The Government of Serbia and the European Investment Bank (EIB) today signed an agreement for a grant of 175 million euros, which is the second tranche of the European grant with a total value of 600 million euros for the construction of a high-speed railway from Belgrade to Nis, the EIB said.

The document was signed by EIB Vice-President Liliana Pavlova, Minister of Construction Goran Vesic and Minister of European Integration Tanja Miscevic, as well as General Director of the Railway Infrastructure of Serbia Nebojsa Shurlan, in the presence of the Prime Minister of Serbia Ana Brnabic and the head of the EU delegation in Serbia Emmanuel Gioffre, announced Politika rs.

As stated, just one month after signing the first grant, EIB Global signed the second one in the total amount of 174,6 million euros for the Paraqin-Trupale-Međurovo section, within the EU financial package worth 2,2 billion euros for the Belgrade-Niš section of Railway Corridor 10. It is reminded that this project is an important part of the Economic and Investment Plan and the Team Europe initiative. The package also includes a loan from the EIB in the amount of 1,1 billion euros, as well as a loan of 550 million euros from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

These funds will support the improvement and modernization of the 230 km long railway, enabling speeds of up to 200 km/h between Belgrade and Nis, increased flow of goods and economic growth of the areas along the corridor. The technical assistance of the EU will be used for the project, for the preparation of documentation in accordance with the measures and rules for economic, environmental and social protection that apply to public procurement in the EU.