overview of the implementation status of WG3 SEA/EIA Sub-group workplan, outlining 

in brief the results of completed activities and presenting a few quantitative results. For example, 

numbers of participants in each Sub-group event from each country, as well as feedback results on the 

quality of events from beneficiaries were shown. Ms. Semėnienė presented post evaluation graph of two 

trainings, which showed a very good feedback from participants in terms of training content and the 

professionalism of the trainer. 

In her presentation Ms. Semėnienė made a summary of all planned training sessions and selected case 

studies. Originally two remaining events were planned, but during the roundtable discussion the 

beneficiaries indicated the need to separate the last training into two: one for SEA and another for EIA, 

as in most countries different people are responsible for these issues and thus more relevant people 

could be nominated for separate trainings. So it was decided to have three remaining training workshops 

and to combine the last one with the 3rd Annual meeting. 

Moreover, the selection of the place for the last event was made. The last 5th training session, combined 

with Annual meeting, will be held in Skadar, as this place is close to the selected case study area. 

Delegates from fYR of Macedonia proposed to organise the 4th training session in Podgorica, which is 

close to HPPs on Moraca river – one more selected pilot case. 

Ms. Madalina Ivanica commented that, according to the rules, maximum three people from countries 

can participate in the trainings, but she supported the idea to have two separate trainings for SEA and 

EIA and suggested to invite representatives from local authorities. Even though they don’t have decision 

making power they could learn and be acquainted with this useful topic. 

Mr. Martin Smutny noted that in the trainings it could be useful to have a representative from 

Ministries of Foreign Affairs. 

Question was raised regarding preparation and dissemination of Draft Guide to SEA/EIA on 

transboundary consultations process. Mr. Martin Smutny ensured that it will be disseminated to the 

beneficiaries one month before the 4 th training so they could have time to read it and it will be an issue 

of the discussion in that meeting. 

Participants agreed on the preliminary timeframe for the planned trainings. Ms. Semėnienė asked all 

countries to send, if they have, comments on the dates and venue within two weeks after Annual 

meeting. 

Based on the discussions the following training schedule has been agreed: 

No. Topic 

Date/venue 

1. Approaches to Transposition of EIA/SEA Directives, completed- 06-08 June 2011, Istanbul, Turkey 

Application of EIA/SEA and IPA Projects 

2. SEA for IPA Programmes, combined with 2 nd Annual completed - 08-10 November, 2011, 

Meeting of the Sub-group 

Dubrovnik, Croatia 

3. EIA/SEA Differences and Common Features. Pilot case planned on 24-26 April 2012, Mostar, BiH 

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study Neretva/Trebisnjica river basin management with 

focus on upper horizon 

4. SEA Cross-border procedures, including consultation 

and interpretation of cross-border impacts. Pilot case 

planned on 25-27 September 2012, Podgorica, 

Montenegro 

study four HPPs on Moraca river 

5. EIA Cross-border procedures, including consultation 

and interpretation of cross-border impacts. Pilot case 

study Motorway Morinë – Merdar. 

3 rd Annual Meeting of the Sub-group 

planned in Skadar, Albania. Date needs to be 

identified, preliminary November-December, 

2012 

Second topic of the Annual meeting was devoted to the future RENA 2. 

Ms. Madalina Ivanica announced the ongoing preparations for follow up actions to be implemented 

after completion of RENA. During current RENA project beneficiaries have received trainings on the 

basics of relevant Directives and more theoretical knowledge; and follow up actions will build on the 

achievements of the current project. Ms. Ivanica reminded that all ideas should have regional importance 

and transboundary effect. Ms. Ivanica invited beneficiary countries to present or to send later their 

needs and ideas for the future follow up actions. 

Several ideas presented during the Annual meeting: 

Ms. Jasmina Katica (Bosnia and Herzegovina) expressed the interest on increasing the knowledge on 

monitoring and implementation of SEA process. 

Mr. Ismail Hetemaj (Kosovo under 1244) expressed necessity for capacity building on impact 

assessment in relation to Habitats Directive. In general, gaining more experience on appropriate 

assessment of Nature Directives is needed. 

