World Bank Supports Serbia’s Move Toward Greener, More Resilient, and Inclusive Growth

Washington, April 29, 2021 – Serbia is making strides toward accelerating economic growth that is more green, resilient, and inclusive, by implementing a series of legal and policy reforms designed to create a public sector that is more efficient and transparent, as well as better able to enhance the economy’s resilience to natural hazards and climate change. The Public Sector Efficiency and Green Recovery Development Policy Loan, approved today by the World Bank Board of Directors, will provide €82.6 million to solidify this reform agenda and quicken Serbia’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This budget support operation is an important part of the World Bank Group’s engagement in Serbia and is closely linked to the pathways toward reducing poverty and boosting shared prosperity, with a strong focus on environmental sustainability and climate action,” says Stephen Ndegwa, World Bank Country Manager for Serbia.

“Public sector reforms and greening the recovery are important vehicles for accelerating Serbia’s EU integration agenda.’’

The two-pronged operation will support the Republic of Serbia in improving public sector efficiencies and initiating a green recovery, in tandem with the Agence Francaise de Développement, (AFD) - which is supporting the green recovery aspects of this initiative through its own additional financing to the Government of Serbia.

Public sector efficiency improvements are expected to come from a more transparent and efficient public procurement, improved mechanisms for public sector hiring, more efficient management of social protection programs, better control of state aid, and a more predictable legal framework for international transactions.

A green recovery will also focus on reducing air pollution and creating a legal framework for climate policy, actions which are expected to benefit people from all segments of the population.

“For us, this operation is only the beginning of the significant and comprehensive support for Serbia in the field of a green recovery. We are already working with other development partners on creating a program of reforms over the next couple of years to create greener, more resilient, and inclusive growth,” concluded Mr. Ndegwa.

About The World Bank

The World Bank Group has a bold vision: to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. In more than 100 countries, the World Bank Group provides financing, advice, and innovative solutions that improve lives by creating jobs, strengthening economic growth, and confronting the most urgent global challenges. For more information, please visit www.worldbank.org, www.miga.org, and www.ifc.org.