President Vučić speaks via a video link with the President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

President Vučić informed the President of the European Bank Renaud-Basso that the Republic of Serbia has adopted a well-designed package of economic assistance measures to businesses and the citizens in response to the crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The value od the economic assistance package will reach 12.7% of GDP. 

 

"Excellent results, with which we started the year, enabled us to allocate large funds to support the economy and citizens," said President Vučić. He expressed the expectation that Serbia will have continuous and the highest economic growth in Europe in the next two years. This is confirmed by the International Monetary Fund and the European Commission forecasts, along with the fact that the original GDP growth projection for 2021 has been revised, and unlike the initial 4%, as predicted before the coronavirus crisis, the projected real GDP growth is now 6%.

 

During the talks, President Vučić pointed out that Serbia welcomes the European Commission's Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans, which was prepared to support the sustainable and stable development of this region. Regional connectivity through the projected plans aims to improve connectivity, infrastructure, human resources, competitiveness, as well as the green agenda and the digital transition.

 

The two interlocutors also discussed support for small and medium-sized enterprises through additional funding and special advisory assistance, including a new program for young entrepreneurs.

 

President Vučić asked Ms Renaud-Basso for further support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in the field of infrastructure, with particular emphasis on the Niš-Merdare-Priština Peace highway, in the construction of which the European Bank is already actively participating with 85 million euros.

 

The President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Odile Renaud-Basso, pointed out the readiness of the bank to help develop the railway and port infrastructure (Port of Belgrade).

 

Discussing the topic of mitigating the effects of climate change and reducing pollution, President Vučić expressed confidence that local governments in Serbia will adopt and implement the Green City Action Plan to significantly contribute to sustainable urban development and better quality of life. In this regard, the Serbian Ministry of Energy, in cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, is already preparing the Law on Renewable Energy Sources.

 

VIDEO MATERIAL CAN BE DOWNLOADED FROM THE FTP SERVER OF THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE. 

 

Belgrade,

9th December 2020