The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a sovereign-guaranteed loan of up to €42 million to Srbijavoz, Serbia’s state-owned national passenger railway operator, the bank reported. The financing will allow the company to acquire 12 new railway sleeping cars, marking a step in the modernization of Serbia’s rail sector and the enhancement of international passenger services. The new sleeping cars will replace the existing fleet, which is obsolete and no longer permitted to operate in European Union countries.
The investment will allow Srbijavoz to offer improved international passenger rail services that are in line with EU standards, supporting operational growth and promoting greater connectivity across the region. The sleeping cars will initially be deployed on the existing route between Belgrade and Bar in Montenegro, with plans to introduce new international routes to neighboring EU countries. Srbijavoz operates more than 20 passenger routes, including urban, national and international services.
The loan was signed by Ljubiša Pejičić, Acting Director General of Srbijavoz, while the guarantee agreement was signed by Siniša Mali, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and Jelena Čeperković, EBRD Deputy Head for Serbia. The project aligns with the EBRD’s focus in Serbia on private-sector competitiveness, the green economy transition and sustainable infrastructure.
The EBRD is the leading institutional investor in Serbia, having invested more than €10 billion through 394 projects to date. The bank’s financing for Srbijavoz represents part of its broader commitment to modernizing transport infrastructure in the Western Balkans and improving regional connectivity. Better rail services are expected to boost cross-border travel and strengthen economic ties between Serbia and its neighbors.
The acquisition of modern sleeping cars addresses a critical gap in Serbia’s rail fleet, which has prevented the operator from maintaining competitive international services. By meeting EU operational standards, Srbijavoz will be able to expand its reach into European markets and offer passengers a reliable alternative to road and air travel for overnight journeys.