Ms. Brankica Cmiljanovic (Montenegro) expressed the interest on receiving training on how to avoid 

bad situations in real practice of SEA process and to be able to follow one real SEA process. Besides, it 

would be good to gain more experience regarding Environmental Liability Directive and Environmental 

Information Directive. 

Mr. Martin Smutny strongly supported the idea of a real SEA case. Moreover, he proposed to have 

study tours to countries with good examples in order to get feedback what SEA means from different 

stakeholder’s point of view. Such countries could be either the Netherlands, which has many 

transboundary projects, or United Kingdom. Possibly, it would be also beneficial to compare experience 

with SEA implementation and practical application in “old” and “new” (Czech Republic, Slovakia, 

Slovenia) EU member states. One more idea could be the establishment of an information system, some 

kind of software, which helps authorities and allows the public to get information required. 

Study tour idea was supported by other delegates as well. Ms. Madalina Ivanica asked Mr. Martin 

Smutny to send short paragraph of study tour proposal. 

Mr. Zoran Bosev (fYR of Macedonia) noted that similar information system is created in their country 

and they have most of information needed on their website. However, there are problems with updating, 

as it is not systematically organised. 

Ms. Madalina Ivanica noted that it would be difficult to have regional effect in information system 

development project; but the countries could apply for financing through IPA national programmes. 

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2 nd 




Annual Meeting of WG 4 ECENA 


Date: 18th October 2011, Skopje, fYR of Macedonia 

Place: Hotel Karpos, Skopje, FYR Macedonia 

Time: 08:30 – 18:00 

Participants: Beneficiaries/WG 4 Coordinators 

Darko Blinkov, WG 4 Coordinator, Ministry of environment and physical planning 

Mr. Mladen Rudez, WG 4 Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Environment and Tourism 

Ms. Anita Pokrovac Patekar, WG 4 Coordinator, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Physical Planning and 

Construction 

Ms. Svetlana Parezanin, WG 4 Deputy Coordinator, Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning 

Ms. Florije Kqiku, WG 4 Coordinator, Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning 

Mr. Enis Tela, WG4 Coordinator, Environmental Inspectorate 

Apologies from Mr. Dragan Asanovic (WG 4 coordinator Montenegro) and Mrs. Pinar Topkaya (WG 

4 coordinator Turkey) 


• Madalina Ivanica (EC task manager for RENA)) 

Project Team 

• Mr. Ike van der Putte, TL/WG4 Leader 

• Mr. Rob Glaser, WG 4 Senior ST Expert 

• Mr. Mihail Dimovski, expert and WG 1 coordinator 

Environment Forum Project 

• Mr. Metodija Sazdov, Environment Forum representative 


• Mr. Ruza Radovic 

• Bojana Stanojevska 

Other initiatives 

• Enes Srndic (IMPEL) 

• Dragoljub Todic (expert) 

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Opening of the meeting 

The meeting was opened by Ms. Madalina Ivanica , EC task manager for RENA, introducing her 

background and her experience in working with RENA. The participants were also welcomed by Mr. 

Darko Blinkov, WG4 coordinator, hosting the present meeting. 

Mr. Darko Blinkov expressed his appreciation to RENA for organising the meeting and hopes that 

FYR of Macedonia together with other participating countries will also be part of the follow-up of the 

RENA programme (RENA II).He emphasised that in RENA II, projects should be focused on country 

priorities especially with reference to enforcement of legislation being a priority at the next level of 

accession. Relatively good progress is made in the transposition of environmental legislation. The 

implementation and enforcement of legislation is still a challenge for all beneficiary countries. 

Approval of Minutes of Meeting from last ECENA meeting 

Mr. Ike Van der Putte pointed out that all action points in the minutes of the ECENA meeting held in 

Montenegro (Becici, 20 October 2010) have been implemented and incorporated in the WG 4 

programme. Examples are 

1) A more detailed description of “common inspection” as an Annex in the inception report and 

2) Organisation of training sessions in combination with field practice (Pilot industries). 

No further comments were received and the minutes were approved. 

Approval of the agenda 

As proposed by Croatia the original draft agenda has been amended by including IMPEL and 

environmental crime as special subjects. Ms. Madalina Ivanica invited all participants to express their 

comments and ideas during the meeting. 

