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The legal framework for bilateral development cooperation is the Technical Cooperation Agreement between the Council of Ministers of Serbia and Montenegro and the Government of Japan. This Agreement regulates all forms of technical development cooperation between the two countries, while the strategic framework for development cooperation with the Republic of Serbia is defined in the Japan's Development Cooperation Charter of February 2015.

The priority areas of Japan's bilateral development assistance to the Republic of Serbia are:

1. Environmental Protection;

2. Healthcare, Social Protection and Education; and

3. Entrepreneurship and Support to Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises.

Some of the examples of assistance that Japan provides to the Republic of Serbia are:  non-project donations in the form of Japanese products, projects for the basic needs of the population (POPOS Projects), which include one-time assistance such as the reconstruction of school buildings and kindergartens, delivery of medical equipment and ambulances, garbage trucks and containers, tankers, special vehicles for transportation of persons with disabilities, etc., as well as the consulting assistance of Japanese experts since 2009 through the volunteers programme of the Government of Japan. Japan also provides concessional loans (yen loans), and the project "Installation of flue gas desulfurization systems at the Nikola Tesla Thermal Power Plant" was realized from the funds of one of the loans.

For more information, visit the following website: https://www.jica.go.jp/balkan/english/office/index.html

Since 2017, Denmark's development policy has been guided by the "World 2030" strategy, which focuses on four priority areas: security, peace, and protection; prevention of illegal migration; inclusive and sustainable growth; and freedom, democracy, and human rights. Denmark has concentrated its efforts on geographical areas such as Sub-Saharan Africa and the Horn of Africa, providing development assistance both bilaterally and through international organizations such as the United Nations, the European Union, and the World Bank.

Since 2017, with the completion of two major programs funded by Danish bilateral grants in southern Serbia and the adoption of a new Danish development aid strategy, the Republic of Serbia ceased to be a so-called "partner country" of Denmark. Since then, there has been no significant bilateral development aid from Denmark to Serbia, as the focus of Danish development assistance in Europe has shifted to Ukraine and Georgia, and in Asia to Afghanistan, Syria, Bangladesh, Yemen, and Myanmar. The largest recipients of Danish development aid in Africa are Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana, Mali, Burkina Faso, etc.

AGREEMENT ON DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION

The Agreement on Development Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Government of the Kingdom of Denmark was signed on July 23, 2010, with the aim of strengthening the institutional framework and cooperation. According to the Agreement, Denmark provided financial assistance, technical support, and training opportunities, including scholarships for studies in Denmark or other countries. Although it is still formally in force, all activities under this Agreement were practically concluded in 2018, when significant programs were completed.

KEY PROGRAMS 

LEDIB Program (2007–2012): This program, financed by the Danish Neighborhood Program, aimed at improving the living conditions of the population in the Nišavski district through the development of small and medium-sized enterprises. The program's value was 10 million euros, and as part of the program, a revolving credit line was implemented through intermediary banks from 2008 to 2018, which was used by small and medium-sized enterprises in the Nišavski district operating in the textile industry, construction, and agribusiness sectors. 
Support for the Fruit and Berry Sector in Southern Serbia (2010–2016): The total value of this program was close to 15 million euros, with Denmark's grant assistance amounting to about 5.5 million euros. The program focused on improving the production of high-quality berries, such as raspberries, cherries, and blueberries, with support for farmers from the Jablanica, Pčinja, and other districts. 

OTHER PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS

Twinning projects, funded by the EU, also played a significant role in the cooperation between Serbia and Denmark. Projects such as "Managing Low Waste in the Food Industry" (2017) and "Legislative and Regulatory Changes in the Field of Intellectual Property Protection" (2019–2021) focused on improving legislation and institutions in Serbia according to EU standards.

The defense and security cooperation between Serbia and Denmark was established in 2004 with the signing of a "Letter of Intent" and formalized with a cooperation program in 2006. The main goals of the cooperation were supporting reforms, capacity building, and regional collaboration, including several projects in key areas.

PRISMA Project: Denmark supported the "PRISMA" project aimed at managing excess military personnel in Serbia. This support included financing three advisory centers and training personnel. Denmark took a leading role within a Nordic initiative, with Sweden, Norway, and Finland also financially backing the project. Denmark further supported the initiative through the IOM-NTF project.

PELT Program: In December 2007, Denmark and Serbia signed a protocol under the PELT program to donate equipment for simultaneous translation and IT systems to support the English language training for Serbia’s defense reforms. The program was funded by Denmark and other Nordic countries and was conducted according to NATO standards.

Development of Serbian Air Force and Search and Rescue Service: Denmark cooperated with Serbia to create a regional Search and Rescue (SAR) structure, including a 24/7 emergency helicopter service in Serbia. Denmark also provided Serbia with equipment, such as a new radio system for air-to-ground communication and fuel tankers for the Air Force.

Search and Rescue in Ministry of Interior: Serbia's Ministry of Interior collaborated with Denmark’s Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) to improve disaster response capabilities, particularly regarding natural disasters. Denmark supported Serbia with equipment, funding flood protection seminars, and contributing 1.3 million EUR to the project, with 1 million EUR from the Danish government.

Military Logistics Training: In 2014, Denmark supported Serbia in hosting military logistics training sessions, including providing IT equipment and training for students from the Western Balkans, Sweden, and non-NATO countries. The LOGEX15 exercise took place in 2015.

Serbian Military Personnel Training: Denmark financed training programs for Serbian military personnel, enabling participation in courses outside Serbia, such as at the Baltic Defence College in Estonia and the Nordic Peace Force courses in Denmark.

