CORRIDOR X SECTION STALAC-DJUNIS (FL 2021-0445)

The project consists of upgrading to 160 km/h and track duplication of the section Stalac-Djunis of the line Belgrade-Nis railway line.

The project is part of a framework of schemes targeting upgrading and modernisation of the railway line "Belgrade-Nis" (approx. 230 km). It contributes to the development of economic infrastructure, in particular transport. It is located on the core Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), as extended to specific neighbouring countries based on high-level agreements on transport infrastructure. By facilitating rail transport, the project will contribute to the competitiveness of the country's economy. The project will increase the quality, availability and reliability of rail services in Serbia, and contribute to the modal shift from roads to rail. It will generate time and vehicle operating costs savings, reduce the maintenance costs of the infrastructure, improve railway and road safety and present environmental benefits, including climate change mitigation.

If situated in the EU, the project would fall within Annex I of Directive 2011/92/EU as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU (the EIA Directive) and therefore be subject to an environmental impact assessment (EIA). An EIA was carried out in accordance with the national legislation. Conformity with the EIB environmental and social standards, including concerning the impact on any protected sites will be analysed during the appraisal. The project will require some physical and economic resettlement for construction of the tracks on new alignment. Conformity of the resettlement with the EIB social standards will be analysed during the appraisal.

The Bank will require the promoter to ensure that implementation of the project will be done in accordance with the Bank's Guide to Procurement and the relevant applicable EU public procurement rules.

The proposed operation is expected to be covered by the comprehensive guarantee granted to the EIB under the Dedicated Investment Window 1 of EFSD+, established by the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI) Global Europe.