BELGRADE – Serbia and the European Union have formalized a Financing Agreement under the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA III), amounting to 219.9 million euros for the years 2025–2027. Serbia will contribute an additional 80.5 million euros to facilitate the execution of pivotal projects, showcasing its commitment to collaborate with the EU on reforms that yield tangible benefits for its citizens, according to the Ministry of European Integration’s announcement. The agreement was signed by Mira Radenović Bojić, State Secretary in the Ministry of European Integration and National IPA Coordinator, and Valentina Superti, Director for the Western Balkans in the Directorate-General for Enlargement and Neighbourhood East, on behalf of the European Commission.
Radenović Bojić highlighted that this backing empowers Serbia to pursue reforms that enhance institutions, improve public services, and foster development across the nation. She stated, “This is an investment in a progressive Serbia that values knowledge and innovation, where citizens can experience the real outcomes of our collaborative efforts.” Andreas von Bekerat, Head of the EU Delegation in Serbia, expressed that the EU aims for Serbia to become a fully democratic member of the community, emphasizing that the EU’s pre-accession assistance is intended to bolster Serbia’s democratic institutions, advance essential reforms, and prepare the country to leverage the benefits of EU membership fully. “We aspire to strengthen Serbia within our European family and pledge our support throughout the accession journey,” he remarked.
The Agreement encompasses support in various domains, including the rule of law, good governance, and economic development, with specific focus on enhancing the support system for victims and witnesses, combating corruption and crime, including environmental offenses, safeguarding fundamental human rights, and providing legal aid to internally displaced individuals.
Additionally, the agreement facilitates the continuation of the European integration process and alignment with EU regulations, with particular emphasis on fostering an environment conducive to small and medium-sized enterprise growth, local development, and the promotion of science and innovation. The announcement underscores that the agreement reaffirms the significance of EU support for Serbia, facilitating progress through investments in innovation, digital transformation, and enhancements to public services and local infrastructure. It also aims to better protect vulnerable groups and farmers, gradually align with European standards, and improve the quality of institutional services.
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