Serbia Signs Financing Agreement with the EU for Environmental and Energy Programs Worth EUR 325.2 Million.
Serbia has signed a financing agreement with the European Union for the Multiannual Operational Program for the Environment and Energy sectors, valued at EUR 325.2 million, of which EUR 240 million are non-repayable grants from the EU’s IPA funds, according to the Ministry of European Integration.
The Multiannual Operational Program for Environment and Energy will be managed by Serbian institutions within an indirect management system, in accordance with the approach that EU member states use for implementing EU programs under cohesion and regional development funds, the statement noted.
Mira Radenović Bojić, National IPA Coordinator for Serbia and State Secretary of the Ministry of European Integration, emphasized that the agreement provides significant financial support for improving environmental protection and advancing the energy sector. She clarified that this support will ensure the sustainable management of waste, the improvement of wastewater treatment infrastructure, and encourage the implementation of energy efficiency measures in public buildings and households. Radenović Bojić added that the program will also support the development of capacities for transitioning to renewable energy sources and the improvement of public water supply and sewage systems. Additionally, as she stated, the program will include measures for air quality protection aimed at reducing harmful emissions and improving public health.
According to her, in addition to the restoration or construction of infrastructure, the program will support the development of strategic documents and plans for alignment with EU standards. She announced that investments will be made in strengthening the capacities of local and national institutions and in developing technical documentation.
The program will also foster better collaboration with relevant national and international stakeholders, including civil society organizations and the private sector, to ensure the integrated implementation and enhancement of sustainable development policies, the State Secretary explained.
Andreas von Bekerat, Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia, noted that this agreement is another example of the European Union’s strong and long-term commitment to supporting Serbia on its path to EU membership. Environmental protection and sustainable energy are not only at the core of the European Green Deal but are also key to improving the quality of life for all citizens, he emphasized. According to him, this significant investment, in synergy with the new Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, aims to accelerate Serbia’s alignment with EU standards and help achieve tangible benefits for citizens and the environment.
The program’s Managing Authority is the Ministry of Mining and Energy, while the intermediary bodies for policy management are the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management. The Ministry of Finance – Sector for Contracting and Financing EU Program Funds handles the financial management of the program.
The program will cover the program years 2024–2027 and will be implemented from 2025 to 2032, with a co-financing rate of 26.2%.
Source: Ekapija