Flood Support (2014): During the May 2014 floods, Denmark’s Ministry of Defence provided significant support. Denmark sent volunteers and equipment, including 12 vehicles and two pump modules, to assist in the flood relief efforts in Serbia.

Denmark’s Support to the Regional Refugee Housing Program (2013-2018): Denmark contributed 1.3 million EUR to the Regional Housing Program for refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, and Montenegro. The program aimed to provide permanent housing for around 73,500 refugees and IDPs.

Denmark’s contribution supported the building of 6,609 housing units in Serbia as part of a broader regional effort.
Support for the Migrant Crisis (2015-2016): In response to the migrant crisis, Denmark allocated around 268,000 EUR to support the Danish Refugee Council’s efforts to build Serbia’s capacity to manage migration. The funding aimed to improve local action plans and access to protection services. Additionally, Denmark supported "Save the Children" in Serbia with the same amount to aid mothers, babies, and create safe spaces for children.

Judicial Reform and Modernization Project (2008-2016): Denmark contributed around 333,000 EUR to the Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF) for Serbia’s judicial reform and modernization. This initiative, supported by Denmark and several other countries, aimed to enhance institutional capacity, improve resource management, and strengthen Serbia’s legal and institutional framework.

For more information, visit the website: https://serbien.um.dk/en/danish-cooperation
 

The Kingdom of Norway is a prominent bilateral donor to the Republic of Serbia, providing support through its Bilateral Cooperation Programme, small-scale grants via the Norwegian Embassy, and direct grants to civil society organizations. The Norwegian Embassy in Belgrade has managed the Bilateral Cooperation Programme since 2015, and in 2018, regional projects were introduced, which are now managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway.

The cooperation has been formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Ministry of European Integration of the Republic of Serbia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Norway on January 10, 2018. This MoU defines the framework for bilateral cooperation aimed at supporting Serbia's integration into the European Union through various projects aligned with the country's reform processes.

Norway’s development assistance to Serbia has supported projects in several key sectors, including:

•    Rule of law
•    Public administration reform
•    Economic and social development
•    Security and stability
•    EU integration

Since 2013, the total Norwegian aid allocated to Serbia has been significant, contributing to the successful implementation of numerous projects. From 2013 to 2015, the Bilateral Cooperation Programme, managed by the Ministry of European Integration, allocated funds to support sectors like governance, energy efficiency, and environmental protection. This period saw the completion of 6 projects with a total grant of EUR 2.63 million. The bilateral programme also provided assistance for flood recovery and migrant aid.

Norway's aid has been pivotal during crises, especially in the aftermath of the 2014 floods, the migration crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bilateral Cooperation Programme was utilized for the restoration of 24 public institutions in 12 municipalities across Serbia. The allocation of EUR 4 million supported various sectors, including flood recovery, migration assistance, and business recovery. Additionally, between 2015 and 2016, Norway provided EUR 3.2 million in humanitarian assistance, which included projects with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs, as well as support to the NGO solidarity network. Norway’s support during the COVID-19 crisis included the provision of medical equipment, response preparedness, humanitarian assistance, and civil society support, with a direct grant of approximately EUR 2.5 million.

Currently, Norwegian development aid focuses on regional cooperation, particularly through the Smart Balkans project, which contributes to strengthening participatory democracies and supporting EU integration across the Western Balkans. This initiative, financed by the Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through a grant exceeding EUR 17 million, aims to enhance the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in creating peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development. Regional projects, like those in partnership with UNOPS, continue to support EU integration and governance reforms in the Republic of Serbia and the entire region.

Despite the noticeable reduction in funding for the Western Balkans, due to a redirection of resources towards Gaza and Ukraine, Norway remains committed to its regional priorities. The reduced funding will not impact the thematic focus of Norway’s assistance, which continues to prioritize stability, governance, and economic development in the region. The ongoing support in Serbia remains substantial, with an emphasis on EU integration and strengthening regional cooperation through key projects and initiatives.

For more information, visit Royal Norwegian Embassy's official website.
 

The Kingdom of the Netherlands began its development assistance to the Republic of Serbia in 1999, supporting the processes of stabilization, peacebuilding, and reconstruction in the post-conflict period. Initially, the aid was directed at addressing urgent needs and supporting the stabilization of the country. However, over time, the focus of Dutch assistance expanded to include support for institutional reforms, economic improvement, strengthening the private sector, and regional cooperation. Through various forms of assistance, such as the Stability Fund and FMO, as well as programs like MATRA, PSO/PSOM, PSI, and G2G.nl, the Netherlands significantly contributed to Serbia’s European integration process, helping to modernize and strengthen key sectors of society.

One of the key areas of Dutch support was the defense and security sector, through projects that enabled the reform of the Serbian Armed Forces. The PRIZMA program, focusing on the retraining of military personnel, aimed to improve human resources in the defense sector and enabled many military personnel to transition into the civilian sector. Additionally, the PELT program provided military personnel with English language training, contributing to better integration into international peace missions and joint security operations. Through these programs, the Netherlands assisted Serbia in preparing for NATO and EU membership by modernizing and professionalizing the military sector.

Through various programs, the Netherlands also provided significant support in agriculture, ecology, employment, and the rule of law. Programs such as PSO/PSOM and MATRA helped integrate European standards into Serbian legislation, strengthen institutions, and promote sustainable development and environmental protection. Dutch experts worked alongside Serbian counterparts on projects that improved the efficiency of the agricultural sector, reduced unemployment, and protected natural resources, making Serbia more competitive in the EU market and other international markets.

