Serbia
Serbia is a priority country of Switzerland’s cooperation with Eastern Europe. Switzerland supports Serbia’s transition process and reforms in line with European values and standards. Within this framework, SECO contributes jointly with its Serbian partners to the improvement of the macroeconomic and business environment, the fostering of a competitive private sector, sustainable urban development, and the mitigation of climate change.
Economic and Structural Developments
Sound government and central bank policies have supported economic resilience after COVID19, with inflation under control and the country’s finances and foreign reserves in a relatively strong position. The labor market remains relatively stable, with unemployment below 9% and continued wage growth. However, Serbia’s growth is driven by domestic consumption and public expenditures. Productivity growth and income levels are still below the EU average. More recently, economic growth is slowing, reflecting lower investment, weaker external demand, and increased global economic uncertainty. But Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) remain critical to Serbia’s economy, providing around 60% of total employment and generating 50% of value added in Serbia. However, SMEs still face structural barriers, including limited access to finance, skills gaps, and an uneven competitive environment. Serbia has advanced its legal framework on climate and environmental policy, broadly aligning with EU standards, but implementation capacity and green investment remain key challenges. Since 1991, Switzerland remains committed to supporting Serbia’s stability and long-term development in line with European values and standards. Serbia has been a candidate for EU membership since 2012.
What are SECO’s objectives?
SECO and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) jointly define and implement the Swiss cooperation programme 2026-2029 in Serbia. Together, they are active in the areas of Democratic Local Governance and Engaged Civic Sector, Economic Development and Employment, as well as Climate Change and Resilient Cities. Furthermore, Switzerland will continue its migration partnership with Serbia. The overarching goal of the cooperation programme is to strengthen Serbia’s resilience and inclusive development and support European integration by contributing to the development of accountable institutions, a vibrant economy, and Serbia’s green transition.
Within this, SECO focuses specifically on:
From 2026 to 2029, a total of approximately CHF 88 million is foreseen for Swiss cooperation with Serbia.