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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Support of EU in solving water supply problems

Belgrade, 12 July 2019

Prime Minister Ana Brnabic attended today the signing of the Agreement for Financing the Implementation of Projects for Reconstruction and Improvement of the Water Supply Systems of the Public Investment Management Office of the Government of Serbia and the European Investment Bank (EIB).

The agreement was signed by Head of the EIB for Serbia Anna Solecki and Director of the Public Investment Management Office Marko Blagojevic.

After the signing of the document, Brnabic pointed out that the project of renewal and improvement of the water supply systems was an imperative need of the citizens of Serbia, and stressed that water supply is a huge problem in almost all local self-governments because the network suffers great losses.

The Prime Minister explained that the total funds for this purpose will reach €50 million, of which €10 million will be a grant and €40 million a grant from the EIB, which the parliament ratified in May.

This project is important because of the quality of life of citizens, since part of the water supply system contains asbestos pipes that were built in the 1960s, Brnabic said and added that the improvement of this system will lead to a better model of operation of public utility companies.

She pointed out that Italy and Poland are the largest single donors, and that today's agreement is another example of why it is important to become a member of the EU, for the sake of networking and assistance.

Blagojevic expressed his gratitude to the EU on the donation to finance the projects that are of exceptional importance for Serbia, and emphasized that the amount of donation speaks about the trust that Union members have in Serbia.

He explained that priority projects will be funded with a total of €50 million throughout Serbia, while out of 60 local governments, the projects will be funded in the first 25 local governments that prepare the necessary documentation.

Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia Sem Fabrizi said that the quality of water and supply is crucial for citizens and an important element of Serbia on its path to the EU and for achieving a set of environmentally-oriented standards.

He said that with this donation, the European Union sends a signal to Serbia that with the support it will achieve the result set.

Director of the EIB Office for the Western Balkans Dubravka Negre pointed out that recent weather in Serbia and Belgrade reminded everyone of the importance of having a sustainable and resistant system and adequately developed water and sewerage network.

Italian Ambassador to Serbia Carlo Lo Cascio said that the EU's financial support to Serbia is significant and that local authorities have an essential role in improving the quality of life of citizens.