The European Investment Bank (EIB) – the lending arm of the EU – has signed a €1.2 million grant to support the implementation of the Connected Schools programme in Serbia. The funding complements the €65 million EIB loan signed in 2020 for improving digital capacity and skills in over 1500 of the country’s schools.

The aim of the Connected Schools programme is to enable first-hand training in digital areas for teachers and pupils across Serbia, at the same time creating conditions for the digital transition of the Serbian education system and economy. It is also aligned with the Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans to ensure that all sectors benefit from digital opportunities, contributing to a sustainable, climate-neutral and resource-efficient economy, and better governance and public services for citizens. This investment is part of the EIB’s Economic Resilience Initiative, aiming to boost Western Balkan  economic growth, vital infrastructure and social cohesion.

In 2020, the EIB Group invested €125 million in improving digital capacity in Serbian schools and among small and medium-sized companies.