International: EBRD Supports Modernisation of Serbia’s International Rail Services
- EBRD is providing a sovereign-guaranteed loan of up to €42 million to Srbijavoz for the purchase of 12 new, modern railway sleeping cars
- Obsolete rolling stock will be replaced, leading to improved international passenger rail services that comply with EU standards
- The project supports Serbia’s green transport transition
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a sovereign-guaranteed loan of up to €42 million to Srbijavoz, Serbia’s state-owned national passenger railway operator. The financing will enable the company to acquire 12 new railway sleeping cars, marking a significant step in the modernisation of Serbia’s rail sector and the enhancement of international passenger services.
The new sleeping cars will replace the existing fleet, which is obsolete and no longer permitted to operate in European Union (EU) countries.
This investment will allow Srbijavoz to offer improved international passenger rail services that are in line with EU standards, supporting operational growth and promoting greater connectivity across the region. The sleeping cars will initially be deployed on the existing route between Belgrade and Bar in Montenegro, with plans to introduce new international routes to neighbouring EU countries.
The loan was signed by Ljubiša Pejičić, Acting Director General of Srbijavoz, the guarantee agreement was signed by Siniša Mali, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Jelena Čeperković, EBRD Deputy Head for Serbia.
Srbijavoz operates more than 20 passenger routes, including urban, national and international services.
The EBRD is the leading institutional investor in Serbia, having invested more than €10 billion through 394 projects to date. The Bank’s focus in Serbia is on private-sector competitiveness, the green economy transition and sustainable infrastructure.