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About the German Development Cooperation

Serbia plays a key role in the political stability of South-Eastern Europe and represents one of the most important partner countries for German development cooperation in the region.

Serbia plays a key role in the political stability of Southeast Europe and is one of the most important partner countries for German development cooperation in the region. From the very beginning, the goal of German support has been to bring Serbia closer to the European Union and to strengthen the efficiency of the economy, to improve the living standards of citizens. The motto of our cooperation is therefore “Initiative for Sustainable Growth and Employment”. All activities are aimed at strengthening peace, stability and the prosperity of the Western Balkan region.

Since the democratic changes in 2000, the German Federal Government has allocated more than EUR 2 billion for Serbia. Germany has thus become Serbia’s most important bilateral donor. In addition, Serbia benefits from a number of regional projects that are also funded by Germany.

The funds used for financing cooperation with Serbia are primarily from the budget of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). According to BMZ’s procedures, economic cooperation between Germany and Serbia is usually implemented through two organisations: KfW Development Bank is responsible for investment projects, while the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is responsible for consulting projects. In addition, many non-governmental organisations use BMZ funds to implement projects in Serbia.

As prerequisites for sustainable development, gender equality and women empowerment are being advanced in German Development Cooperation through the 2030 Agenda and cross-sectoral strategy on gender equality Gender mainstreaming, women empowerment and consideration of different needs of men and women in all relevant areas of work reflect the high commitment of German Development Cooperation to the topic.

20+ years cooperation

“As the German ambassador, I want, among other things, to improve the exchange between our countries on all levels and for Serbia to soon fulfill the conditions for joining the European Union.”
- German ambassador Anke Konrad

400

German companies currently operating in Serbia

7500

Millions of Euros expected in bilateral trade in 2022

75000

People employed in Serbia as a direct result of German investment

26

Increase in bilateral trade over the previous year

German private sector investment in Serbia

German support for Serbia aims to contribute to EU rapprochement, to strengthen the performance of the economy and, in turn, to improve living conditions in the country.

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