Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group (SWG RRD)

16/10/2026

October 16 is

World Food Day is observed every year on 16 October to raise awareness about hunger, food security, nutrition, and the right of every person to have access to safe and nutritious food.

On the occasion of World Food Day, reaffirms its commitment to sustainable agriculture, resilient rural communities, and regional cooperation in South East Europe. By connecting innovation with traditional knowledge and supporting farmers and rural stakeholders, we can contribute to more sustainable food systems and a future where everyone has access to safe, nutritious, and affordable food.

GFA Consulting Group GmbH
IAK Agrar Consulting GmbH
Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group (SWG RRD)

15/10/2026

DAY OF RURAL WOMEN 👩‍🌾

Rural women are the backbone of agriculture, food security, family well-being, and community development.

Across the Western Balkans, women make vital contributions to agriculture, entrepreneurship, environmental sustainability, caregiving, and community life, yet many still face barriers to land, finance, and equal participation. Through its work, supports rural women in overcoming these challenges, strengthening their opportunities, and ensuring their voices are heard. When rural women thrive, entire communities move forward.

🌱 Empowered women. Stronger rural communities. Sustainable food systems.

GFA Consulting Group GmbH
IAK Agrar Consulting GmbH
Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group (SWG RRD)

12/10/2026

The National Training Workshop for Extension and Advisory Services from Serbia combined expert presentations, practical examples and professional discussion to strengthen the ability of advisers to identify climate risks, assess farm vulnerabilities and recommend appropriate adaptation measures.

Opening remarks by Dragana Latković, Director of the Institute NS Seme, and Deputy Minister Aleksandar Bogićević Министарство пољопривреде, шумарства и водопривреде highlighted the importance of cooperation among advisory services, research institutions and public authorities. Participants were also introduced to a methodology for comparing adaptation options and preparing locally relevant farm-level plans.

🔗 https://seerural.org/news/national-workshop-in-cenej-equips-agricultural-advisers-with-practical-tools-to-support-climate-resilient-farming-in-serbia/

Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ)
GIZ North Macedonia
Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group (SWG RRD)

The workshop combined expert presentations, practical examples and professional discussion to strengthen the ability of advisers to identify climate risks, assess farm vulnerabilities and recommend appropriate adaptation measures.

09/10/2026

The 4th National Workshop on Climate Change Adaptation in Agriculture (CCAA) in Bosnia and Herzegovina focused on advancing the National Strategic Guidelines, Action Plan and Policy to strengthen the resilience of agriculture to climate change.

Participants identified concrete adaptation measures, implementation responsibilities and timeframes, priorities, and monitoring indicators. Their contributions will support the finalization of a practical national framework for future climate-smart agricultural policies and measures.

🌍 This milestone reinforces institutional cooperation and supports a more resilient, sustainable, and climate-smart agricultural sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

🔗 https://seerural.org/news/4th-national-ccaa-workshop-in-bosnia-and-herzegovina-held-in-doboj-strengthening-agricultural-resilience-to-climate-change/

Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ)
GIZ North Macedonia
Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group (SWG RRD)

Participants worked on three key areas: sustainable use of natural resources, resilient agricultural production, and strengthened institutional capacities and knowledge. Through expert presentations and participatory group work, they discussed concrete adaptation measures, responsible institutions,

07/10/2026

📹 Key highlights from the Ministerial Meeting

The 20th Annual Working Meeting of the Ministers of Agriculture from South East Europe (SEE) took place on 30 September, 2026, in Belgrade, Serbia.

Hosted under the joint auspices of the Министарство пољопривреде, шумарства и водопривреде and the Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group (SWG) in South East Europe, meeting brought together Ministers and Heads of Delegations from across the SEE region, representatives of the European Union and estimated partners from international organisations to engage in high-level discussions on the future of agriculture and rural development.

05/10/2026

Fourth National Workshop on Integrating Climate Change Adaptation into Agricultural Policies, Bar, Montenegro

Fifteen participants took part in the two-day workshop, building on the results of earlier national workshops. Their main task was to review and further develop the draft document “Integrating Climate Change Adaptation into Agricultural Policy in Montenegro”, with a focus on strengthening its analysis, proposed adaptation measures and implementation arrangements.

Participants refined practical measures including adapted seed and planting material, improved water collection and storage, digital early-warning tools, and protection of livestock from heat stress. They also clarified institutional responsibilities and strengthened links with disaster risk reduction, research and donor-supported initiatives.

Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ)
GIZ North Macedonia
Ministarstvo poljoprivrede, šumarstva i vodoprivrede
Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group (SWG RRD)

03/10/2026

💬 Ms. Bogdanka Gjorshoska, Senior Project Manager Standing Working Group Regional Rural Development (SWG RRD), Presentation of the conclusions from the Agricultural Policy Forum “Prishtina Agenda 2026” for South East Europe (SEE)

"The agenda brings together a number of priorities that are highly relevant to all of us from the continued alignment with the EU acquis and strengthening institutional capacity, to climate resilience, sustainable forestry and fire management, generational renewal, innovation and knowledge exchange".

"What is particularly important is that these are not isolated challenges. They are shared across our region and require stronger cooperation, better exchange of experience and, where possible, coordinated action".

"The Prishtina Agenda therefore provides us with a useful basis not only for reflecting on the discussions held in June, but also for considering how we can translate those conclusions into our regional cooperation and future activities".

02/10/2026

20th Annual Working Meeting of the Ministers of Agriculture from South East Europe successfully completed with adoption of conclusions to reaffirm their commitment to stronger regional cooperation, EU integration, resilient food systems and sustainable rural development.

02/10/2026

💬 Ms. Silvia Breher, State Secretary of the German Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH), statement on the occasion of the 20th Meeting of the Ministers of Agriculture from South East Europe.

"The cooperation within the Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group (SWG RRD), the Berlin Process and the Agricultural Policy Dialogue Germany - South East Europe shows that regional partnerships can deliver real progress".

"We should continue working together to support sustainable agriculture, strengthen trade relations and create new opportunities for rural areas and future generations. Agriculture is not only about food production – it is also about resilience, economic development and the future of our regions".

"Germany remains committed to this common path and to supporting our partners on their way towards closer EU integration".

02/10/2026

Hosted by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of Serbia Министарство пољопривреде, шумарства и водопривреде, Mr. Dragan Glamočić, the 20th Meeting of the Ministers of Agriculture from SEE brought regional partners together in Belgrade to advance cooperation on agriculture, rural development and EU integration.

Mr. Boban Ilic, SWG Secretary General during the meeting highlighted the importance of negotiating Chapter 11 (Agriculture and Rural Development) and encouraged candidate countries to make full use of EU support. He stressed the urgent need for climate-resilient agrifood systems, stronger food security, early-warning systems and innovative solutions for farmers and consumers.

The meeting also showcased availability of FAO learning platform and reaffirmed cooperation with SCAR AKIS and wider European research and innovation networks.

Adoption of the SWG Strategy 2026–2030 will strengthen evidence systems, harmonize indicators and advance innovative, sustainable agriculture, as a part of the cooperation within the Belin Process, focusing on implementation and monitoring of Green Agenda for the Western Balkans.