As the years passed, Dutch development aid gradually decreased, transitioning from large funds to smaller investments in forms such as grants under the MATRA program. These smaller grants provided financial support for civil society development and the improvement of the judicial system, with a focus on promoting human rights and democracy. These changes in the type of aid reflect Serbia’s process of stabilization and progress, as the country gradually reduced its need for large funds and began recognizing its increased capacity for managing its own development.

One of the key projects supported by the Netherlands is the ORIO program, which focuses on building a wastewater collection and treatment system in Leskovac. The project began in 2012 with the goal of improving the city’s infrastructure and reducing the negative environmental impact. Although the development stages, such as preparing technical documentation, were successfully completed, the implementation faced significant delays due to the global COVID-19 pandemic and administrative obstacles. As a result, the project required additional efforts to secure financing, including a €10 million loan from the Council of Europe Development Bank, which allowed for the continuation of work and overcoming the barriers. It is expected that the project, with proper coordination and resolution of challenges, will be completed on schedule, improving living conditions in Leskovac.

For more information, visit the following website: https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/countries/serbia

Cooperation between the Republic of Serbia and the Kingdom of Sweden in the field of international development assistance was established by the Agreement between the Republic of Serbia and the Kingdom of Sweden on General Provisions and Conditions for Development Cooperation, signed in 2007. The Agreement regulates the roles and responsibilities of both the Serbian and Swedish parties regarding the use of funds, VAT exemption, customs duties, diplomatic status of staff, and other relevant issues.

Sweden has adopted a new strategy for supporting reforms in Serbia, the Western Balkans, and Turkey for the period 2021-2027. The total funding for this strategy is 560 MEUR, with 500 MEUR allocated for the Western Balkans and 60 MEUR for Turkey.

The overarching goal of Sweden’s development cooperation is to create conditions for improving the lives of people living in poverty and oppression. Development cooperation will be based on the principles of aid effectiveness, the 2030 Agenda, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, and the Paris Agreement.

The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) contributes to all four strategic objectives of the Swedish development strategy:

1.    Human rights, democracy, rule of law, and gender equality
2.    Peaceful and inclusive societies
3.    Environmentally and climate-resilient sustainable development, and sustainable use of natural resources
4.    Inclusive economic development

To date, Sweden has provided a total of 293 MEUR in grants. Sweden continues to support financing for programs and projects in Serbia, allocating approximately 13 MEUR annually. In 2016, projects worth about 26 MEUR were contracted, followed by 9.2 MEUR in 2017 and 2018. In 2022, Sweden provided bilateral support to Serbia amounting to SEK 110.5 million (around 10 MEUR), and in 2023, the total support increased to SEK 135 million.

In previous years, the largest amounts of Swedish grants were allocated to the following sectors:
1.    Environmental sector: SEK 22.5 million
2.    Civil society sector (Human rights + gender): SEK 53 million
3.    Public administration sector (good governance): SEK 56 million
4.    Home affairs sector: SEK 4 million

For more information, visit the following website: http://www.swedenabroad.com/sr-Latn RS/Embassies/Belgrad/

Development cooperation between the Republic of Serbia and the People's Republic of China is based on a strong partnership and long-standing support through grants and strategically significant projects. Cooperation between two countries is coordinated by the Ministry of European Integration in close cooperation with the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Belgrade and China International Development Cooperation Agency, which is responsible for coordination of development assistance. 

Through a series of Agreements on economic and technical cooperation signed between 2009 and 2024 (in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2024), China has funded numerous projects in healthcare, education, public safety, information technology, and humanitarian aid.

Thanks to Chinese grants, Serbia's medical infrastructure has been significantly improved through the procurement of state-of-the-art equipment, including X-ray machines, infant incubators, ultrasound devices, and liquid security systems. Special attention has been given to capacity building through professional training and seminars for civil servants, local government representatives, and entrepreneurs.

Key projects include the establishment of the National Data Center, the modernization of the 112 emergency call system, and the "Smart Education and Digital Schools" initiative. Another important initiative is the development of the "Serbian-Chinese Industrial Park 'Mihajlo Pupin' in Belgrade," which aims to foster industrial growth and technological advancement.

Chinese support has also been crucial in emergency situations, providing boats and GPS devices for flood protection, as well as medical equipment and expert assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information, check the following link: AMBASADA NARODNE REPUBLIKE KINE U REPUBLICI SRBIJI

In the period 2000-2012, Austria provided development assistance through key projects supporting the EU accession process, totaling approximately EUR 40 million. The Agreement between the Governments of Austria and Serbia on the General Terms for Development Cooperation was signed in February 2009. The Austrian Development Agency (ADA) represents the project department of Austrian Development Cooperation. ADA closed its office in Belgrade in 2012, with regional offices operating in Tirana (Albania) and Pristina (Kosovo*).

Until 2012, Austrian assistance supported national policies for regional development, including education, environmental protection, agriculture, health, entrepreneurship development, social welfare, and governance capacity strengthening at the local level. It also provided support to civil society organizations. Official bilateral cooperation in development assistance from Austria to the Republic of Serbia ceased in mid-2012. After this period, Austrian institutions continued to engage in projects funded by EU funds, international organizations, and financial institutions (IFIs).

Austrian development cooperation contributed to the "Socio-economic Development of the Danube Region in Serbia" (SEDDSR) program, which concluded with the completion of the Golubac Fortress reconstruction project, which was opened on 29 March 2019. Austria also provided assistance for flood recovery and prevention following the 2014 floods, implemented through the International Red Cross and the Serbian Red Cross. The "Rehabilitation of Flood Protection Infrastructure" (RFPI) program, concluded in June 2021, focused on reconstructing embankments in central Serbia in the municipalities of Paraćin, Svilajnac, and Valjevo, as well as reconstructing sewage networks in Obrenovac and Surčin, Belgrade, and completing the remediation of the Kupinac canal.

