Facing the Future: Climate Adaptation in Croatia, Serbia, and North Macedonia
31, July 2024
Climate change is one of the most pressing global challenges of our time, presenting a multitude of environmental threats that impact ecosystems, economies, and communities worldwide. As temperatures rise, sea levels increase, and extreme weather events become more frequent and severe, the need for effective responses becomes ever more urgent. While efforts to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions are essential, they must be complemented by strategies to adapt to the inevitable changes already underway.
Croatia, Serbia, and North Macedonia, each facing unique environmental challenges due to their geographical and socio-economic contexts. United by a common goal, these countries have embarked on a journey to bolster their climate resilience through legal frameworks, strategic policies, and innovative adaptation measures.
Croatia: Aligning with the European Green Deal
As a Member State of the European Union, Croatia must fulfill certain obligations: reducing emissions through the European Emission Trading System and following the strategic goals of the EU with regards to the European Green Deal. The Climate Change and Ozone Layer Protection Act, in effect since January 2020, serves as the cornerstone of Croatia’s legal framework for climate action. However, despite various measures and activities initiated under this act, the key document to operationalize Croatia’s Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), has not yet been adopted. This gap underscores the need for further action to ensure Croatia’s climate resilience.
Serbia: A Regional Leader in Climate Strategy
At the core of Serbia’s climate change framework is the Law on Climate Change, enacted in 2010. Furthermore, Serbia has developed a National Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (2013-2020), which sets out Serbia’s goals and measures for mitigating climate change and adapting to its impacts. Serbia adopted its National Adaptation Plan under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. Despite the progress made in developing a comprehensive climate change framework, Serbia faces several challenges in its implementation. These include limited institutional capacity, inadequate funding, data gaps, and coordination issues among relevant stakeholders. Nonetheless, Serbia remains committed and has submitted its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions, outlining its climate change mitigation and adaptation goals.
North Macedonia: Bridging Policy and Action
North Macedonia is in the final stages of preparing its law on climate action, but it has not yet been adopted. Additionally, the country does not have a national adaptation plan (NAP). The existing Law on Environment and Law on Energy Efficiency, along with a long-term strategy on climate action and an action plan that includes sections on adaptation and mitigation, are insufficient to fully address the impacts of climate change. This gap, combined with challenges in effectively implementing existing strategic documents, hinders North Macedonia’s ability to fully adapt to climate impacts. Despite these challenges, North Macedonia remains committed to the Paris Agreement, having submitted its Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) and actively participating in regional and international initiatives.
A Shared Commitment and Collaborative Efforts
Croatia, Serbia, and North Macedonia share several commonalities in their climate action journeys. All three countries are signatories of the Paris Agreement and have obligations under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. While Croatia and Serbia have both adopted legal frameworks for climate action—Croatia with its Climate Change and Ozone Layer Protection Act and Serbia with its Law on Climate Change—North Macedonia is still in the process of finalizing its climate legislation.
Additionally, while both Croatia and North Macedonia have yet to adopt their National Adaptation Plans, Serbia has moved forward with its NAP, highlighting a divergence in the progress of adaptation planning among these nations. Furthermore, Serbia and North Macedonia, as non-EU countries in the Western Balkans, participate in the Berlin Process initiative and have adopted the Action Plan on Green Agenda. They are also part of the Energy Community Treaty, emphasizing their commitment to regional cooperation on climate action. And a notable development for Serbia and North Macedonia is the new Growth Plan, which will bring EU membership benefits to the Western Balkans ahead of accession.
Together Towards Resilience
Climate change poses a profound challenge, but it also offers an opportunity for countries to collaborate and innovate in their adaptation strategies. Croatia, Serbia, and North Macedonia illustrate the diverse paths that countries can take to build resilience against climate impacts. By sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices, these nations can not only enhance their own climate resilience but also contribute to the global effort to address one of the most critical issues of our time.
Authors: Davor Džakula, Matea Fadiga, Ana Sofeska, Bojana Gašić
