Prime Highlight
- The EBRD has invested over €10 billion in Serbia since 2001, marking a major milestone in the country’s development partnerships.
- Its investments span infrastructure, energy resilience, and private-sector growth, reinforcing Serbia’s long-term sustainable development.
Key Facts
- The bank has financed nearly 400 projects across Serbia, with around €800 million invested annually in recent years.
- Roughly half of the €10 billion went to SMEs through local banks, supporting competitiveness, green upgrades, and digital transformation.
Background
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has crossed a major milestone in Serbia, investing more than €10 billion in the country since 2001. It has put these funds into nearly 400 projects, making Serbia one of the biggest recipients of EBRD investment.
The Bank’s support has touched almost every major sector. In Belgrade, the EBRD financed key infrastructure such as the Gazela and Ada bridges, municipal services, and major public-private partnerships, including the city airport and the Vinca waste-to-energy project. Across the country, the Bank has increased its focus on connectivity by supporting rail upgrades and financing multi-city programmes to modernise solid waste management, improve district heating systems, expand broadband access in rural areas, and boost innovation through investments in science and technology parks.
Energy resilience has been another priority. The EBRD helped Serbia navigate energy crises and played a central role in the growth of renewable energy. It supported the country’s first wind projects and contributed technical assistance to Serbia’s first renewable energy auctions.
The private sector remains at the core of the EBRD’s mandate. Around half of the €10 billion has been channelled to small and medium-sized enterprises through local banks. These credit lines focus on strengthening competitiveness, supporting green and digital transitions, and improving access to finance for women- and youth-led businesses. Capacity-building programmes have trained thousands of SMEs in areas such as innovation, export readiness, and human resource management.
EBRD Regional Head of the Western Balkans Matteo Colangeli said the Bank now invests about €800 million annually in Serbia and plans to expand further. He said the milestone reflects strong partnerships in the country and the Bank’s long-term commitment to supporting sustainable growth and competitiveness.