In the area of migration assistance, Austria provided field beds and protection gloves to the municipality of Irig in November 2015. Following the reactivation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, Austria donated additional equipment to reception centers in Serbia, including field beds, blankets, mattresses, and family tents, all according to International Red Cross standards.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Austrian Government, through ADA and the Austrian Red Cross, provided food and hygiene packages, as well as medical equipment, such as infrared thermometers, pulse meters, stethoscopes, masks, visors, and protective suits. Austria also contributed to the EU Vaccine Sharing Mechanism by offering bilateral assistance to Serbia.

Currently, the general priorities of Austrian development cooperation in Serbia are:

1.    Rule of law and judiciary,
2.    Governance and democratization,
3.    Green agenda and infrastructure,
4.    Economic development.

Ongoing programs include:

•    Facility supporting the strengthening of the Rule of Law in Serbia (ROLIS),
•    Project ACT NOW - combating marginalization of youth during COVID-19,
•    Dual Vet project Serbia,
•    Project supporting the implementation of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans (EU4Green Regional project).

Republic of Austria is one of the largest bilateral donors within the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) – IPA Regional Programme. Since its launch in 2009, Austria has been the third-largest bilateral donor to the WBIF, contributing EUR 22 million between 2009 and 2023.

For more information about Austrian Development Assistance, visit www.entwicklung.at/en
 

The Hellenic Plan for the Economic Reconstruction of the Balkans (HiPERB) is a five-year programme of Greek development assistance, within which the Government of the Hellenic Republic has allocated grants for six Balkan countries - the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Albania. The Agreement with the FR of Yugoslavia was signed on 25 July 2002, and it envisaged a non-refundable financial assistance for the reconstruction of economic, social and institutional system in the Republic of Serbia. The target sector of this assistance programme is the modernization of infrastructure, especially in the transport sector.

Two very important projects for Serbia, which are supported by the HiPERB Plan, are the construction of Corridor X (https://goo.gl/Zb12VH ) and SEELight (South-East European Lambda Network Facility for Research and Education -https://goo.gl/m3oGXo ).

You can find more information on the following link: http://www.mfa.gr/serbia/sr/the-embassy/

The Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme is a flagship initiative of the Government of India, established in 1964 to promote capacity-building and technical cooperation with partner countries. As a key bilateral assistance program, ITEC provides specialized training programs designed to enhance the professional skills of government officials and industry experts from developing nations, including Serbia. Training courses are conducted in nearly 50 prestigious institutions across India, covering over 300 programs annually in areas such as information and communication technology, banking and finance, climate change, renewable energy, trade and WTO regulations, entrepreneurship, English language proficiency, and governance. By offering these opportunities, India shares its developmental experience and expertise, fostering long-term partnerships with participating countries.

Serbia has been a partner of the ITEC Programme since 2008, benefiting from training opportunities tailored to national development priorities. The Government of India provides an updated catalog of available courses each year to Serbia’s Ministry of European Integration, which then distributes this information to relevant institutions. These training programs are particularly valuable for civil servants, technical professionals, and experts from both the public and private sectors, ensuring they gain knowledge applicable to their fields. By facilitating human resource development and technical expertise exchange, ITEC strengthens diplomatic and economic cooperation between India and Serbia, reinforcing mutual growth and collaboration in key sectors.

For more information, visit the following website: www.itecgoi.in

In Serbia, Poland’s development cooperation is implemented through small-scale development projects (formerly known as “Small Grants”), which are carried out by the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Belgrade, in collaboration with local partners (e.g., municipalities, hospitals, schools, NGOs, Catholic missions). The primary goal of these projects is to improve the living standards of local communities.

Under the Small Grants System, Polish diplomatic missions undertake small initiatives that have a positive impact on the everyday lives of local communities.

Between 2007 and 2023, the Polish development cooperation funds provided financial support amounting to EUR 1,143,124.17 for projects implemented in the Republic of Serbia.

For more information, visit the following website: www.gov.pl

The current cooperation is being conducted in accordance with the Agreement on Development Assistance between the Council of Ministers of Serbia and Montenegro and the Government of the Republic of Slovenia, which was signed on 9 July 2003.

The technical assistance activities are focused on supporting the institutions of the Republic of Serbia in the process of European integration, including support in harmonizing regulations, harmonizing procedures with regard to the operation of our institutions with EU standards, improving the quality of services, improving the organizational structures through transfer of experiences of Slovenian institutions and organizations. The amount of funds allocated for development assistance is determined on annual basis in the Development Plan of the Republic of Slovenia.

For more information, visit the following website:  www.belgrade.embassy.si

During the official visit of the President of Turkey on October 26, 2009, the Agreement on Technical and Financial Cooperation was signed between the Governments of the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Turkey, marking the start of operations of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) in Serbia. The total estimated amount of development aid from Turkey for implementation in Serbia ranges between EUR 40 and 50 million.

The priority sectors supported by Turkey through its development cooperation program include:

•    Cultural and historical heritage,
•    Education,
•    Healthcare,
•    Agriculture,
•    Tourism.

In terms of emergency aid and post-disaster recovery, Turkey provided humanitarian support to seven Serbian municipalities following the floods in May 2014. In response to the March 2016 floods in Novi Pazar, Turkey provided funds for public health services, including disinfection, water pumping stations, and dehumidifying equipment. Additionally, riverbed remediation work was completed in Tutin, and basic food packages were distributed to vulnerable families.

