The European Union and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) are helping Serbia to improve the energy efficiency of its public buildings with a €14 million financial package.

The package, which includes a €12 million EBRD loan and a €2 million grant from the EU, will help finance energy efficient retrofit measures in 80 public buildings, including education, healthcare, administrative, sports and cultural buildings, across 20 municipalities in Vojvodina. These buildings will be renovated with thermal insulation, new windows, upgraded heating, ventilation and cooling systems, and energy efficient lighting.

The improvements are expected to contribute to primary energy reduction of 53 per cent and annual CO₂ emission reductions of 56 per cent.

In addition to €2 million grant from the EU, the project also benefits from close to €2 million grants for technical cooperation, provided by Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and Italy through Central European Initiative (CEI).

Buildings account for around 34 per cent of energy consumption in Serbia. Renovations can help lower consumption and CO₂ emissions, but significant effort is needed to stimulate and prioritise these investments, especially in the multi-apartment residential sector.