The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the EU have committed €96 million to significantly modernize Serbia's electricity distribution network and enhance waterborne transport. This investment aligns with Serbia's goals of promoting energy efficiency and sustainable transport, thus fostering regional economic growth.
Key Highlights of the Investment
1. Modernization of Electricity Distribution Network: During his inaugural visit to Serbia, EIB Vice-President Robert de Groot signed an €80 million loan agreement with Elektrodistribucija Srbije d.o.o (EDS). This investment aims to replace obsolete electromechanical meters with approximately 400,000 smart meters. This upgrade is part of a comprehensive electricity grid modernization program intended to:
- Reduce electricity losses
- Improve collection rates
- Facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources
The signing ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Serbia's Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović, EDS Business Systems Director Vjekoslav Bobar, and State Secretary for the Ministry of Finance Ana Tripović.
2. Enhancing Waterborne Transport: The EIB also signed a €16 million EU grant under the Western Balkans Investment Framework. This grant is designated for the removal of sunken vessels from the Danube River between Serbia and Romania, enhancing navigation conditions. This initiative will:
- Ensure safer, more efficient, and reliable river navigation
- Address bottlenecks to accommodate increased cargo volumes
- Promote a shift from road to waterway transport, supporting one of the cleanest transport modes
The grant agreement was signed by Vice-President de Groot, Serbian Minister of European Integration Tanja Miščević, and Minister of Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure Goran Vesić, with Emanuele Giaufret, head of the EU Delegation to Serbia, in attendance.
Strategic Impact and Economic Growth
The EIB’s funding will significantly support Serbia in promoting energy efficiency through the rollout of advanced electricity meters, optimised tariff methods, and ensuring a reliable electricity supply. This project is co-financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and contributions from the EU budget under the Western Balkans Energy Support Package, adopted in 2022 to boost regional energy security.
The waterborne transport project supplements an existing EIB loan and technical assistance financed under the EIB’s Economic Resilience Initiative and the Western Balkans Investment Framework. These investments are part of a broader initiative to enhance the capacity, efficiency, and safety of inland waterways along the Danube and Sava Rivers.
Commitment to Sustainable Development
“Today’s signatures are a testimony to the EIB’s commitment to enhancing sustainable connectivity in Serbia, in line with the EIB’s role as the EU climate bank and the country’s green transition goals. The investments will benefit people in Serbia by providing more reliable and efficient transport and energy infrastructure and will also support the country’s and the region’s economic growth,” said EIB Vice-President Robert de Groot.
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By modernizing its infrastructure with support from the EU and EIB, Serbia is positioning itself as a robust hub for industrial growth and sustainable development.