In the fight against COVID-19, Turkey provided medical equipment and facilitated the production of protective masks, which were distributed free of charge in Preševo.

Between 2020 and 2023, Turkey's largest development assistance was directed toward projects in cultural and historical heritage protection, healthcare, education, environmental protection, media, sports, agriculture, and the development of the judiciary and legal systems.

In 2024, Turkey’s largest contributions were directed toward projects in education and healthcare. Donations included CMC machines for the Technical Agricultural School in Sjenica, sports equipment for Mihajlo Pupin Primary School in Zemun, and equipment for schools for children with special needs in Zrenjanin and Zaječar. In the healthcare sector, Turkey donated sterilization devices and other equipment to KBC Bežanijska Kosa, incubators for premature babies to the city of Kikinda, and an ambulance vehicle to the health centers in Bosilegrad and Bujanovac.

For more information about Turkey's assistance, visit www.tika.gov.tr/en
 

Bilateral development cooperation between the Federal Republic of Germany and the Republic of Serbia has been ongoing since 2000. Development assistance in the amount of over EUR 2 billion, allocated from the funds of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the funds of the Ministry of Environmental Protection, the Stability Pact and others, has been approved to the Republic of Serbia in the form of grants and soft loans. Financial support projects are implemented by the German Development Bank (KfW), while technical assistance projects are implemented by the German Technical Cooperation Agency (GIZ).

Funds from German development assistance in the Republic of Serbia have been directed towards the implementation of projects and programmes in three priority areas:

• Public infrastructure (energy and water): electricity and heat supply, water supply, sewerage infrastructure (waste water management);
• Sustainable economic development and employment: improving legal frameworks in the field of finance and economy, development of the financial sector, support to small and medium-sized enterprises, support to secondary vocational education and training reforms; and
• Democracy, public administration, civil society: support to the development of decentralized administration that is efficient and result-oriented, especially in the area of improving transparency, the rule of law, the judiciary system and balancing the powers of various parts of the public administration, as well as providing help in preparing for the accession negotiations and supporting the EU accession process over the past several years. 

By the amount of funds granted and the significance of the results achieved, the Federal Republic of Germany is undoubtedly the most important bilateral development partner of the Republic of Serbia.
In addition to projects implemented at the national level, the Federal Republic of Germany provides both financial and technical assistance to regional projects and programmes.

Regional financial cooperation is realized through the following instruments of cooperation:

1. Regional Instrument for Support to Renewable Energy Sources and Energy Efficiency;
2. European Fund for South-East Europe and
3. Green for Growth Fund, Southeast Europe
Regional technical cooperation is realized through three regional programmes:
1. Open Regional Fund for South-East Europe;
2. Regional Programme for the establishment of the Danube Competence Centre, for strengthening the Danube Region and the Lower Danube Region; and
3. Cross-Border Cooperation in the field of social inclusion of persons who are victims of human trafficking.

For more information, visit the following websites: https://belgrad.diplo.de/rs-sr & www.germancooperation.rs

The legal foundation for development cooperation between the Republic of Serbia and the United States of America is established through two agreements signed on September 23, 2010, in Belgrade. 

These agreements are:

1.    Assistance Agreement for Government Operations Improved and

2.    Assistance Agreement for a More Competitive Market Economy

Each agreement encompasses several projects in their respective areas, implemented over the years. New commitments from the U.S. Government are executed through amendments to these base agreements. Each amendment, typically signed annually, includes new projects financed by the U.S. Government or additional funds for ongoing projects. Since the original agreements in 2010, there have been 20 amendments to each agreement.

From 2010 to today, a total of 105,398,773 USD has been provided within the Agreement for a more competitive market economy, and 127,634,051 USD within the Agreement for Government operations improved, or a total of 233,032,824 USD.

USAID's development cooperation strategy with the Republic of Serbia for the period 2020-2025 aims to strengthen partnerships with the Serbian Government, private sector, and civil society to enhance democratic governance, accelerate inclusive economic development, and mobilize public and private resources to achieve Serbia's comprehensive development goals.

The cooperation focuses on two main development goals until 2025:

1.    Increased Resiliency of Democratic Actors: USAID will enhance the responsiveness of state institutions, improve citizen communication with these institutions, and bolster the ability to respond to external influences and

2.    Increased Equitable Prosperity: USAID will support the development of small and medium-sized enterprises and assist vulnerable communities to achieve greater economic and social equality.

A new cooperation strategy for 2026-2031 is currently being developed.

USAID is actively involved in various projects in Serbia, focusing on public procurement, judiciary, political processes, electoral integrity, civil society, media, economic development, environmental protection, social inclusion, education and training, youth leadership, and law enforcement. These projects demonstrate USAID's commitment to supporting Serbia's development across multiple sectors, fostering a more democratic, inclusive, and prosperous society.

The strategic framework for providing development assistance by the Slovak Republic is outlined in The Development Aid Strategy for the period 2025-2030, which was adopted by the Government in mid-January 2025. The legal basis for development cooperation is the Agreement on Development Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Government of the Slovak Republic, signed on 3 December 2007.

The Strategy places the entire Western Balkans region under the category of partner regions, highlighting that the successful integration of the region into the EU is one of Slovakia's foreign policy priorities. The Slovak Republic, through development instruments, will focus on promoting dialogue on reconciliation, supporting the most vulnerable groups, and exchanging expertise in areas that assist countries in their EU accession negotiations.

The development landscape in Slovakia, as well as globally, necessitated the formalization of development aid. Consequently, in 2007, amendments to the Official Development Aid Law were made, leading to the establishment of the Slovak Agency for International Development Cooperation (SAMRS) and the recognition of “Slovak Aid” as part of Slovakia’s foreign policy.

