Agreement on Energy Support Package Signed, EU to Donate EUR165 Million to Serbia

Electricity (BETAPHOTO/EMIL VAS/EV)

An agreement on an European Union energy support package for Serbia, worth EUR165 million, was signed on Feb. 14 at the national dispatch center of the Elektromreza Srbije power distributor.

The agreement was signed by Serbian Minister of EU Integration Tanja Miscevic and EU Delegation to Serbia deputy head Plamena Halahceva, in the presence of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and EU Delegation head Emanuele Giaufret.

Giaufret said the agreement was a concrete example of the EU's solidarity with Serbia. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has disrupted energy supply and presents a huge risk for our economy, Giaufret said, adding that the EU had responded to protect people and economies by sticking together and acting decisively, with impressive results in the diversification of fuel and improved energy security.

The EU's financial support will be used for the implementation of a Serbian government energy roadmap, subsidies for vulnerable households and the protection of small and medium-sized enterprises. The number of households that will receive financial support this year is expected to be increased from 68,000 to 191,000, while around 70,000 SMEs should receive aid as well.