The rules on foreigners’ right to acquire ownership of agricultural land in Slovenian, Croatian and Serbian law

The paper gives an overview of the rules on acquisition ownership agricultural land by foreigners in Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia. Slovenia initiated their accession to European Union at different times under conditions, while Serbia is not yet a member state Union, but has been candidate country for several years, harmonization its national law with acquis communautaire way some time. These circumstances determine right foreigners, particular natural persons legal entities from acquire these countries. In non-EU cannot land. contrast, opened real estate market rather early EU citizens entities. Only Association Agreement provided transitional period four years during which they could From 2003 onwards, are entitled without restriction. Accession Treaty prescribed no moratorium. Similarly may either. seven-year moratorium primary expired 30 June 2020. However, Commission approved extension another three years. Thus, still unable until 2023. Foreigners’ general excluded Serbian as well. Stabilization 2008 liberalization markets 2017 legislature amended Act Agricultural Land only few days before expiry included Agreement. Nominally, amendments were intended introduce explicit regulation land, required instead extending same conditions applicable domestic those EU, legislator specified additional set latter. It, fact, excludes property, be registered family farmers, makes subject that effectively exclude 1 September 2027 due calculation deadlines.