On April 20, 2021, the National Assembly of Serbia adopted four laws related to mining and energy, including two new laws – the Law on the Use of Renewable Energy Sources and the Law on Energy Efficiency and Rational Use of Energy, along with amendments to the Law on Energy and the Law on Mining and Geological Research.

Key Changes:

• Law on Energy: This law creates the foundation for the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan. It aims to improve market transparency, competition, and consumer protection, ensuring non-discriminatory practices. It also grants thermal energy buyers the right to the "endangered customer" status, allowing for bill reductions, similar to electricity and gas customers. Moreover, e-energy will be introduced to streamline procedures and accelerate permit issuance.

• Law on Mining and Geological Research: Amendments focus on more efficient management of mineral and geological resources in Serbia. It expands the Geological Survey of Serbia's responsibilities and establishes the Chamber of Mining and Geological Engineers. E-mining will simplify and speed up approval processes, reducing the timeline from 150 days to just 15–20 days.

New Laws:

• Law on the Use of Renewable Energy Sources:

• Focuses on environmental protection, climate change mitigation, and cost reduction for citizens, while simplifying procedures.
  
• Introduces market premiums (replacing feed-in tariffs) to encourage competition and reduce costs, applicable to all but small plants.
  
• Creates a stable legal framework for investors, with e-energy for faster administrative processes.
  
• Encourages citizen participation in the energy transition, allowing individuals to install solar panels and reduce electricity bills.
  
• Prohibits the construction of hydropower plants in protected areas.
  

• Law on Energy Efficiency and Rational Use of Energy:

• Introduces eco-design regulations for household appliances and highly efficient cogeneration.
  
• Establishes an administration for energy efficiency financing within the Ministry of Mining and Energy, making it easier for citizens to obtain subsidies for upgrading homes (windows, insulation, heating systems).
  
• Subsidies will cover 25% of costs, with local governments matching the same amount, while citizens will contribute 50%. Public calls will finance energy-efficient measures like biomass and gas boilers.
  

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Živković Samardžić at office@zslaw.rs, or any of your regular contacts at Živković Samardžić.