Improving Planning and Permitting in Focus of the Property and Investment Alliance and BFC Club Session

The key findings of the Analysis of Spatial and Urban Plan Coverage in Serbia, along with the annual report on the issuance of construction permits, were the focus of a joint session of the Property and Investment Alliance and the BFC Club, held on the premises of Nelt.

The annual report on construction permitting indicates an increase of nearly 8% in the number of requests for location conditions in 2025, reaching a record 20,923 requests, alongside a stable level of permit issuance and growing interest in new investment projects.

It was particularly highlighted that the quantitative coverage of planning documentation has reached approximately 3,500 plans, but that in the coming period it is necessary to focus on improving their quality and practical applicability. Participants also emphasized the importance of enhancing the quality of planning documentation, along with the announcement of establishing a Central Register and transitioning to Geographic Information System (GIS) technology by 2028.

The discussion pointed to challenges in the implementation of regulations at the local level, including planning constraints, a lack of adequately qualified professionals, as well as the need for greater transparency, clearer planning documents, and more active involvement of relevant institutions and the public.

The need for better coordination in infrastructure planning was also emphasized, particularly in the electronic communications sector, where inconsistencies in planning documents may have broader security and development implications.

It was concluded that the amendments to the Law on Planning and Construction, expected in the coming period, represent an important opportunity to improve the regulatory framework, increase procedural efficiency, and create a more predictable and supportive environment for investment realization in Serbia.