Today, the United States Government announced an additional $19.5 million in assistance to the Government of Serbia, as part of amendments to existing assistance agreements. These funds will be used to, among others, help Serbia make the economy more competitive and inclusive, improve the public procurement process, strengthen the health information system, promote a stronger media environment, improve energy efficiency and biodiversity conservation.
U.S. Ambassador Christopher R. Hill witnessed the signing of the amendments by Minister for European Integration Ms. Jadranka Joksimović and USAID Mission Director Denny Robertson.
“It is my pleasure to say that the United States remains committed to helping the Serbian people achieve their goals of democracy, stability, prosperity, and European and Western integration. Today’s challenges are manifold and cross borders. They range from climate change and COVID-19 to corruption and war in Europe. The resources we are providing now will help us meet these challenges together. They will expedite improvements that your people and government have asked for. In close partnership with your government, the resources we grant today will focus on environmental protection and energy security, public procurement, critical policy reforms, media, and economic growth,” said U.S. Ambassador Christopher R. Hill.
Minister for EU Integration Jadranka Joksimovic said: “I am convinced that Serbia will progress more and more towards its goal, which is EU membership. In support of this commitment of our country, the development assistance of the United States is extremely important to us. It is concrete, implies more opportunities for employment, learning and following modern trends in the economy, health, social policy, and democratization of society, and is the more important given today’s political and economic environment in Europe and the world.”
Since 2001 the United States has provided nearly $1.2 billion in assistance to Serbia.