Business and Innovation

Do you own a small or medium-sized business? The EU supports the strengthening of the private sector, because your company is key to economic development, creating new jobs and improving the quality of life of your family and employees.

Through economic reforms and harmonization with EU regulations, Serbia provides you with better conditions for investments and economic development. Through cooperation and exchange of experiences, Serbian and European companies learn, grow and modernize their operations together. We are better together.

See below all opportunities in this sector:

The Digital Europe Programme

The Digital Europe Programme is aimed at enhancing digital transformation across the European Union. It is designed to support the development of digital technologies, infrastructure, and skills, enabling all participating countries to use the benefits of the digital age. Serbia has become a full member of this programme, allowing companies and institutions to help bridge the gap between digital technology research and its application, and bring research results to market – for the benefit of citizens and businesses.

With a total budget of €8.1 billion, the programme focuses on several key areas:

Digital Infrastructure: encourages investment in high-speed broadband networks and 5G technology to improve internet access for citizens and businesses and accelerate data transmission.
Digital Technology and Innovation: supports the research and development of emerging digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Big Data analytics. This kind of support fosters innovation and competitiveness among European businesses.
Digital Skills and Education: includes training programmes for teachers, digital technology education for young people, and support for workforce upskilling, helping citizens adapt to digital changes in society and the workplace.
Cybersecurity and Data Protection: Digital Europe pays special attention to strengthening digital security within the EU. This includes measures to protect the privacy of citizens’ and businesses’ data, as well as efforts to combat cybercrime and hacking attacks.

What kind of projects are supported?

The Digital Europe Programme funds strategic projects that drive technological innovation and accelerate digital transformation:

Supercomputing: High-performance computing to solve complex challenges.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI research, data exchange platforms, and innovation hubs.
Cybersecurity: Enhancing cyber resilience and protecting digital infrastructure.
Advanced Digital Skills: Training in AI, cybersecurity, and emerging digital technologies.
Digital Transformation: Supporting SMEs, startups, and public institutions in adopting digital technologies.

Current project calls can be viewed HERE.

Funding and budget per project

Supercomputing and Artificial Intelligence (AI): From €5M to €15M per project
Cybersecurity: Grants from €3M to €10M per project
European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs): Funding from €1M to €5M
Advanced Digital Skills: Training initiatives from €500K to €5M

Who can apply?

The Digital Europe Programme is open to a wide range of applicants, including:

Technology companies and startups
SMEs and large enterprises
Universities and research institutions
Public institutions and policymakers
Digital innovation hubs and business incubators. Applications for open calls are submitted via the EU Funding & Tenders Portala:

Serbia Desk – National Contact Points (NCPs)

Ministry of Information and Telecommunications

Head of the Department for International Cooperation and European Integration in the Field of Information, Electronic Communications, Postal Services and Information Society:

Maja Zarić M: +381 64 670 5388 | T: +381 11 292 8953 | W: www.mit.gov.rs

Key resources and useful links

Horizon Europe

Horizon Europe is the European Union’s largest research and innovation funding programme, running from 2021 to 2027 with a total budget of €95.5 billion. This programme plays a key role in addressing global challenges and driving technological progress. Its main objectives are:

Tackling climate change and global health and social challenges through the development of sustainable solutions and technologies.
Promoting scientific excellence and technological advancement, contributing to progress across all scientific fields and fostering innovations that shape the future.
Strengthening European industrial competitiveness by supporting European companies to enhance their innovation capacities and compete on global markets.
Encouraging collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers, creating synergies that accelerate the transfer of research results into market-ready products and services.

Serbia, as an associated country, has full access to the Horizon Europe programme. This means that researchers, institutions, companies, and innovators from Serbia can apply under the same conditions as those from EU member states. This provides an opportunity to enhance scientific cooperation and develop new technologies with long-term benefits for society and the economy.

What types of projects are supported?

Horizon Europe funds cutting-edge research, the application of science, and innovative projects. The programme is structured around four key areas:

Pillar I: Excellent Science – Supports top-level research, researcher mobility, and infrastructure development:

European Research Council (ERC): Funds individual research projects with long-term impact.
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA): Fellowships and training for researchers at all career stages.
Research Infrastructures: Supports world-class research centres and ensures open access to scientific resources.

