Serbia will upgrade more than 500 kilometers of roads with help from a new €150 million loan from European Investment Bank (EIB), the bank announced. The project will improve local and national highways across the country to boost safety, cut travel time, and make the network more resilient to climate change. It will also help align Serbia’s infrastructure with EU standards and strengthen its economic ties across the region.
The plan includes refurbishing and upgrading about 540 kilometers of roads, adding features like pedestrian crossings, safety barriers near schools, new sidewalks, and dedicated cycle lanes. “This project supports smart, sustainable, and safe transport while connecting Serbia more closely with regional and EU corridors,” said Damien Sorrell, Head of the EIB Regional Hub for the Western Balkans. “It will help drive economic growth by improving accessibility, facilitating trade, and supporting businesses across the country.”
Serbia’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Siniša Mali, said the investment fits into the country’s broader push to modernize transport infrastructure. “We’re building safer and more modern roads in every part of Serbia,” he said. “Highways and express roads are important, but improving local infrastructure is just as crucial for supporting growth, creating jobs, and attracting new investors.”
The project also benefits from a €1.4 million grant under the EIB’s Economic Resilience Initiative, as well as technical support from the EU Delegation. Advisory assistance through the JASPERS program has helped identify the most climate-vulnerable sections of the network for priority work. EU Ambassador Andreas von Beckerath said the upgrades show how EU-supported investments can make Serbia’s road network both smarter and safer. “Better connectivity means better opportunities for citizens and businesses alike,” he said.
According to Construction, Transport, and Infrastructure Minister Aleksandra Sofronijević, the country needs to rehabilitate 500 to 1,000 kilometers of state and local roads to meet demand. “A strong, modern road network supports mobility, trade, tourism, and local development,” she said. “This project helps us take a big step in that direction.”
