Serbia may lose 1.5 billion euros. The European Union is considering a radical step

2026-04-10 17:18
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2026-04-10 17:18
The European Commission is constantly assessing whether the conditions for granting financial support to Serbia are met, EC spokeswoman Arianna Podesta said on Friday, referring to media reports about a possible reduction in funds for Belgrade.

Politico reported that Serbia may lose up to EUR 1.5 billion in EU funding because the European Commission is considering suspending funding due to the democratic regression and the country's close ties with Russia. The EC did not confirm this information on Friday.
However, the spokeswoman noted that the Commission was concerned about the recent adoption of legislation on the judiciary in Serbia and was closely monitoring further steps by the authorities in Belgrade.
– I can only say that the Commission is constantly assessing whether the appropriate conditions for support under the European Union's financial instruments are met. This is part of the normal implementation of these instruments and applies throughout the entire process, including at the stage of each payment application, she said.
At the same time, she declared that the EC continues to fully support Serbia's European path, expecting progress in key reforms, especially in the area of the rule of law. Among the expected actions, she mentioned the adaptation of court regulations to the recommendations of the Venice Commission, as well as further media reforms.
The EU is the largest supplier of financial support to Serbia and – as reported by Politico – has granted Belgrade over EUR 586 million in the form of non-repayable grants for 2021-2024. According to the Serbian government, since 2000 the country has received over EUR 7 billion in EU funds and investments.
From Brussels Łukasz Osiński (PAP)
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