The Regulatory Institute for Renewable Energy and the Environment (RERI) has called for the immediate withdrawal of proposed amendments to the Law on Planning and Construction and the Law on Special Procedures for the implementation of the EXPO Belgrade 2027.
The institute raised several concerns about the amendments, starting with the lack of public participation in the development of these changes, despite their significant impact on citizens. They also highlighted the suspension of key mechanisms crucial for ensuring building safety, human health, environmental protection, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
RERI specifically objected to the proposed elimination of the requirement for a use permit before a building is put into operation. The issuance of a use permit ensures that a facility meets all necessary conditions for safety and suitability. Without this requirement, there would be no guarantee that buildings have been properly inspected or are safe for use. This concern stems from the tragic incident in Novi Sad last November, where the collapse of a Railway Station canopy, which lacked a use permit, led to the deaths of 15 people.
The institute also pointed out the potential dangers of removing the obligation to obtain environmental impact assessments before construction and the need to secure cultural heritage protection opinions for national projects.
Given the scale of the EXPO project, which is expected to host 3.5 million visitors, RERI emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and proper evaluation of the facilities involved. They have called on professionals, citizens, and MPs to support the withdrawal of these amendments from the parliamentary process.
