Serbia

Since 1991 Norway has spent over eleven billion NOK in assistance to countries in the West Balkans. In addition, a similar amount has been spent on participation in international peacekeeping operations in the region. Since the start the aim has been to contribute to peace and stability after Yugoslavia’s disintegration in 1991-92. Due to the unpredictable and politically charged development, emphasis was laid on flexibility and short-term initiatives in the first decade. Humanitarian assistance, reconstruction and contribution to civil peace operations were, therefore, the main focus until year 2000.

Norway’s aid to Serbia is based on this reasoning: Serbia is a key country for stability in the region. Norway’s positive reputation and good political relations with the country make it possible to make a difference. This is the main reason for Norway’s continued work in the country. In the past most of the aid was channelled through Norwegian volunteer organisations, but with increased focus on state building the projects are now to a greater extent being carried out by the Serbian partners with technical support from Norwegian sources. Around half of the aid to Serbia is today delivered through bilateral cooperation with the Serbian authorities.

Norway’s priorities are the following:

• Reform of the public sector, including reform of the defence, justice and police sectors: Ensuring democratic monitoring of the military forces and the police, follow-up of the UN Security Council’s Resolution 1325, ensuring independent courts of law and strengthening the fight against organised crime and corruption.
• Development of the legal state, including strengthening of the independent control commissions such as ombudsman, auditor general and anti-corruption agency.
• Energy, environment and climate. Contribution for implementation of laws and building administrative capacity in the areas of energy, environment and climate is important for Serbia’s EU process and framework conditions for foreign investments. 
• Business growth

The initiatives shall also help promote gender equality and women’s rights, including combating gender based violence, promotion of the minorities’ rights and social inclusion. Aid to Serbia in 2011 amounted to 104 million NOK. For 2013, 90 million NOK have been reserved for Serbia.

Read evaluation of the Norwegian humanitarian work in the Balkans.