The Republic of Serbia and the European Union have signed a Financing Agreement under the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA III), worth EUR 219.9 million for the 2025–2027 period, of which EUR 139.4 million is provided as an EU grant funding. The Republic of Serbia will contribute an additional EUR 80.5 million to support the implementation of key projects, demonstrating its commitment to jointly implementing reforms with the European Union that deliver tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.
On behalf of the Republic of Serbia, the Agreement was signed by Mira Radenović Bojić, State Secretary at the Ministry of European Integration and National IPA Coordinator, while the signatory on behalf of the European Commission was Valentina Superti, Director for the Western Balkans at the Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood.
“This Agreement is not merely a financial framework, but a joint message from Serbia and the European Union that we are committed to providing citizens with a safer, fairer, and more prosperous future,” said Mira Radenović Bojić, State Secretary and National IPA Coordinator. She particularly emphasized that this support enables us to continue reforms that strengthen institutions, improve public services, and deliver progress across all parts of the country. “This is an investment in a progressing Serbia, one that relies on knowledge and innovation, and where citizens can experience tangible results of our joint efforts,” Radenović Bojić added.
Andreas von Beckerath, Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia, commented on the occasion: “The European Union wants Serbia to join our community as a fully democratic country, and EU pre-accession support is designed to help Serbia strengthen its democratic institutions, advance key reforms, and prepare to fully seize all the opportunities that membership in the Union brings. We want a strong Serbia in our European family, and we will continue to stand by it every step of the accession process. ”
The Agreement provides support in key areas such as the rule of law, good governance, and economic development. Among other measures, the Agreement includes strengthening system that support victims and witnesses, continuing the fight against corruption, combating various forms of crime—including environmental crime—as well as protecting fundamental human rights and providing legal aid to internally displaced persons. The Agreement also ensures continued support for the European integration process and further alignment with EU regulations. Special attention is given to creating a supportive environment for the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, local development, and the promotion of science and innovation in the local context.
This Agreement clearly underscores the importance of European Union support for Serbia, as it enables further development and progress through investments in innovation, digital transformation, as well as the improvement of public services and local infrastructure. At the same time, it contributes to better protection of vulnerable groups and farmers through gradual alignment with European standards and the improvement of the quality of institutional services.
