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The Government of the Republic of Serbia

In the service of citizens

Solid waste loan agreements worth €150m signed

Belgrade, 17 December 2024

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Siniša Mali signed today two loan agreements related to the third phase of the Serbian Solid Waste Programme project, worth €75 million each, or a total of €150 million.

The agreements, which cover solid waste management in 47 local governments, were signed by Mali, Chief Executive Officer of the French Development Agency (AFD) Rémy Rioux, Ambassador of France to Serbia Pierre Cochard and Managing Director for Central and South Eastern Europe of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Charlotte Ruhe.

The signing at the Palace of Serbia was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environmental Protection Irena Vujović.

Mali explained that the agreements signed with the AFD and the EBRD relate to the financing of six large solid waste landfills throughout Serbia, some of which are already under construction.

Vujović said that the government is strongly committed to green infrastructure projects, and pointed out that it is extremely important that we have the support of countries that are at the forefront when it comes to solid waste management.

She expressed her gratitude to the AFD and the EBRD for accompanying us through each of these projects, which are not easy at all, and explained that each regional centre will be built according to all European and global standards.

Cochard said that the financing agreements signed today demonstrate the joint commitment to modernising the solid waste management system and building infrastructure for that purpose.

By following this initiative, which will respect all European Union standards, we remain committed to supporting Serbia on its path towards the EU, and these agreements are proof of that. France is on your side to build a better, greener and more prosperous future for Serbia, he concluded.

Ruhe stressed that the importance of such a project is exceptional. It includes 47 municipalities that will provide modernised waste management services to more than a million and a half people across Serbia, which is one of the key steps to reduce pollution and further align Serbia with EU environmental standards.