Pillar II: Global Challenges and European Industrial Competitiveness – Funds research and innovation aimed at solving climate, health, and societal challenges. Clusters include:

Health
Culture, creativity and inclusive society
Civil security for society
Digital, industry and space
Climate, energy and mobility
Food, bioeconomy, natural resources, agriculture and environment

Pillar III: Innovative Europe – Aims to make Europe a leader in breakthrough innovations that create new markets:

European Innovation Council (EIC): Supports startups, SMEs, and deep-tech innovations.
European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT): Fosters entrepreneurship and industry-led research.
European Innovation Ecosystems: Encourages cross-border cooperation between innovators and investors.

Widening Participation and Strengthening the European Research Area (ERA):

Supports cooperation, excellence, and knowledge exchange across Europe.
Provides assistance to countries with lower participation rates in EU research programmes.

You can browse calls for project proposals HERE.

Funding and project budget

Horizon Europe covers a broad range of activities. Budget allocation depends on the type of project and activity:

Research and Innovation Actions (RIA): Usually between €1 million and €10 million per project.
Innovation Actions (IA): Focused on commercialization and development, typically €2 million to €15 million per project.
Coordination and Support Actions (CSA): Related to policy and networking, usually between €500,000 and €5 million.
ERC Grants:
- Starting Grants (up to €1.5 million)
- Consolidator Grants (up to €2 million)
- Advanced Grants (up to €2.5 million)

Who can apply?

Horizon Europe is open to a wide range of applicants, including:

Universities and research institutions
Companies (including SMEs and startups)
Public institutions and policymakers
Civil society organisations (CSOs) and NGOs
Industry and business associations

Applications for open calls are submitted through EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

Serbia Desk – National Contact Points (NCPs)

For guidance and support, contact the national contact points for Horizon Europe in Serbia.

Key resources and useful links

WBIF (Western Balkans Investment Framework)

WBIF (Western Balkans Investment Framework) is a joint financial initiative of the European Commission, financial institutions, EU member states and Norway to strengthen cooperation in the field of investments in the public and private sector, for the sake of socio-economic development and contribution to the European perspective of the Western Balkans.

WBIF is considered the main instrument for providing support in the preparation and implementation of strategically important projects in the field of transport, energy, environmental protection and social infrastructure in the region. WBIF has a key role in the implementation of the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans 2021-2027 with the aim of promoting the long-term economic recovery of the region, supporting the green and digital transition, regional integration and convergence with the European Union through the mobilization of up to 9 billion euros of the EU grants.

As part of the EIP for the Western Balkans, and in order to improve the potential of the private sector in the region, the EU has increased allocations for small and medium-sized enterprises in the form of investment grants and guarantees within the Western Balkans Guarantee Facility.

More information

Innovation Fund

Since the beginning of the Fund’s work in 2011, the support of the European Union has been crucial in financing innovations in Serbia and strengthening the ties between the research and private sectors.

The European Union provided support through pre-accession funds (IPA 2011, 2013, 2014, 2018 and 2019). The Fund positioned itself as a leader in providing comprehensive support to innovative entrepreneurship in Serbia and enabled easier access to EU funds and access to the global market.

Through the Fund for Innovative Activities, the Innovation Co-financing Program, the Technology Transfer Program, the Catapult Accelerator Program, the Early Development Program, and the Science-Business Cooperation Program are available.

Currently, the Fund is implementing the IPA 2019 project “Increasing Innovation Capacity and Growth of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises,” with a total value of €26 million. This project is made possible through the joint investment of the Republic of Serbia (via the Ministry of Science, Technological Development, and Innovation) and the European Union.

Find out more on the Fund’s website: Innovation Fund.

EIC

The European Innovation Council (EIC) is part of the EU programme Horizon Europe, which supports innovation, research, and development with the aim of identifying, supporting, and fostering the exemplary development of companies with high innovation potential but where investment is high-risk. It also supports researchers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have the potential to make a significant impact on society and the market.

