Round Table on the topic "European Sustainable Values in Agriculture and the Accession Process (Chapter 11)"
On November 14, 2024, the University Business Academy hosted a Round Table on the topic "European Sustainable Values in Agriculture and the Accession Process (Chapter 11)" as part of the Jean Monnet Module titled “European Sustainable Values in the Common Agricultural Policy”.
The Round Table was opened by Prof. Dr. Marijana Carić, President of the Council of the University Business Academy, and Prof. Dr. Branko Markoski, Provincial Secretary for Higher Education and Scientific Research.
Prof. Dr. Marijana Carić highlighted that the University Business Academy received its first Jean Monnet Module back in 2015 and that this Round Table was organized within the framework of the third Jean Monnet Module implemented at the University. She remarked, "This demonstrates that we have successfully carried out all the activities planned under these modules and that we continue to be awarded new modules." Prof. Carić also noted that this year, two new Jean Monnet Modules have been initiated at the University, further affirming the European Commission’s recognition and appreciation of the results achieved.
Prof. Dr. Branko Markoski emphasized the importance of higher education institutions participating in international projects. He stated, “Negotiating Chapter 11 is extremely important because, through harmonization with European legislation, Serbia not only aligns its standards for production and environmental protection but also commits to improving the quality of life in rural areas." He added that Serbia is adhering to European standards and should build a sustainable agricultural development model tailored to its specific climatic, natural, and economic conditions.
Prof. Dr. Jelena Vapa Tankosić, Project Manager and Vice Dean for Cooperation with Industry at the Faculty of Economics and Engineering Management, explained that the project "aims to stimulate the competitiveness of the rural economy, provide students with specialized knowledge of sustainable principles, and enhance the management of natural resources in line with the reforms of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy. Through this project, our students have had access to free courses over the past three years. Additionally, a student debate and a specialized seminar on sustainable honey production in the EU were held, culminating in this Round Table, which crowns our activities."
Following the opening remarks, a panel discussion was held, featuring:
- Prof. Dr. Radivoj Prodanović, project associate and Vice Dean for Teaching at the Faculty of Economics and Engineering Management, University Business Academy in Novi Sad;
- Prof. Dr. Vladimir Medović, project associate, Faculty of Law for Commerce and Judiciary, University Business Academy in Novi Sad;
- Prof. Dr. Jegor Miladinović, Assistant Director for Scientific Research at the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops in Novi Sad, an institute of national importance for the Republic of Serbia;
- Milica Vračarić, Director of the Regional Agency for the Development of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Alma Mons LLC Novi Sad;
- Dr. Goran Vasić, Independent Expert Associate at the Guarantee Fund of AP Vojvodina and President of the "Bioeconomy" Cluster.
The Jean Monnet Module titled “European Sustainable Values in the Common Agricultural Policy, under the Erasmus+ Programme”, encompasses short study programs in European Union studies aimed at raising awareness of the importance of adhering to sustainable European values in agriculture. By examining the EU agricultural model and its sustainable economic, social, and environmental values, the module fosters an understanding of Serbia’s future obligations arising from the negotiations on Chapter 11 – Agriculture and Rural Development.
This Jean Monnet Module builds on the results of previous activities and continues the Jean Monnet Modules “Serbia's Accession to the EU” and “Applying EU Values in Candidate Countries’ Policies” at the University Business Academy.
By decision of the European Executive Agency for Education and Culture (EACEA), the University Business Academy’s project was approved for funding and envisaged to last three years (2022–2025). During this period, six specialized courses, a seminar, a student debate, a research project, and a final Round Table were held each year. The project results have been published in a dedicated publication.
The project’s lecturers include Prof. Dr. Jelena Vapa Tankosić (Project Manager), Prof. Dr. Vladimir Medović, and Prof. Dr. Radivoj Prodanović, with Prof. Dr. Dragan Soleša serving as the Project Coordinator.
