Republic of Serbia This project is funded by

Ministry of European the European Union

Integration

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PLAN

Reconstruction and modernization of the railway line Belgrade – Niš up
to speed of 200 km/h
Preparation for Feasibility Study, ESIA and Preliminary Design
July 2022
DOCUMENT CONTROL SHEET

Contracting Authority: Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Serbia (EUD)

Project Title: Project Preparation Facility 9 (PPF9)

Beneficiary Country: Republic of Serbia

Beneficiary Institution: Ministry of European Integration (MEI)

Service Contract Num ber: 2020/415-787

Identification Num ber: EUROPEAID/139687/DH/SER/RS

This Project is im plem ented by SUEZ Consulting (SAFEGE) in consortium w ith EGIS, EPEM , and KPMG.

Report Title Stakeholder Engagem ent Plan

Contracting Beneficiary
Original Prepared by Review ed by Approved by
Authority Institution (MEI)

Nam e: PPF9 Team Paraskevopoulos Mohamed Sameh/

Georgios Paul Knight

Signature:

Date: 22.10.2021 29.10.2021 05.11.2021

Report Title Stakeholder Engagem ent Plan

Beneficiary
Contracting
Revision No.1 Prepared by Review ed by Approved by Institution (MEI)
Authority

Nam e: PPF9 Team Paraskevopoulos Mohamed Sameh/

Georgios Paul Knight

Signature:

Date: 08.02.2022 09.02.2022 14.02.2022

Beneficiary
Contracting
Revision No.2 Prepared by Review ed by Approved by Institution (MEI)
Authority

Nam e: PPF9 Team Paraskevopoulos Mohamed Sameh/

Georgios Paul Knight

Signature:

Date: 23.05.2022 26.05.2022 30.05.2022

Disclaimer

This report has been produced as part of a project financed by the European Union. The contents of this publication are the sole
responsibility of the Consortium led by SUEZ Consulting (SAFEGE) and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the
European Union.
Key Contacts

Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Serbia

Vladimira Popovica 40/V, 11070 New Belgrade, Republic of
Mariangela Programme
EUD Serbia
Fittipaldi Manager
Phone: +381 11 3083200
Mariangela.FITTIPALDI@eeas.europa.eu

Ministry of European Integration

MEI’s
Jovana Joksimović Nemanjina 34, 11000 Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
Representative
jovana.joksimovic@mei.gov.rs
MEI
Advisor to the Ministry of European Integration
Minister of
Dušan Čarkić Nemanjina 34, 11000 Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
European
Integration dusan.carkic@mei.gov.rs

Ul. Beogradska 27, 11000 Belgrade, Republic of Serbia

Željko Tmušić Project Director Phone: +381 11 32 34 730
zeljko.tmusic@suez.com

Ul. Beogradska 27, 11000 Belgrade, Republic of Serbia

Dušan Rakić Project Manager Phone: +381 11 32 34 730
SUEZ
dusan.rakic@suez.com
Consulting
(SAFEGE)
Ul. Beogradska 27, 11000 Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
Office in Serbia
Darko Jakšić Team Leader Phone: +381 11 32 34 730
jaksic@zeelandnet.nl

Ul. Beogradska 27, 11000 Belgrade, Republic of Serbia

Deputy Team
Miodrag Uljarević Phone: +381 11 32 34 730
Leader
miodrag.uljarevic@suez.com
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
AIS Archaeological Institute of Serbia
AoI Area of Influence
CFD Central Feedback Desk
CGD Central Grievance Desk
CLO Community Liaison Officer
CM Cadastral Municipality
CSO Civil Society Organizations
DIR Directorate for Railw ays
E&S Environmental and Social
EBRD European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Access to Information Policy and
EBRD’s AIPD Directive (2019)
EIB European Investment Bank
EIB IPS European Investment Bank Information Policy statement
ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
ESMP Environment and Social Management Plan
ESS Environmental and Social Standards
EU European Union
EUD Delegation of the European Union

GBV Gender Based violence

GHG Greenhouse Gas
GM Grievance Mechanism
GoS Government of the Republic of Serbia
IPCH Institute for Protection of Cultural Heritage
JASPERS Joint Assistance to Support Projects in European Region
M&E Monitoring and Evaluation
MCTI Ministry of Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure
MoF Ministry of Finance
NGO Nongovernmental Organization
NTS Non-Technical Summary
OHS Occupational Health and Safety
OIPs Other Interested Parties
PE Public Enterprise
PFS Pre-Feasibility Study
PPF Project Preparation Facility
PPT Pow er Point
PR Public Relations
PWC Public Water Company
RPF Resettlement Policy Framew ork
RS Republic of Serbia
SEA Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
SEL Stakeholder Engagement Log
SEP Stakeholder Engagement Plan
SH Sexual Harassment
SOE State-Ow ned Enterprise
SRI Serbian Railw ays Infrastructure
TA Technical Assistance
 GLOSSARY
Consultation The process of sharing information getting feedback and/or advice from stakeholders and
taking these view s into account w hen making project decisions and/or setting targets and
defining strategies.
EIB Environm ental and The EIB Environmental and Social Standards 1 from February 2, 2022 provide an
Social Standards (ESS) operational translation of the policies and principles contained in the EIB Statement of
Environmental and Social Principles and Standards and are grouped across 11 thematic
areas covering the full scope of environmental, climate, and social impacts and issues.
EBRD Perform ance The Environmental and Social Policy of EBRD (2019) 2 is one of the Bank’s three good
Requirem ents governance policies and a key document that guides the EBRD’s commitment to promoting
“environmentally sound and sustainable development” in the full range of its investment
and technical cooperation activities. It sets out how this commitment and practice is
implemented implement this commitment on EBRD projects.
Project Refers to Belgrade – Niš railw ay line w hich is a part of the SEETO Corridor X and connects
Central and Western Europe w ith Greece, Turkey and the Middle East. It is also part of the
indicative extension of the Core TEN-T rail netw ork in the Western Balkans.
Project Affected parties Includes those affected or likely to be affected by the project because of actual impacts or
potential risks to their physical environment, health, security, cultural practices, w ell-being,
or livelihoods. These stakeholders may include individuals or groups, including local
communities.
Other interested parties Refers to individuals, groups, or organizations w ith an interest in the project, stemming from
project location, its characteristics, its impacts, or matters related to public interest. For
example, these parties may include regulators, government officials, the private sector, the
scientific community, academics, unions, w omen`s organizations, other civil society
organizations, and cultural groups.
Stakeholders Collective reference to individuals or groups w ho (a) are affected or likely to be affected by
the project (project-affected parties); and (b) may have an interest in the project (other
interested parties).
Stakeholder engagement Is the continuing and iterative process identif ying, communicating, and facilitating a tw o-
w ay dialogue w ith the people affected by its decisions and activities, as w ell as others w ith
an interest in the implementation and outcomes of its decisions and the project. It takes
into account the different access and communication needs of various groups and
individuals, especially those more disadvantaged or vulnerable, including consideration of
both communication and physical accessibility challenges. Engagement begins as early as
possible in project preparation because early identification of and consultation w ith affected
and interested parties allow s stakeholders view s and concerns to be considered in the
project design, implementation, and operation
Alterations to Stakeholder Adapting activities of stakeholder engagement in the times of the COVID-19 pandemic and
engagem ent the need for physical distancing
Stakeholder Engagem ent This Plan document prepared to guide development of sub-project specific SEPs, and
Plan (SEP) ensure effective stakeholder engagement w hile transitioning tow ards them.

1European Investment Bank Environmental and Social Standards (eib.org). As part of this public consultation, EIB held a series
of 13 webinars between 22 June and 9 July. The webinars focused on the new EIB Group Environmental and Social Policy and
the eleven EIB Standards. A webinar was also organized to discuss the EIB’s app roach to human rights. Following the public
consultations, the EIB has published revised E&S Standards on February 2, 2022
2 https://www.ebrd.com/news/publications/policies/environmental-and-social-policy-esp.html
CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................. 8
1.1. Purpose and justification for the SEP............................................................................................ 8
1.2. Scope and structure of the SEP ................................................................................................... 9
1.3. Summary of potential environmental and social impacts .................................................................. 9
1.4. National Legislation Requirements ............................................................................................... 9
1.5. EIB and EBRD standards on Stakeholder Engagement (EIB ESS2 and EBRD PR 10) ........................10
2. SUMMARY OF PREVIOUS STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES .............................................13
3 STAKEHOLDER IDENTIFICATION AND ANALYSIS ................................................................................17
3.1 Methodology applied to identify the affected settlements and area of influence .......................................17
3.2 Project Affected Parties ..................................................................................................................18
3.3 Other Interested Parties .................................................................................................................19
3.4 Disadvantaged or Vulnerable Individuals or Groups ............................................................................20
3.5 Summary of stakeholder groups and nature of their Interest .................................................................22
3.6 Stakeholder expansion...................................................................................................................29
4. STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM.........................................................................................30
4.1 Purpose and timing of stakeholder engagement program ....................................................................30
4.2 SRI`s existing communication practices ............................................................................................30
4.3 Proposed Strategy for Disclosure.....................................................................................................31
4.4 Proposed Strategy for Consultation ..................................................................................................32
4.4.1 Consultations on the Disclosure Package ....................................................................................32
4.4.2 Future ESIA Stakeholder Engagement, Disclosure & Consultation...................................................32
4.4.3 Information Communication .......................................................................................................33
4.5 Proposed Strategy to incorporate the view of vulnerable groups ...........................................................48
4.6 Timeline.......................................................................................................................................50
4.7 Review of comments......................................................................................................................50
4.8 Future Phases of Project ................................................................................................................50
4.9 Update of the SEP .........................................................................................................................50
5. RESPONSIBILITIES FOR IMPLEMENTING STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES ..........................51
6 GRIEVANCE MECHANISM ..................................................................................................................55
3. MONITORING AND REPORTING .....................................................................................................56
7.1 General........................................................................................................................................56
7.2 Reporting back to stakeholder groups...............................................................................................58
Annex 1: PreviouS Stakeholder Engagement log ........................................................................................59
Annex 2: Table of all potentially Affected Municipalities and Settlements.........................................................64
Annex 3: Roma Settlements and share of population in SEttlements crossed by the ALIGNEMent .....................69
Annex 4: Section-specific Stakeholder Identification and Engagement Arrangements ........................................ 1
Annex 5: Grievance Log Template............................................................................................................. 1
Annex 6: Grievance form .......................................................................................................................... 1
Tables

Table 1: Summary of previous engagement activities .......................................................................... 14

Table 4: Expansion and update questionnaire ..................................................................................... 29
Table 5 Proposed Strategy of Consultation.......................................................................................... 35
Table 6 Management functions and responsibilities ............................................................................. 51
Table 7 CFD contact details ....................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Table 8 Monitoring indicators .............................................................................................................. 56
Table 7: Specific Stakeholder Analysis and Disclosure/Communication Requirements for the Stalac -Djunis
Section................................................................................................................................................. 5
1. INTRODUCTION

Since 2013, the Government of the Republic of Serbia (GoS) has increased its focus on investments in railways, by
allocating new financial resources. The GoS is receiving support via the Project Preparation Facility (PPF) of the EU for
the development of a Preliminary Feasibility Study for the Railway Line Belgrade - Niš (PFS) in the length of about 230
km and some οf the deliverables of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment process such as a brief scoping
report and key policy documents guiding project attributable land acquisition and resettlement and stakeholder
engagement.
This Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) is applicable to the Reconstruction and upgrading of the Belgrade – Niš railway
line as well as any area and communities potentially impacted by: cumulative impacts from further planned development
of the project or other sources of similar impacts in the geographical area, any existing project or condition, and other
project-related developments that can realistically be expected at the time due diligence is undertaken, areas and
communities potentially affected by impacts from unplanned but predictable developments caused by the project that
may occur later or at a different location. The area of influence does not include potential impacts that would occur without
the project or independently of the project.
The Project will be administered and implemented by the Serbian Railway Infrastructure (SRI). SRI is a State-Owned
Enterprise with a positive track record in stakeholder engagement and implementation of Projects supported by
International Financial Institutions.
The Project is expected to be co-financed via a Framework Loan with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and European
Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and supported by a substantial grant from the European Union (EU).
The loan will be tranched based on a schedule of subsection rehabilitation, with the first tranche committed to finance
the works of the Stalac-Djunis subsection (approx. 17 km in length), the only subsection for which an environmental and
social assessment has been carried out to date. Tranches to finance other subsections of Corridor X will be uncommitted.
More specific stakeholder engagement identification and arrangements for the Stalac-Djunis subsection is provided in
Appendix 4 of this SEP.
The Project is categorised as “A” in accordance with EBRD’s Environmental and Social Policy (2019).

1.1. Purpose and justification for the SEP

Operations and activities for which potential financing from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Bank
for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is sought fall under the application of their respective applicable
Environmental and Social Standards.
The Environmental and Social Policy of EBRD (2019) is one of the Bank’s three good governance policies and a key
document that guides the EBRD’s commitment to promoting “environmentally sound and sustainable development” in
the full range of its investment and technical cooperation activities. It sets out the ways in which commitment in practice
and on EBRD supported projects is to be implemented.
The EIB Environmental and Social Standards provide an operational translation of the policies and principles contained
in the 2009 EIB Statement of Environmental and Social Principles and Standards and are grouped across 10 thematic
areas covering the full scope of environmental, climate and social impacts and issues.
In response to the commitment to comply with EIB and EBRD standards the SEP has been developed as an essential
component in project planning, implementation and operation to establish a two-way communication channel with
stakeholders who may be affected by or might be interested in the Project throughout its life cycle.
To allow uptake of Stakeholders concerns but also positive feedback during the Project lifecycle the SEP foresees
establishing an appropriate grievance mechanism for grievance resolution and redress. The scope of such a mechanism

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 8 | 79

observes the entire operation, yet it will not serve as a workers grievance mechanism. A separate grievance structure
relevant to workplace grievances will be set up dedicated to this purpose.
Public consultations for the project(s) will be arranged during the whole life-cycle, carried out in an open manner, free of
external manipulation, interference, coercion or intimidation. Information will be provided to and widely distributed among
all stakeholders in an appropriate format; opportunities are provided for communicating stakeholders’ feedback, for
analysing and addressing comments and concerns. The participation process for the projects is inclusive, avoiding “elite
capture” in which the voices of politically and economically stronger (and typically male) stakeholders are predominantly
heard. Sensitivity to stakeholders’ needs is the key principle underlying the selection of engagement methods. Special
attention is given to vulnerable groups, in particular women, youth, Roma, elderly and the cultural sensitivities of diverse
ethnic groups.
This SEP will be updated as necessary by SRI, as described in section 4.9 Update of the SEP.

1.2. Scope and structure of the SEP

The stakeholder engagement will be integrated into project’s environmental and social performance and project design
and implementation. The scope of the SEP follows the EBRD PR10 and EIB ESS2 Requirements. The adequacy of the
engagement methods shall be part of the Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) segment of the Project.

1.3. Summary of potential environmental and social impacts

The potential project level environmental and social impacts, as identified at the scoping stage, likely to be the adverse
and beneficial impacts of the project and the focal topics for stakeholder engagement activities, include, but are not
limited to:
 Permanent and temporary acquisition of land,
 Physical or economic displacement, loss of assets, loss of livelihood and related compensation procedures,
 Impacts from Station/Halt Closure
 Severance impacts,
 Temporary restriction in access to land,
 Labour influx,
 Temporary diversions and closure of rail routes and access roads,
 Community health and safety during construction works,
 Potential impacts on air quality due to movement of vehicles and equipment, earthworks, open piles of topsoil and
spoil, and the operation of combustion engines and/or,
 Noise, dust, waste generation and traffic disturbance from construction vehicles and machinery,
 Generation of local income through the recruitment of workers from local communities to the project.
 The Project`s added value and community benefits and support.
 The integrated environmental and social assessment of the Project`s impacts.

1.4. National Legislation Requirements

The commitments and requirements of the Republic of Serbia to citizen engagement are not residing under a single self-
standing law or regulation. However, the recognition of importance of citizen engagement is infused in the legal system
and clearly recognized by mandatory procedures provided under individual laws. Serbia having acquired the EU

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 9 | 79

candidate country for membership status, is taking a huge effort to reach environmental standards in line with the EU
acquis which extends to issues of stakeholder and citizen engagement as well.
From the highest legal act down to an ample normative framework comprising the Serbian legal system, a strong
commitment and openness to stakeholder engagement is evident. Key laws governing the stakeholder and citizen
engagement activities include, but are not limited to:
 The Constitution of the Republic of Serbia (2006) proclaims the rule of law and social justice, principles of civil
democracy, human and minority rights and freedoms, and commitment to European principles and values. The
Article 74 proclaims the right to healthy environment and grants the right to timely and comprehensive information
on the state of the environment.
 The Law on free access to information of public interest (2004) states that governmental agencies, social
associations and officials are required to provide each person with the possibility of receiving and becoming
acquainted with documents of public interest, except in cases anticipated by law. The Law shall govern the rights of
access to information of public importance held by public authorities, with a view to exercising and protecting the
public interest to know and attaining a free democratic order and an open society. By virtue of this Law access to
information shall be granted to all stakeholders, including every natural person or legal entity upon written request
unless otherwise regulated by the Law. Within 15 days of receipt of a request at the latest, the authority shall inform
the applicant whether the requested information is held, and grant him/her access to the document containing the
requested information or issue or send to the applicant a copy of the document, as the case may be.
 Law on Public Information and Media (2014) stipulates that public information is free and is not subject to censorship,
that the public has the right and the interest to be informed on issues of public interest, that monopoly in the media
is not allowed, that information on the media is public.
 The Law on Environmental Impact Assessment (2004 as amended in 2009) provides categorization of industries
and projects and identifies types of environmental assessment required against respective categories of industries
or projects and provides procedures for disclosure, presentation and consultation requirements, and sets these as
mandatory with a disclosure of a minimum of 20 days.
 The Republic of Serbia ratified the Aarhus Convention on Access to information, public participation in decision-
making and access to justice in environmental matters and it links environmental and human rights and is based on
the belief that it is a basic right of present and future generations to live in an environment adequate to health and
wellbeing. The convention is focused on achieving this through the implementation of three pillars: rights of access
to information, access to decision-making, and access to justice.
 Planning and Building Act (2009 as amended in 2020) proclaims two types of engagement and disclosure
instruments for all spatial and urban plans. Early public insight and Public Insight are mechanisms through which
interested stakeholders may acquire information on the basic concept and the proposition of the planning document.
Documents are made available to the public during a disclosure window of 15-30 days followed by public
consultations.
 SRIs communication strategies for managing public communications including the companies Gender strategy.
Other stakeholder engagement, disclosure and transparency requirements within certain topics and sectors are
embedded in the applicable laws regulating each of the treated subject. They are broadly compliant to the requirements
of EBRD PR 10 and EIB ESS2 but have certain shortcomings when it comes to active outreach and continuous
engagement strategies.

