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In line with Serbia’s efforts to meet European Union (EU) environmental standards, the French Development Agency (AFD) signed a €75 million loan agreement for the third phase of the national solid waste management program (NSWMP). Co-financed with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), this initiative will modernize waste management infrastructure across the country, improving environmental sustainability and the living conditions of Serbian citizens.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Siniša Mali, and AFD’s CEO Rémy Rioux signed this agreement in Belgrade in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Environmental protection Irena Vujović and the Ambassador of France to Serbia Pierre Cochard.
This initiative, amounting to €300 million altogether, represents a critical step in modernizing waste infrastructure across the country, in line with EU standards and Serbia's Green Agenda. This new phase of the NSWMP aims to reduce the environmental and health impacts of solid waste while improving the quality of life for Serbian citizens. It will finance upgrades to existing waste management projects and create new regional waste management centers (RWMC), addressing all stages of the waste management cycle, from collection to recycling and energy recovery.
Ambassador of France to Serbia, Pierre Cochard, remarked: "This agreement highlights the strong collaboration between France and Serbia, reflecting our commitment to environmental sustainability and improving the quality of life for Serbian citizens."
Rémy Rioux emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating:
“This program reflects AFD’s commitment to supporting Serbia's European convergence and its efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By working with the EBRD and Serbian authorities, we are addressing the critical environmental challenge of waste management and ensuring compliance with EU standards. We aim to contribute to a healthier and more resilient future for the people of Serbia and, more broadly, for all Europeans”.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance stated : “We sincerely thank the AFD for its continued support in improving waste management systems in Serbia. This initiative represents a significant step towards meeting European environmental standards and enhancing the quality of life for our citizens, a goal we are all collectively committed to through the National Solid Waste Management Program.”
The Minister of Environmental Protection, Irena Vujović, stressed that the Republic of Serbia is strongly committed to green infrastructure projects. "It is extremely important for us to have the opportunity to work with the best and to have the support of countries that are leading the way in solid waste management. I'd like to thank the AFD and the EBRD for supporting us in each of these projects, which are by no means easy and very demanding. Each regional centre will be built to all European and global standards. As well as building a sanitary landfill, mechanical-biological treatment and recycling facilities and transfer stations, we are also purchasing additional equipment thanks to these projects and working on educating the public. What awaits us in the coming months are the regional solid waste management centres in Sremska Mitrovica, Sombor, Inđija, and then Duboko-Užice, where we are looking for the best solution given the problems we are facing. And it is precisely for this reason that the advisory assistance of the AFD and the EBRD, which have experience in such projects, is important to us - said the Minister. She added that the budget for environmental protection for 2025 is a record, and that the aim is to implement major environmental projects in every local government unit."
Charlotte Ruhe, EBRD Managing Director for Central and Southeastern Europe, declared: “Our dedication to improving Serbia's environmental infrastructure remains strong. Partnering with Serbian authorities and AFD, we are modernizing waste management systems, boosting recycling rates, and addressing pressing environmental challenges to ensure lasting and sustainable impact, additionally fostering circular economy opportunities, and aligning Serbia more closely with EU standards.”
Building upon the Phases I & II under execution, the Ministry of Environmental Protection will continue leading the NSWMP in the 7 targeted RWMC, ensuring the successful deployment of modern waste management practices and technologies.
This signature marks another milestone in the five-year partnership between AFD Group and Serbia, reaffirming AFD Group’s role as a key development partner in the Western Balkans. Since 2019, AFD Group has committed over €1.5 billion to the region, financing projects that align with the Paris Climate Agreement and EU standards.