From 2007 to 2022, Slovakia, through “Slovak Aid,” provided financial support to Serbia amounting to EUR 39.708 million. This support was provided through Grant Agreements, Small Grants (up to €10,000), and the Sharing Slovak Expertise (SSE) program. Humanitarian aid is also an integral part of Slovakia's foreign policy. Additionally, Slovakia grants state scholarships to foreign students, with annual grants ranging from 600,000 to 900,000 euros for students from Serbia.

Looking ahead, Slovakia’s development aid will increasingly focus on sharing experiences and mobilizing private finance for development cooperation. Bilateral cooperation will continue through business partnerships supported by SAMRS, micro-grants administered through Slovak embassies in recipient countries, and donations to engage volunteers. Slovakia will also continue to participate in EU-delegated cooperation projects, such as the Internal Market Facility, which aims to integrate Serbia’s market environment into the EU’s internal market.

Sector priorities for the next period:

1.    Good governance
2.    Civil society development
3.    Creation of a market environment

For more information, visit the following website: http://www.mzv.sk/belehrad
 

As part of the development cooperation between the Republic of Serbia and the United Kingdom, representatives of the British Embassy in the Republic of Serbia have an active role in the process of coordination of development assistance. 

Until 2022 development assistance was implemented through 2 main programmes: 

The Good Governance Fund (GGF), established in 2015, was a multi-year programme, with total value of £180 million. In Serbia, a proportion of this fund was available to support reform in the following areas: rule of law (including the judiciary, anti-corruption efforts, human and minority rights etc.); public administration reform; economic reforms and improvement of business environment; and strengthening freedom of expression. Annual allocation of the GGF for Serbia was around £4.5 million.  

Conflict, Stability and Security programme in the Western Balkans region has been divided into four programme strands. Apart from the Good Governance programme, the CSSF has three programme strands in Serbia:  

1. Media, Cyber & Defence which covers the region’s Euro-Atlantic perspective, media and UK engagement; 
2. Serious and Organised Crime which covers support to enhancing law enforcement capacity and capabilities;  
3. Regional Stability which covers the ongoing legacies of the wars of the 1990’s and vulnerabilities within the region. This strand includes support for digital skills and education in the 21st Century, promoting reconciliation through work on war crimes and missing persons and improving democratic and governance. 

From April 2022, two new programmes have been established: the Freedom and Resilience Programme (FRP) and the International Security Programme (ISP). The expected implementation time for these programmes is 1 April 2022 – 31 March 2025.

The Freedom and Resilience Programme (FRP) began operations in December 2022. It focuses on three main objectives:

• Conflict resolution, peacebuilding and transitional justice;
• Empowering women and girls and addressing gender-based violence and preventing sexual violence in conflict zones;
• Transparent and accountable governance and supporting open, inclusive societies.

Under this programme, the annual allocation for 2022/2023 for Serbia was around £1 million. Some of the projects implemented during this period focus on supporting the following themes:  constructive participation of citizens and civil society organisations in decision-making and implementation on local policy, energy transition, environment, youth, transparency and accountability of public funding through open data, safety of women and girls in public places.

The International Security Programme is a regional programme for the Western Balkans. It aims to support the stability and resilience of the region, by funding projects that strengthen resilience in areas such as: cybersecurity, support for institutional reform, fostering a diverse media ecosystem, in line with international standards and rules, to better serve citizens.

Some of the areas of support for which funds have been provided are: support for the judiciary, combating cyber threats, combating human trafficking, respecting fundamental rights and promoting democracy, supporting media freedoms, local development, education projects, etc..  

For more information, check the following link: https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-belgrade.sr

The Government of the Swiss Confederation is present in Serbia through the Swiss Development Cooperation Programme. The Swiss cooperation programme with Serbia has been developed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), in close collaboration with the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), as well as with government offices, civil society, and the private sector in Serbia. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is part of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and is in charge of development assistance related to supporting capacity-building projects, technical assistance, and so-called “soft” projects in the fields of democratic governance, economic development, employment, and environmental protection. The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) of the Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs and its Department for Economic Cooperation and Development oversee the planning and implementation of development projects in macroeconomics, trade, private sector development, and infrastructure.

The Swiss Embassy in Belgrade is responsible for managing and monitoring the results of the Swiss cooperation programme with Serbia. Since August 2020, the Head of Cooperation at the Swiss Embassy has been Mr. Richard Kohli, and since August 2024, Ms. Katrin Ochsenbein has held the position of Deputy Head of Cooperation. New Ambassador of Switzerland to Serbia and Montenegro is Mrs. Anne Lugon-Moulin accredited in early September 2024.

The Swiss cooperation programme with Serbia for the 2022–2025 period represents a continuation of long-term support for the reform processes in the Republic of Serbia. Switzerland has been present in Serbia since 1991, initially through humanitarian aid and later through comprehensive support to the Republic of Serbia. Today, it is one of the four largest donors with financial support exceeding EUR 400 million, reflecting its commitment to this bilateral partnership.

The cooperation programme for the 2022–2025 period focuses on the following areas: democratic governance and civil society, economic development and employment, and climate change and sustainable urban development. During this period, Switzerland allocated EUR 95 million, which is 10% more compared to the previous strategic period. Swiss-Serbian cooperation is based on mutual trust, unity, and active participation of all relevant partners.