Overview of developments in RENA and its status of implementation 

Mr. Ike van der Putte started the presentation with general information on the status of implementation 

of RENA. He presented the institutional framework of the project with its specific programmes in four 

Working Groups and informed the participants that the next ministerial meeting is planned to be 

organized at the end of March 2012 in Brussels. 

For WG1 a change is reported as Mr. Mihail Dimovski has been assigned as WG 1 leader replacing Ms. 

Cynthia Whitehead who had to withdraw from the project for health reasons. For all other working 

groups, leaders and co-leaders remain the same. The WG groups are on schedule with the 

implementation of the defined activities. From the reports made by WG 1 it can be concluded that 

transposition of environmental legislation is showing relatively good progress. However, more work 

needs to be done on implementation and enforcement of the legislation. WG 2 and 3 are implementing 

the defined programmes and are very active in training and creating awareness in the countries. 

The Second RENA interim report was produced as a hardcopy with a CD containing specific outputs. 

Most of the materials have been and will be placed on the RENA website. In WG4 a number of 4 

training programmes have been conducted and according to Mr. Van der Putte with the increasing 

number of training sessions, the numbers of end products with reports and evaluations will also 

increase. This is the case for all WGs. 

Regarding the recruitment of experts it can be concluded that most of the experts for the working 

groups have been selected but that for 2012 some more are needed including experts from institutions 

and government agencies. 

Regarding RENA focal points and WG coordinators, more changes are to be expected. Next to a new 

focal point for Montenegro, a new focal point for Turkey should be expected due to the reorganisation 

of the Ministry of Environment and Forest. 

RENA is actively cooperating with other relevant stakeholders and NGOs EF representatives are 

invited for all meetings and are participating in most of the organised RENA meetings. 

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A question was raised by Ms. Anita Pokrovac Patekar on the evaluation and feed back of activities in 

the Second Interim report. 

It was explained by Mr. Ike van der Putte and Ms. Ruza Radovic that every training activity has a 

feedback based on standardized evaluation forms. An evaluation report is produced for each activity 

with inclusion of the feed back results. The evaluation reports are included in the separate CD of the 

interim report and are placed on the RENA website. 

There is a strong recommendation of Ms. Anita Pokrovac Patekar that everything considering feedback 

or evaluation should also be included in the main body of the text. 

Ms. Madalina Ivanica recommended that the interim report will include a specific heading on the 

evaluation of activities. 

In this respect it was added by Ms. Ivanica that the RENA secretariat was asked to perform an 

evaluation of all activities, in order for the EC to have more in depth analysis on what has been done 

up to now with a qualitative and quantitative overview of the activities. 

Mr. Dragoljub Todic asked what the level of awareness and knowledge is of third parties on RENA as 

the project should be considered of importance also for NGOs and the business sector. 

Mr. Van der Putte answered that this is a strong point because more and more regulations are putting 

specific responsibilities to the business sector. However, the RENA budget is not allocated for the 

business sector as a stakeholder. 

Mr. Metodija Sazdov commented that these kinds of trainings and initiatives can also be organized by 

chambers of commerce which role is to help the industry 

Ms. Madalina Ivanica explained that the project is capacity building for the Ministries in the beneficiary 

countries. Other stakeholders can be invited to the activities but on their own expenses. 

Protection of Environment through Implementation of Criminal Environmental Law 

The aim of Mr. Mihail Dimovski’s presentation was to discuss to what extent combating environmental 

crime should be considered as a priority and how to integrate implementation of the EC 

Environmental Crimes Directive in RENA activities. Another item was to discuss follow up and 

synergies with WG4. Mr. Dimovski emphasized that transposition of the EU Acquis does not always 

ensure proper implementation in reality and that there are a lot of weaknesses in the enforcement of 

environmental law. Activities related to combating environmental crime activities should be covered 

under WG1 and WG4. Under WG1 a regional training on environmental crime has been conducted. 

