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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Serbia receives first funds under Growth Plan for the Western Balkans

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 Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.

Mali emphasised that the transfer of part of the advance payment to the Republic of Serbia in the aforementioned amount, which represents direct budget support, confirms the 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 Growth Plan for the Western Balkans at the end of 2023, with the aim of strengthening the process of the 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 Growth Plan for the Western Balkans envisages pre-financing of 7% of the total funds for each beneficiary. The Republic of Serbia has received 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 previously met 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 Facility 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.