Highlights
- EBRD reinforces its commitment to environmental sustainability in Serbia with a loan supporting transformative waste management infrastructure across the country
- Investment seeks to reduce pollution, improve health and living conditions of Serbian communities, and create new economic opportunities
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has signed a 75 million loan agreement with Serbia for the third phase of the country's solid waste management programme. This forms part of a wider 300 million investment cofinanced by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD).
The project includes the construction or expansion of seven regional waste management centres and the establishment of a multi-regional sorting system and aims to reduce negative impacts related to waste production and management. It will also support the infrastructure for waste collection and the treatment and recovery of biodegradable waste, as well as increasing recycling rates, helping Serbia to transition to a circular economy and align with European Union (EU) environmental standards. The new waste management system will cover 47 municipalities across Serbia and service more than 1.56 million people. Work is already well under way in several regions.
The financing agreements for the third phase of the project were signed by Siniša Mali, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Charlotte Ruhe, the EBRD's Managing Director for Central and South-Eastern Europe, and Rémy Rioux, the CEO of AFD, in the presence of Irena Vujović, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environmental Protection.
In addition to financing, the EBRD is also providing targeted donor-funded technical assistance to the Ministry of Environmental Protection to build capacity and ensure the successful implementation of the programme.
Charlotte Ruhe said: "Our dedication to improving Serbia's environmental infrastructure remains strong, and we are glad to be partnering with the Serbian authorities and AFD on this vital initiative. Modernising waste management systems and boosting recycling rates are essential steps towards reducing pollution, fostering circular economy opportunities and aligning Serbia more closely with EU standards. Through this programme, we are addressing pressing environmental challenges by combining financing and expertise to ensure that the solutions we are building today will have a sustainable and lasting impact."
Rémy Rioux emphasised the importance of this partnership, saying: "This programme reflects AFD's dedication to supporting Serbia's transition towards sustainable waste management and compliance with EU environmental standards. By working with the EBRD and the Serbian authorities, we are addressing a critical environmental challenge while contributing to a healthier and more resilient future for the Serbian people."
Siniša Mali said: "We sincerely thank the EBRD and AFD for their continued support in improving waste management systems in Serbia. This initiative represents a significant step towards meeting European environmental standards and enhancing the quality of life for our citizens, a goal we are all collectively committed to through the National Solid Waste Management Programme."
Irena Vujović emphasised the significance of this partnership, describing it as a pivotal step in Serbia's efforts to modernise waste management, align itself with European standards and enhance its citizens' quality of life.
The EBRD is a leading institutional investor in Serbia and has now invested more than 9.5 billion in the country through 367 projects, the majority of which have supported the private sector. The Bank's focus in Serbia is on supporting private-sector competitiveness, the transition to green energy and sustainable infrastructure.
By Jelena Pajic
