>@EIB/To be defined

A top-level European Investment Bank Group delegation, led by EIB Vice-President Dario Scannapieco, is in Belgrade today for talks with the Serbian Government and the signature of a finance contract for the upgrading of judiciary buildings.

Vice-President Scannapieco met with the Prime Minister, Mr Aleksandar Vucic and other Ministers. Discussions focused on the priorities of the relationship between the EIB and Serbia and the future needs of the country that could be supported by the Bank of the European Union in the coming year.

During the visit, EIB Vice-President Scannapieco and Minister of Finance Mr Dušan Vujović also signed the EUR 26m second tranche of a loan totalling EUR 41m aiming to upgrade judiciary buildings. The operation concerns the financing of an investment programme for the upgrading and modernisation of judiciary facilities throughout the country as part of the National Judicial Reform Strategy. In particular, it concerns key buildings in Belgrade designated by the Ministry of Justice such as the Palace of Justice and the Court Building in Kataniceva street in Belgrade.

Since 2011, the bank of the European Union has financed nearly 30 projects in Serbia. This represents an investment of EUR 1.7bn, with total investment of at least double that figure, making a significant contribution to job creation and infrastructure modernisation.