Serbia
Since 1991, Switzerland has been a reliable partner to Serbia. What began with humanitarian assistance has developed over time into long-term support for democratic, economic and energy-related reforms.
Switzerland aims to strengthen the country’s internal cohesion, contribute to inclusive development and support Serbia’s European integration by focusing on three priority areas: accountable institutions, a vibrant economy and Serbia’s green transformation. Close ties between numerous Swiss companies and the Serbian economy, a large Serbian diaspora living in Switzerland and Serbia’s membership in the voting constituencies led by Switzerland in the Bretton Woods institutions and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) underpin this long-standing partnership.
Context Serbia
Serbia remains a central actor in the Western Balkans. Despite maintaining EU accession as a strategic priority, the country faces growing political and social polarization and ongoing challenges in rule of law, transparency, corruption, and media freedom. Serbia’s economic performance is solid, yet the growth model-reliant on foreign investment and public spending-is reaching its limits, while local SMEs struggle and the labour market faces skills shortages and an aging population. Serbia has advanced environmental alignment with the EU and prioritized energy diversification and decarbonisation, although long-term sustainability also requires stronger biodiversity protection and better implementation capacities.
Democratic governance and engaged civil sector
Switzerland strengthens the accountability of public administrations and local governments toward citizens. Support continues for an active civil society, the culture sector, and independent media, while working together with state oversight bodies such as ombudspersons. Switzerland further strengthens local governments to work more transparently, accountably, and inclusively, with a focus on promoting women’s political participation at the local level.
Economic development and employment
Swiss efforts aim to strengthen Serbia’s innovation ecosystem and support the adoption of modern and sustainable business practices for more private sector resilience and inclusive growth. Switzerland also works with national and local administrations to improve their capacity to implement fiscal reforms and manage public finances more effectively. In addition, support for formal and non-formal skills development assists the transition to a knowledge-based economy and enables quality jobs for women and men.
Climate Change and Resilient Cities
Switzerland supports Serbia’s green transition with a focus on expanding renewable energy use, energy management at the municipal level and the promotion of innovative financing to increase investment in energy-efficient public and residential buildings. In addition to climate mitigation, Switzerland also helps protect biodiversity, strengthen environmental management, and build ecosystem resilience.
Approach
Swiss cooperation focuses on strengthening individual and institutional capacities, while also connecting Serbian partners with Swiss and international expertise. The principles of good governance, gender equality and social inclusion, as well as environmental considerations are integrated in all programmes of the SDC and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).
Switzerland’s main partners in Serbia are:
- Local authorities: ministries, city and municipal authorities, national local government association, Swiss and local non-governmental organisations (NGO);
- Private Sector: business associations, innovation ecosystem actors;
- Bilateral and multilateral partners: the EU, Germany, Norway, the World Bank (WB), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the EBRD, various UN organisations and the Credit Institute for Reconstruction (KfW).
Links
- Bilateral relations Switzerland-Serbia
- Activities of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) in Serbia
- Project database
Documents
Swiss cooperation programme Serbia 2026–2029 (Leaflet)
Contact
Eichenweg 5
3003 Bern