There are also more activities planned to be conducted under WG1 in the period from September 

2011-March 2012, such as the second regional workshop for CLP and REACH Regulations.(note: both 

the environmental crimes directive and the REACH and CLP regulations are subjects that can be 

selected in the WG 4 training programmes for inspectors and permit writers).In addition a third 

regional workshop on the INSPIRE Directive has been organised and an Annual RISP meeting is 

planned for defining further activities. 

IMPEL activities with specific reference to transfrontier shipment of waste (TFS) 

Mr. Enes Srndic gave a brief explanation on the background of IMPEL, on who the involved 

authorities and organizations are and also on the objectives and strategic aims of IMPEL. The IMPEL 

– TFS (Trans Frontier Shipment of waste) is one of the three clusters of the IMPEL programme. The 

activities are related to enforcement projects on transfrontier waste transport via seaports and roads. 

Furthermore attention is paid to risk assessment and also to the development of supporting tools for 

inspectors. In his presentation Mr. Srndic explained how his Ministry performed the verification 

process of waste destination and treatment in countries of destination. He also provided illustrative 

figures on number and types of violations. 

Mr. Sazdov asked about protective equipment for inspectors doing field inspections. Mr. Srndic 

answered that there is special equipment available but that in addition there are also special experts who 

are carrying out analyses to assess whether it is safe for inspectors to continue with inspection. 

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Ms. Madalina Ivanica informed the participants that the EC has asked IMPEL to open the membership 

not only to candidate countries as is the case now but also to open membership to potential candidates. 

In this way all beneficiary countries in RENA can participate in IMPEL activities including IMPEL 

TFS. In the subsequent discussions with the IMPEL board two main concerns were raised: one was 

which countries are considered as potential candidates and another concern was the financial 

consequences of membership. After additional information provided by the EC, the IMPEL Board 

took a positive decision. However, the IMPEL Board has to put the proposal as an item on the agenda 

of the General Assembly Meeting and needs also approval by its members. The Commission is now 

waiting on a positive decision from the General Assembly which is going to have its meeting at the end 

of November 2011. 

Presentation of WG4 Cluster 1 activities – Training and exchange 

Planned and finalized activities 

This presentation was given and discussed by Mr. Ike van der Putte and Mr Rob Glaser. It provided a 

detailed overview of the planned and finalized activities within WG4 for Cluster 1 activities on training 

and exchange. Apart from the training workshops on IPPC permitting and inspection in the individual 

beneficiary countries for around 20 participants, also site visits to selected factories have been included 

with invited participants from 2-3 other RENA countries to carry out the so called “common 

inspections” and exchange of information. The general training programme included a 3.5 days 

training where day 1 is related to general subjects, day 2 on IPPC/IED requirements, permitting and 

inspection, day 3 on site visit and reporting and day 4 on evaluation of results and further 

presentations on special subjects. Special subjects and specific directives can be selected and might 

include IED/IPPC with EIA, LCP, PRTR, RMCEI, SEVESO II, VOCs, waste and chemicals 

management (REACH/CLP) and environmental crime. For the training in the first 4 countries Albania, 

Kosovo under UNSCR1244 /99, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey detailed topics have been 

assessed and specific training manuals have been produced. The site visits were held at cement factories 

with the exception of Turkey where a steel factory (Electric Arc Furnace) has been visited. The training 

in this first batch of 4 countries has been finalized in the period March – October 2011. 

For the second batch of 4 countries the specific subjects and pilot industries for the training have 

already been selected. In Serbia it is planned to visit a petrochemical plant with IED/IPPC, SEVESO 

II and waste management as special subjects. The training is to be held in March 5-8, 2012. For fYR of 

Macedonia a site visit will be made to a steel factory with a training concentrating on IED/IPPC in the 

period 23 -27 April 2012. In Montenegro the site visit and common inspection is planned to be 

conducted at a thermo electrical power plant and will concentrate on the LCP directive and land filling 

of waste as special subjects in the period of 3-7 September 2012 The training in Croatia will be held in 

the first week of October (1-5 October 2012 ) with a visit to a calcium aluminates cement plant with 

IED /revision of RMCEI as special subjects. 

The results from evaluation forms filled by participants to the trainings in Albania, BiH and Kosovo 

were presented, illustrating that especially the combination of lectures and practical field visits to pilot 

industries were very much appreciated. 

