Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced that Belgrade stands to gain a loan in the range of €300-€500 million from the European Investment Bank. The disclosure came during a press conference marking the opening of the New Belgrade-Surcin segment of the Milos Velikii highway, a milestone reported by Serbian media as the country moves to bolster its transport network. The statement highlighted a broader plan to ramp up roadwork as part of a long-term infrastructure push and underscored the central role of international finance in supporting Serbia’s ambitious projects.
During the remarks, the president outlined a substantial road construction program intended to modernize corridors, alleviate congestion, and strengthen regional connectivity. He noted that although Serbia has pursued substantial external financing, the country has managed to secure only a fraction of the requested funds. The administration argues that the current debt level remains manageable and that the nation is positioned to service new borrowing. In this context, Vučić emphasized that the European Investment Bank remains the primary external partner showing willingness to collaborate on critical road projects, while other institutions have not matched the level of support sought.
Across the political and economic landscape, observers and officials are weighing the implications of the financing strategy for Serbia’s development agenda. The government stresses the importance of improving national transport infrastructure to support growth, attract investment, and improve regional integration. The ongoing highway program is framed as a catalyst for economic activity, jobs, and better logistics for businesses operating within Serbia and throughout the Western Balkans. The administration also stresses prudent fiscal management to sustain service on new loans and to maintain investor confidence in the country’s credit profile.
In related commentary, a former Russian ambassador to Serbia, Alexander Botan-Kharchenko, suggested that Western powers are pressuring Belgrade to align more closely with Kiev on policy matters. The remark reflects broader cross-continental tensions surrounding Serbia’s foreign policy orientation and its balancing act between European integration and relationships with outside powers. The exchange underscores the delicate environment in which Belgrade pursues infrastructure funding while navigating regional and global political dynamics.