1.5. EIB and EBRD standards on Stakeholder Engagement (EIB ESS2 and EBRD PR 10)

EBRD and EIB recognize the importance of stakeholder engagement as an essential element of good international
practice and corporate citizenship. Such engagement is also a way of improving the environmental and social
sustainability of projects. In particular, effective community engagement is essential for successful management of a

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 10 | 79

 project's environmental and social risks and impacts. Stakeholder engagement is central to achieving enhanced
community benefits from a project.

Preparation of this SEP has taken into account the provision of EBRD’s Environmental and Social Policy (2019) and
Access to Information Policy and Directive (2019) and EIB Environmental and Social Standards as an operational
translation of the policies and principles contained in the 2009 EIB Statement of Environmental and Social Principles and
Standards and are grouped across 10 thematic areas covering the full scope of environmental, climate and social impacts
and issues.

The following elements of EBRD PR 10 and EIB ESS 2 will be applicable for Stakeholder Engagement of the Project in
addition to the national requirements.

Stak eholder identification and analysis. The first step in successful stakeholder engagement is the identification of
various individuals and groups who (i) are affected or likely to be affected (directly or indirectly) by the Project (affected
parties), or (ii) may have an interest in the Project (other interested parties), with a specific attention to individuals and
groups disadvantaged or with vulnerable status.

Stak eholder Engagement Plan. EBRD’s and EIB`s clients are required to develop a Stakeholder Engagement Plan that
will outline how communication with identified stakeholders will be handled throughout project preparation and
implementation, including the grievance procedure envisaged.

Disclosure and consultation. Pursuant to EBRD`s risk classification, Category A projects (including the Project in term)
require carrying out a comprehensive assessment of environmental and social impacts (ESIA). Disclosure and
consultation requirements must be built into each stage of the ESIA process. Category A projects require a disclosure
period for a minimum of 120 days. EIB classifies Project risks according to the assessment needs for projects based on
Annex I and II of the EIA Directive.

Information disclosure. Disclosure of relevant project information helps stakeholders better understand the risks, impacts
and opportunities associated with the Project.

Meaningful consultation. The consultation process with affected parties will be undertaken in a manner that is inclusive
and culturally appropriate, and which represents the views and specific needs of various groups. Meaningful consultation
will be carried out on an ongoing basis as the nature of issues, impacts and opportunities evolves

Ongoing reporting to relevant stak eholders. Providing information to identified stakeholders, on an ongoing basis,
appropriate to the nature of the Project and its adverse environmental and social impacts and issues, and the level of
public interest throughout the life of the Project.

Grievance mechanism. Establishment of an effective grievance mechanism to receive and facilitate resolution of
stakeholders concerns and grievances, in particular, about the environmental and social performance of the project.

EBRD’s Access to Information Policy and Directive (2019) sets forth disclosure of information a consultation with the
public ways in order to fulfil EBRD`s committed to enhancing transparency and accountability, improving discourse with
affected stakeholders and fostering good governance in respect of all its Operations and Activities. The project
documentation will be disclosed for public on the EBRD website in accordance with this Policy.
“All projects financed by EBRD shall be structured to meet the requirements of the EBRD Environmental and Social Policy
which includes ten Performance Requirements (PRs) for key areas of environmental and social sustainability that projects
are required to meet, including PR10 Information Disclosure and Stak eholder Engagement. In addition, EBRD’s
Independent Project Accountability Mechanism (IPAM), as an independent last resort tool, aims to facilitate the resolution
of social, environmental and public disclosure issues raised by Project-affected people and civil society organizations

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 11 | 79

about EBRD financed projects among Project stakeholders or to determine whether the Bank has complied with its ESP
and the Project-specific provisions of its Access to Information Policy; and where applicable to address any existing non-
compliance with these policies, while preventing future non-compliance by the Bank.”

EIB`s Public Access to Information (Information Policy Statement – EIB IPS) Acknowledging that the public has an
interest in the activities of the EIB, this policy statement and related documents aim to support one of the EIB’s key
corporate objectives: to achieve a high level of transparency of its activities and communicate even more effectively with
all stakeholders

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 12 | 79

2. SUMMARY OF PREVIOUS STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
ACTIVITIES

The specific nature of the Project required a broad engagement with various project stakeholders with main discussions
between sector specific institutional Stakeholders. The preparation of the Project was affected by the unparalleled
constraints the global COVID-19 pandemic imposed to travels and face-to-face meetings.
The specific stakeholder engagement activities that have taken place during Project preparation include:
 Communication and meetings in the rail sector;
 Review of project preparation status with representatives from the Serbian Railway Infrastructure (SRI) and including
safeguard documentation;
 Multiple meetings and communication exchange with the SRI discussing the Project design, investment priority
needs.
The feedback received includes the development of passenger rail services which many poorer female populations in
particular those in rural areas consider would significantly improve their mobility and socioeconomic conditions as rail
services typically provide lower cost and safer means of transport.
Given the importance of the Project as recognized by the Government, a media campaign is conducted to inform the
general public about the project. An active stakeholder engagement will be conducted following approaches provided in
this SEP once the project implementation starts and their feedback will be incorporated into the design of project
activities.
Up to date there were no protests from the stakeholders regarding the investment.
Stakeholder engagement activities undertaken to-date included high level engagement with the SRI, Institute for
Protection of Cultural Heritage (IPCH), the Archeological Institute of Serbia (AIS) , a number of Biodiversity experts and
stakeholders, Biologists, Ornithologists, Theriologists, Ichthyologists, Hunting associations Representatives from 24
settlements/local communities crossed by the Project (Presidents, Vice Presidents or Secretaries of the Community
Offices (the smallest administrative cell in the administrative division).
A variety of methods were used to communicate with stakeholders, for different stages of the project, which included:
 E-mail correspondence.
 Various virtual meeting Platforms.
 One to one and small group meeting with government officials.
 Socio-economic surveys for preparation of the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) for the section Stalac to Djunis,
 Face to face meetings with Municipal representatives of Cicevac and Krusevac
 Local community meetings. In Trubarevo, Đunis and Stalać,
 Electronic media.
During the preparation of the PFS stakeholder engagement process was completed in three main phases to ensure that
a consistent, comprehensive, coordinated and culturally appropriate approach was taken for project consultation and
disclosure. These phases comprised the following activities:
 Inception phase – Consultation meetings aimed to introduce working approach and phases, timetable for submission
of reports, input collection from decision-makers.
 Alternative route selection process – stakeholder engagement aimed to present alternatives for each section and
collect views for best option; Elaborate the selection methodology.

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 13 | 79

 Scoping phase – Gathering relevant information on Baseline Conditions of environmental and social resources,
identification of issues of concern for affected communities. The engagement with the local communities, biodiversity
experts, institutes for cultural heritage etc. has proven that SRI has a continued information sharing system with the
impacted Municipalities and local communities.
Monthly progress meetings were held with SRI, being the project promoter on project progress, data gaps and agreeing
on future project activities.
Consultation with national authorities
With the objective to gather key baseline data for the assessment of alternative selection process, measures to avoid
conflicts between national stakeholders, procedures and requirements meetings were held with national government
stakeholders.
The most important engagement activities undertaken to date are summarized in the table below.
Table 1: Summary of previous engagement activities

Stakeholder Period, Methods, Key concerns, Suggestions and Inform ation gathered from the authority
and place of
engagem ent

National Stakeholders

Serbian Railw ay Virtual, face to face Discussion on project progress, data gaps and defining of future project steps
Infrastructure continuously during
(Infastrukture the Prefeasibility
Zeleznice Srbije) phase

Virtual 
Monthly Discussion on project progress, data gaps and defining of future project steps
progress meetings
plus several
EIB, EBRD,
technical E&S
JASPERS, EU
meetings w ith IFI
Delegation to the
specialists and other
Republic of Serbia
National specialists
w orking on sub-
projects

Institute for Protection September 2021  Providing information on Cultural Monuments (CM) categories expected to be
of Cultural Heritage of affected and opinions regarding impacts on CM
October 2021
Republic of Serbia  CM maps, including buffer zones, coordinates, and distances of CM from road
(IPCH) track
 Suggestion for possibilities to review the road track in case of affected buffer zone
or w hen no buffer zone is declared for the monument to be consider ensuring
associated facilities are covered
 Key data to inform the gap analysis comparing EIB/EBRD requirements against
national propositions
 Understanding past engagement level of the IPCH in past large scale
infrastructure projects

Ministry of Finance October 2021  Obtain information needed for preparation of RPF, mitigation measures.
 Consult on w ays to involve the Ministry in consultation process.

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 14 | 79

Stakeholder Period, Methods, Key concerns, Suggestions and Inform ation gathered from the authority
and place of
engagem ent

Ministry of Health September 2021  COVID-19 response

 Anticipated non-pharmaceutical future restrictions to be imposed in response to
the pandemic

Local Stakeholders

Municipalities September/October Providing baseline data for the project area on demographic, social, economic ,
2021 and other data.
(Head of
municipalities,  Consultation on main impacts and measures to avoid adverse impact.
Representatives of  Soliciting opinions on the Project.
Environmental,  Understand the land acquisition processes and the role of municipalities.
Forests and Water  Collect information on urban development planning.
Administration  Main concerns and suggestions related to health and safety of the residents
Directorate, residing in the project area.
Services/facilities,
Urban planning office,
agriculture, civil
status)

Institute for nature

conservation of
January 2022  Expert opinion provided on
Serbia, Belgrade  Overall
Biodiversity Impact
Barrier effect
Potential NATURA2000 sites
 Cumulative effects

Faculty of Science
and Mathematics- January 2022  Expert opinion provided on
University of  Overall
Kragujevac, Biodiversity Impact
Department of Barrier effect
Biology and Ecology
Potential NATURA2000 sites
 Cumulative effects

WWF Adria
January 2022  Expert opinion provided on
 Overall
Biodiversity Impact
Barrier effect
Potential NATURA2000 sites
Cumulative effects

Hunting Chamber of January 2022  Overall

Serbia Biodiversity Impact
Barrier effect
Potential NATURA2000 sites
Cumulative effects

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 15 | 79

Stakeholder Period, Methods, Key concerns, Suggestions and Inform ation gathered from the authority
and place of
engagem ent

Representatives of 24 January 
/February Providing baseline data for the project area on demographic, social, economic ,
Local communities 2022 and other data.
Head of Local  Consultation on main impacts and measures to avoid adverse impact.
offices) 3
 Soliciting opinions on the Project.
 Main concerns on station and rail level crossing closures

3
For the detailed list please refer to the Stakeholder Engagement Log in Annex 1

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 16 | 79

 3 STAKEHOLDER IDENTIFICATION AND ANALYSIS

EIB ESS 2 and EBRD PR 10, read in conjunction with EBRD PR 1, and EIB ESS1, ESS 7, recognize the following categories of stakeholders:
1) Project Affected Parties
These include those likely to be affected by the project because of actual impacts or potential risks to their physical environment, health,
security, cultural practices, wellbeing, or livelihoods. These stakeholders may include individuals or groups, including dire ct project
beneficiaries and local communities. They are the individuals or households most likely to observe/feel changes from environmental and
social impacts of the project.
2) Other Interested parties (OIPs)
These refer to: individuals, groups, or organizations with an interest in the project, which may be because of the project location, its
characteristics, its impacts, or matters related to public interest. For example, these parties may include regulators, government officials, the
private sector, the scientific community, academics, unions, women’s organizations, other civil society organizations, and cultural groups.
The stakeholder identification has been expanding to a wider area than the project will affect, since the locations have not all been identified
and important details of project activities are still under development.
3) Disadvantaged/Vulnerable Individual or Groups
Individuals or groups that may be less resilient to risks and adverse impacts. Vulnerability of specific groups and individuals is not immanent
but is context-specific and is to be understood through the interplay of three factors: (1) exposure to risk and adverse impacts; (2) sensit ivity
to those risks and impacts; and (3) adaptive capacity.

3.1 Methodology applied to identify the affected settlements and area of influence

To assist with the initial identification of communities, a set of ‘distance’ criteria has been applied to determine the Affected Communities in
the Area of Influence (AoI). Affected Communities are defined as being those distinguishable settlements (by law, or by name, or by
recognition of local people or all three of these criteria) located within areas bounded by the Area of Influence.
The identification of the AoI is based on the locations of the Proposed Project, Associated Facilities and rail related activities, and the type
and location of anticipated impacts. Analysis of these factors indicates that the AoI can be considered as the combination of a series of
defined areas (sub-AoIs) nested within a spatial hierarchy (each area being the focus of a specific combination of impact types according to
the location and type of project activities), as follows:

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 17 | 79

 The linear corridor between Belgrade and Nis and Affected Communities within the corridor - these constitutes a primary AoI identifiable
by impacts stemming from land acquisition and resettlement, noise impacts, including micro and macro level impacts from construction
and operation phases related to the Project.
 Area of direct physical footprint,
 Area impacted by permanent acquisition of land on both side of the rail for the purpose of construction and operation in the width of 8
m in rural areas and 6 m in urban, measured from the axis of the outer (end) track and 14 m of air rights above as land required for the
standard gauge
 2 km boundary around the boundary of the designated physical footprint,
 Rail level crossing,
 Stations and halts,
 Access and Transport routes (once known),
 Any associated facility (once known),
 The temporary construction and permanent operation phase facilities,
 Any transmission lines.

3.2 Project Affected Parties

The Project Affected Parties of the Project are likely to extend over the following groups of stakeholders:
 Passengers.
 Freight companies.
 Persons residing in areas where works will be executed. A list of affected settlements/communities has been identified as part of the
social baseline work at scoping level and presented in Annex 2.
 Employees of SRI.
 Persons affected by land acquisition and resettlement.
 Persons affected by loss of access to resources.
 Daily Commuters, particularly students, high school pupils, persons employed in nearby cities, etc. with focus to those losing access to
stations/halts.

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 18 | 79

 Rail users at large.
 Vulnerable groups.
 Residents living adjacent to the existing rail.
 Residents living outside of the settlement’s centre.
 The Ministry of Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure (MCTI),
 The Directorate for Railways (DfR).
 Serbian Railways Infrastructure (SRI).
 Serbia Voz
 Serbia Cargo
 Serbian Railways AD
 Other railways infrastructure users
Stakeholder may also include parties affected by beneficial impacts, but the focus of engagement shall lie on those affected by drivers of
adverse impacts.

