The delegation of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, consisting of the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia and Chairperson of the European Integration Committee, Elvira Kovacs, and the Chairman of the Committee on Finance, State Budget and Control of Public Spending, Veroljub Arsic, took part in the meeting of the Parliamentary Dimension of the Western Balkans Summit 2025 in London, on 16 October.
As part of the progress review concerning the implementation of previous Berlin Process parliamentary obligations, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia Elvira Kovacs emphasised that trust is built through open dialogue and the adoption of laws in the public interest, which is the foundation of every stable state. She stressed that the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia remains committed to promoting dialogue, strengthening regional cooperation, democracy and stability, as well as to its main goal - European integration, because only a strong parliament, based on transparency, accountability and dialogue, can guarantee the stability of the state and the protection of the will of citizens. As an example, she cited the good relationship with the independent Anti-Corruption Agency, the work of the National Assembly’s European Integration Committee, etc.
The Chairman of the Committee on Finance, State Budget and Control of Public Spending, Veroljub Arsic emphasised at the main session that Serbia continues to chart the path of dynamic, progressive economic development, firmly positioned as a pillar of stability and opportunity in a world increasingly shaped by uncertainty. In 2024, real GDP grew by around 3.9%, one of the higher growth rates in Europe that year, despite the weaker environment. He assessed that this growth was driven by strong domestic demand and investments—especially projects related to EXPO 2027—which compensated for weaker foreign demand.
He stressed that labour market conditions have further improved: unemployment has decreased to 8.6% in 2024, employment has reached record levels, and real wages have increased, contributing to a widespread improvement in living standards. Inflation has approached the National Bank of Serbia's target rate, stabilising expectations and restoring price predictability.
He pointed out that on 3 October 2024, the Government of the Republic of Serbia adopted the document "Reform Agenda of the Republic of Serbia 2024-2027 in accordance with the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans", and the Instrument Agreement and the Loan Agreement were ratified by the National Assembly. These agreements represent a financial instrument through which funds in the total amount of approximately 1.59 billion euros will be available to the Republic of Serbia for the period 2024-2027 (two-thirds of the loan and one-third of the grant). Part of the funds will be provided as budgetary support in loans, and part will be allocated to projects financed under the WBIF (Western Balkans Investment Framework).
The Western Balkans Growth Plan foresees a pre-financing of seven percent of the total funds for each beneficiary. The Republic of Serbia was paid a part of the advance payment of 51.66 million euros in June 2025, which represents direct budget support.
