Implementation of IPARD Funds in Serbia: Analysis of the Current State and Perspective of Rural Development

Abstract

The IPARD is a key financial mechanism of the European Union aimed at improving agriculture and rural development in candidate countries and potential candidates for EU membership. The aim of this work is to analyze the current implementation of IPARD funds in Serbia, with a special focus on the efficiency of using available funds, institutional capacities and obstacles in the implementation of the program. The research is based on the analysis of relevant strategies and reports on the implementation of IPARD measures. The results show that the key challenges in the implementation of IPARD in Serbia are complex administrative requirements, insufficient information of potential beneficiaries, and the slowness of the approval and disbursement procedures. On the other hand, IPARD funds enabled the modernization of agricultural holdings and the development of rural infrastructure, which indicates their significant potential for long-term sustainable rural development. The conclusions of the work provide recommendations for improving the efficiency of the IPARD program in Serbia, including simplifying administrative procedures, strengthening technical support for users and increasing the transparency of the funding allocation process. These steps are key to maximizing the benefits that IPARD funds can bring to Serbian agriculture and rural areas in the EU accession process.