3.3 Other Interested Parties

'Other Interested Parties’ constitute individuals, groups, entities that may not experience direct impacts from the project but who consider or
perceive their interests as being affected by the project and/or who could affect the project and the process of its implementation in some
way. Accordingly, there are a number of other stakeholders who have a stake, have expressed, or may express interest due to a variety of
reasons. They include project implementing agencies, project partners, political institutions, service providers, host communities, civil society
organizations, NGOs, religious institutions, political authorities, academic institutions, and project beneficiaries.
 Relevant national or local authorities leading or executing the response to COVID-19,
 critical stakeholders involved in delivery of essential services and medical assistance; community-based or civil society organizations
(including women’s groups, community health volunteers, youth associations, religious groups, unions, and groups representing
vulnerable segments of the society and/or minorities) that can play a role in the COVID-19 response (information sharing or provision of
essential services);

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 19 | 79

3.4 Disadvantaged or Vulnerable Individuals or Groups

Of particular importance is to understand whether adverse project impacts may disproportionately fall on disadvantaged or vul nerable
individuals or groups, or they are likely to be excluded/unable to access Project benefits. Such groups may often not have a voice to express
their concerns or understand the impacts of a project. This SEP shall ensure that disadvantaged or vulnerable individuals or groups, relevant
to the project, are identified, that their particular sensitivities, concerns and barriers to project information are assessed and that they fully
understand project activities and benefits and participate in consultation processes. The vulnerability may stem from person’ s origin, gender,
age, health condition, economic deficiency and financial insecurity, disadvantaged status in the community (e.g., minorities or fringe groups),
dependence on other individuals or natural resources, etc. Engagement with the vulnerable groups and individuals often requires the
application of specific measures and assistance aimed at the facilitation of their participation in the project-related decision making so that
their awareness of and input to the overall process are commensurate to those of the other stakeholders.
The specific details of groups and individuals vulnerable to impacts from the project are not yet known since the details of locations and
technological issues of activities are still to be identified. The drivers of vulnerability will be in details assessed and identified during
development of the sub-project specific SEPs. Based on the initial screening some of the identified groups may include:
 Retired elderly and people with disabilities and chronical disease;
 Single parent headed households, male and female;
 Roma population dwelling within the rail buffer zone – to be additionally confirmed (much of the rail line to be constructed follow the
alignment of the existing railway Beograd – Nis) also areas for further vulnerability assessment is presented in Annex 3); Roma are one
of the most vulnerable groups in Western Balkans, including the Republic of Serbia and are usually exposed to several risks and adverse
impacts at once. It is known that they are more sensitive to those risks and impacts, having been subject to pre-existing discrimination,
financial, socio-economic, cultural and/or gender inequalities, of their geographical location, their dependence on the environment and/or
limited or no access to justice and decision-making; and have a weaker adaptive capacity for coping with those risks and recovering
from those impacts, due to limited access to necessary assets and/or resources. As a result, they risk being disproportionately affected
by project-related risks and adverse impacts. The 2011 Census, has identified around 150,000 Roma are living in Serbia. It is very
important that during field visits and preparation of the ESIA and subsequent RAPs, Roma communities (if any are identified) and that
support programs for these citizens are activated in cooperation with municipal centers for social work and non-governmental
organizations. More details on the share of Roma in the total population of Municipalities and cities of the Republic of Serbia is presented
in Annex 3. The Project crosses prevalently Municipalities with the share between 1 and 4.9% with the exception of the share of 5-9.9%
in Crveni Krst Nis,
 People with low literacy and ICT knowledge;
 Economically marginalized and disadvantaged groups;
 Persons living below the poverty line and in risk of poverty

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 20 | 79

Vulnerable groups affected by the project will be further confirmed during the ESIA and subsequent stages, yet the consultation strategies
and dedicated means, as appropriate shall be deployed early on in line with the golden principles of stakeholder engagement as defined in
this SEP. The list of vulnerable groups shall be updated as needed following the ESIA stage.
Vulnerable groups affected by the project will be further confirmed during the ESIA and subsequent stages, yet the consultati on strategies
and dedicated means, as appropriate shall be deployed early on in line with the golden principles of stakeholder engagement as defined in
this SEP. The initial Stakeholder engagement activities at local level have so far identified that in the Municipality of Mladenovac, it is likely
that Roma households (number of households not known at this stage) might be affected by land acquisition or access restriction impacts.
Presence of Roma and their contextual vulnerability will be in details examined in the subsequent phases for this Project, but key inclusion
principles have been highlighted in this SEP. The list of vulnerable groups shall be updated as needed following the ESIA stage. For Context
the Share of Roma population in the settlements crossed by the alignment is presented in Annex 3.
Early in the ESIA Stage a rapid gender gap assessment shall be carried out to identify key barriers to inclusive stakeholder engagement.
The Assessment shall also help identify gender responsive actions and indicated expected gender results area. Findings from the gender
analysis may point to possible actions and additional indicators in the SEP and can be incorporated into the project design.
Gender concerns shall be addressed right from the beginning of the project cycle and incorporated into planning, design, implementation,
and monitoring and evaluation.
The Stakeholder engagement activities will promote gender awareness amongst SRI staff. Tailored analytical tools shall be used to tackle
gender related issues and facilitate the integration of gender in environmental and social due diligence processes .
The Project will identify gender specific project risks associated with traditional/cultural roles and practices and provide a platform for women
and men to participate in decision making. The activities will empower both women and men to engage in project developments and build
relationships.
To overcome Challenges related to inequitable access to information the Project will make effort to:
 Understand the gender context to identify engagement approaches,
 Feedback will be sought from women to understand their needs and best ways to engage with women. Engage with women in focus
group settings facilitated by a female to capture views and information.
 Use participatory techniques to capture gender specific information e.g., gender matrices, community mapping/transect walks.
The ESIA will additionally inform updates of the SEP by Identifying women’s cooperatives/groups.

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 21 | 79

3.5 Summary of stakeholder groups and nature of their Interest
Identified stakeholder groups and their nature of interest will determine the type and frequency of engagement activities necessary for each
group. Any stakeholders that are not identified at this stage of the Project may directly contact SRI to make themselves and their needs
known to facilitate the effective implementation of the SEP. Table below provides an overview:

Table 3: Summary of Stakeholder groups and nature of their interest

Project Stakeholder Group Nature of interest

Local population
Interest in potential impacts during civil w orks, duration of civil w orks,
along railw ay routes,
traffic management plan, labour influx, employment opportunities.
stations, junctions

Affected
Communities Interest in project impact on their livelihoods and understanding the
(through land compensation procedure and additional support and assistance in
acquisition and other restoration of living standards.
impacts) and other Interest in project impacts related to disabling the use of traditional
municipalities w ithin and existing railroad crossings and fears that they w ill have to use
the rail corridor (all crossings at a longer distance. Interest in safety standards of
settlements and local designed underpasses or overpasses.
Individuals and communities
communities identified in Annex 2) Interest in getting acquainted w ith the points w here crossings over
the railw ay w ill be planned and built (underpass or overpass)
Persons w hose
business/livelihoods Interest in the impacts of closure of certain stations/halts
may be temporarily or
permanently affected
Project Affected Parties

Passengers Concerns about disruption of traffic, interested in alternative lines

Project Affected Parties

during rehabilitation w orks on the line. Concerns w hether mor e

expensive models of transport during civil w orks w ill be imposed

Commuters Avoid adverse impacts from diversion of traffic, in expectation of

efficient and safe transport service

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 22 | 79

 Project Stakeholder Group Nature of interest

Tourists (national and Concerns about accurate information on construction and

foreign) rehabilitation w orks affecting their travel itinerary

Concerns about community health and safety, traffic construction

related impacts (noise, dust, damages, emissions, vibrations)
Communities Concerns on the rail timetable, stations, compliance of the timetable
In the project are of
w ith the daily rhythm of passengers. Concerns on w hether and w ho
(Community influence (crossed or
w ill be responsible for the maintenance of the protective fence along
elected otherw ise affected)
the railw ay in order to prevent the crossing of the railw ay by citizens,
representatives) listed in Annex 1
especially children and students, then domestic and w ild animals ,
Concerns on the installation, operation and maintenance of level
crossings on local roads intersected by the railw ay.

Private operators for Concerns about disruption in carrying out the circle of freight
freight transport transport
Legal Entities
In the project areas of Concerns about disruption of business and operation activities
Sub-Projects

Serbian Railw ay Project management and implementation, oversight, reporting,

Infrastructure (SRI) financial, environmental and social risk management, grievance
management, SEP implementation and coordination. High
expectations on timely implementation to receive benefit from
economic development, low er costs and time savings, safety,
environmental benefits in terms of reduced GHG emissions, and
possibly other positive externalities. Will benefit directly from the
Government
institutional, legal and regulatory strengthening and capacity building
Agencies and
activities
institutions

Srbija Cargo High expectations on timely implementation to receive Benefit from

economic development, low er costs and time savings, safety,
environmental benefits in terms of reduced GHG emissions, and
possibly other positive externalities. Will benefit directly from the
institutional, legal and regulatory strengthening and capacity building
activities

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 23 | 79

 Project Stakeholder Group Nature of interest

Srbija Voz High expectations on timely implementation to receive benefits from

economic development, low er costs and time savings, safety,
environmental benefits in terms of reduced GHG emissions, and
possibly other positive externalities. Will benefit directly from the
institutional, legal and regulatory strengthening and capacity building
activities

The European Interested in achievement of Project Development Objectives and

Investment Bank compliance to E&S Standards of the Project

IFIs
The European Bank Interested in achievement of Project Development Objectives and
for Reconstruction compliance to E&S Standards of the Project
and Development

Ministry of Finance Loan Agreement oversight

Ministry of Line Ministry and permitting authority

Construction,
Transport and
Infrastructure (MCTI)

Ministry of Relevant Ministry for Environmental Protection and EIA Permitting

Other Environmental Relevant Ministry for development, and issuance of biodiversity
Interested Protection and offset/compensation measures
Parties relevant departments
w ithin.

PWC Srbijavode Responsible for management of w ater bodies in Serbia

Government, PE Roads of Serbia Responsible for operation and maintenance of Roads

Agencies and
institution Cultural heritage Responsible for implementation of Law on Cultural Heritage
protection Institutes
and agencies, at the
national and local
levels (Republic

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 24 | 79

 Project Stakeholder Group Nature of interest

Institute, Institute for

protection of cultural
heritage Belgrade,
Institute for protection
of cultural heritage
Nis)

Institute for nature Responsible for nature protection, enforcement of Law on Natur e
conservation of the conservation and relevant Permitting including biodiversity offset.
Republic of Serbia - Data provider, request for their opinion on project design is part of
Belgrade and legal procedure for EIA, participant in consultations
Department in the
City of Nis

Natural History Data ow ner regarding flora, vegetation and fauna, participant in
Museum in Belgrade consultations

Other
Faculty of Science Data ow ner regarding flora, and fauna, participant in consultations
Interested
Parties and Mathematic s ,
University of Nis ,
Department for
Government, Biology and Ecology
Agencies and
institution Faculty of Science Data ow ner regarding flora, and fauna, participant in consultations
and Mathematic s ,
University of
Kragujevac, Institute
for Biology and
Ecology

Faculty of Biology , Data ow ner regarding flora, and fauna, participant in consultations
University of
Belgrade

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 25 | 79

 Project Stakeholder Group Nature of interest

Local Governments Serve as first point of contact, conduct field outreach, facilitate tw o-
(including line w ay communication
departments: land
Administer the Land acquisition process
management,
economic
development,
environment)

Various Government Interested in enforcement of legal requirements in all aspects of

Inspections such as project implementation w ith emphasis during construction activities.
Labor, Construction
etc/

Other Academic Potential concerns over regarding environmental and social impacts
institutions (e.g., and project designs. The project may provide a know ledge sharing
Faculty of transport avenue
and Traffic
Engineering

Rail transport Interested in project benefits Interest in procurement and supply

associations, NGO s chain, potential environmental and social as w ell as community
health and safety

Private business National and Interested in participating in various bidding procedure

entities international
Contractors and
Engineering
Consultancies

Government Coordination Body for Interested in improving the social inclusion

Body Improving the
Position and Social
Inclusion of Roma
Men and Women

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 26 | 79

 Project Stakeholder Group Nature of interest

NGOs for Roma associations Interested in improving the social inclusion, reduction of vulnerability
minorities and poverty and equitable access to project benefits

Some of the associations include:

National Council of the Roma national minority of the Republic of

Serbia

Association of Roma in Mladenovac, Roma Center for Education and

Economic Empow erment

Association of Roma Women Nada, Aleksinac

Roma Community Development Center Amaro Drom, Smederevs ka

Palanka

Roma Women’s Association Osvit, Nis

Civic Movement Opre Roma Serbia

Roma Association in Cuprija – Romi sa Morave

NGO Bird Protection and BirdLife links together conservation organisations in countries along
Study Society of the length of the flyw ays, combining resources and coordinating
Serbia, BirdLife action to protect birds on every step of their route.
Serbia

CSO Hunting Club of Nis Data ow ner regarding fauna

CSO Hunting Association Data ow ner regarding fauna, and hunting activities and seasons
of Serbia

NGOs CSOs Sector Specific (e.g. Ongoing dialogue w ith civil society focuses on human rights
WWF Adria, HabiPr ot and democracy, environmental and social issues, economic
Association) inclusion and gender, transparency, good governance and business
development

Vehicles for aw areness raising and stimulating new patterns of social

behaviour

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 27 | 79

 Project Stakeholder Group Nature of interest

Transfer of skills and know ledge

Promoting w ork-based learning initiatives, participatory resource

management, social entrepreneurship and other aspects of transition
and development.

Job seekers Low -skilled, semi- Positive externalities beneficiaries through potential employment
skilled and high- opportunities
skilled w orkers

National media Enables w ide and regular dissemination of information related to the
Media (Radio, TV, Project, ensures its visibility and facilitates stakeholder engagement
New spaper)

Retired, elderly and

people w ith
disabilities and
chronical disease;
Single parent headed
households, male
and female; People
w ith low literacy and Interested in accessibility, affordability of project investments and
Individuals ICT know ledge; how the project w ill affect them (e.g., cost of railw ay travel after
Economically project implementation, sharing project benefits, alternative travel
marginalized and options w here existing stations/halts w ill be closed)
disadvantaged
groups; Persons
Vulnerable group

living below the

poverty line; Women,
Roma* population
living alongside the
existing rail line

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 28 | 79

3.6 Stakeholder expansion
The indicative stakeholder list will be reviewed periodically and updated as necessary during the ESIA process to
reflect new information and the evolving status of both the new ESIA work and the Proposed Project. Each sub-
project will need to revisit the list of stakeholders and verify if there is a need to expand the list and engage with other
stakeholders in course of the Project. Each sub-project will have specific stakeholder identification and
communication arrangements presented in Annex 4 to this SEP. This will be facilitated by filling out the stakeholder
expansion questionnaire below at critical points during Project implementation but mandatory during preparation of
respective subprojects. A potential update will be part of the Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) segment of the Project.
Table 2: Expansion and update questionnaire

STAKEHOL DER EXPANSION QUESTIONNAIRE

Is our current list focused on relevant stakeholders w ho are important to our □ Yes
current and future efforts?
□ No
Have new stakeholder groups emerged?

Are stakeholders’ reactions and interest proving to be as expected?

If No the Needs assessment
Has the interest or influence of any stakeholder group evolved since the start of should be revisited or a
the project? supplementary conducted and
Stakeholder list revisited
Is direct, disaggregated feedback received from different sub-groups?

(Answ ers should be based on know ledge of the Project, feedback received and
grievances registered tackling inadequate outreach, real or perceived exclusion
and feedback during their Engagement)

Do w e have a good understanding of w here stakeholders are coming from, w hat □ Yes
they may w ant, w hether they w ould be interested in engaging w ith the Project, and
□ No
w hy?

If No the Needs assessment

(The answ ers should be based on the frequency of stakeholders approaching
should be revisited or a
through communication channels other than the Projects, w ith suggestion for
supplementary conducted and
inclusion of groups or eligible activities etc.)
Stakeholder list revisited

Does the current engagement strategy adequately cover vulnerable groups? □ Yes

Based on the monitoring Are engagement strategies presented to cater to their □ No

specific needs?

Are the specific measures to allow engagement of vulnerable groups implemente d

If No the Stakeholder list
effectively?
should be revisited as w ell as
admission and evaluation
criteria should be revisited

Does the GM outline uptake channels, specific timeframes in communication to □ Yes

complainants, investigation process, monitoring measures etc.?
□ No
Based on the Grievance log and nature of complaints should any of the above
indicators be revisited and SEP updated?
If No the Stakeholder list
(Answ ers should be based on the result of the feedback received through on-going
should be revisited as w ell as
consultations, Grievance log, and mid-term review of stakeholder engagement
admission and evaluation
during project implementation)
criteria should be revisited
4. STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM
4.1 Purpose and timing of stakeholder engagement program
The main goals of the stakeholder engagement program are to inform, disclose and consult on various project
documents and activities early on to establish a dialogue with Project Stakeholders from project planning though
implementation and operation. All safeguard documents prepared in anticipation and in expectation of the financing
agreement will be disclosed and consulted on before Project Appraisal takes place. All documents will be publicly
disclosed at least 15 days before Public Consultations on the websites of the implementing agency. The disclosed
information/documents will include:
 Project announcements.
 Brief description of Project.
 Description of public consultation arrangements (time, place…).
 Ways of submitting comments and feedback.
 Key deadlines.
 The respective draft of all environmental and social management instruments
This does not include requirements of EBRD Environmental Policy related to disclosure of Environmental and Social
Impact Assessments for Public sector project which require a disclosure period of a minimum of 120 days. For details,
please see the section Proposed Strategy for Disclosure below.

4.2 SRI`s existing communication practices

Public Communication
The company has an authorized person for communication with the public, as well as an organizational part in whose
competence are public communications, which carry out their activities in accordance with the company's business
policy and under the supervision of the General Manager.
The PR manager manages, organizes, and oversees the implementation of the following public communication
activities: public relations, internal and external information, media activities, appearances in the media and gives
statements on behalf of the company, website and internet activities, presentations and promotional activities, socially
responsible and educational activities, cooperation with local governments and business partners.
The PR manager manages the Media Center, as an organizational part of the "Serbian Railway Infrastructure", which
is in charge of public communications. The Media Center "Infrastructure of the Serbian Railways" performs, among
other things, the following tasks: public relations; media activities; external information affairs (cooperation with the
media, press releases, press conferences, organization of media events, informative announcements and
advertisements in the media, production of informative and promotional publications and other publications, media
cooperation with local governments, economy, institutions, institutions and organizations, organization of
presentations and promotions, professional gatherings and exhibitions).
The PR manager and the Media Center communicates through announcements, statements and information for the
media, press conferences, organization of media and promotional events and activities, announcements on the
website. In addition, they are responsible for communication with the general public, from end users to government
agencies, on all aspects of the company's business, including this Project through written or direct communication
activities.
In addition to the communication and engagement practices provided by the Media Center lead by the PR manager,
parallel synchronized efforts in access to information disclosure, stakeholder engagement activities including
consultations will be led by the Environmental and Social staff and CLOs for the ESIA aspects, Involuntary land
acquisition and resettlement and any other project associated environmental and social impact both adverse and
positive. PAPs need specific engagement and communications based on dialogue which will be facilitated by the

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 30 | 79

parallel organization structure to the PR team with dedicated resources focused in and around the E&S staff and
CLOs.