Round table discussion on Cluster 1 activities 

The National coordinator of BiH evaluated what has been reached in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Under 

cluster 1, training and exchanging, a highly appreciated practical training has been provided for 

participants on entity level, cantonal and municipal level including environmental permit writers and 

environmental inspectors. In Bosnia and Herzegovina there is not a sufficient basis for issuing 

integrated permits at this moment and there are not many environmental inspectors available. The 

training was very useful especially in providing practical training with the cement industry as a concrete 

example. The cement industries are considered as big polluters. An associated problem in BiH is the 

site remediation of quarries of the cement industry. 

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Mr. Blinkov from the Macedonian Ministry also agreed that the training was very useful especially in 

relation with the cement plants. He asked if it is possible in future to put the training and information 

materials on a USB considering the size and volume. 

Ms. Anita Pokrovac Patekar, National Coordinator for Croatia, expressed that it will be very useful if 

bilateral exchange is organized, where practical trainings in a particular cement industry will be 

conducted, together with operators and inspectors which will help in exchanging experiences regarding 

modernization and incineration technologies. She proposed this to be considered as one of the next 

RENA activities. 

Also Mr. Enes Tela from the Albanian inspectorate and Ms Florie Kqiku mentioned that the training 

courses were very useful and that in general all inspectors were very satisfied with the programme.that 

has been carried out. 

Presentation of Cluster 2 activities – Institutional and methodological Development 

Activity 2: Country external assessments, Case Serbia 

Mr. Ike Van der Putte gave a short introduction on the Cluster 2, activity 2 Country external 

assessments. The countries were visited by the respective experts, interviews were held with various 

stakeholders and an analysis was made of the collected materials. Based on the elements of the 

regulatory cycle, draft reports have been prepared which were sent out to the Ministry for obtaining 

comments. He pointed out that the activity will be finished by the end of this year in which the reports 

for Serbia, fYR of Macedonia and Montenegro are considered to be finalized, and the reports for 

Albania, Kosovo under UNSCR1244 /99 , BiH and Turkey are in the preparatory phase, i.e. to be 

finalized in January 2012. The assessment is done evaluating the national, regional and local 

environmental capacity covering the whole regulatory cycle of policy, legislation, permitting, verification 

and control, monitoring and reporting, focusing specifically on the issues of permitting, inspection and 

enforcement. 

Country external assessment. Case Serbia 

Mr. Dragoljub Todic presented the report he prepared for the external assessment of Serbia. The 

methodology for preparation is based on the regulatory cycle where the first step is policy, followed by 

legislation, implementation with permitting and enforcement and feedback reporting. The basic 

methodology had three elements in which the 1 st one is the analysis of documentation which includes 

an analysis of strategic documents, reports and answers in the European Commission questionnaires 

for progress monitoring. The 2 nd phase was preparing questionnaires and sending them to the business 

sector, NGOs and Ministry staff working on permits, in the provincial and local self government units. 

At the final 3rd stage interviews with some of the relevant stakeholders were performed. 

Furthermore Mr. Todic explained the subjects considered in preparation of the report, with a 

comprehensive analysis of policy, legislation, strategic documents, harmonization with EU legislation, 

permitting and enforcement, monitoring responsibilities, reporting, access to information and public 

participation, control and enforcement, appeals, and capacity building programmes for public 

authorities. The report also contains information on the response to the Environmental Acquis and 

governmental plans for joining the European Union. The transposition implications and involved 

institutions in implementation of the Environmental Acquis are also considered. The report also 

includes a review of local self government and public utility companies and their role in implementation 

of environmental legislation. 

At the end of the presentation Ms. Ivanica pointed out that according to the Commission on a general 

level Serbia made progress in approximation of the environmental acquis comparing with previous 

years. 

Mr. Rob Glaser asked about the structure of the environmental inspectorate in Serbia, is it an 

independent body or not On this question Mr. Todic answered that there is an initiative for placing 

the inspectorate in one separated agency. This agency will cover all activities related to inspection and 

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permitting, and the Ministry will be in charge for drafting laws, creating policies, etc, but for now that is 

only an idea that is being developed. 

