The Republic of Serbia and the European Union (EU) have signed a Financing Agreement within the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA III), worth 219.9 million euros for the period 2025-2027, of which the non-repayable EU contribution amounts to 139.4 million euros, the Ministry for European Integration and International Cooperation of Serbia announced.
“The Republic of Serbia will support the implementation of significant projects with additional funds amounting to 80.5 million euros, thereby demonstrating its readiness to implement reforms together with the EU that bring concrete changes to the lives of citizens,” they announced on the social network Instagram.
On behalf of Serbia, the Agreement was signed by State Secretary at the Ministry for European Integration and National IPA Coordinator Mira Radenovic Bojic, while on behalf of the European Commission, it was signed by Valentina Superti, Director for the Western Balkans in the Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations.
“This Agreement is not only a financial framework; it is a joint message from Serbia and the EU that we want to ensure a safer, fairer, and more promising future for citizens,” Radenovic Bojic stated.
She particularly emphasized that this support makes it possible to continue reforms that strengthen institutions, improve public services, and bring progress to all parts of Serbia.
“It is an investment in a Serbia that is advancing, that relies on knowledge and innovation, and in which citizens can feel the concrete results of our joint work,” she said.
On this occasion, the Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia, Andreas von Beckerath, stated: “The EU wants Serbia to join our community as a fully democratic state, and EU pre-accession support is designed to help Serbia strengthen its democratic institutions, advance key reforms, and prepare to fully utilize all the opportunities that membership in the Union brings.”
The Agreement provides for support in significant areas such as the rule of law, good governance, and economic development. Thus, among other things, support is envisaged for improving the system of support for victims and witnesses, continuing the fight against corruption, combating various forms of crime, including environmental crime, as well as protecting fundamental human rights and providing legal assistance to internally displaced persons.
Furthermore, continued support is ensured for the process of European integration and further alignment with EU regulations. Special attention is devoted to creating an enabling environment for the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, local development, and the promotion of science and innovation in the local context.
This Agreement clearly confirms the importance of EU support for Serbia, as it enables further development and progress through investments in innovation, digital transformation, and the improvement of public services and local infrastructure. At the same time, it contributes to better protection of vulnerable groups and farmers, through gradual alignment with European standards and the improvement of the quality of institutional services, the Ministry for European Integration and International Cooperation of Serbia added.