4.3 Proposed Strategy for Disclosure

The Disclosure Package for this Project includes:
At Corridor-level:
 Corridor SEP
 Corridor E&S Assessment
 Corridor Resettlement Policy Framework
 Corridor Environmental and Social Action Plan
 Corridor Environmental and Social Management Plan
 Corridor Non-technical Summary

Stalac-Djunis subsection:

 Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Study (2016)

 National Environmental Impact Assessment Study (2018)
 Resettlement Action Plan (2022) for Lot 2 of the subsection
 Supplementary Study with Environmental and Social Management Plan, Environmental and Social Action
Plan and Non-technical Summary (2022)

Since this is a Category A project, the Disclosure Package will be available for public review during a period of 120
calendar days prior to the consideration of the Project by the EBRD’s Board of Directors. During the disclosure period,
SRI will organise public consultations and encourage stakeholders to comment on the Project. Following the 120 -
day period, after the public consultation process is completed, a Public Consultation Report will be prepared and the
disclosure package (including this SEP) updated as necessary.

The Disclosure Package will be disclosed electronically at the following websites:

 the website of the MCTI (http://www.mgsi.gov.rs/)
 the website of SRI (https://infrazs.rs/)
 EIB`s website (www.eib.org).
 EBRD`s website (www.ebrd.org)
Announcements about the availability of the Disclosure Package will be disclosed on:
 the notice boards and websites of City of Belgrade (including the City Municipalities of Rakovica, Savski Venac),
 the notice boards (and frequently visited places) and websites of all affected local municipalities (Velika Plana,
Lapovo, Batocina, Svilajnac, Jagodina, Cuprija, Paracin, Cicevac, Krusevac, Aleksinac, and the City of Nis and
settlements presented in Annex 2)
 at all rail stations/halts currently serving as official stops.
Printed copies will be made available at the SRI premises, at every municipality impacted by the Project, and during
public consultation.

The Project will be announced through Radio, TV, written and electronic media as well as web page of SRI.

During Project Implementation any of the documents disclosed during preparation, if updated shall be re-disclosed
and public consultations held.
Impacts assessment and studies such as the Scoping Report, ESIA at a later stage etc. will be disclosed and remain
in public domain prior to public consultations.

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 31 | 79

Site specific management instruments developed to manage environmental and social risk and impacts such as
Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs), Resettlement Action Plans (RAP) will be disclosed.

Contractors’ documents related to management of environmental and social risks (these may include Traffic
Management Plan, Emergency preparedness and response plans, Codes of Conduct for Employees and Contracted
workers etc.) shall be made available at Contractors website. Information on timing of project activities and related
information shall be made public via various media, newspaper and radio at least 2 weeks prior to actual consultation.

4.4 Proposed Strategy for Consultation

4.4.1 Consultations on the Disclosure Package

The above-listed Disclosure Package for the Project will be made available in English and Serbian, and will be
circulated for comment to key stakeholders upon adoption. Consultees include the Municipalities and Cities (including
Settlements) through which the alignment is planned to pass; relevant government agencies (including relevant line
Ministries). The Disclosure Package will be posted on the SRI website and other channels in line with disclosure
principles of this SEP (please see chapter 4.3) in both English and Serbian.
Relevant Stakeholders identified in Table 5 will be informed that the Disclosure Package has been disclosed and
how it can be accessed and that comments, questions and queries can be submitted to SRI within 120 days following
the disclosure.
Public consultations will be organised to present and discuss the Disclosure Package. Depending on the COVID-19
constraints the consultation shall take the form of one or several online or face to face meetings.
Stakeholder feedback shall be taken into account as relevant.

4.4.2 Future ESIA Stakeholder Engagement, Disclosure & Consultation

The Engagement activities during the ESIA work will occur at two distinct stages:
 Development of the ESIA Report. For purposes of impact identification and significance assessment considering
any change to the human or natural environment the ESIA Team shall coordinate and engage with National and
International Authorities, Local Communities, Governmental bodies and Authorities, CSO, NGOs etc. in the area
of Technical, Environmental and Social risks and impacts. To the extent feasible this will be coupl ed with any
EIA ongoing guided by the national requirements; and
 Report disclosure (following submission of the ESIA Report to SRI and IFIs).
During the first stage, engagement will take the form of consultation meetings, focus group discussions, individual
meetings etc. with all stakeholder categories focusing on issues/concerns views regarding the likely impacts of the
project; particularly with respect to the interests of the stakeholders. To the extent that it is feasible, stakeholders will
be encouraged to consider measures that should be taken to avoid or reduce the severity of expected adverse
impacts and to enhance positive impacts. The consultation results will be incorporated into the work programme
leading to preparation of the ESIA Report.
The second stage of engagement (ESIA Report Disclosure) will involve public hearings, in different locations, led by
SRI and the ESIA Consultant (the number and location of these public hearings is not known at present).
At this stage, local governments also play an important role in organizing and communicating public comments,
obtained separate from the public hearings, to SRI. In addition, and in accordance with good international industry
practice, engagement will also occur with Affected Communities and specific livelihood groups, along the Railway
route. The consultation results will be an important input into the deliberations of the SRI for development of site -
specific RAPs
For the engagement process to be effective and meaningful, a range of approaches will be applied, which will be
tailored specifically to the identified stakeholders. For Affected Community stakeholders, the format of each
engagement activity (whether focus group discussions or public meetings) will meet general requirements on
accessibility; that is the engagement events will be held at venues that can be easily accessed by community

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 32 | 79

members, do not incur financial costs, and are culturally appropriate. The overall planning of engagement activities
will also be based on the principle of inclusiveness, by ensuring mechanisms for engaging specific social categories
(for example, women and men; young people and the elderly/retired) and vulnerable people. If nec essary, assistance
may be provided to enable vulnerable people to attend meetings.
Engagement will be based on the following key principles of good practice:
 Timeliness to consider key issues and provide input to decisions;
 Dissemination of information in readily understandable formats and using culturally appropriate techniques,
in advance of engagement events/meetings, to ensure that stakeholders are informed;
 Gender-inclusivity (for meetings/events, where it is feasible to do so, setting a target of 50% participation by
both men and women respectively at each event);
 Free from manipulation and coercion; and
 Documentation to keep track of who has been consulted and the key issues raised with feedback to
stakeholders at key stages in the ESIA process.

Information Disclosure Stakeholder consultation disclosure materials will be prepared in English and Serbian. The
ESIA Report Non-Technical Summary (NTS) will be translated into Serbian prior to disclosure. Leaflets for
consultation events will be prepared in English and translated into Serbian.

The main mechanisms for information disclosure are presented below by type of stakeholder engagement event:

Meetings with officials: Intended ESIA work programme and/or PowerPoint (PPT) slide presentation will be made
available. These will be used, as appropriate, depending on the stakeholders and the timing of the meetings.
Materials will be available in Serbian versions;

Focus group and other types of non-public meetings: Leaflet and PowerPoint slide presentation. Leaflets will be
available in Serbian and English versions and the appropriate versions will be distributed according to stakeholder
type and needs. Leaflets will be distributed at least 5 working days prior to meetings. PowerPoint presentations will
be made at the beginning of meetings. Each meeting agenda will have time allocated to clarifications and questions
focused on the Project and the ESIA process; and

Public meetings: The ESIA Report (including the ESMP), the Non-technical Summary (NTS), PPT presentations,
and leaflets will be made available. The ESIA Report NTS and leaflets will be available in English and Serbian. The
ESIA Report will be available in English and translated to Serbian. Information will be displayed at different public
buildings in the locality of a public hearing and at least five working days in advance of a public hearing. Leaflets will
be available in selected public buildings/locations for members of the public to consult/take away (maximum of two
leaflets per person to be taken away) at least five working days in advance of a public hearing.

In addition, the SRI website will provide up-to-date Project information. It will also be possible for users to provide
feedback or ask questions about the proposed Project via email and the website.

As per EBRD requirement Category A projects require a disclosure period of a minimum of 120 days.

4.4.3 Information Communication

Communications alerting stakeholders to future stakeholder events/meetings and, also, concerning
organizations/logistical aspects of stakeholder events/meetings will be provided by a range of means, but primarily
by:
 Public announcements. The Company will place announcements in key public locations, such as bulletin
boards at local government offices and other public sector buildings;
 Emails. SRI will inform stakeholders of project milestones and other current project/ESIA news (it is
recognised that stakeholder access to emails will be variable);
 Media (primarily radio and newspapers) announcements/notices: These will mostly concern provision of key
information about project milestones and certain engagement events/meetings, especially public hearings;
and
 Oral communications: Community Liaison Officers (CLOs) will be requested to inform other community
members about stakeholder events/meetings to be organised in their community/locality. CLOs shall be
either be appointed from in house resources or external. Either way SRI remains the owner of the
engagement process at local level. .An overview of the planned stakeholder engagement activities with
breakdown by stakeholder group is given in Table below. This table will be updated during the ESIA process,
as necessary.

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 33 | 79

Various stakeholder engagement activities are proposed to ensure awareness and meaningful consultations about
Project activities. The outreach and stakeholder engagement will be gender appropriate, Targeted messaging will
encourage the participation of women and highlight Project characteristics that are designed to respond to their needs
and increase their access to Project benefits.
The Project will carry out targeted consultations with vulnerable groups to understand concerns/needs in terms of
accessing information and services and other challenges they face at home, at work places and in their communities.
Different engagement methods are proposed, but driven by the COVID-19 considerations and restrictions the Project
will adapt virtual communication and consultation methods taking into account social distancing requirements. Hence,
alternative ways will be adopted in accordance with the local laws, policies and new social norms in effect to mitigate
the virus transmission, as well as relevant WHO guidelines and the Guidance note to EIB promoters on environmental
and social performance in EIB-financed operations in response to the COVID-19 outbreak crisis– Stakeholder
engagement 4 and the EBRD Covid-19 briefing note: Stakeholder engagement 5 .
The alternative approaches to be practiced for stakeholder engagement will include:
(i) Small groups consultations if smaller meetings are permitted, or making reasonable efforts to conduct
meetings through online channels (e.g., WebEx, zoom, skype etc.); Where possible and appropriate, create
dedicated online platforms and chatgroups appropriate for the purpose, based on the type and category of
stakeholders;
(ii) Diversifying means of communication and relying more on social media, chat groups, dedicated online
platforms & mobile Apps (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp groups, ViberApp groups, project
weblinks/websites etc.);
(iii) Employing traditional channels of communications such TV, radio, dedicated phone-lines, SMS
broadcasting, public announcements when stakeholders do not have access to online channels or do not
use them frequently.
(iv) Choosing venues carefully based on hygiene and sanitation standards that can be achieved during the
meetings;
(v) Employing traditional channels of communications (TV, newspaper, radio, dedicated phone-lines, and mail)
when stakeholders to do not have access to online channels or do not use them frequently. Traditional
channels can also be highly effective in conveying relevant information to stakeholders, and allow them to
provide their feedback and suggestions;
(vi) Where direct engagement with Project Affected People or beneficiaries is necessary, identify channels for
direct communication with each affected household via a context specific combination of email messages,
mail, online platforms, dedicated phone lines with knowledgeable operators;
Each of the proposed channels of engagement should clearly specify how feedback and suggestions can be provided
by stakeholders

4
https://www.eib.org/attachments/covid19_guidance_note_to_promoters_annex4_stakeholders_engagement_en.pdf
5
https://www.ebrd.com/covid19-consultation.pdf
PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 34 | 79
Table 3 Proposed Strategy of Consultation

PROJECT Target stakeholders Topic(s) of engagem ent Method(s) used Location/frequency Responsibilities
STAGE
Tim efram e
Timeframe [Thes e
are indicative times
and they may alter]

Projected Local population along railw ay Baseline identification Focus Group Regularly during the SRI w ith the
affected routes, stations, junctions discussions Impact assessment support of the
Main environmental and social impacts
Parties to assess the ESIA Team
Affected Communities and other Focus group
Mitigation measures impacts and discuss
Individuals municipalities w ithin the rail corridor discussions w ith
mitigation measures
and in its gravitation area (all Key Social constraints w omen
and its adequacy
settlements and local communities
Collect information
ESIA PHASE

identified in Annex 2),

on gender issues
People affected by land acquisition; relevant to the project
context
Vulnerable households
Surveys
Community members
Public meetings
Rail users
Presentations

Joint site visits

Other Ministry of Environmental Protection Baseline identification Written Regularly during the SRI w ith the
Interested and relevant departments w ithin communication Impact assessment support of the
Main environmental and social impacts
Parties exchange to assess the ESIA Team
Ministry of Construction, Transport
Mitigation measures impacts and discuss
ESIA PHASE

Governm ental and Infrastructure (MCTI) Face to Face

mitigation measures
Bodies and Key Social constraints meetings
Ministry of Finance. and its adequacy
Institutions
Key Protection measures and location On-line meetings as
PWC Srbijavode
conditions needed
PE Roads of Serbia

Cultural heritage protection

Institutes and agencies, at the

35
 PROJECT Target stakeholders Topic(s) of engagem ent Method(s) used Location/frequency Responsibilities
STAGE
Tim efram e
Timeframe [Thes e
are indicative times
and they may alter]

national and local levels (Republic

Institute, Institute for protection of
cultural heritage Belgrade, Institute
for protection of cultural heritage
Nis)

Institute for nature conservation of

the Republic of Serbia - Belgrade
and Department in the City of Nis

Faculty of Science and

Mathematics, University of Nis ,
Department for Biology and Ecology

Hunting Club of Nis

Hunting Association of Serbia

Faculty of Biology, University of

Belgrade

Natural History Museum in Belgrade

Other Local Governments Baseline identification Written Regularly during the SRI w ith the
Interested communication Impact assessment support of the
Officials from all districts and Main environmental and social impacts
Parties exchange to assess the ESIA Team
Cities/Municipalities w ill be
Mitigation measures impacts and discuss
Governm ental consulted, Face to Face
mitigation measures
Bodies and Key Social and environmental constraints meetings
Srbija Cargo and its adequacy
Institutions
Key Protection measures and location On-line meetings as
SRI
conditions necessary
Srbija Voz
Joint site visits
Directorate for Railw ays

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 36 | 79

 PROJECT Target stakeholders Topic(s) of engagem ent Method(s) used Location/frequency Responsibilities
STAGE
Tim efram e
Timeframe [Thes e
are indicative times
and they may alter]

Private operators for freight

transport

Other NGOs Baseline identification Written Regularly during the SRI w ith the
Interested communication Impact assessment support of the
CSOs Main environmental and social impacts
parties exchange to assess the ESIA Team
Including but not limited to: Mitigation measures impacts and discuss
Face to Face
mitigation measures
National Council of the Roma Key Social constraints meetings
and its adequacy
National Minority of the Republic
Key Protection measures and location On-line meetings as
Serbia, Association of Roma in
conditions necessary
Mladenovac, Roma Centre for
ESIA PHASE

education and economic Joint site visits

empow erment in Mladenovac ,
Public meetings
Roma Association in Cuprija – Romi
sa Morave). Focus groups

Other Media Project milestones Press releases Regularly during the SRI Media
Interested Impact assessment Centre
Parties to assess the
impacts and discuss
mitigation measures
and its adequacy

Local population along railw ay Project Disclosure Package Public meetings. Project launch SRI Media
ASSESSMENT

routes, stations, junctions meetings. Centre team

CORRIDOR

Project design w orkshops.

PHASE

Affected Communities and other

Electing community legitimate Public notices;
municipalities w ithin the rail corridor Survey of PAPs in
representatives and potential
and in its gravitation area (all Electronic affected locations
engagement structures
publications via

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 37 | 79

 PROJECT Target stakeholders Topic(s) of engagem ent Method(s) used Location/frequency Responsibilities
STAGE
Tim efram e
Timeframe [Thes e
are indicative times
and they may alter]

settlements and local communities Regular updates about the Project online media and Communication
identified in Annex 2), press releases; through mass media
Land acquisition process;
(as needed);
People affected by land acquisition; Project E&S principles; Dissemination of
Resettlement and livelihood restoration hard copies at Bulletin boards of
Vulnerable households
options; designated public local councils
Community members locations; Press Information desks
Grievance mechanism process;
releases in the local w ith
Rail users
Potential Labor influx stemming from media; brochures/posters in
Passengers construction w orks; affected
Information leaflets
municipalities
Commuters Aw areness raising on Gender Based and brochures;
(continuous)
Violence and Harassment (GBVH); audio-visual
People w hose
materials, separate 4 w eeks in advance
businesses/livelihoods may be Community Health and Safety;
focus group meetings of w ork starting w ith
temporarily or permanently affected
Environmental and Social risks (other w ith vulnerable a reminder two
Tourists (national and foreign) than resettlement) and mitigation groups, w hile making w eeks before,
measures; appropriate
adjustments to
Labor Management Procedures
consultation formats
(applicable to the Project) for potential
in order to take into
job-seekers;
account the need for
Spatial Plan for the Project Area social distancing
(e.g., use of mobile
Prefeasibility Study
technology such as
Feasibility Study telephone calls,
SMS, etc).
Traffic management plan including
signage

Any project specific management Plan

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 38 | 79

 PROJECT Target stakeholders Topic(s) of engagem ent Method(s) used Location/frequency Responsibilities
STAGE
Tim efram e
Timeframe [Thes e
are indicative times
and they may alter]

Project Legal entities in the project areas of Spatial Plan for The Project Area Face-to-face As needed SRI Media
Affected Sub-Projects meetings; Centre team
Project Disclosure Package
Parties Joint
Project design public/community
Legal Entities
meetings w ith PAPs
Prefeasibility Study
Electronic
Feasibility Study
publications via
Traffic management plan including online media and
signage press releases;

Grievance
Mechanism

Other National Government Ministries ; Project Design Public meetings , Project launch SRI Media
Interested Local Government Departments ; Mass Media meetings; Centre team
Project Disclosure Package
Parties Communication
Governm ent Sub-Project developments Communication
Information leaflets
through mass media
Rationale and E&S principles and brochures;
CORRIDOR ASSESSMENT PHASE

(as needed) ;
audio-visual
Prefeasibility Study Information desks
materials
w ith
Feasibility Study
Making appropriate brochures/posters in
adjustments to affected
consultation formats municipalities
in order to take into (continuous)
account the need for
TV/radio/ media on a
social distancing
regular
(e.g., use of mobile
(daily/w eekly) basis
technology such as

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 39 | 79

 PROJECT Target stakeholders Topic(s) of engagem ent Method(s) used Location/frequency Responsibilities
STAGE
Tim efram e
Timeframe [Thes e
are indicative times
and they may alter]

telephone calls,
SMS, etc).