Mr. Todic explained that the problem is specifically referring to the local level. It is hard to find 

competent people in LSGs. So very often it is the case that one person is issuing permits and at the 

same time the same person is doing also the controlling inspection activities. 

Presentation of Cluster 3 activities – Cross border enforcement and Networking 

As the end of the meeting Mr. Ike van der Putte gave short introduction on Activity 3, Activity 4, 

Activity 5 and Activity 6 within WG4. Main aim of this presentation is to show the plan of activities for 

the year 2012. 

Activity 3 (EU –ETS) includes a Regional Training /Workshop programme on elements of the 

European Climate Change Programme. A 2-day regional training workshop will be organized with a 

focus on Kyoto mechanisms and the major factors in the EU ETS Compliance cycle (Zagreb 15 – 16 

May 2012) 

Activity 4 (TFS), includes Regional Training /Workshop programmes on elements of the Waste 

Shipment Regulation (WSR). Two 2-day regional training workshops will be organized: one in Edirne, 

Turkey on harbor and ship transport (18 -19 April 2012) and the other one on road transport at the 

Macedonian Serbian border (13-14 June 2012). The TFS activity will be organized in cooperation with 

IMPEL. 

Activity 5 (– Inspection and Enforcement in Cross border nature protection areas) includes Regional 

Training/Workshops on elements of enforcement in cross border nature protection. Two 2-day 

regional training workshops will be organized: one will be organised in fYR of Macedonia/Albania - 

Lake Ohrid (23-25 October 2012) and the 2nd WS will be organised in Albania/Montenegro – Skadar 

Lake (13-15 November 2012).(note: This activity will be organised in cooperation with Greenforce) 

At the end of the meeting , under Networking activities (Activity 6), Mr. Van der Putte presented the 

proposed participation of ECENA in relevant networking activities and schedule for participation. 

Ms. Madalina Ivanica concluded the meeting noting that the workplan for the next months has been 

made and dates are defined 

Other 

Ms. Patekar recommends that in future RENA activities training can be organized, in which both 

operators and inspectors will be invited and will have concrete training on particular hot spots. 

Considering activity 1- training and common inspections Mr. Rob Glaser emphasized that it is very 

important that invited inspectors who will participate in the training come well prepared and should not 

have any hesitations in exchange of information during the training sessions. 




Confirmation of the Calendar of activities to be 

sent by e-mail to all beneficiaries 

WG4 Key eexpert 

Next few weeks (see 

ANNEX)) 

Activity 1.Finalization selection of topics for 

training batch 2 countries (fYR of Macedonia, 

Serbia, Croatia and Montenegro) 

WG 4 Key expert an 

STE for activity 1 

/December 2011 

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Activity 1.Finalization training manual for 

training and common inspection batch 2 

countries 

Activity 2.Finalization of all country external 

assessment reports 

Activities 3-5.Finalization of training 

programmes for activity 3 (ETS), 4 (TFS) and 5 

cross border nature inspection with selection of 

experts 

WG 4 Key expert an 


WG4 Key expert and 


WG 4 k 

Key expert 

/January 2012 

/January 2012 

See calendar of 

activities (ANNEX) 

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CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES 2012 RENA WG 4 

Activity 1 Training and common inspection 

Serbia 6 – 9 March 2012 

fYR of Macedonia 24 -27 April 2012 

Montenegro 4 – 7 September 2012 

Croatia 2 – 5 October 2012 

Activity 3 ETS 

Zagreb 15 – 16 May 2012 

Activity 4 TFS 

Turkey – Harbor 18 – 19 April 2012 

fYR of Macedonia/Serbia 13 – 14 June 2012 

Activity 5 . Cross border Nature inspection 

Lake Ohrid (fYR of Macedonia/Albania) 23 – 25 October 2012 

Skadar Lake (Albania/Montenegro) 13 – 15 November 2012 

Activity 6: Participation in networks 

IMPEL GAM Copenhagen 7 – 8 June, 2012 

IMPEL Projects 

TBD 

Other sister networks (INECE, Interpol, …) TBD 

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