More about EIC

The EIC integrates several key elements, including research and innovation funding, advising, mentoring, and networking. The programme provides support through various instruments, including:

EIC Pathfinder
EIC Transition
EIC Accelerator

The EIC Pathfinder focuses on supporting ground-breaking research at an early stage of development, encouraging multidisciplinary research with the potential for significant innovation. This programme enables the exploration of bold and radical ideas, providing resources and support during key stages of development. Participants receive grants of 3 to 4 million euros for the early development of innovations (until the concept is confirmed). Projects involve consortia from at least three countries, but there are also opportunities for individual teams and small consortia of two partners.

EIC Transition is focused on the transition phase of innovation from research to practical application. This programme supports the maturation and validation of technology in relevant applications, while encouraging the development of a business model for the future commercialisation of innovations. Grants of up to 2.5 million euros are awarded for technology validation and market readiness development, with a focus on achieving social and economic impact.

The EIC Accelerator is aimed at financing and accelerating the development of start-ups as well as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with high innovative potential. This programme provides significant financial resources, advice, and mentoring to support companies in scaling their innovations in the market. The goal of the Accelerator is to support the development of innovations with the potential to create new markets or disrupt existing ones, focusing on technologically mature innovations. Participants have access to grants of up to 2.5 million euros, investments of up to 15 million euros, as well as mentoring programmes, counselling, and networking opportunities.

You can see more about the EIC programme for 2024 here.

A platform that enables networking, knowledge exchange, and cooperation with other innovators, investors, and business partners – EIC Community Platform.

EIT Manufacturing

EIT Manufacturing (EITM), an institute of the European Commission, was founded in 2019 with the vision that global manufacturing will continue to be dominant in Europe, and contributes to making Europe and its manufacturing sector more competitive and sustainable. EITM’s mission is to bring together European production actors. In doing so, EITM brings together a growing network of top industry partners, leading academic and research institutions from across the region and innovative startups, scale-ups and SMEs.

More details

Green Agenda for the Western Balkans

The Green Agenda for the Western Balkans is a regional development strategy designed to address the challenges of climate change and the green transition, and to help the countries of the Western Balkans align their environmental regulations with European standards and norms.

In this context, UNDP is implementing the project “EU for the Green Agenda in Serbia” with the technical and financial support of the European Union, in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection, and in cooperation with the Embassy of Sweden and the European Investment Bank (EIB). Additional financial resources are provided by the governments of Sweden and Switzerland, as well as by Serbia.

More information

ESF+/EaSI

The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) is the main financial instrument of the European Union that significantly supports employment policies, social policies, education, skills development, and structural reforms in these areas. Through this programme, the EU aims to build a more inclusive and fair society, improve employment opportunities, and promote social protection.

The Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) strand of the European Social Fund+ follows the same political objectives, aligned with the European Pillar of Social Rights, and funds projects focused on strengthening employment policies, social innovation, inclusion, and fairer working conditions across Europe.

With a total budget of €5.4 billion (2021–2027), EaSI:

Improves access to the labour market and social protection systems, making it easier for citizens to find employment while ensuring adequate protection during social and economic challenges.
Encourages innovative projects in employment and social inclusion that help not only the unemployed, but also provide opportunities for marginalised groups.
Supports fair working conditions and equal opportunities, contributing to the reduction of social inequalities and promoting labour market balance.
Enables microfinance and funding for social enterprises, which is especially important for supporting small entrepreneurs and social initiatives that positively impact communities.

Serbia, as a candidate country, has the opportunity to benefit from EaSI funds to develop its labour market, social policies, and inclusion in a fair and sustainable way, thereby contributing to the creation of a more just and inclusive society.

How does EaSI work?

Unlike other segments of the European Social Fund+, which are managed at the national level, EaSI is largely managed directly by the European Commission:

The EC launches calls for project proposals
Calls for tenders finance services and deliverables within the programme
The Commission awards prizes for outstanding achievements in employment and social innovation
A part of the programme is implemented in cooperation with international organisations.

You can view EaSI Annual Work Programmes HERE.

What types of projects are supported?