Other Project information - scope and rationale Face-to-face As needed SRI Media
Interested Other Government Departments and E&S principles; meetings; Centre team
Parties from w hich permissions/clearanc es Coordination activities; Invitations to
are required; Land acquisition process; public/community
Governm ent
Other project developers reliant on Grievance mechanism process meetings
bodies
or in the vicinity of the Project and
Spatial Plan for The Project Area Making appropriate
their financiers
adjustments to
Project Disclosure Package
consultation formats
Prefeasibility Study in order to take into
account the need for
Feasibility Study
social distancing
RAP (e.g., use of mobile
technology such as
telephone calls,
SMS, etc.

Other Other Interested Parties (Internal) Project information - scope and rationale Face-to-face As needed SRI Media
interested Other PIU Staff; and E&S principles; meetings; Centre team
parties Supervision Consultants ; Training on sub-management plans; Trainings/w orkshops;
Contractor, sub-contractors, service Grievance mechanism process Invitations to
Interested in
providers, suppliers and their public/community
positive
w orkers meetings
im pacts and
externalities Workers organization

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 40 | 79

 PROJECT Target stakeholders Topic(s) of engagem ent Method(s) used Location/frequency Responsibilities
STAGE
Tim efram e
Timeframe [Thes e
are indicative times
and they may alter]
OUT THE

Other National media (Radio, TV, Project information - scope and rationale, Press releases As Needed SRI Media
THROUGH

PROJECT

interested New spaper) Timeline, Important milestones , Centre team

CYCLE

parties Media, Community related information

NGOs, CSOs

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 41 | 79

 Project Project Affected Parties - Maintain constructive relationships w ith Public meetings , Quarterly meetings SRI
Affected Rail users the communities adjacent to the Projec t trainings/w orkshops, in all affected
Supervision
People facilities; separate meetings municipalities and
Commuters (students and persons consultants;
specifically for w ith ongoing
Individuals employed outside the place of Maintain aw areness of environmental
w omen and construction;
residence) and safety practices in the local
vulnerable; individual Communication Contractor/sub-
communities, especially emergency
Passengers outreach to PAPs through mass media contractors;
preparedness and response;
(as needed) ;
People residing in project area; Making appropriate
Monitor community attitudes tow ards the Information desks
adjustments to GM teams
Vulnerable households Project w ith
CONSTRUCTION (MOBILIZATION, CONSTRUCTION, DEMOBILIZATION)

consultation formats
brochures/posters in
Tourists (national and foreign) Emergency preparedness and response in order to take into
affected
account the need for
Communities Traffic management plan including municipalities
social distancing
signage (continuous)
(e.g., use of mobile
Duration of civil w orks technology such as
telephone calls,
Environmental and Social risks (other
SMS, etc.
than resettlement) and mitigation
Mass Media
measures
Communication -
ESIA Facebook,
WhatsApp;
Scoping Report
Disclosure of w ritten
Prefeasibility Study information -
Brochures, posters,
Feasibility Study
flyers, w ebsite
Information desks - In
Municipalities and
HQ;
Grievance
mechanism
Citizen/PAP survey -
Upon completion of
resettlement and/or
construction

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 42 | 79

 PROJECT Target stakeholders Topic(s) of engagem ent Method(s) used Location/frequency Responsibilities
STAGE
Tim efram e
Timeframe [Thes e
are indicative times
and they may alter]

Other Project information - scope and rationale Public meetings , Monthly/quarterly SRI (E&S team,
Interested Press and media; NGOs ; and E&S principles; trainings/w orkshops; meetings in all CLOs, land
Parties Businesses and business Coordination activities; Mass Media affected acquisition
(External) organizations; Land acquisition process; Communication - municipalities w ith department)
Workers' organizations ; Health and safety impacts ; Facebook, ongoing construction
Academic institutions ; Employment opportunities ; WhatsApp; and headquarters ;
National Government Ministries ; Environmental concerns; Disclosure of w ritten Communication
Local Government Departments ; Grievance mechanism process; information - through mass media
General public, tourists, jobseekers Brochures, posters, (as needed) ;
Traffic management plan including
flyers, public Information desks
signage
relations kits, w ith
Feasibility Study w ebsite; brochures/posters in
Information desks - In affected
Municipalities and municipalities
HQ; (continuous)
Grievance
mechanism;
Project tours for
media, local
representatives

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 43 | 79

 PROJECT Target stakeholders Topic(s) of engagem ent Method(s) used Location/frequency Responsibilities
STAGE
Tim efram e
Timeframe [Thes e
are indicative times
and they may alter]
THROUGHOUT THE PROJECT

Other National Council of the Roma Vulnerability and impact issues Face to face As needed SRI Media
interested national minority of the Republic of meetings Centre Team
Parties Serbia
CLOs
CSOs Association of Roma in
Mladenovac, Roma Centre for
NGOs
education and economic
empow erment in Mladenovac

Roma Association in Cuprija -Romi

sa Morave
CYCLE

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 44 | 79

 PROJECT Target stakeholders Topic(s) of engagem ent Method(s) used Location/frequency Responsibilities
STAGE
Tim efram e
Timeframe [Thes e
are indicative times
and they may alter]

Ministry of Construction, Transport Permitting Face to Face As needed Designer

and Infrastructure (MCTI) meetings
Other Mitigation measures SRI as relevant
Interested Written
Location Conditions
Parties communication and
Ministry of Environmental Protection
Supervision and audits requests
Governm ent, and relevant departments w ithin,
Agencies
PWC Srbijavode

PE Roads of Serbia

Institute for nature conservation of

the Republic of Serbia - Belgrade
and Department in the City of Nis

Cultural heritage protection

Institutes and agencies, at the
national and local levels (Republic
Institute, Institute for protection of
cultural heritage Belgrade, Institute
for protection of cultural heritage
Nis)

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 45 | 79

 PROJECT Target stakeholders Topic(s) of engagem ent Method(s) used Location/frequency Responsibilities
STAGE
Tim efram e
Timeframe [Thes e
are indicative times
and they may alter]

Other Project information - scope, rationale and Face-to-face As needed SRI Public
Interested Other PIU Staff; E&S Principles ; meetings; relation team
Parties Supervision Consultants ; Training on ESIA and other sub- Trainings/w orkshops; Contractor/sub-
(Internal) Contractor, sub-contractors, service management plans; Invitations to contractors;
providers, suppliers and their Grievance mechanism process public/community
w orkers meetings
ESIA

Scoping Report

Prefeasibility Study

Feasibility Study

RAP

Project Affected Communities (through land Satisfaction w ith engagement activities Public meetings , SRI Public
POST-CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION PHASE

(WITHIN LIFE OF THE PROJECT AND DEFECT

Affected acquisition and other impacts) and and GM; trainings/w orkshops, Communication relation team
People other municipalities w ithin the rail Grievance mechanism process; individual outreach to through mass media
corridor and in its gravitation area PAPs (as needed) ;
Individuals
(all settlements and local Community health and safety measures Mass Media Information desks
communities identified in Annex 2), during operation; Communication - w ith
LIABILITY PERIOD)

Facebook, brochures/posters in
RAP – outstanding implementat ion
WhatsApp; affected
issues if any
Disclosure of w ritten municipalities
Completion reports - confirmation of information - (continuous)
compensation, rehabilitation and Brochures, posters,
livelihood restoration measures flyers, w ebsite
Information desks - In
ESMP – operation phase measures
Municipalities and
HQ;
Grievance
mechanism

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 46 | 79

 PROJECT Target stakeholders Topic(s) of engagem ent Method(s) used Location/frequency Responsibilities
STAGE
Tim efram e
Timeframe [Thes e
are indicative times
and they may alter]

Project Passengers Operation of the new Rail line Mass Media Daily /w eekly during SRI public
Affected Communication - first 6 months into Relation Team
Commuters Stops and halts
People Facebook, Operation
Tourists (National and Foreign) New Timetable WhatsApp;
Individuals
Disclosure of w ritten
information -
Brochures, posters,
flyers, w ebsite
Information desks - In
Municipalities and
HQ

Other Grievance mechanism process; Mass Media

Interested Press and media; NGOs ; Communication Communication
SRI Public
Parties Businesses and business Disclosure of w ritten through mass media
Community health and safety measures relation team
(External) organizations; information (as needed) ;
during operation;
Workers' organizations ;
Disclosure of
Academic institutions ;
activities on the SRI
National Government Ministries ;
w ebsite and of
Local Government Departments ;
relevant rail
General public, tourists, jobseekers
companies

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 47 | 79

At the early stage the SRI Media Centre later with the Support of the capacity of the TA (once on board) will organize
project launch meetings. Such engagement will then continue whenever new stages of the Project or activities. The
SRI Media Centre will rely on the support from the respective Municipalities to help organize community
meetings/sensitization sessions in all settlements throughout the project’s lifecycle. Launch meetings shall be the
first step in the Sub-Project preparatory activities. The Project will include targeted outreach to women and
disadvantaged groups ahead of these meetings to ensure their integration in the engagement activities.

Mass media communication: The SRI Media Centre shall engage an Environmental & Social specialist who shall
be inter alia responsible for outreach and assisting the SRI Media Centre in disclosure, dissemination of information
and communication with the local population. The media for communication shall be as seen adequate for each
community taking into consideration the type and sensitivity of stakeholders. The local context shall be t aken into
consideration.
Communication materials: Written information will be disclosed to the public via a variety of communication
materials including brochures, flyers, posters, etc. A public relations kit will be designed specifically and distributed
both in print and online form. SRI Media Centre will also update its website regularly (at least on a quarterly basis)
with key project updates and reports on the project’s environmental and social performance both in English and
Serbian. The website will also provide information about the grievance mechanism for the project (see next sub-
section).
Grievance mechanism: A specific grievance mechanism will be set-up for the project. Details on the GM are
presented in chapter 6. Dedicated communication materials (GM pamphlets, posters) will be created to help local
residents familiarize themselves with the grievance redress channels and procedures. A GM guidebook/manual will
also be developed and suggestion boxes installed in each affected municipality. In order to capture and track
grievances received under the project, a dedicated GM Management Information System/database is planned.
Internal GM training will also take place for Municipal and contractors’ staff. The SRI Media Centre will include clear
information on the SRI website and websites of affected local communities (Municipalities on how feedback,
questions, comments, concerns and grievances can be submitted by any stakeholder and will include the possibility
to submit grievances electronically. It will also provide information on the way the GM committee works, both in terms
of process and deadlines.
Information Desks at Local Communities: Information Desks will provide local residents with information on
stakeholder engagement activities, construction updates, contact details of the SRI. The SRI will set up such
information desks, in the premises of affected Municipalities where they can meet and share information about the
project with PAPs and other stakeholders. Brochures and fliers on various project related social and environmental
issues will be made available at these information desks.
Citizen/PAP perception survey and feedback: Six months after each launch meeting the PIU will conduct sample-
based stakeholder satisfaction surveys to collect feedback on: i) engagement process and the quality and
effectiveness of methods ii) level of inclusiveness in the engagement process, iii) quality of the communication and
dialogue with the internal stakeholders (SRI Media Centre Team, Contractor, GM etc.) during construction works.
The survey results will be soliciting feedback on the effectiveness of the project activities that will be used for
communication level improvements. This will allow the PIU to identify potential design issues. The survey data wi ll
be disaggregated by age, gender and location. Survey results with proposed corrective measures will be published
on Ministry website and discussed at consultation meetings.

Trainings, workshops: Trainings on a variety of social and environmental issues will be provided to each contractor
staff and possibly relevant local government stakeholder. Issues covered will include a sensitization to gender-based
violence risks.

4.5 Proposed Strategy to incorporate the view of vulnerable groups

The project will take special measures to ensure that disadvantaged and vulnerable groups have equal opportunity
to access information, provide feedback, or submit grievances. The deployment of the Environmental & Social
specialist will help to ensure proactive outreach to all population groups. Focus groups dedicated specifically to
vulnerable groups will be conducted to gauge their views and concerns including for Roma communities, households
and individuals to identify any cumulative vulnerability stemming from their unintegrated status in the community and
the project attributable impacts.

48
The project will carry out targeted consultations with vulnerable groups to understand concerns/needs in terms of
accessing information, facilities and services supported by the project and other challenges they face at home, at
work places and in their communities. Some of the strategies that will be adopted to effectively engage and
communicate to vulnerable group will be towards:
 Women: ensure that community engagement teams are gender-balanced and promote women’s leadership
within these, design online and in-person surveys and other engagement activities so that women in unpaid care
work can participate; The Engagement activities will target that at least 50% or stakeholders consulted are
women. On livelihood issues the Project will aim at consulting with women separately within structured focus
group discussions.
 Focus group discussions with women will be facilitated by female social professionals, in small groups and
differentiated by topics, impacts and concerns to be discussed. This will ensure that no pocket issues particularly
affecting women will remain hidden. Lessons learned from recent Projects in Serbia have proven that focus group
discussions on issues of project impacts, access to social services, access to Project Benefits, employment
opportunities for themselves and their adult household members , etc are most successful when hosted in
informal local venues, with the presence of respectable representatives from the Local government or women
organizations active in the Project area.
 People with disabilities: provide information in accessible formats, like braille, large print; offer multiple forms of
communication, such as text captioning or signed videos, text captioning for hearing impaired, online materials
for people who use assistive technology.
 Roma population: It would be desirable for consultations with Roma to be organized in their place of residence,
subject to COVID 19 pandemic restrictions. During consultations with Roma, it is necessary to single out Roma
women, because of their subordinate position in relation to men on the one hand, as well as specifics of their
daily rhythm and employment modalities (occasional unregistered work, jobs requiring low qualifications -
cleaning, working in agriculture, etc.). Current identified travel patterns indicate that Roma women are more
frequent users of short-distance train transport (to the neighbouring municipal centre, etc.) due to the specifics
of employment.
Based on vulnerable groups identified during development of Sub-Project specific SEPs and identification of
particular drivers of their vulnerabilities the strategy toward engaging with vulnerable groups will be adapted
accordingly.
The drivers of vulnerability will be assessed in more details and identified during the forthcoming environmental and
social impacts assessment, building upon the groups identified hereunder. The following outlines the approach to
understand the viewpoints of these groups:
 Identify vulnerable or disadvantaged individuals or groups and the limitations they may have in participating
and/or in understanding the project information or participating in the consultation process.
 What might prevent these individuals or groups from participating in the planned process? (For example,
language differences, lack of transportation to events, accessibility of venues, disability, lack of understanding of
a consultation process).
 How do they normally get information about the community, projects, activities?
 Do they have limitations about time of day or location for public consultation?
 What additional support or resources might be needed to enable these people to participate in the consultation
process? (Examples are providing translation into a minority language, sign language, large print or Braille
information; choosing accessible venues for events; providing transportation for people in remote areas to the
nearest meeting; having small, focused meetings where vulnerable stakeholders are more comfortable asking
questions or raising concerns.)
 If there are no organizations active in the project area that work with vulnerable groups, such as persons with
disability, contact medical providers, who may be more aware of marginalized groups and how best to
communicate with them.
 What recent engagement has the project had with vulnerable stakeholders and their representatives?
PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 49 | 79
4.6 Timeline
Sub-Project Specific SEP activities and action plan shall be prepared for each separate section (package to be
tendered out separately). The implementation timeline is still not set and details will be part of the disclosure and
engagement activities.

4.7 Review of comments

The comments on all disclosed data and ESF documents will be reviewed immediately upon arrival by the PIU
E&S specialists. Major comment will be incorporated in the final version of the ESF documents and disclosed,
together with a report on the feedback, i.e. (i) list of media the announcement was disclosed, (ii) content of the
announcement, (iii) time of publishing, (iv) list of received feedback.

4.8 Future Phases of Project

Stakeholders will be kept informed as the project develops, including reporting on project environmental and social
performance and implementation of the stakeholder engagement plan and grievance mechanism. During the Project
development and construction phase, monthly reports on E&S performance will be prepared which will include an
update on implementation of the stakeholder engagement plan. Monthly reports will be used to develop quarterly and
annual reports reviewed. The quarterly and annual reports will be disclosed on the Project website and made
available at the level of project.

