Additional 18 million dollars from the USA for development partnership with Serbia

The Ministry of European Integration of the Government of Serbia announced that the United States, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has announced an additional 18 million dollars in development aid to Serbia through amendments to existing aid agreements.

In a joint statement from the Ministry of European Integration and USAID, it is stated that these funds will be used, among other things, to improve public procurement procedures in Serbia, enhance access to justice for citizens, improve environmental protection and energy security, promote a stronger media environment, improve economic opportunities for vulnerable groups, and increase the competitiveness of the Serbian economy.

Minister Tanja Miscevic thanked the United States for its strong support to Serbia on its European path and stated that the new 18 million dollars in grant funds for Serbia represent a continuation of cooperation with one of the most significant development partners.

These funds will be directed towards projects such as improving the public procurement system at both the central and local levels, which will contribute to lower procurement costs.

"In the area of justice, the focus will be on educating citizens so they can better understand and protect their rights," emphasized Miscevic.

She added that more than 1,000 small and medium-sized enterprises will have the opportunity to increase profitability through business modernization, while new agricultural funds will enable interest-free financing in the most underdeveloped municipalities.

Energy efficiency projects will include building renovations and heating system improvements, while social projects will help the most vulnerable categories to improve their employment opportunities and quality of life, the minister pointed out.

The U.S. Ambassador to Serbia, Christopher Hill, attended the signing ceremony of the amendments to the existing aid agreements between the Minister of European Integration Tanja Miscevic and the Director of USAID's mission in Serbia, Brooke Isham.

"Today is another important date in the long history of our development partnership. The United States, through USAID, is providing an additional 18 million dollars in aid to Serbia through our existing agreements, to help the Serbian economy become more competitive and to improve the functioning of state institutions," emphasized the ambassador.

According to him, together with these agreements, the USA has invested 937 million dollars through USAID to help Serbia deal with various challenges over the past 23 years.

"The United States remains committed to helping the citizens of Serbia achieve their goals such as democracy, stability, prosperity, and European integration," said Hill.