Sida's work in Serbia
Sida's development cooperation in Serbia supports the country's aspirations to become a member of the EU. It also contributes to strengthening respect for human rights and limiting the impact on the climate.
Why does Sida work in Serbia?
Serbia’s EU membership
Serbia has applied for EU membership, but membership negotiations are progressing slowly due to demands for reforms in the areas of democracy, the rule of law and human rights.
Democratic space is shrinking
The possibility of transparency and control of political decisions has gradually deteriorated in recent years. Citizens’ rights are under threat, while pressure on the political opposition, the media and civil society is increasing.
Serbia’s population is ageing and declining
More people are dying than being born, and many people of working age are leaving the country to work and develop their careers in other European countries. Tax revenues from those in work are declining, while more people need pensions and healthcare. This is leading to a deficit in the state budget, which particularly affects people living in poverty. Today, Serbia has a population of around 7 million.
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Examples of what Sida has contributed to
Strengthens EU rapprochement
Serbia has applied for EU membership and committed to implementing the reforms necessary to become a member, including improving people’s living conditions and the environment. Aid strengthens Serbia in areas that are important for the country’s rapprochement with the EU.
Strengthens commitment to environmental issues
Sweden through Sida supports the Serbian government in meeting EU requirements for environmental reform. At the same time, aid supports civil society in monitoring the government and demanding the implementation of reforms.
Strengthening women’s position and ending gender-based violence
Sida strengthens the rights of women and girls by supporting efforts to change norms and behaviours that limit women’s self-determination and their ability to make decisions about their lives and futures. The aid prevents gender-based violence and supports the implementation of the law against sexual and gender-based violence and domestic violence.
Sida's development cooperation in Serbia
Sida’s development cooperation in Serbia aims to bring the country closer to EU membership. Sida supports programmes and projects that strengthen human rights, gender equality and the country’s democratic development.
The development cooperation aims to reduce poverty and corruption, increase gender equality, strengthen entrepreneurship and improve climate and environmental policy. These are important areas for Serbia to be approved as an EU member state.
Here are some examples of projects supported by Sida:
Sida contributes to greater gender equality, environmental protection and entrepreneurship through cooperation between the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SALAR) and its Serbian counterpart. The cooperation aims to prepare Serbian municipalities for EU accession.
Corruption and a lack of legal certainty make life harder for individuals, but also for many small and medium-sized enterprises. Public procurement by central and local government needs to be improved in order to increase competition and allow small and medium-sized enterprises to participate.
Through the National Alliance for Local Economic Development (NALED), Sida is helping to make procurement more efficient, for example through increased digitalisation. Environmental and sustainability criteria are also being introduced.
Here are some examples of projects that Sida supports to contribute to the country’s democratic development and gender equality:
Sida supports cooperation between the Swedish Police Authority and the Serbian Ministry of the Interior and Police. This has led to improved crime scene investigations with a particular focus on cases of gender-based violence, the introduction of intelligence-led policing, and gender equality through gender equality programmes for senior managers and the establishment of a new network for female police officers.
About inter-agency cooperation on the Police Authority’s website
Sida supports a project led by the World Bank that aims to strengthen the capacity of Serbia’s judicial system in order to facilitate the country’s integration into the EU. The project builds on and strengthens the existing dialogue and coordination between the executive branch, the judiciary, development partners, civil society and academia.
Independent media and democracy share the challenge of shrinking scope for action. Sida supports the Olof Palme International Centre (OPIC), the Serbian organisations Belgrade Open School (BOS) and the Centre for Research, Transparency and Accountability (CRTA) to strengthen civil society’s ability to influence developments in the country. For example, BOS has strengthened investigative journalism on organised crime, public funds and public procurement.
Sida supports projects and organisations that contribute to environmental and climate adaptation. Sida’s support also strengthens the country’s ability to protect biodiversity.
Here are some examples of organisations that Sida supports:
Sida supports cooperation between the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency and the Serbian Ministry of Environment to bring Serbia’s environmental legislation into line with EU requirements. Among other things, this has contributed to the Ministry of Environment and local authorities coordinating the implementation of legislation in areas such as air, waste and water. This support was crucial in enabling Serbia to move forward in its EU membership negotiations in the area of environment and climate.
About the cooperation with Serbia on the Environmental Protection Agency’s website
Serbia’s industrial sector is in great need of environmental adaptation – both to reduce its climate impact and improve the country’s environment, but also to enable future EU membership. Sida is supporting a project to implement EU emissions regulations in Serbia. The project strengthens the work of the Ministry of the Environment and is being implemented by the University of Belgrade. It will lead to better licensing and inspections of environmentally hazardous industries, as well as investments in cleaner technology.
The EU is driving the green transition in the Western Balkans. In Serbia, this is being done through an EU-led project that strengthens environmental protection and transition. The aid contributes to improving the protection of biodiversity and through efforts to restore and preserve wetlands. This work strengthens Serbia’s chances of achieving the global biodiversity target.
About the project on the UN Global Development Fund (UNDP) website
Sida contributes to increased environmental engagement through education in the environmental field by supporting a number of small environmental organisations working with issues such as climate, energy and biodiversity. The support is channelled through Young Researchers of Serbia.
Sida’s support is used to include women, young people and marginalised groups in conflict resolution, reconciliation and decision-making.
Here are one example of programme supported by Sida:
Through Kvinna till Kvinna, Sida strengthens women’s rights and peace work by engaging more women in resolving tensions between Kosovo and Serbia. This involves, among other things, women participating in the public dialogue between the countries. Sida also contributes to civil society’s work against gender-based violence and to strengthening women’s economic empowerment. Sweden’s aid contributes to ensuring that all people are represented and included in society.
About the co-operation with Serbia on Kvinna till Kvinna’s website
Updated: September 9, 2025