4.9 Update of the SEP

This SEP serves as a roadmap for Stakeholder engagement. It may be subject to updates relevant to changes in
specific impact areas, stakeholder groups, and specific type and associated technologies and schedule of activities
for the project.
The update SEP will be based on a screening to ensure relevant information that may be useful to understand the
characteristics of people/communities that will be impacted by the project is included. This may for instance be:
environmental data, census data, socio-economic data (information on income, employment…), gender data etc. and
their implications from an environmental and/or social point of view will be explained. The Project description shall
be kept targeted and relevant to understand the types of stakeholder groups impacted by the project.
A detailed overview of key issues raised in previous stakeholder engagement activities and how early stakeholder
input has influenced project design shall inform the update of the engagement Strategy as needed. Lessons learned
on any prior stakeholder engagement activities from past projec ts or ongoing similar projects shall be taken into
account and described as relevant.
SRI shall revisit the list of identified stakeholders and their analysis , from time to time, to ensure that those (i) are
affected or likely to be affected by the project (Project-Affected Parties); and (ii) may have an interest in the project
(Other Interested Parties) are adequately identified. Some groups may be interested in the project because of the
sector it is in (i.e., rail sector), and others may wish to have information simply because public finance is being
proposed to support the project. It is not important to identify the underlying reasons why people or groups want
information about a project—if the information is in the public domain, it should be open to anyone interested.
Updates should be clear and concise and focus on targeted and should demonstrate a means of engagement that is
stakeholder specific, concise yet comprehensive and should explain the opportunities for information access, public
consultation, provide a deadline for comments, and explain how people will be notified of new information or have
opportunities to provide feedback including how these will be assessed and taken into account.

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 50 | 79

5. RESPONSIBILITIES FOR IMPLEMENTING STAKEHOLDER
ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

The SRI will be overall responsible for planning and implementation of stakeholder engagement activities, as well as
other relevant outreach, disclosure and consultation activities, as well as for GRM functioning. SRI shall make sure
that sufficient human and budgetary resources have been allocated to the planned activities. Given the very early
stage of the Project the SEP will be updated as the Project evolves and more granular management functions and
responsibilities added.
Table 4 Management functions and responsibilities

Actor Stakeholder engagement responsibilities

- High level promotion of the overall Project as part of the ongoing outreach and information
campaign
SRI through -
the Promotion of Sub-project activities w ith relevant local self -governments
Media Centre - Engage w ith other relevant Ministries high level stakeholders
- Develop a communications strategy covering the lifetime of the project
- Liaise w ith and manage the relationship w ith any contracted companies producing
communication materials (posters, flyers, video/TV spots…)
- Plan and manage the project’s communications via all media channels ( TV, radio, w ritten
press…)
-

- Appointment of community liaison officers at an early stage; given the extent of the project
SRI
and resettlement impacts SEP w ill ensure a number of CLOs and that they be on-board
early in the process.
- Appointment of PIU
- Appointment of E&S manager

- Responsible for the EIA Scoping Decision, approval and public consultation and
Ministry of
stakeholder engagement for the Environmental Impacts Assessment prepared under the
Environmental
National Law
protection

- The ESIA Team w ill be responsible to implement the Scoping consultation requirement and
ESIA TEAM
the Stakeholder Engagement during the ESIA Phase.

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 51 | 79

 External E/S
- Develop a communications strategy covering the lifetime of the project
Experts to be hired- Liaise w ith and manage the relationship w ith any contracted companies producing
communication materials (posters, flyers, video/TV spots…)
- Plan and manage the project’s communications via all media channels ( TV, radio, w ritten
press…)
- Maintain the Stakeholder Engagement Log (SEL)

Community Liaison
- A Community Liaison Officer w ill be appointed, covering one or more Municipalities/Citi es
Officers (CLO) crossed by the Project

Local Governments- Build and maintain constructive relationships w ith all stakeholder groups in the respective
municipality (business and religious leaders, community organizations…) based on
agreement w ith SRI
- Identify any issue that may result in heightened concern to provide an early w arning system
on community issues and communicate these to the PIU
- Receive and register any grievance voiced by project-affected parties or other interested
parties and communicate them immediately to the SRI
- Support the planning and logistics for capacity-building and communication events at the
village level

Technical Support SRI in communication and stakeholder engagement activities to support SRI
Assistance once
hired

To ensure successful SEP implementation the project will rely on existing information sharing avenues of SRI.
The management system SRI would deploy would take the form of the following structure:

Figure 1: Suggested Governance structure for Stakeholder and Grievance Management

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 52 | 79

 Management of E&S issues

Environmental Specialist

Social Specialist

SRI will mobilize human and material resources to implement the SEP and manage the Grievance Mechanism. Given
the early stages of the Project the type of support to SRI is not known in details However based on the assumption
that that the Project might benefit from a Technical Assistance contract to support SRI in implementation of the
Project, including E&S Performance it is recommended that the TA Team is staffed with trained Community liaison
experts which shall be reporting to the Head of the PR Department. The TA will support SRI in key aspects of the
stakeholder engagement. The below are example of positions to be considered, while the actual positions will be
subject to alterations and adjustments through the ToR for selection of Consulting Services for the TA:

 Community Liaison Officer(s)(CLO) covering one or more Municipalities/Cities crossed by the Project;
 One female CLO will also be hired to engage women and address any potential Gender-based violence and
harassment issue,
 A CLO related to Resettlement issues will be appointed to meet the requirements of the Project.

Until the TA Team is mobilized SRI shall use its own resources coupled with the support of the Local Self-government
Units.

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 53 | 79

The material resources mobilized by SRI will be:

 A Project specific area of the SRI website;

 An electronic grievance database and an electronic stakeholder database;
 Other material resources such as printed documents that will be used, based on the needs of the SEP.
The ESIA team(s) will also play a key role in implementing the SEP commitments. It will liaise closely with SRI
regarding day-to-day operational matters. An important function will be to ensure that all stakeholder engagement
activities are recorded (specific templates for recording key information on participants and the results of
meetings/events will be developed). All comments from consultation events will be recorded in both a consistent and
transparent fashion. Meeting/event Minutes will be incorporated into the stakeholder database that will be maintained
by SRI.
SRI will establish a stakeholder database that includes details of key stakeholders, their participation in ESIA
consultations processes and issues raised. The database will be designed to allow information to be assembled,
collated and analyzed. The stakeholder database is a dynamic tool that will be revised and updated, as necessary,
to enable it to be used in the project construction phase, should the necessary approvals for the Proposed Project
be obtained. Toward the end of ESIA work, an account of the stakeholder engagement process will be prepared.
This report will present the disclosure and consultations activities conducted; levels of stakeholder participation,
particularly for women and vulnerable groups; the issues discussed and outcomes; and the extent to which
stakeholder issues, priorities and concerns are reflected in the new ESIA Report. This account will be inserted as a
chapter entitled ‘Stakeholder Identification and Engagement’ in the final ESIA report
An annual budget will be provisioned in the Environmental and Social Management Plan to implement the
stakeholder engagement activities.

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 54 | 79

 6 GRIEVANCE MECHANISM

SRI and the contractors will accept all queries, comments and complaints associated with the Project . SRI has
appointed a GM manager for administering all types of grievances, as well as a RAP manager for
administering specific land acquisition grievances (note: a specific mechanism for these types of grievances is
provided in the RPF which involves RAP field officers as well). Affected people can submit comments, complaints
and/or requests for information in person or via post, telephone or email using the following contact information:

Name: Nenad Stanisavljevic (GM Manager) – for any complaint or grievance

Company- Serbian Railways Infrastructure
Email: nenad.stanisavljevic@srbrail.rs
Phone number: + 381 11/3618443
Address: Nemanjina 6, 11000 Belgrade

or

Name: Velibor Samardžić (RAP Manager) – for resettlement and land acquisition related grievances
Title: RAP Manager
Company: Serbian Railways Infrastructure
email: velibor.samardzic@srbrail.rs
Phone number: 066 8777 077
Address: Nemanjina 6, 11000 Belgrade

The Project grievance form is provided in Annex 6.

Assistance to submit a grievance can be provided by contacting the CLOs, whose contact details will be made
available to local communities (on information boards).

All grievances will be registered in a grievance log (Annex 5). Persons who submitted the grievance will be informed
about the receipt and recording of the grievance within 7 days and the grievance will be responded to within 30 days.
For complex grievances, more time is sometimes needed, in which case SRI will inform the person that submitted
the grievance (within those 30 days) of the expected time frame for the response.

The GM Manager, assisted by the CLOs, is responsible for ensuring that all grievances are collected, recorded and
processed. Grievances are processed by an internal committee within SRI and the GM Manager, with assistance
from CLOs, then sends a response to the person who submitted the grievance based on the internal decision,
including what actions have been (or will be) undertaken to address the grievance. Depending on the type of
grievance and the actions required to address it, the GM Manager or CLOs, depending on the severity of the
grievance, may also discuss the grievance with representatives of the relevant municipality and the property
administration, or other relevant stakeholders. Dedicated meetings between SRI representatives and persons who
submitted the grievance may also be held and may involve representatives of the relevant municipality or other local
stakeholders, with the aim of identifying a solution to the grievance, acceptable to all parties.

Grievances in relation to construction activities will be addressed directly by the construction contractor(s) and their
management will be monitored by the relevant SRI department. The contact details of persons responsible for
grievance management on behalf of the contractor(s) will be distributed to all presidents of local community councils
along the Project footprint, to place on community information boards, before any field activities take place in these
locations.

At all times, complainants are also able to seek legal remedies in accordance with the laws and regulations of the
Republic of Serbia.

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 55 | 79

3. MONITORING AND REPORTING

7.1 General
SRI supported by the TA (once on board) will be responsible for preparing monitoring reports documenting the
environmental and social performance of the Project and submitting them to the EIB and EBRD, and EUD as
applicable, on semiannual basis. These shall be part of the overall progress reporting requirements as set forth in
the respective finance contracts (to be signed). These reports will include sections dedicated to the stakeholder
engagement and grievance management.

The Monitoring and reporting requirements shall be structured to be completed in-house during the preparation stage.
Arrangements for third party monitoring may be made either related to a specific element of a project (such as the
grievance mechanism or compensation scheme) or its overall implementation during the implementation phase of
the project.

The following table proposes a comprehensive set of indicators related to stakeholder engagement performance.
The achievement of the indicators shall rely on information from the SEL and the Grievance Log.
Table 5 Monitoring indicators

Indicator How w ill it be Responsibility Frequency

m onitored

Engagement w ith affected parties

Number and location of formal Minutes of SRI Media Centre and Social Quarterly
meetings and categories of Meetings Specialist once hired/through the
stakeholders, numbers of TA (if adopted)
participants reached w ith project
information, number of participants
consulted,

Vulnerable groups/individuals Minutes of SRI Media Centre and Social Quarterly

reached w ith Project information meetings and Specialist once hired/through the
satisfaction TA (if adopted)
surveys

Project design consulted w ith Minutes of SRI Media Centre and Social Quarterly
stakeholder and issues identified meetings Specialist once hired/through the
and solved TA (if adopted)

Number and location of informal/ Minutes of SRI Media Centre and Social Quarterly
spontaneous meetings Meetings Specialist once hired/through the
TA (if adopted)

Number and location of community Minutes of SRI Media Centre and Social Quarterly
aw areness raising or training Meetings Specialist once hired/through the
meetings TA (if adopted)

Number of men and w omen that List of Attendees SRI Media Centre and Social Quarterly
attended each of the meetings Specialist once hired/through the
above TA (if adopted)

For each meeting, number and Minutes of SRI Media Centre and Social Quarterly
nature of comments received, Meetings Specialist once hired/through the
actions agreed during these TA (if adopted)
meetings, status of those actions,
and how the comments w ere
included in the Projec t

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 56 | 79

 Indicator How w ill it be Responsibility Frequency
m onitored

environmental and social

management system

Engagement w ith other stakeholders

Number and nature of engagement Minutes of SRI Media Centre and Social Quarterly
activities w ith other stakeholders , Meetings Specialist once hired/through the
disaggregated by category of TA (if adopted)
stakeholder (Governmental
departments, municipalities ,
NGOs)

Grievance Resolution Mechanism

Number of grievances received, in Grievance Log SRI Media Centre and Social Quarterly
total and at the local level, on the Specialist once hired/through the
w ebsite, disaggregated by TA (if adopted) Grievance Focal
complainant’s gender and means Point
of receipt (telephone, email,
discussion)

Number of grievances received Grievance Log SRI Media Centre and Social Quarterly
from affected people, external Specialist once hired/through the
stakeholders TA (if adopted)

Grievance Focal Point

Number of grievances w hich have Grievance Log SRI Media Centre and Social Quarterly
been (i) opened, (ii) opened for Specialist once hired/through the
more than 30 days, (iii) those w hich TA (if adopted)
have been resolved, (iv) closed,
Grievance Focal Point
and (v) number of responses that
satisfied the complainants, during
the reporting period disaggregated
by category of grievance, gender ,
age and location of complainant.

Average time of complaint’s Grievance Log SRI Media Centre and Social Quarterly
resolution process, disaggregated Specialist once hired/through the
by gender of complainants and TA (if adopted)
categories of complaints
Grievance Focal Point

Number of LGD meetings, and Minutes of SRI Media Centre and Social Quarterly
outputs of these meetings meetings signed Specialist once hired/through the
by the attendees TA (if adopted)

Grievance Focal Point

Number of grievances leading to Grievance Log SRI Media Centre and Social Quarterly
improved project design Specialist once hired/through the
Minutes of
TA (if adopted)
meeting

Trends in time and comparison of Grievance Log SRI Media Centre and Social Quarterly
number, categories, and location of Specialist once hired/through the
TA (if adopted)

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 57 | 79

 Indicator How w ill it be Responsibility Frequency
m onitored

complaints w ith previous reporting Grievance Focal Point

periods

Note: Minutes of meetings of formal meetings and summary note of informal meetings will be annexed to the semiannual report.
They will summarize the view of attendees and distinguish between comments raised by men, women and vulnerable groups.

7.2 Reporting back to stakeholder groups

The sub-project specific SEPs, after having had developed, will be periodically updated as necessary in the course
of project implementation in order to ensure that the information presented herein is consistent and is the most recent,
and that the identified methods of engagement remain appropriate and effective in relation to the project context and
specific phases of the development. This in particular will be the case if COVID-19 adaptation of engagement
methods is necessary. Any major changes to the project related activities and to its schedule will also constitute a
change calling for a reflection in the SEPs.
Periodic summaries and internal reports on public grievances, enquiries and related incidents, together with the
status of implementation of associated corrective/preventative actions will be collated by responsible staff and
referred to the senior management of the project. The summaries will provide a mechanism for assessing both the
number and the nature of complaints and requests for information, along with the Project’s ability to address those
in a timely and effective manner. Information on public engagement activities undertaken by the Project during the
year may be conveyed to the stakeholders in two possible ways:
 Publication of a standalone annual report on project’s interaction with the stakeholders.
 Adopt software solutions to scale up the two-way interaction and feedback, by using survey platforms, preferable
using one dashboard to make it easy to measure and understand the feedback (any platform in use and central
governmental level, or alternatively /in addition (as required) SurveyMonkey or alternative online platform can be
applied), in order to meet citizens’ expectations for change created by their engagement, use their input to
facilitate improved development outcomes;
 Monitoring of a beneficiary feedback indicator on a regular basis. The indicators may include: number of
consultations, including by using telecommunications carried out within a reporting period (e.g., monthly,
quarterly, or annually); number of grievances received within a reporting period (e.g., monthly, quarterly, or
annually) and number of those resolved within the prescribed timeline; number of press materials
published/broadcasted in the local, regional, and national media.

