The World Bank In Serbia

Serbia has passed through a period of dramatic change, managing a rapidly evolving political and economic environment. Today, Serbia is a candidate country for the European Union membership, reflecting the significant progress made so far in structural and institutional reforms.

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Global Economic Prospects

Heightened Tensions, Subdued Investment

Economic growth in Europe and Central Asia is estimated to have slowed to 1.6% in 2019.

Economic Analysis

Serbia: New Growth Agenda

Serbian economy needs to grow faster than the current growth rate of 3-4% annually.

New

Human Capital Index

Children born today in Serbia will reach 76 percent of their potential at the age of 18, according to the new Human Capital Index.

Serbia At-A-Glance

The global financial crisis exposed the structural weaknesses in Serbia’s economic growth model and prompted the need for fiscal consolidation and an acceleration of the unfinished transition to a market economy. The rapid growth experienced by Serbia during 2001–08 was driven mainly by domestic consumption and led to significant internal and external imbalances that proved to be unsustainable.

Overview

Data

Project

Serbia: Corridor X Highway

The largest ever World Bank loan to Serbia will help complete the missing links on the Pan-European Corridor X Highway to fully utilize the country's geographic position.

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Research

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Regional Economic Report

Western Balkans Regular Economic Report

Doing Business 2019

Training for Reform: Serbia

report

Reaping Digital Dividends: Leveraging the Internet for Development

Profile

Disaster Risk Profiles for Serbia

Growth projections in the Western Balkans region for 2018 have been revised upward and are now estimated to reach 3.5%. Growth was stimulated by higher public investment and consumption, while countries with higher growth rates boosted them mostly by investment and exports. Over 90,000 jobs were created in the first half of 2018, with new employment mostly in industry and services.

Kosovo and Albania are expected to grow at 4% this year. At 3.8%, Montenegro’s growth is projected to be 1 percentage point higher, although still lower than last year. Growth in Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to be stable at an estimated 3.2%. Serbia’s economy has rebounded to 3.5% growth after last year’s weather-related slowdown. Macedonia’s growth also rebounded to 2.5%, as investor confidence was Restored.