Project

The Agricultural Policy Dialogue Germany – Southeast Europe is a multilateral cooperation project of the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) within the framework of the Bilateral Cooperation Program (BKP). GFA Consulting Group GmbH (GFA) coordinates the implementation of the project as the BMEL's general representative for the BKP.

It covers Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia as well as Moldova.

The project is being implemented by the Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group (SWG) of South Eastern Europe and IAK Agrar Consulting GmbH (IAK) as the international executing agency. 

Objectives

The main objective is to strengthen regional dialogue and promote the exchange of information with German and EU institutions to ensure efficient and harmonized integration into the EU. In the current project phase, the project countries are primarily supported in implementing the EU's Green Agenda for the Western Balkans and adapting to the CAP 2021-2027. Cooperation in the agricultural sector is also to be strengthened.

Regional expert advisory working groups (REAWGs)

Eight working groups have been set up to date within the thematic areas. They are made up of representatives from the respective ministries of agriculture and, in some cases, the environment, as well as national and regional experts from universities, advisory services, research institutions and the private sector in the participating countries. In addition, international experts from Germany and other EU member states advise and support the working groups.

EU integration and Berlin Process

The project supports regional cooperation between the project countries to promote economic and political stability in the region. By aligning the national legal frameworks with EU standards it contributes to the economic integration of the region, expand regional and cross-regional trade and strengthen economic potential.

The project also contributes to the Berlin Process.