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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Serbia receives first funds from Western Balkans Growth Plan

Belgrade, 21 June 2025

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Siniša Mali stated today that the Republic of Serbia has received the first funds from the European Union in the amount of €51.66 million as part of the pre-financing from the Western Balkans Growth Plan.

Mali emphasised that the payment of part of the advance payment to the Republic of Serbia in the aforementioned amount, which represents direct budget support, confirms our country’s commitment to further reforms.

This is another step in approaching European Union standards, but also additional confirmation that Serbia is on the European path, said the minister, expressing gratitude to the European Union for its support and cooperation.

The European Commission adopted the Western Balkans Growth Plan at the end of 2023, with the aim of strengthening the process of the Western Balkans region's rapprochement with the European Union through gradual inclusion in certain policies, programmes and benefits of EU membership, already in the preparatory phase before official accession.

The plan aims to accelerate economic growth and contribute to faster socio-economic convergence of the region with the EU Member States.

The Western Balkans Growth Plan foresees pre-financing of seven percent of the total funds for each beneficiary. The Republic of Serbia has been paid a part of the advance payment of €51.66 million, which represents direct budget support. The remaining advance payment, amounting to €59 million, is intended for projects under the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF).

The Republic of Serbia has previously fulfilled all formal conditions for the approval of the first disbursement, including the ratification of two significant financial agreements with the European Union: the Facility Agreement and the Loan Agreement, under the Reform and Growth Instrument for the Western Balkans.

These agreements constitute a financial instrument that will make available to Serbia funds in the total amount of approximately €1.59 billion for the period 2024–2027.