Background

The Government of the Republic of Serbia has made significant progress in its climate reporting efforts. It has submitted:

• Three National Communications (NC1 in 2010, NC2 in 2017, NC3 in 2024)
• Two Biennial Update Reports (BUR1 in 2016, BUR2 in 2023)

In November 2023, a new project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) was launched to support the development of Serbia’s First Biennial Transparency Report (BTR1) and Fourth National Communication (NC4)/Second Biennial Transparency Report (BTR2). This project builds on previous achievements and the institutional frameworks established under the Capacity-building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT).

In December 2024, Serbia successfully submitted its BTR1, including the National Inventory Document (NID) and Common Reporting Tables (CRT) for the period 1990–2022, meeting the submission deadline. However, due to time constraints, the reports did not undergo a third-party quality review.

The next phase under the ETF involves the Technical Expert Review (TER) of the BTR. Given that Serbia’s last technical review occurred under the ICA process in 2016, the Ministry of Environmental Protection seeks support to ensure a thorough understanding of Article 13 obligations and the application of relevant ETF requirements for the TER process.

Objective

The main objective of the requested support is to strengthen institutional and technical capacities necessary for the preparation of Republic of Serbia’s national team to better understand and prepare for the upcoming Technical Expert Review process for their First Biennial Transparency Report (1BTR). This support will help the team navigate the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) under Article 13 of the Paris Agreement and ensure that the country’s submission is clear, comprehensive, and aligned with UNFCCC requirements.

Expected Outcome:

• Enhanced capacity to prepare for and effectively respond to the upcoming Technical Expert Review (TER) process for the 1BTR
• Establishment of a well-prepared national team
• Improved understanding of the TER process and its modalities
• Strengthened ability to address review questions transparently
• Maximized benefits and learning opportunities from the TER process

Audience

This activity is intended for technical officers and experts involved in Serbia’s climate reporting processes, including:

• Representatives from the Ministry of Environmental Protection
• Serbian Environmental Protection Agency
• Other relevant stakeholders and institutions involved in the preparation and submission of Serbia’s climate reports under the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement

Approach

The support will be delivered through an online Technical Expert Review (TER) exercise, consisting of the following key components:

Phase I: Desk Review

• A desk review of the First Biennial Transparency Report (BTR1), including the provision of questions and comments to the national team
• A desk review of the First National Inventory Document (NID1), including the provision of questions and comments to the national team

Phase II: Online TER Exercise (October 2025)

• An online TER exercise session with the national team, providing recommendations and guidance on how to effectively prepare for the official review process