The Republic of Serbia has received an initial payment of €51.66 million from the European Union as part of the pre-financing under the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, announced Serbia’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Siniša Mali. This amount represents direct budget support and confirms Serbia’s ongoing commitment to reforms and alignment with EU standards.
The Growth Plan, adopted by the European Commission in late 2023, aims to accelerate economic growth and socio-economic convergence of the Western Balkans region with the EU. It includes gradual integration into EU policies and benefits even before official accession. Pre-financing provides 7% of the total funds to each beneficiary upfront.
Serbia also secured €59 million in advance payments for projects under the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF). To qualify for these funds, Serbia ratified two key financial agreements with the EU related to the Instrument for Reform and Growth, covering about €1.59 billion for 2024–2027.
Minister Mali highlighted the benefits of closer cooperation with the EU through the Growth Plan, especially regarding access to the EU Single Market with over 400 million consumers, which would lower production costs, simplify trade, and create jobs.
Additionally, Serbia’s official inclusion in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) as of May further integrates its financial system with the EU, enabling faster and cheaper euro transactions for Serbian citizens.