EaSI funds projects related to employment, social innovation, and market inclusion in the following key areas:

Employment and labour market policies:

Funds national and regional labour market reforms
Develops innovative employment initiatives
Improves skills for jobseekers and vulnerable groups

Social inclusion and equal opportunities:

Promotes the inclusion of marginalised groups
Reduces poverty and social exclusion
Strengthens the social economy and supports microfinance

Social innovation and entrepreneurship:

Funds innovative solutions to social challenges
Supports social enterprises and cooperatives
Encourages responsible business practices

Browse calls for project proposals HERE.

Funding and project budgets

Employment and skills training projects: €500,000 – €5 million
Grants for social inclusion and equal opportunities: €1 million – €10 million
Support for social innovation and entrepreneurship: €1 million – €5 million

Serbia Desk – National Contact Points (NCPs)

Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs

Danka Čančarević – Operational Contact, danka.cancarevic@minrzs.gov.rs

Stefan Stamenić – Operational Contact, stefan.stamenic@minrzs.gov.rs

European Commission – EaSI contact team: EMPL-EaSI@ec.europa.eu

Key resources and useful links

CFCU (Sector for Contracting and Funding of Programs from European Union Funds)

CFCU deals with decentralized projects that include contracts for works, services, procurement of goods, as well as twinning and grant contracts. CFCU also contracts cross-border cooperation projects with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and North Macedonia. All these projects were financed through the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance of the European Union (IPA). To date, CFCU has contracted more than 330 projects with a total value of more than 570 million euros. Currently, CFCU has more than 150 projects under implementation.

More about available tenders

EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development)

EBRD has an important role in strengthening and competitiveness of the private sector. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of the private sector in Serbia, face limited access to finance, and the EBRD works to increase the competitiveness of the private sector, with an additional focus on the agribusiness value chain, and strives to help small and medium-sized enterprises with financing projects that lead to sustainable growth.

The following projects and programs are currently active:

SME Competitiveness Support Program
EBRD Advice for Small Businesses
Youth in Business
Green Economy Financing (GEFF)

EIB (European Investment Bank)

The European Investment Bank is the lending arm of the European Union – the largest multilateral financial institution in the world and one of the largest providers of climate finance. The EIB supports small businesses in the Western Balkans as a means of stimulating economic growth, innovation, social integration and job creation. Since 2008, their investments have supported 28,400 businesses and helped sustain approximately 500,000 jobs in the region. EIB helps small businesses realize investment plans, obtain working capital, build or expand production capacity, establish and consolidate distribution channels, conduct research and development activities and much more.

By cooperating with the EIB, you can get favorable interest rates compared to standard business lending conditions.

Investment program – recovery and development
Credit line – OTP Bank
Credit line of Raiffeisen Bank
Credit for encouraging the employment of women and people from vulnerable social groups
Credit line for the economy – Intesa Bank

Find more: https://www.eib.org/en/publications/the-eib-in-serbia?lang=sr

EU PRO PLUS

The European Union program for local development – EU PRO Plus contributes to a more balanced socio-economic development of 99 local governments in two regions: Šumadija and Western Serbia and Southern and Eastern Serbia. The program is led by the Ministry of European Integration and implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).

The programme introduces a territorial and integrated approach to development in Serbia, aiming for more balanced regional progress through the creation of territorial strategies and support for the projects that emerge from them. By improving social infrastructure and services, the quality of life at the local level has been enhanced, while support for economic growth includes strengthening the private sector led by entrepreneurs.

The activities of the programme are focused on stable local economic development, which is achieved through:

Development of business infrastructure
Support for improving the competitiveness of the medium and small enterprise sector through business support organisations
Support for the growth and enhancement of production in micro and small enterprises
Support for the employment of young people and women

CUSTOMS PROGRAMME

The European Union’s Customs Union plays a key role in facilitating trade, preventing illegal activities, and fostering economic growth. It is one of the fundamental pillars of the European Union, ensuring smooth trade, security, and financial protection among Member States. It allows the free movement of goods within the EU, while imports from third countries are subject to a common customs tariff.

