Serbia and the European Union have signed the Financing Agreement for the Multiannual Operational Programme on the Environment and Energy sectors, worth EUR 325.2 million, of which EUR 240 million consists of non-repayable grants from the EU’s IPA funds.
The Multi-Annual Operational Programme on Environment and Energy will be managed by the Republic of Serbia institutions in indirect management, mirroring the way that EU Member States are implementing EU programmes under the cohesion and regional development funds. This is another way to support Serbia’s EU accession.
On this occasion, the National IPA Coordinator for Serbia and State Secretary at the Ministry of European Integration, Mira Radenović Bojić, stated that the Agreement enabled significant financial support for improving environmental protection and further development of the energy sector.
“In this way, we have secured support for sustainable waste management, the improvement of wastewater treatment infrastructure, and the promotion of energy efficiency measures in public buildings and households,” emphasised Radenović Bojić. She added that the Programme would also support the development of capacities for the transition to renewable energy sources and the improvement of public water supply and sewage systems.
The Programme also includes air quality protection measures aimed at reducing harmful emissions and improving public health. “In addition to infrastructure reconstruction or construction, the Programme will support the development of strategic documents and plans for alignment with EU standards. We will invest in strengthening the capacities of local and national institutions, as well as in the development of technical documentation. Finally, the Programme will enable better cooperation with relevant national and international stakeholders, including civil society organisations and the private sector, to ensure integrated implementation and improvement of sustainable development policies,” stated Mira Radenović Bojić.
Andreas von Beckerath, Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia, stated: “This Agreement is yet another example of the European Union’s strong and enduring commitment to supporting Serbia on its EU path. Environmental protection and sustainable energy are not only central to the European Green Deal, but they are also essential for improving the quality of life for all citizens. With this substantial investment, and in synergy with the new Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, we aim to accelerate Serbia’s alignment with EU standards and help deliver tangible benefits for citizens and the environment. Our shared future depends on this green and just transition, and we look forward to walking that path together.”
The Managing Authority for the Programme is the Ministry of Mining and Energy. The Intermediate Bodies responsible for policies within their remit are: the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management. The functions of the Intermediate Body for financial management are carried out by the Ministry of Finance – Department for Contracting and Financing of European Union Funded Programmes.
The Programme covers the programming years 2024–2027 and will be implemented from 2025 to 2032, with a co-financing rate of 26.2 per cent.