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 58 | 79

ANNEX 1: PREVIOUS STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT LOG

Ref Num ber Stakeholder Place Date Type of Meeting Topis of engagem ent Com m ents
(virtual/ face to
face, other)
1) Archaeological Institute Belgrade /Serbia October 2021 Phone call and e- Archaeological site issues along the planned Multiple contacts
mail exchange Belgrade -Nis Rail Corridor general overview during the month
and discussions
2) Cadastral office - sector for Belgrade/Serbia September 2021 Phone call Accessing the Cultural heritage register for
operation and maintenance immovable sites
of GeoSrbija reference portal
3) Institute for the Protection of Belgrade October 2021 Phone call Cultural Heritage issues along the planned Multiple contacts
Cultural Monuments of Belgrade -Nis Rail Corridor general overview during the month
Serbia and discussions

4) Municiaplity Cicevac Cicevac August 2021 Face to face meeting RAP activities and consultation planning RAP consultant
5) Municipality of Krusevac Krusevac August 2021 Face to face meeting RAP activities and consultation planning RAP consultant
6) Representatives from SRI premises in October 2021 Face to face meeting RAP activities and consultation planning RAP consultant
Municipalities Cicevac and Belgrade
Krusevac and SRI
7) Serbian Railw ay Belgrade August 2021– Face to Face Overall Project Set up Multiple contacts
Infrastructure February 2022 meetings, Phone Institutional capacity analysis
calls, e-mail E&S Governance of the Project
correspondence Procurement activities
Stakeholder Engagement Strategies
Grievance Mechanism
8) European Investment Bank Luxembourg August 2021– Face to Face Progress Meeting Multiple meetings
February 2022 meetings, Phone E&S and Technical issues
calls, e-mail Project Timeline
correspondence,
virtual meetings
9) European Bank for London August 2021– Face to Face Progress Meeting Multiple meetings
Reconstruction and February 2022 meetings, Phone E&S and Technical issues
Development calls, e-mail Project Timeline
correspondence,
virtual meetings
10) JASPERS Virtual August 2021– Face to Face Progress Meeting Multiple meetings
February 2022 meetings, Phone E&S and Technical issues
calls, e-mail Project Timeline
correspondence,
virtual meetings
11) EU Delegation to the Belgrade Serbia August 2021– Face to Face Progress Meeting Multiple meetings
Republic of Serbia February 2022 meetings, Phone E&S and Technical issues

59
 calls, e-mail Project Timeline
correspondence,
virtual meetings
12) Faculty of Science and Virtual Space January 20, 2022 On-line meeting Overall Meeting w ith
Mathematics- University of Biodiversity Impact individual
Kragujevac, Department of Barrier effect independent
Biology and Ecology Potential NATURA2000 sites experts/ Biologist
Cumulative effects

13) Institute for nature Virtual Space January 20, 2022 On-line meeting Overall Meeting w ith
conservation of Serbia, Biodiversity Impact individual
Belgrade Barrier effect experts/
Potential NATURA2000 sites Theriologists,
Cumulative effects
14) Institute for nature Virtual Space January 20, 2022 On-line meeting Overall Meeting w ith
conservation of Serbia, Niš Biodiversity Impact individual
Barrier effect experts/
Potential NATURA2000 sites ichthyologist
Cumulative effects
15) Hunting Chamber of Serbia Virtual Space January 20, 2022 On-line meeting Overall Meeting w ith
Biodiversity Impact Coordinator of
Barrier effect the Expert
Potential NATURA2000 sites committee of the
Cumulative effects hunting Chamber
of Serbia
16) Municipality of Velika Plana – Virtual Space January 26, 2022 Telephone Social Baseline Meeting w ith the
Mesna Zajednica Markovac discussion Presence of vulnerable groups Community
Key Concerns representative
Project Timeline (president of the
Scoping report Community
Office)
17) Municipality of Velika Plana – Virtual Space January 29, 2022 Telephone Social Baseline Meeting w ith the
Mesna Zajednica Novo Selo discussion Presence of vulnerable groups Community
Key Concerns representative
Project Timeline (president of the
Scoping report Community
Office
18) City of Jagodina – Mesna Virtual Space January 27, 2022 Telephone Social Baseline Meeting w ith the
Zajednica Bagrdan discussion Presence of vulnerable groups Community
Key Concerns representative
Project Timeline (president of the
Scoping report Community
Office)
19) Municipality of Jagodina- Virtual space January 28,2022 Telephone Social Baseline Meeting w ith the
Mesna Zajednica “Milosevo” discussion Presence of vulnerable groups Community
PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 60 | 79
 Key Concerns representative
Project Timeline (president of the
Scoping report Community
Office)
20) City of Jagodina- Mesna Virtual space January 28,2022 Telephone Social Baseline Meeting w ith the
Zajednica “Laniste” discussion Presence of vulnerable groups Community
Key Concerns representative
Project Timeline (president of the
Scoping report Community
Office)
21) City of Jagodina- Mesna Virtual space January 28,2022 Telephone Social Baseline Meeting w ith the
Zajednica “Bukovce” discussion Presence of vulnerable groups Community
Key Concerns representative
Project Timeline (president of the
Scoping report Community
Office)
22) City of Jagodina Mesna Virtual space January 28,2022 Telephone Social Baseline Meeting w ith the
Zajednica “Vasariste” discussion Presence of vulnerable groups Community
Key Concerns representative
Project Timeline (president of the
Scoping report Community
Office)
23) City of Jagodina Mesna Virtual space January 28,2022 Telephone discussion Social Baseline Meeting w ith the
Zajednica “Centar” Presence of vulnerable groups Community
Key Concerns representative
Project Timeline (president of the
Scoping report Community
Office)
24) City of Jagodina Mesna Virtual space January 28,2022 Telephone Social Baseline Meeting w ith the
Zajednica “Pivara” discussion Presence of vulnerable groups Community
Key Concerns representative
Project Timeline (president of the
Scoping report Community
Office)
25) Municipality of Smederevska Virtual space January 28,2022 Telephone Social Baseline Meeting w ith the
Palanka – Mesna Zajednica discussion Presence of vulnerable groups Community
“Kusadak” Key Concerns representative
Project Timeline (president of the
Scoping report Community
Office)
26) Municipality of Mladenovac – Virtual space January 28,2022 Telephone Social Baseline Meeting w ith the
Mesna Zajednica “Rajkovac” discussion Presence of vulnerable groups Community
Key Concerns representative
Project Timeline (president of the
Scoping report
PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 61 | 79
 Community
Office)
27) Municipality of Mladenovac – Virtual space January 28,2022 Telephone Social Baseline Meeting w ith the
Mesna Zajednica “Jagnjilo” discussion Presence of vulnerable groups Community
Key Concerns representative
Project Timeline (president of the
Scoping report Community
Office)
28) Municiaplity of Cuprija Virtuaл space January 29,2022 Telephone Disclosure of the Alignment and Scoping report President of the
discussion Past issues related to construction of rail Municipality
Land Acquisition
Vulnerable groups
Severance impacts
29) Municipality of Cuprija – Virtual space January 28,2022 Telephone Social Baseline Meeting w ith the
Mesna Zajednica Mijatovac discussion Presence of vulnerable groups Community
Key Concerns representative
Project Timeline (president of the
Scoping report Community
Red flag issues Office)
30) Municipality of Cuprija – Virtual space January 28,2022 Telephone Social Baseline Meeting w ith the
Mesna Zajednica Cernica discussion Presence of vulnerable groups Community
Key Concerns representative
Project Timeline (president of the
Scoping report Community
Red flag issues Office)
31) Municipality of Cuprija – Virtual space January 28,2022 Telephone Social Baseline Meeting w ith the
Mesna Zajednica Zirovnica discussion Presence of vulnerable groups Community
Key Concerns representative
Project Timeline (president of the
Scoping report Community
Office)
32) Municipality of Cuprija – Virtual space January 29,2022 Telephone Alignment and w ork on Scoping report Meeting w ith the
Mesna Zajednica Cernica discussion Past issues related to construction of rail Community
Land Acquisition representative
Vulnerable groups (president of the
Severance impacts Community
Office)
33) Municipality of Cicevac – Virtual space January 28,2022 Telephone Social Baseline
Mesna Zajednica “Lucina” discussion Presence of vulnerable groups
Key Concerns
Project Timeline
Scoping report
34) Municipality of Cicevac Virtual Space January 29, 2022 Telephone Activities on Stalac Djunis Section Vice President of
discussion the Municiaplity
Social Baseline
PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 62 | 79
 Presence of vulnerable groups
Key Concerns
Project Timeline
Scoping report
35) Municipality of Cicevac – Virtual space January 29,2022 Telephone Social Baseline Meeting w ith the
Mesna Zajednica “Stalac” discussion Presence of vulnerable groups Community
Key Concerns representative
Project Timeline (president of the
Scoping report Community
Office)
36) Municipality of Cicevac – Virtual space January 29,2022 Telephone Social Baseline Meeting w ith the
Mesna Zajednica “Mojsinje” discussion Presence of vulnerable groups Community
Key Concerns representative
Project Timeline (president of the
Scoping report Community
Office)
37) Municipality of Cicevac – Virtual space January 29,2022 Telephone Social Baseline Meeting w ith the
Mesna Zajednica discussion Presence of vulnerable groups Community
“Trubarevo” Key Concerns representative
Project Timeline (president of the
Scoping report Community
Office)
38) Municipality of Cicevac – Virtual space January 29,2022 Telephone Social Baseline Meeting w ith the
Mesna Zajednica “Stalac” discussion Presence of vulnerable groups Community
Key Concerns representative
Project Timeline (president of the
Scoping report Community
Office)
39) Municipality of Cicevac – Virtual space January 29,2022 Telephone Social Baseline Meeting w ith the
Mesna Zajednica “Lucina” discussion Presence of vulnerable groups Community
Key Concerns representative
Project Timeline (president of the
Scoping report Community
Office)

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 63 | 79

ANNEX 2: TABLE OF ALL POTENTIALLY AFFECTED MUNICIPALITIES AND SETTLEMENTS

.
District City/Municipality Settlement Population Station

(Crossed by (Crossed by alignm ent) (Crossed by (Number) (YES/NO)

alignm ent) alignm ent)

1. City of Belgrade Belgrade- Municipality Savski Venac Savski Venac 39.122 Yes

2. City of Belgrade Belgrade- Municipality Rakovica Rakovica 108.413 Yes

3. City of Belgrade Belgrade- Municipality Vozdovac Resnik 167.331 Yes

4. City of Belgrade Belgrade- Municipality Vozdovac Ripanj 11.088 Yes

5. City of Belgrade Belgrade- Municipality Vozdovac Pinosava 3.151 No

6. City of Belgrade Belgrade- Municipality Vozdovac Rusanj 4.821 No

7. City of Belgrade Belgrade- Municipality Vozdovac Parcani 619 No

8. City of Belgrade Belgrade- Municipality Vozdovac Ralja 2.933 Yes

9. City of Belgrade Belgrade- Municipality Ropocevo 2.628 No

10. City of Belgrade Belgrade- Municipality Popovic 307 No

11. City of Belgrade Belgrade- Municipality Djurinci 973 No

12. City of Belgrade Belgrade- Municipality Vlaska 293 No

13. City of Belgrade Belgrade- Municipality Mladenovac Rajkovac 1.932 No

14. City of Belgrade Belgrade- Municipality Mladenovac Mladenovac (Varos) 23.609 Yes

15. City of Belgrade Belgrade- Municipality Sopot Sopot 20.367 Yes

16. City of Belgrade Belgrade- Municipality Sopot Batasevo No data No

64
 District City/Municipality Settlement Population Station

(Crossed by (Crossed by alignm ent) (Crossed by (Number) (YES/NO)

alignm ent) alignm ent)

17. City of Belgrade Belgrade- Municipality Sopot Kovacevac 4.208 No

18. City of Belgrade Belgrade- Municipality Mladenovac Jagnjilo 1.931 No

19. Podunavski Municipality Smederevska Palanka (Kusadak 4.886 Yes

20. Podunavski Municipality Smederevska Palanka Rabrovac 1.243 No

21. Podunavski Municipality Smederevska Palanka Ratari 1.773 No

22. Podunavski Municipality Smederevska Palanka Glibovac 2.083 No

Podunavski Municipality Smederevska Palanka Stara Carsija Not No

23.
available

Podunavski Municipality Smederevska Palanka Donji Grad Not No

24.
avalable

25. Podunavski Municipality Velika Plana Bresje 650 Yes

Podunavski Municipality Velika Plana Stari Odbor Not No

26.
avalable

Podunavski Municipality Velika Plana Prva Mesna Not No

27.
Zajednica avalable

28. Podunavski Municipality Velika Plana Staro Selo 2733 No

29. Podunavski Municipality Velika Plana Novo Selo 1229 No

30. Podunavski Municipality Velika Plana Markovac 2915 Yes

31. Sumadijski Municipality Lapovo Varosica 7143 Yes

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 65 | 79

 District City/Municipality Settlement Population Station

(Crossed by (Crossed by alignm ent) (Crossed by (Number) (YES/NO)

alignm ent) alignm ent)

32. Sumadijski Municipality Lapovo Lapovo Selo 694 Yes

33. Pomoravski Municiaplity Batocina Brzan 11760 No

34. Pomoravski City of Jagodina Milosevo 1043 No

35. Pomoravski City of Jagodina Bagrdan 809 Yes

36. Pomoravski City of Jagodina Staro Laniste 460 No

37. Pomoravski City of Jagodina Novo Laniste 618 No

38. Pomoravski City of Jagodina Bukovce 844 No

Pomoravski City of Jagodina Streliste Not No

39.
available

Pomoravski City of Jagodina Vasariste Not No

40.
available

Pomoravski City of Jagodina Centar Not Yes

41.
available

Pomoravski City of Jagodina Pivara Not No

42.
available

43. Pomoravski Municipality of Cuprija Mijatovac 1656 Yes

44. Pomoravski Municipality of Cuprija Cernica 186 No

45. Pomoravski Municipality of Cuprija Zirovnica 742 No

Pomoravski Municipality of Paracin Vrapcane Not Yes

46.
available

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 66 | 79

 District City/Municipality Settlement Population Station

(Crossed by (Crossed by alignm ent) (Crossed by (Number) (YES/NO)

alignm ent) alignm ent)

Pomoravski Municipality of Paracin 11. Kongres Not No

47.
available

48. Pomoravski Municipality of Paracin Striza 1880 No

49. Pomoravski Municipality of Paracin -Ratare 544 No

50. Pomoravski Municipality of Paracin Sikirica 921 No

51. Pomoravski Municipality of Paracin Drenovac 1838 No

52. Rasinski Municipality of Cicevac Pojate/Cicevac 846 Yes

53. Rasinski Municipality of Cicevac Lucina 811 No

54. Rasinski Municipality of Cicevac Stalac 693 Yes

55. Rasinski Municipality of Cicevac Braljina 68 No

56. Rasinski Municipality of Cicevac Mojsinje 17 No

57. Rasinski Municipality of Cicevac Trubarevo 108 No

58. Rasinski City of Krusevac Djunis 680 Yes

59. Nisavski Municipality of Aleskinac Vitkvovac 312 No

60. Nisavski Municipality of Aleskinac Donji Ljubes 498 No

61. Nisavski Municipality of Aleskinac Srezovac 185 No

62. Nisavski Municipality of Aleskinac Korman 689 Yes

63. Nisavski Municipality of Aleskinac Trnjane 1274 No

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 67 | 79

 District City/Municipality Settlement Population Station

(Crossed by (Crossed by alignm ent) (Crossed by (Number) (YES/NO)

alignm ent) alignm ent)

64. Nisavski Municipality of Aleskinac Donji Adrovac 741 Yes

65. Nisavski Municipality of Aleskinac Prcilovica 2362 No

66. Nisavski Municipality of Aleskinac Zitkovac 2624 Yes

67. Nisavski Municipality of Aleskinac Moravac 1744 Yes

68. Nisavski Municipality of Aleskinac Nozrina 699 No

69. Nisavski Municipality of Aleskinac Luzane 826 Yes

70. Nisavski Municipality of Aleskinac Tesica 1717 No

71. Nisavski Municipality of Aleskinac Grejac 544 Yes

72. Nisavski Municipality of Aleskinac Veliki Drenovac 438 No

73. Nisavski City of Nis /Crveni Krst Mezgraja- 541 Yes

74. Nisavski City of Nis Trupale 2.127 Yes

75. Nisavski City of Nis Crveni Krst - Vrtiste 1112 No

76. Nisavski City of Nis/ Crveni Krst Popovac 2847 Yes

77. Nisavski City of Nis Donje Medjurovo 1722 Yes

PPF9 – PFS for Belgrade – Nis Railway line up to 200 km/h P a g e 68 | 79

ANNEX 3: ROMA SETTLEMENTS AND SHARE OF POPULATION IN
SETTLEMENTS CROSSED BY THE ALIGNEMENT

69
ANNEX 4: SECTION-SPECIFIC STAKEHOLDER IDENTIFICATION
AND ENGAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS
Note: This Annex currently contains only specific arrangements for the Stalac -Djunis section. This Annex will be
updated for each Project section.

1. SECTION STALAC-DJUNIS

A. Introduction

Project preparation background. An international ESIA for this section was developed in 2016, followed by a
national EIA in 2018. An independent gap analysis review of the ESIA and other relevant documentation was
completed in 2022 against EBRD, EIB and EU standards and best practice. The review revealed that additional
collection of information/data was needed to define additional potential Project impacts and required mitigation
actions. Therefore, a Supplementary Study was developed along with an Environmental and Social Management
Plan (ESMP) and an Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP).

Project Disclosure Package. Under Lenders’ requirements, the following will comprise the Project’s disclosure
package for the Stalac-Djunis section:
1. ESIA Study (2016)
2. National EIA Study (2018)
3. Supplementary Study and its annex Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP)
4. Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP)
5. Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) for LOT 2
6. Non-technical Summary (NTS) of the Project
7. This Corridor-level SEP.

Planned investments. The Project involves the following components:

 Construction of a new double-track railway line 17.7 km long for speeds up to 160 km/h,
 Upgrade of the railway stations in Stalac and Djunis,
 Construction of an overhead contact line, signalling safety and telecommunications installations,
 Decommissioning of the existing single-track railway on the part of the section where the replacement by the
double-track railway is planned.

The proposed two-track railway route starts at about km 174+700 and ends at about km 196+500 of the existing
railway line. The works on reconstruction will start about 1 km before the Stalac station in order to fit into the existing
railway line. The total length of the new railway route (including the sections before Stalac and after Djunis) will be
about 17.7 km long. The length of the railway line through tunnels is 6.9 km which is about 40% of the proposed line,
and one of them is 3.3 km long. The proposed railway route will intersect with the existing one at four locations.
The railway design also requires:

 realignment of 6 existing roads (due to railway design requirements related to safety distances between
the rails and roads as well as the track geometry),
 construction of 8 new access roads (two of which with underpasses), and
 reconstruction of 1 existing access road.

