Serbia

U.S. foreign assistance supports Serbia in its integration into European institutions and builds U.S.-Serbian economic, security, and democracy cooperation. Robust programming strengthens the rule of law, fosters conditions for economic growth, increases government transparency, supports democratic political processes and civil participation, safeguards human rights, empowers civil society, promotes regional stability, energy independence, and fortifies independent media.

As part of its EU accession process and cooperation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) since 2015, Serbia has undertaken economic reforms and has seen meaningful short-term improvements. Serbia successfully completed a 30-month Policy Coordination Instrument with the IMF that began in mid-2018. With U.S. assistance, Serbia has implemented reforms to its labor law, construction permitting, and inspection oversight. These reforms have translated into significant improvements in Serbia’s rankings in the World Bank’s Doing Business report, in which the country now ranks 44th in the world in overall ease of doing business.