The EBRD is providing Serbia €75 million to help push the third phase of its National Solid Waste Programme. Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and partners are co-financing this programme as part of a broader €300 million investment.
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Transforming Waste Management Across Serbia
The project will enable the construction or expansion of seven regional waste management centers and establish a multi-regional sorting system. The program targets reducing waste-related environmental impacts while improving waste collection, biodegradable waste treatment, and boosting recycling infrastructure. These efforts will assist Serbia in transitioning to a circular economy and aligning with European Union (EU) environmental standards.
Once complete, the modernised waste management system will cover 47 municipalities and serve over 1.56 million people. Progress on the initiative is already well underway in multiple regions across the country.
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Siniša Mali, the Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia, as the Minister of Finance; Charlotte Ruhe, managing director for Central and South-Eastern Europe; and CEO of AFD, Rémy Rioux signed a financing agreement. The ceremony was also taken up by the presence of Serbia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Environmental Protection-Irena Vujović.
Beyond financing, the EBRD will provide donor-funded technical assistance to the Ministry of Environmental Protection, helping build institutional capacity and ensure the programme’s effective implementation.
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.
She added, “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.”
Irena Vujović also emphasized the importance of the program, such as modernizing waste collection and improving the quality of life of Serbia’s inhabitants.