Three Areas of Support for 2022–2025:

In the field of democratic governance and civil society, support totalling EUR 29 million is allocated for topics of good governance at the local level, democratic participation and civil society, social inclusion, and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The goal is to support citizens and civil society in actively participating in inclusive democratic processes alongside accountable and efficient institutions. Support is directed toward systemic reforms of local self-governments, building their capacities, and applying principles of good governance to improve their performance and the overall quality of services provided to citizens and the business sector, with particular attention to marginalised social groups. Part of the support is focused on empowering civil society to participate in public decision-making processes, and ensuring greater connectivity with citizens, all aiming to create a sustainable and resilient civil society.

In the field of economic development and employment, support totalling EUR 44 million is aimed at improving the macroeconomic framework, business environment, and inclusive policies to overcome inequalities. During these four years, attention will be directed toward managing public finances, creating a favourable business environment, encouraging economic competitiveness, particularly in manufacturing enterprises, and quality employment, especially for young people, focusing on dual education.

In the field of climate change and sustainable urban development, support totalling EUR 21 million is intended to enhance resilience to climate change and decarbonisation in accordance with the goals of the “Green Agenda for the Western Balkans,” thereby supporting the development of society and the economy in Serbia. The main support themes include energy transition, decarbonisation, energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, adaptation to climate change, disaster risk reduction, sustainable urban development, and support for implementing the Green Agenda.

Horizontal fields of Swiss cooperation with Serbia

Switzerland remains active in additional areas that intersect with the main areas of support — environmental protection, good governance, gender equality, and social inclusion.

Since 2009, there has been a Migration Partnership between Switzerland (represented by the Swiss State Secretariat for Migration – SEM) and Serbia, aimed at jointly managing migration and utilising their economic and social potential. Support totalling EUR 2 million has been allocated for projects in the fields of migrant and refugee protection, prevention of irregular migration, combating human trafficking, and migration and development.

For more information, please visit the website:
Https://www.eda.admin.ch/countries/serbia/en/home/representations/embassy-in-belgrade/cooperation-office.html

Economic and political cooperation between Serbia and South Korea has been steadily strengthening, driven by shared interests in trade, investment, technology, and institutional development. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1989, the partnership has evolved into a strategic collaboration focused on economic modernization, digital transformation, and knowledge exchange. South Korea has supported Serbia through various development programs, and capacity-building initiatives, particularly in e-Government, smart cities, and public administration. Trade relations have also expanded, with increasing Korean investments in Serbia’s IT, automotive, and industrial sectors. Through bilateral agreements and collaborative projects, Serbia and Korea continue to deepen their cooperation, fostering sustainable growth and technological advancement.

Technical cooperation is realized through several key initiatives, most notably the Knowledge Sharing Programme (KSP). Funded by the Ministry of Economy and Finance of the Republic of Korea, KSP facilitates research, training, and consultations in areas such as economics, infrastructure, environmental protection, public administration, and finance. Annual in-kind donations, as another form of tehnical cooperation, which involves the provision of technical equipment, instruments, and other goods, are aligned with Serbia’s national priorities, while training programs for government employees contribute to administrative capacity building.

Cooperation in digitalization and smart cities is reflected in numerous projects, including the "Development of Smart Cities Based on Cloud Infrastructure" initiative, which began in 2021. Another major project, the "Integrated Smart City Centre for Novi Sad," is designed to integrate city services with advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, and 5G, enhancing urban efficiency and economic development. These projects demonstrate Korea’s commitment to supporting Serbia’s digital transformation through expertise and financial backing.

Beyond digitalization, South Korea has contributed to Serbia through scholarships, humanitarian aid, and in-kind donations. The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) allows Serbian students to pursue higher education in Korea, fostering academic and cultural exchange. During the migrant crisis, Korea provided $2.5 million in aid, along with emergency vehicles. Additionally, Korean institutions have donated medical equipment, IT infrastructure, and vehicles to Serbian public institutions, supporting healthcare, public administration, and environmental initiatives.

This extensive support underscores Korea’s role as a key partner in Serbia’s socio-economic development, reinforcing long-term bilateral relations.

Singapore has long recognized the importance of sharing its development experience with partner countries. Since the 1970s, it has implemented various cooperation programs, which were later unified under the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP) in 1992. Managed by the Technical Cooperation Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, SCP serves as a key platform for sharing Singapore’s expertise in fostering economic and social progress. The program includes training courses, seminars, workshops, study visits, and consultations, all designed to transfer Singapore’s technical expertise and knowledge to partner nations, reinforcing institutional cooperation and paving the way for future joint projects. Given that Singapore itself benefited from international technical assistance during its development, SCP represents a way for the country to give back by fostering global partnerships.

The Government of Singapore funds SCP, aiming to strengthen institutional capacities worldwide. The program covers a diverse range of fields, including education, environmental sustainability (climate change, conservation), transportation and infrastructure, economy and business, social issues (entrepreneurship, social cohesion, empowerment of people with disabilities), healthcare, cybersecurity, and sustainable development (renewable energy, smart cities, energy efficiency, and emissions reduction). Additionally, digital governance plays a key role in SCP’s knowledge-sharing initiatives. Importantly, these training programs are specifically designed for public sector officials, including heads of internal units within public administration institutions and senior civil servants, unless otherwise specified. Through SCP, Serbia has the opportunity to leverage Singapore’s expertise in key areas, further advancing institutional cooperation and supporting its strategic development goals.

The French Republic is a strategic partner of the Republic of Serbia, with programmes and projects of national importance, aimed at supporting Serbia’s EU accession process. Under the Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, the French government provides assistance to Serbian institutions in developing public policies, offering advisory services, and implementing training programs.

