The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the EU have committed €96 million to upgrade Serbia’s electricity distribution network and enhance waterborne transport infrastructure.

– Electricity Modernisation: The EIB signed an €80 million loan agreement with Serbia’s Elektrodistribucija Srbije d.o.o to replace around 400,000 outdated meters with smart meters. This project aims to reduce electricity losses, improve billing accuracy, and support the integration of renewable energy sources. The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance energy efficiency and provide a reliable electricity supply in Serbia.

– Waterborne Transport Enhancement: An additional €16 million EU grant under the Western Balkans Investment Framework will be used to remove sunken vessels from the Danube River. This will improve navigation safety and efficiency, ensuring safer and more reliable transport conditions year-round. The project is expected to boost cargo transport on the river, promoting a shift from road to waterways, which is a more environmentally friendly mode of transport.

During his first visit to Serbia, EIB Vice-President Robert de Groot emphasised the importance of these investments for Serbia’s sustainable development and economic growth. The modernisation of the electricity distribution network and the enhancement of waterborne transport infrastructure are seen as critical steps towards achieving Serbia’s green transition goals.

Minister of Mining and Energy, Dubravka Đedović Handanović, highlighted that the new smart meters will help reduce electricity losses and improve consumption management. Minister of European Integration, Tanja Miščević, noted that the removal of obstacles from the Danube River will make water traffic in Serbia and the region more competitive and environmentally friendly.

Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure, Goran Vesić, expressed gratitude for the EU’s support, noting that the removal of sunken vessels will significantly improve navigation routes and support Serbia’s integration into the European market.

The head of the EU Delegation to Serbia, Emanuele Giaufret, stated that these projects are part of the EU’s broader efforts to support the Western Balkans’ economic and infrastructural development, contributing to a better quality of life for the citizens of Serbia.

About the EIB in Serbia

The EIB has been active in Serbia since 1977, providing finance to support key infrastructure projects as well as small and medium enterprises (SMEs), industry, services and local authorities. Since it began operating in the country, it has enabled over €8 billion of investment in SMEs and in upgrading transport, education, healthcare and utility infrastructure. For more information regarding the EIB’s projects in Serbia, please follow the link.

About the EIB in the Western Balkans

The EIB is one of the leading international financiers in the Western Balkans. Since 2010, the Bank has financed projects totalling close to €11 billion in the region.

For detailed information on the EIB’s activities in the Western Balkans, please follow the link.

Press contacts

European Investment Bank

Gordana Kovačević, [email protected], tel.: +381 60 323 343 5

Website: www.eib.org/press – Press Office: +352 4379 21000 – [email protected]