CEB Approves EUR 200 Million to Support Serbia in Fighting Coronavirus

The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) has approved a EUR 200 million loan to Serbia to finance health expenditures aimed at combating the spread of COVID-19.

The Serbian government has been swift to implement a range of measures, including the purchase of emergency equipment and supplies, to help contain the spread of COVID-19, the CEB says in its press release.

The CEB loan, in the form of a Public Finance Facility (PFF), will cover gaps in the extraordinary budget lines created for COVID-19 mitigation measures, they point out.

The PFF will support the provision of health services and ensure the stability of the health sector, including the protection of medical staff, the press release says.

It will allow Serbia to finance the cost of medical and pharmaceutical supplies, medical equipment, patient monitors and coronavirus tests.

A key focus of the PFF is on improving the supply of personal protective equipment in hospitals such as epidemiological and surgical masks, alcohol disinfectants and protective clothing.

The CEB already supports the health sector in Serbia through established projects.

The Bank has recently approved a EUR 54 million loan for the new Tirsova childcare hospital, as well as a EUR 200 million PFF to part-finance health infrastructure projects across the country.

This latest loan brings the ongoing CEB investments in Serbia to almost EUR 1 billion.

– Health is a priority area for CEB financing and the Bank has had excellent cooperation with Serbia in this sector. The COVID-19 outbreak has necessitated additional investments in this area, so the CEB has moved quickly to support its member countries. The loan provided to Serbia is part of our efforts to forge ahead united in our fight against this pandemic – the Governor of the CEB Rolf Wenzel said.

– We are very grateful to the Council of Europe Development Bank for this support and the funds will be used to ensure that our medics are well equipped. Unfortunately, our country, as well as the whole world, has faced the consequences of the coronavirus, but with decisive and timely measures we are managing to combat this crisis with as few consequences as possible – Siniša Mali, Minister of Finance, commented.

Council of Europe Development Bank

CEB

health sector financing

coronavirus

financing of medical equipment

CEB loan

Rolf Wenzel

Sinisa Mali