Permits and authorisations. The construction of the Stalac-Djunis subsection will be implemented by two separate
“design and build” contracts, one for LOT 1 (tunnelling works for Tunnel 4) and one for LOT 2 (all other civil works
and track superstructure for the entire subsection).
The national EIA Study was approved by the Ministry of Environmental Protection in 2018 and this initial approval
was valid for 2 years. The approval was extended by the Ministry in April 2022, which confirmed that it is not
necessary to update the EIA Study as no significant changes have occurred and it is in line with the renewed Location
Conditions (2021).
After the Contractor completes the so-called “Design for Construction Permit”, SRI will submit a request for a
Construction Permit.
B. Previous Stakeholder Engagement Activities for the Stalac-Djunis Subsection
Several stakeholder engagement activities were undertaken within the national permitting procedures as well as
during the development of RAP and the Supplementary Study, as follows:

Period Topic of consultations Brief description

2015 Request for EIA Scoping Follow ing the submission of the scoping request by SRI to the Ministry of
Environmental Protection, the Ministry consulted w ith the public before issuing the
Scoping Decision (as required by the national law ). The request w as publicised on
the Ministry’s w ebsite and new spapers, and the public w as invited to submit
comments. No comments w ere received.
2016 EIA Study After the EIA Study w as drafted, it w as made available for public review (in the
premises of the City of Krusevac and the Ministry). The public w as invited to submit
comments. A public hearing w as then held in May 2016 in Krusevac to discuss the
EIA Study. No comments from the public w ere received.
2016- Spatial Plan for Stalac- The Spatial Plan for Stalac-Djunis and the SEA Report for the Spatial Plan w ere
2017 Djunis and the SEA published to enable public review and comments in 2016, as required by national
Report law . The public review period w as 30 days. The documents w ere published on the
w ebsite of the Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure, and w ere
made available in hard copies at the premises of the City of Krusevac and the
Municipality of Cicevac. During the public review period, the documents w ere also
presented at a public hearing in the Municipality of Cicevac. In 2017, the Spatial
Plan Committee also held a public session and invited all interested parties to
participate in the session.
There are no records of the public review process but the SEA Report states that
all the opinions submitted by the interested public have been taken into account
and incorporated.
2021 RAP SRI and the RAP consultants organised meetings w ith local authorities in Cicevac
and Krusevac during RAP development in August and October 2021. The local
authorities confirmed that the Project is seen as a great economic opportunity but
raised some concerns including impact of closure of stations/halts, proper
maintenance of local roads to avoid any damages during and after railw ay
construction, and flooding issues.

Meetings w ith local residents w ere held in December 2021 in Trubarevo, Djunis
and Stalac. The local residents also raised some concerns about Project impacts
including the locations and design w idth of underpasses and impact of closure of
stations/halts.

More detailed information on these consultations is provided in the RAP.

2021 Preliminary Design/ Relevant public bodies and public enterprises w ere officially consulted during the
Location Conditions process of obtaining Location Conditions for the Stalac -Djunis subsection. Thes e
include the Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure; Institute for
Nature Protection of Serbia; Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments ;
Ministry of Internal Affairs – Department of Emergency Situations; Republic
Hydrometeorological Institute; Public Water Management Company Srbijavode
and Morava Nis, etc.
2022 Supplementary Study Consultations w ith municipal/city authorities and local communities w ere
organised during the development of the Supplementary Study for the Stalac -
Djunis section, including the representatives of Cicevac Municipality and Krusevac
City, Local Community Office Braljina, Local Community Office Djunis and
Beekeepers Association Cicevac.

During consultations in 2021 (for RAP development purposes) and in 2022 (for Supplementary Study development
purposes), the local authorities and communities provided feedback on the project which is summarised below:

Feedback provided by municipal/city authorities:

 The Project is seen as a great opportunity for Cicevac and Krusevac, as the upgrading of the railway is
expected to generate growth in every sphere of economy;
  The area is abundant in cultural heritage and tourism could flourish if people had better access from cities
and other parts of the country; there is an access road to the “Sv. Nedjelja” Monastery located near the exit
of Tunnel 3 and entrance of Tunnel 4 which may be cut off during construction works and this issue needs
particular attention;
 The Ćićevac municipality is concerned of the potential cumulative effects of land acquisition for the Project
and Moravski Corridor Highway (already under construction), because agricultural land is important for local
people. The municipality believes that the expropriation compensation rates which will be offered to people
have to take this into account;
 The Ćićevac municipality is aware that the small factory (metal processing) will need to be relocated for the
Project and its representatives stressed how important this business is for the local community, as it employs
between 80 and 100 local people;
 The Ćićevac municipality reviewed the expropriation study and determined that the ownership of some of
the municipal roads will now be transferred to SRI. The municipality stressed the importance for the company
to maintain these roads, as they are very important for local people. The municipality used its very limited
resources to upgrade some of the local roads and these must be kept in good condition during and after
construction;
 The Ćićevac municipality also has questions on other parts of the Belgrade to Niš railway, particularly the
sections going through the town and how the railway crossings will be designed. Generally, overpasses and
underpasses are important for local people and they need to be informed about them; there are concerns
about the planned two underpasses with regard to adequate width for passing of agricultural machines and
trucks – the municipality would like additional meetings with SRI and the designers to discuss technical
details, particularly to be able to respond when the local residents inquire about this issue with the
municipality;
 The Ćićevac municipality pointed out that some of the railway stations and stops will be closed when the
railway is upgraded and that this will be a problem for people living in the villages which will be affected by
these changes;
 The Ćićevac municipality is interested what will happen with parts of the old railway which will be closed and
if it would be possible for SRI to finance the conversion of this space into a local park (a linear park) which
would be a significant resource for local people but would also contribute to attracting more tourists;
 Natural resources in the Ćićevac municipality (river, forest) are used by local population for personal
consumption purposes but the most concerning impact may be on beekeeping as it is a commercial activity
of great importance for the local community; beekeeping is common in this entire region, and may be affected
by noise, tunnel mining activities, transport/machinery;
 Near the existing railway there is a recently reconstructed 5.7 long local road (Braljina-Trubarevo) which may
potentially be damaged by construction mechanisation;
 It is important for the Project to take flooding into account and identify opportunities to address some of the
critical areas along the Project footprint, if possible; the Juzna Morava River floods every several years
especially near Stalac which may potentially affect the underpass near Stalac;
 The City of Kruševac has experience with expropriation and resettlement and will use all possible resources
to ensure that people are assisted to relocate and restore their livelihoods;
 The City is concerned with the adequacy of the planned underpass in Djunis for passing of agricultural
machinery including loaded tractors which most often carry corn; the City would like additional meetings with
SRI and the designers to discuss technical details;
 The City would generally like to be more informed about the technical aspects of the project (where
construction waste will be disposed of; impacts of tunnel construction; design of underpasses; location of
worker camps)
 Both local authorities expressed a strong commitment to cooperate with SRI and ensure that everything is
well organised and coordinated, to ensure good outcomes for the local population.

Concerns raised by local communities:

The questions asked by local residents and responded to by SRI during local community meetings held in Trubarevo,
Djunis and Stalac are summarised in the table below:
 Question / Comment Answ er

Is our train stop going to be closed (Trubarevo and The Project foresees that the only tw o stations w hich w ill
Braljina villages)? In Braljina, w e have no other form remain on the footprint are Đunis and Stalać. How ever, there is
of public transport. aw areness about the need to find solutions for villages w here
railw ay stops w ill be terminated. The municipality and PERI w ill
w ork together w ith other responsible institutions to find
solutions and w ill inform the residents of these villages.
People are concerned that their local roads w ill be The Contractor w ill have an obligation to restore all roads to
destroyed during construction and some have been the condition in w hich they w ere before being used.
recently asphalted by the municipality. Who w ill repair
these roads?
What w ill happen w ith excavated materials? Can they This question requires expertise from the Project design team
be used to create some flood barriers, as flooding is a and w ill be conveyed to them, to be answ ered at future
major cause of concern for local people (Braljina)? community meetings.
Will some noise barriers be installed near houses Noise barriers w ill be installed in locations w here noise
located along the footprint? exceeds legal permitted limits. This question requires expertise
from the Project design team and w ill be conveyed to them, to
be answ ered at future community meetings.
Will some flood prevention measures be implemented This question requires expertise from the Project design team
(Morava river near the overpass and the Ibar river)? and w ill be conveyed to them, to be answ ered at future
community meetings.
What if only a part of my plot is expropriated and I As per the law , the ow ner can request that the remaining part
cannot use the remaining part; w hat if the access to of his/her plot is expropriated if it is determined that it is not
my house is acquired and I am no longer able to economically viable and / or cannot be used any longer? A
access it? house must have other access to it and if it is not possible to
create access, the house w ill also be expropriated. More
details are available in the RAP.
What w ill be the compensation rate for land? The rates have not been determined yet. They w ill be set by
the local Tax Administration based on the most recent sale
purchase agreements in the nearest areas. More details are
available in the RAP.
Will the underpasses be w ide enough for combines to This question requires expertise from the Project design team
pass through them? and w ill be conveyed to them, to be answ ered at future
community meetings. Since the meeting, it w as determined
based on responses from Project designers that the
underpasses w ill be tall and w ide enough for agricultural
machines to pass through them.
What is the w idth of the protection corridor around the The w idth of the railw ay protection zone (w hich is being
railw ay? expropriated) is 8m from the external track on each side, but it
can be narrow ed dow n to 6m in inhabited areas.
Will the main road be demolished (Stalać)? Any affected parts of roads w ill be replaced w ith new sections
to ensure continuity of use. This question requires expertise
from the Project design team and w ill be conveyed to them, to
be answ ered at future community meetings.
What w ill happen to the railw ay tow ards Kruševac This question requires expertise from the Project design team
(the line goes from Stalać)? and w ill be conveyed to them, to be answ ered at future
community meetings.
Has any land already been acquired for the Project; No expropriation has taken place for the Project. Details on
w hich houses w ill be expropriated? w hich houses w ill be affected w ill be shared w ith affected
people at a later date, w hen the expropriation studies are final.
More details are available in the RAP.
Will the train stop in Stalać? Yes, the Stalać station w ill remain and w ill be renovated as
part of the Project.
Where w ill the underpasses and overpasses be The currently planned overpasses and underpasses w ere
located? show n to meeting participants on maps. This question requires
expertise from the Project design team and w ill be conveyed to
them, to be answ ered at future community meetings.
C. Identified Stakeholders and Specific Disclosure/Communication Requirements for the Stalac-Djunis
Subsection

A list of identified stakeholders and specific communication requirements are provided in the table below.

Suggestions for improvement of proposed communication methods are welcome, and can be sent to the contact
person whose details are provided in this SEP.

Table 6: Specific Stakeholder Analysis and Disclosure/Communication Requirements for the Stalac -Djunis Section

Identified stakeholder Specific issues or Communication Communication requirements and Responsibility

interests channels timeframe

Local gov ernments Community health and Meetings and Before construction, regular meetings PIU (with the
(Municipality of Cicev ac safety; closure of emails with local authorities to discuss: assistance of
and City of Krusev ac) stations/halts, duration Contractor for
of works; impacts on  appointing of CLOs and RAP field discussing
cultural heritage; officers; design related
appointment of CLOs  the concerns of local communities; issues)
 issues of underpass sufficiency,
dimensions and safety considerations
(during the final design stage);
 selection of construction compounds;
 actions and measures to manage risks
and impacts to local cultural events in
the Project area such as the regular
kayaking competition held on the
Juzna Morava River near Stalac;
 actions and measures to manage risks
and impacts to the water springs which
are believed to cure blind and visually
impaired people and to understand the
specific locations of the springs and
the access paths used by people to
reach the springs;
 alternative transport arrangements for
settlements where stations/halts will
be closed

During construction and operation,

meetings as necessary to discuss the
progress of construction/maintenance
works and any issues which may emerge
during such works.

People, businesses and Community health and Community Before construction, consultation PIU (with the
public facilities in the safety; land meetings meetings (during the final design stage) to: assistance of
settlements through w hich acquisition; access  clearly present all planned Contractor for
the new railw ay w ill pass: restrictions; impacts underpasses and overpasses, hear discussing
on agriculture, Project the views of local residents in relation design related
grievance mechanism to access to their land and make
issues)
 Stalac, changes if possible, to accommodate
 Stalac Tow n, their needs.
 the impact of the railway construction
 Moj sinje, and operation (e.g. safety risks to
 Trubarev o trespassers and residents of adjacent
affected properties during construction
 Dj unis and operation)
 selection of construction compounds
by the Contractor
 ensure that local communities are
informed of design decisions including
explanation of rationale for such
decisions (from technical, financial,
safety and other aspects)
 ensure that local communities have
information about how and where they
can access their land on the other side
of the railway (construction site) and
Identified stakeholder Specific issues or Communication Communication requirements and Responsibility
interests channels timeframe

the contact details of the Contractor for

any grievances.

During construction, regular disclosure of

information on progress of construction
works, in particular traffic disruptions.

During operation, meetings to ensure that

the installed crossings are working
effectively, including consultations with
locally affected women on their issues
about the operational phase of the Project –
in particular perceptions of safety at
stations and underpasses.
People affected by closure Alternative transport Community Before construction, consultation PIU
of stations/halts options once the meetings in meetings before the start of construction to
(settlements of Bralj ina, existing halts/stations both discuss alternative transport options.
Cerov o, Moj sinje, are closed settlements
(note: many During operation, additional meetings to
Trubarev o)
ensure that the provided transport options
residents of
are effective.
these
settlements
have been
identified as
vulnerable
categories –
elderly people,
and will need to
be directly
visited to
accommodate
their needs).

Ow ners and users of land Expropriation process, Individual After the draft RAP is publicised, SRI will
and assets w hich will be compensation expropriation organise another round of meetings with
acquired for the Proj ect, amounts, appeals, etc. hearings local residents affected by land acquisition
w ho may be physically to present the main features of the RAP and
Assistance for Project obtain people’s views and comments.
and/or economically
displaced, including persons whose grievance
livelihoods are mechanism SRI will also engage RAP field officers, one
v ulnerable individuals or
severely affected or in each municipality, whose task will be to
households affected by act as a liaison between SRI and affected
land acquisition. vulnerable
people. Field officers will particularl y assist
individuals/households
with the identification of informal users and
vulnerable people, ensure that foreseen
SRI grievance contact
resettlement and livelihood restoration
details and assistance is implemented and assist with
management grievance management at the local level.

SRI will actively coordinate with the property

administrations in charge of land acquisition
and will have regular meetings to follow the
progress of expropriation, as well as to
discuss cases of livelihood losses or
impacts on any vulnerable individuals or
households. The details of this engagement
are described in the RAP.
Institute for Protection of Impacts on cultural Official The Contractor will liaise with the Institute Contractor
Cultural Monuments in heritage correspondence for Protection of Cultural Monuments in
Kralj evo channels Kraljevo during the preparation of the
Cultural Heritage Management Plan and the
Main Design, and will send these to the
Institute prior to the commencement of
construction.
Interested non- Protection of Media/press Information on Project impacts and defined PIU
gov ernmental environment and releases measures to mitigate any adverse impacts
organisations such as the human health; will be publicised. The SEP, NTS and
Beekeepers Association community health and SRI’s website Public Grievance Form will be disclosed.
Cicev ac safety Meetings will be held with individual NGOs
Project as necessary.
Note: Other organisations grievance
interested in the Project can mechanism
Identified stakeholder Specific issues or Communication Communication requirements and Responsibility
interests channels timeframe

send their contact details to

the PIU to be included as a
stakeholder and notified
directly about Project events.
ANNEX 5: GRIEVANCE LOG TEMPLATE

Contact Name of Notes

Interest in the details of Company person Actions Results of Date
Date Name of Proj ect the person Brief responsible responsible Planned carried the actions w hen the
w hen the person w ho (resident, w ho description for for actions to out to carried out person
griev ance submitted affected submitted of the addressing addressing address address to address w as
N w as the landow ner, the problem / (PERI / and contact the the the informed
o receiv ed griev ance NGO) griev ance griev ance contractor) details griev ance griev ance griev ance and how

10

11

12

13

14

15
ANNEX 6: GRIEVANCE FORM

Reference No:
Full Name
Note: you can remain anonymous if you prefer, or request not to disclose your identity to the third
parties without your consent. In case of anonymous grievances, the decision will be disclosed at
the Projects website: https://infrazs.rs/
First name _____________________________________

Last name _____________________________________

❏ I wish to raise my grievance anonymously

Gender of complainant (completion of this field is optional)
❏ Male ❏Female ❏Other ___________________ (please indicate)
❏ I request not to disclose my identity without my consent Contact Information Please mark how
you wish to be contacted (mail, telephone, e-mail).
❏ By Post: Please provide mailing address:
_________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________
❏ By Telephone: _______________________________________________
❏ By E-mail _______________________________________________
❏ I will follow up of the resolution at the website as I want to remain anonymous
Preferred Language for communication ❏ Serbian ❏ Other (indicate)
Description of Incident or Grievance (What happened? Where did it happen? Who did it happen to?
What is the result of the problem? Date of Incident/ Grievance)

❏ One-off incident/grievance (date _______________)

❏ Happened more than once (how many times? _____)
❏ On-going (currently experiencing problem) What would you like to see happen to resolve the
problem?
Signature: _______________________________ Date: _______________________________
Please return this form to:

Name: Velibor Samardžić – for resettlement and land acquisition related grievances
Title: RAP Manager
Company: Serbian Railways Infrastructure
email: velibor.samardzic@srbrail.rs
Phone number: 066 8777 077
Address: Nemanjina 6, 11000 Belgrade

Or
Name: Nenad Stanisavljevic - for any other complaint or grievance
Company- Serbian Railways Infrastructure
Email: nenad.stanisavljevic@srbrail.rs
Phone number: + 381 11/3618443
Address: Nemanjina 6, 11000 Belgrade