The State of Serbia has signed an agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to receive a loan of €50 million. The funds will be used to modernize centralized heating systems and improve their energy efficiency in various cities across the country.
The project aims to reduce energy consumption and harmful emissions, as well as operating costs for heat supply companies. The authorities emphasize that both institutions and ordinary consumers will feel the benefits.
As noted by Finance Minister Sinisa Mali, the signed agreement confirms Serbia’s strong commitment to the “green transition.” According to him, the project involves the reconstruction of heating substations, replacement of pipelines, installation of automation systems, and in some cases, the transition to environmentally friendly energy sources such as biomass or solar collectors.
Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic added that the implementation of the project will ensure stable and high-quality heat supply in winter and will also help reduce dependence on imported energy sources.
The project will be part of a broader program to modernize municipal utilities, which the EBRD has already supported in the past. According to preliminary estimates, the modernization will reduce energy consumption by 25-30% in the upgraded systems.
EBRD representatives said they consider Serbia a key partner in the Balkans and will continue to finance sustainable projects in the energy, transport, and infrastructure sectors.
Source: https://t.me/
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić arrived in Odessa to participate in the Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit. This is his first visit to Ukraine in 12 years in office.
The event, organized by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, was attended by leaders from 12 countries in the region. After the official talks, Vucic and Zelensky held a private meeting.
During the discussion, they discussed assistance in rebuilding Ukraine after the destruction caused by Russian missile and drone strikes. Vucic also expressed Serbia’s readiness to contribute to the restoration of infrastructure, stressing the importance of restoring regional balance and stability.
Source: https://t.me/relocationrs/1065
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić intends to pay an official visit to Ukraine in the near future, according to Serbian and Ukrainian sources. The main purpose of the trip will be to participate in high-level events in Kyiv and hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Key expectations from the visit:
Bilateral meeting with Zelensky The agenda will focus on discussing the current geopolitical situation, prospects for European integration, humanitarian cooperation, and regional stability issues. The visit is seen as a step toward deepening political dialogue between the countries.
Participation in an international conference
Vucic is expected to participate in a conference on the reconstruction of Ukraine, where Serbia may present initiatives in the areas of humanitarian aid, infrastructure cooperation, and education.
Context and significance of the visit:
• Policy of neutrality Although Serbia has not joined the sanctions against Russia, the country continues to support the territorial integrity of Ukraine and participate in providing humanitarian aid. This visit could strengthen Belgrade’s international position as a constructive mediator in European politics.
• Deepening the European course According to analysts, the upcoming visit is also linked to Serbia’s course towards rapprochement with the EU. It can be seen as a diplomatic signal of Belgrade’s commitment to European values, especially ahead of important decisions on the future expansion of the union.
Possible consequences:
Serbia – Ukraine
The visit could give new impetus to relations, especially in the humanitarian sphere and education.
Serbia – EU
This will be a symbolic confirmation of the European vector, strengthening trust on the part of Brussels.
Serbia’s domestic policy
Vučić is demonstrating a balance between Eastern and Western partners, which could strengthen his position within the country.
Belgrade. June 10. SERBIAN ECONOMIST
Serbian Finance Minister Sinisa Mali has stated that Serbia is interested in obtaining a concession to manage two international passenger airports in Montenegro — in Podgorica and Tivat.
According to him, despite repeated appeals to the Montenegrin authorities, Serbia has not been included in the process of considering concession proposals.
Mali stressed that Serbia is ready to invest in the development of these airports in excess of the current offers and has the necessary experience and resources to modernize aviation infrastructure, citing the successful development of Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla Airport.
The Montenegrin government is currently considering proposals from three companies interested in the airport concession, including a consortium from France and Turkey, as well as companies from Luxembourg and South Korea. The decision on the transfer of the airports to concession will be made after analyzing the proposals received.
However, there is active debate within Montenegro about the advisability of transferring the airports to concession. Some experts and trade union representatives have expressed concerns that such a move could lead to a loss of control over strategically important assets and negatively affect the country’s economy, especially given the significant role of tourism in Montenegro’s GDP.
Thus, despite the interest of Serbia and other foreign investors, the future of Montenegro’s airports remains uncertain, and the final decision will depend on the balance between economic interests and national development strategy.
Source: https://t.me/relocationrs/1041
In recent years, the real estate market in Serbia has shown a unique trend: the vast majority of transactions are made in cash. According to data from the
Republic Geodetic Administration (RGZ), in the fourth quarter of 2024, 89% of all real estate transactions were paid in cash, including 76% of apartment purchases. In Belgrade, this figure was 70.4%, and in Novi Sad, 71.8%.
Experts identify several factors contributing to the high level of cash payments in the real estate market:
Limited access to mortgage lending: High interest rates and strict bank requirements make mortgages less accessible to many citizens.
Savings and investments: Citizens with savings prefer to invest in real estate, considering it a reliable way to preserve capital.
Financial support from relatives: Buyers often receive funds from family members or from the sale of inherited property.
Some analysts are concerned that the high level of cash payments may indicate attempts to legalize income of dubious origin. However, according to experts such as Alexander Radivojevic, most real estate transactions in Serbia are legal, and it is incorrect to link them to money laundering without sufficient grounds.
Impact on the real estate market
The prevalence of cash payments has a significant impact on the real estate market:
Rising housing prices: High demand from cash buyers contributes to rising real estate prices.
Reduced housing affordability: For citizens who do not have significant savings, purchasing a home becomes less affordable.
Declining role of mortgage lending: Banks are facing a decline in demand for mortgage loans, which may affect their lending policies.
To ensure transparency and stability in the real estate market in Serbia, the following is recommended:
Improving access to mortgage lending: Developing programs with more favorable terms for borrowers.
Strengthening control over financial flows: Improving the effectiveness of monitoring large cash transactions.
Improving financial literacy among the population: Informing citizens about the advantages and risks of different methods of financing home purchases.
Source: https://t.me/relocationrs/1032
In 2025, construction will begin in Serbia on the largest food industry enterprise in decades—a corn starch processing plant. The project is being implemented by Amelo, part of the Moldovan agro-industrial group Trans-Oil.
Location and scope of the project
The plant will be built in the city of Sremska Mitrovica on the site of the former Checherana sugar factory. The total investment will amount to €35 million. The plant will be able to process up to 250,000 tons of corn per year, producing native and modified starch, as well as corn syrup for the food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries.
Construction will begin in May 2025 and will last 18–20 months. The project partner is the Chinese company Myande Group, which specializes in equipment for starch production.
Once operational, the plant will create around 150 new jobs. Sremska Mitrovica Mayor Branislav Nedimovic noted that this is one of the largest investments in Serbia’s food industry in the last 40–50 years.
The new plant will increase domestic corn processing, reduce raw material exports, and increase the added value of products. This will strengthen Serbia’s position in the European market for starch and related products.