The EU Customs Programme (2021–2027) continues this tradition with the aim of further strengthening cooperation and introducing modern digital tools into customs processes across Europe and its partner countries. With a total budget of €950 million, the Customs Programme:

Enhances cooperation between national customs administrations of EU Member States and candidate countries, enabling better coordination and faster exchange of information, making trade safer and more efficient.
Develops and maintains modern European IT systems that improve the digitalization of customs procedures and enable faster, more accurate data processing.
Supports training, exchange of information and knowledge among customs officers, allowing for greater expertise and harmonization in the implementation of customs procedures, as well as reducing risks of errors or fraud
Improves risk management and detection of customs fraud, contributing to greater border security and better protection of the EU market from illegal activities.

Since 2014, Serbia has been a full participant in the Customs Programme, which enables its customs authorities to take part in cooperation projects, use modern EU-level customs IT systems, participate in training and networking activities, and enhance border security and fraud prevention.

What types of projects are supported?

The Customs Programme supports: joint actions, seminars and workshops, project groups, expert teams, administrative capacity building in customs administrations, studies, awareness-raising campaigns, IT skill development, and training for the development of professional customs skills and knowledge.

Strengthening customs cooperation:

Enhances collaboration between EU customs authorities and partner countries
Supports the development of joint IT tools and digital solutions for customs procedures
Enables the exchange of information on trade flows and risk assessment.

Digital transformation of customs and IT systems:

Develops and maintains digital tools for customs management at the EU level
Improves electronic data exchange between customs administrations
Enhances the interoperability of national customs systems.

Risk management and fraud prevention:

Improves risk analysis and border security controls
Supports joint investigations to combat customs fraud and smuggling
Strengthens cooperation between customs authorities, police, and other security services.

Who can apply?

All actions are open to officials working in customs administrations from: EU Member States and Candidate countries that have joined the Programme.

Serbia Desk – National Contact Points (NCPs)

Customs Administration – National Programme Coordinator (NCP)

Ivan Milošević

Email: miloseviciv@carina.rs

Key resources and useful links:

SINGLE MARKET PROGRAMME (SMP)

The Single Market Programme (SMP) is the EU’s main funding instrument dedicated to strengthening the functioning of the internal market and supporting businesses and consumers. The EU’s Single Market allows citizens to live, work, and travel freely, while providing consumers with protection and a wider choice of high-quality goods and services at lower prices. With legal certainty, access to markets and financial services, investment opportunities, and funding availability, the Single Market is also a key driver for businesses.

SMP enhances regulation and the predictability of the business environment, contributing directly to a stronger, more inclusive, and resilient European market. As a result, the European market becomes more accessible, transparent, and responsive to the needs of both citizens and the economy.

With a total budget of EUR 4.2 billion (2021–2027), SMP provides support for:

Improving market surveillance and competition policy, ensuring fair business practices and protection from monopolies and unfair conduct
Supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in strengthening competitiveness, innovation, and access to finance, fostering growth and job creation
Enhancing consumer protection and food safety through strict standards and effective quality controls
Developing European and international standards for financial reporting, which simplify business operations and investments in the EU
Providing reliable and accurate statistical data to support evidence-based decision-making and policy development at all levels of government.

What types of projects are supported?

The SMP combines several financial strands to improve results and increase efficiency:

Food Safety – Ensuring a sustainable and safe food chain

Enhancing food and animal feed safety controls
Funding innovations in food production and traceability
Improving prevention of animal and plant diseases

Consumer Protection – Strengthening consumer rights and product safety

Reinforcing consumer rights in the EU and candidate countries
Enhancing market surveillance to identify unsafe products
Funding cross-border cooperation among consumer protection authorities

Support to SMEs – Boosting competitiveness and sustainability

Facilitating access to funds and investment opportunities
Helping SMEs expand their operations across the EU and beyond
Supporting digital transformation and sustainability initiatives

A More Efficient Single Market – Improved regulation and market oversight

Strengthening cross-border cooperation and law enforcement
Supporting the implementation of competition policies and fighting monopolistic practices
Improving dispute resolution mechanisms for businesses and citizens

High-Quality European Statistics – Evidence-based policymaking