The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has entered into a significant grant agreement with Serbia’s Ministry of Mining and Energy. Funded by the European Union (EU), this initiative aims to bolster the administration responsible for financing and promoting energy efficiency across Serbia.
The agreement is a pivotal part of the EU-funded project “Support for the Operation of the Administration for Financing and Promoting Energy Efficiency in Serbia” (EEA) and marks the initial phase of a broader technical cooperation effort. The primary goal is to enhance the EEA’s capacity to manage energy-efficiency funding from the Serbian government, particularly focusing on building renovations.
EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso and Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanovićsigned the agreement, with Elvira Angulo Rodrigues, Head of Operations I of the European Union to Serbia, witnessing the ceremony.
“I am very glad that we have signed this grant, which aims to support the decarbonisation of Serbia’s economy by enhancing institutional capacity for investments in energy efficiency and promoting the efficient use of energy. Augmenting this efficiency is not only pivotal to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lowering energy costs but also plays a crucial role in boosting the quality of public infrastructure and services. This project and its implementation show Serbia’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship, contributing to economic resilience and long-term prosperity. Strengthening the capacity of the EEA will enable easier access to EU funds, as well as the development, implementation and promotion of support schemes for large-scale energy-efficiency investments, with a particular focus on the renovation of buildings,” said Renaud-Basso.
Minister Đedović Handanović highlighted the impact of the EU’s €2.35 million donation, stating, “A donation of 2.35 million euros from the EU will increase the capacities of the Directorate for Financing and Encouraging Energy Efficiency, which implements Subsidy Grant Programs for energy rehabilitation of public buildings in the Republic of Serbia and also plays an important role in supporting citizens to increase energy efficiency in their households. With the support of the administration, subsidies were granted to more than 30 thousand households, 165 buildings of public importance were rehabilitated, and just last year we subsidized the rehabilitation of 21 schools, kindergartens, and cultural centers in the same number of cities and municipalities. This year, we expect a double number of applications for public facilities, since the budget of the Republic of Serbia has provided twice as many funds for these purposes.”
Elvira Angulo Rodrigues noted the broader implications of the agreement, “The agreement signed today will improve human and technical capacities of the Energy Efficiency Administration for much wider and faster coverage of the energy efficiency needs in Serbia. By prioritising energy efficiency, we not only reduce energy consumption but also bolster the resilience of our energy systems and pave the way for a seamless transition to renewable energy sources. The partnership between the European Union and Serbia in the energy sector exemplifies our shared commitment to a future that is both prosperous and sustainable.”
The EBRD remains a leading institutional investor in Serbia, with over €9 billion invested through 355 projects, primarily supporting the private sector. The Bank’s focus in Serbia includes promoting private-sector competitiveness, green energy transition, and sustainable infrastructure development.