Between 2000 and 2013, France provided approximately EUR 42 million in humanitarian and development assistance to Serbia. In support of the European integration process, Memoranda of Understanding were signed between the Republic of France and the Republic of Serbia in the fields of agriculture (2012) and environmental protection (2013). France also contributed to flood recovery efforts by assisting the Obrenovac municipality with the construction of modular houses, as well as the reconstruction of telecommunications and sewage networks in Eastern Serbia. Additionally, boats were donated for the Ministry of the Interior’s use. In the area of migration, France provided assistance to the Principovac Reception Center. Further contributions have been made through the European Commission's Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid (DG ECHO).

France’s development cooperation is carried out in several sectors, including transport, energy, environmental protection, and through French companies' participation in EU twinning projects. The French Development Agency (AFD) is responsible for implementing France’s development assistance globally. AFD’s subsidiary, PROPARCO, specializes in financing and developing the private sector. Together, AFD and PROPARCO form the AFD Group. Since February 2018, AFD has been mandated by the French Government to operate in the Western Balkans. On February 25, 2019, the Agreement between the Governments of Serbia and France on the French Development Agency and PROPARCO was signed, enabling the establishment of the AFD Group in Serbia. The AFD office in Belgrade operates as a regional office for the Western Balkans.

In the environmental sector, France has supported the Waste-to-Energy Plant Construction and Financing Project in Vinča, which includes the rehabilitation of the existing landfill, the construction of a new storage center meeting European standards, and the construction of a waste incineration unit to produce electricity and heat. The project also involves utilizing waste and landfill gas for generating electricity and heat. Additionally, the Policy Loan Program – Climate Resilient Urban Environment between AFD and the Republic of Serbia was adopted. The "Cities and Climate Change" program was implemented alongside the public sector efficiency loan and development policy with green recovery (DPO) by the World Bank. The program officially concluded on March 31, 2023.

In the transport sector, a Cooperation Agreement was signed between Serbian Railways Infrastructure, AFD, and the French National Railways. The ongoing "Modernisation of the Railway Sector in Serbia" project (Phase 1) aims to improve the railway infrastructure. A key area of cooperation in recent years has been the development of Belgrade’s metro system, which is divided into two parts: (1) financing of the metro system (signaling, railway infrastructure, equipment, locomotives, and trainsets), and (2) construction works. French companies will supply metro trainsets and carry out the "electromechanical" works, while Chinese companies will be responsible for the construction works.

In the energy sector, as part of the Agreement between the Governments of Serbia and France on Cooperation in the Implementation of Priority Projects, funds for the automation of the medium-voltage electricity distribution network are being allocated.

Under the Green Development Loan Program, Serbia has credit arrangements with the World Bank, KfW, and the AFD Group. The disbursement of these funds is contingent on the fulfillment of specific macroeconomic reforms, as well as ongoing legislative and institutional reforms in the energy and environmental sectors.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the AFD Group signed loan agreements with Serbia in December 2021 under the Solid Waste Management Program. Initially, the program covered six regional waste management centers, but a seventh center was later included, bringing the total to seven: Kalenić, Sombor, Duboko, Nova Varoš, Pirot, Sremska Mitrovica, and Inđija.

France has also actively participated in twinning projects in Serbia in the areas of justice, agriculture, environmental protection, transport, finance, and employment.

On December 6, 2018, during the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) Steering Committee meeting in Luxembourg, AFD officially joined the initiative as an international financial institution and has since been operating within WBIF.

For more information, visit AFD website

The basis for the implementation of assistance

On September 7, 2021, the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom of Spain approved a line of grants for the financing of studies, consulting services or technical assistance in countries defined as priority countries. Total funds available for priority countries, including the Republic of Serbia, amount to 50 million euros for the period 2021-2023. The Ministry of European Integration, as the ministry in charge for coordination of bilateral and multilateral donor assistance, agreed on the text of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Republic of Serbia and the Kingdom of Spain for the financing of studies and technical assistance in the Republic of Serbia, which was signed in Belgrade on November 3, 2022 in the presence of the highest state officials. In this way, the legal basis was created for the realization of this country's support to Serbia, which aims at economic and social development and strengthening the capacities of the public sector of the Republic of Serbia. Public sector institutions (e.g. ministries, agencies, public enterprises) can be the primary beneficiaries of the grant, while the implementation will be entrusted to companies from Spain. The period of availability of funds was subsequently extended until the end of 2024.

Areas of support and approval process
Cooperation within this Memorandum includes primarily, but not exclusively, the following areas/sectors: environment, sustainability and climate change; water and waste; agribusiness; digitization, information and communication technologies, smart cities; energy; traffic and telecommunication infrastructure and modernization of institutions. The cooperation between the signatories established by this Memorandum can take place through the financing of: consulting services in the public sector; previous feasibility studies and/or feasibility studies, as well as project preparation; or any other studies, engineering services or technical assistance for which there is appropriate expertise on the Spanish side. The approved support would cover the total value of the amount of studies, consultancy services or technical assistance and would not create any financial obligation to Serbia. The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism of the Kingdom of Spain coordinates the process of approval and granting of grant support. The primary beneficiaries of this assistance, based on their needs, choose Spanish companies that have the appropriate experience and expertise in the required field. 

Immediately after the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, the Ministry of European Integration informed all relevant institutions about the possibility of using this kind of support. The consultation process with interested potential beneficiaries is ongoing as long as funds are available. From the moment the memorandum was signed until the end of 2024, 4 projects with a total value of 3.4 million euros were approved. Areas supported were: environment (two projects), renewable energy (one) and research, development and innovation (one). 

For more information please visit: https://www.icex.es/es/quienes-somos/donde-estamos/red-exterior-de-comercio/rs/inicio.html