Miloš Vučević, representing the Government of Serbia, declared today that investments in environmental protection and energy will surpass previous efforts. “By directing investments towards environmental protection, green technologies, and green employment, we are fostering a more resilient society, empowering local communities, rejuvenating rural areas, and mitigating social disparities,” stated Vučević during his address in the Serbian Parliament.
He emphasized that a crucial aspect of the future environmental strategy will be enhancing air quality and upgrading the wastewater management system to meet EU standards. “Our aim is to construct 1,108 kilometers of sewage networks and 32 wastewater treatment plants by 2027,” Vučević announced. “By 2027, we aspire to have 35 local self-government units equipped with comprehensive solutions for municipal wastewater, ensuring the construction of treatment plants in each unit and extending sewage networks to cover over 80 percent of the territory.”
Vučević outlined plans for a regional waste management approach, including the establishment of modern regional centers with new or expanded sanitary landfills adhering to the highest environmental standards. He also disclosed plans to build a recycling yard for citizens to dispose of household appliances, bulky materials, and organic waste for high-quality humus production at a composting plant.
Regarding air quality improvements, Vučević revealed that 40 projects worth 70 million euros will commence this year in the most polluted cities. Additionally, efforts will be made to shut down 200 boilers in public buildings by the end of 2026 and install automatic monitoring stations in areas with over 100,000 inhabitants to provide real-time air quality data.
Vučević highlighted upcoming energy projects, including the construction of two new gas interconnectors with North Macedonia and Romania. He also announced plans to expand the gas storage capacity in Banatski dvor and commission the Kostolac B3 Thermal Power Plant, Serbia’s first new power plant in almost 35 years.
He commended the implementation of significant environmental projects, such as the construction of desulphurization plants in thermal power plants, ensuring improved air quality for residents of Obrenovac and surrounding areas.
Vučević concluded by affirming that Serbia’s electricity prices remain among the lowest in Europe and highlighted the country’s vast mineral reserves, which offer opportunities for long-term exploitation and capacity expansion using modern techniques and technologies.
