Supporting the Green Transition in Serbia: Trainings for PFIs Related to the EU Green Agenda

The EU for Green Agenda in Serbia is an initiative implemented by the UNDP in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection and in cooperation with the Embassy of Sweden and the European Investment Bank (EIB), with technical and financial support of the European Union and additional funding from the governments of Sweden, #Swiss and Serbia. While the UNDP is carrying out challenge calls for innovative green projects in areas such as decarbonisation, air pollution, and circular economy, we will work on scaling up these green finance opportunities through improving the access to local bank financing.

As Serbia advances on its path toward European Union integration, aligning with the EU’s Green Agenda has become a national priority. Central to this effort is the role of Partner Financial Institutions (PFIs), which serve as pivotal drivers for channelling green investments and fostering sustainable development. The FIs act as bridges between green initiatives and the financial resources needed to implement them. Their role includes financing projects related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, waste management, and sustainable agriculture. To effectively carry out these responsibilities, PFIs must be well-versed in EU environmental standards, funding mechanisms, and reporting frameworks.

To equip PFIs with the necessary tools and knowledge to support the Green Agenda implementation, a series of specialized training programs are being implemented across the country by the Consulting Consortium adelphi, iC Consulenten, IPC, under the advisory assignment for the #EU for #GreenAgenda in #Serbia.

The training programmes are in full course with the staff from the PFIs: UniCredit Bank Serbia , Banca Intesa Beograd , and the Fond za razvoj Republike Srbije - Development Fund of the Republic of Serbia , as well as we planned trainings with Erste Banka Srbija during 2025. The workshops are designed to raise awareness among PFIs on the EU Green Agenda’s objectives, regulatory framework, and implications for the financial sector, build capacity to evaluate and finance green projects, ensuring alignment with EU sustainability criteria; encourage the development of green financial products such as green bonds, loans, and insurance products; as well as provide guidance on adhering to EU environmental regulations and reporting standards.

The training sessions have been facilitated by experts in green finance, environmental policy, and EU regulations. Collaboration with international organizations, such as the EU Commission, UNDP, and SIDA, ensures that PFIs gain insights from global best practices. Additionally, case studies are presented to illustrate successful implementation of green financing models. Equipping PFIs with the expertise to support green projects is critical for Serbia to meet its sustainability goals. The training programmes not only empower financial institutions but also strengthen the broader ecosystem for green investment. By fostering a culture of sustainability within the financial sector, Serbia is taking a significant step toward harmonizing with EU standards and creating a greener, more resilient future.

The EU Green Agenda outlines ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing renewable energy use, and promoting circular economy practices. For Serbia, this agenda represents not just a challenge but also an opportunity to modernize its economy, improve environmental quality, and enhance public health.

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