EU Green Week officially opened: 15 leading green innovations in Serbia awarded
Belgrade, June 5, 2026 – This year’s EU Green Week was officially opened today with the presentation of the “Leaders of Green Innovation 2026” awards to 15 of the most successful initiatives implemented with the support of the “EU for the Green Agenda in Serbia” project from 2022 to date. The awarded innovations accelerate decarbonization, promote the circular economy, improve air quality, and protect nature and biodiversity. They have been implemented by companies from both the private and public sectors, local governments, and civil society organizations.
The awards were presented by the ambassadors of the European Union, Switzerland and Sweden, the Assistant Minister for Environmental Protection in charge of nature conservation, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Serbia, and the Head of the European Investment Bank’s Regional Hub for the Western Balkans.
"This year's Green Week, held under the inspiring theme 'Together towards a nature-positive economy,' reminds us of the vital role nature plays in sustaining our lives, and of our shared responsibility to protect and invest in it. The 15 award recipients embody exactly that spirit. Their work is proof that Serbia's green transition is already well underway - in classrooms, in local communities, in forward-thinking companies, and in the everyday choices of people. The European Union stands firmly behind Serbia on this journey towards a greener, more resilient, and competitive economy," said H.E. Andreas von Beckerath, Ambassador of the European Union.
“Switzerland’s experience shows that environmental sustainability, innovation and economic competitiveness can go hand in hand. Protecting natural resources and improving environmental performance are not barriers to growth; on the contrary, they are increasingly becoming key drivers of resilience, productivity and long-term prosperity. Today’s award winners confirm this. They demonstrate that environmental responsibility and business success can reinforce each other,” emphasized H.E. Anne Lugon-Moulin, Ambassador of Switzerland, adding that Switzerland is proud to support Serbia’s green transition by fostering innovation, strengthening the role of the private sector and contributing to the development of a sustainable green finance ecosystem.
“The results achieved through the ‘EU for the Green Agenda in Serbia’ initiative show that when knowledge, innovation and financing come together, solutions emerge that are practical, scalable and have a strong impact on both the environment and society. Given Sweden’s focus on nature protection, particularly wetlands, it is especially rewarding to recognize managers of protected areas and their work on nature-based solutions - which combine ecosystem restoration, biodiversity protection and sustainable land management in close cooperation with local communities,” said H.E. Charlotte Sammelin, Ambassador of Sweden.
Among the award winners are Impol Seval, AIK Bačka Topola and the Public Utility Company “District Heating Plants” Niš, which have reduced air pollution and improved energy efficiency through the application of modern technologies. Companies RKS Composites Čelarevo, Champicomp Kovin, Repol Ltd., as well as the Subotica Regional Landfill, received awards for turning waste into a valuable resource through recycling and sustainable waste management. In addition, innovations by the Municipality of Sokobanja, Zorka Šabac and the company Silbo were recognized for the use of geothermal energy, optimization of industrial processes and the introduction of advanced cooling systems, resulting in reduced harmful emissions and improved air quality.
For initiatives aimed at protecting natural habitats and rare species, awards were given to PE “Drugi Oktobar” Vršac, PE “Vojvodinašume”, Tara National Park, the “Jadovnik” Association and the Special Nature Reserve “Deliblato Sands.”
“Through increased energy efficiency, greater use of renewable energy sources, resource efficiency and industrial symbiosis, reduction of pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and biodiversity conservation, Serbia is systematically moving closer to European standards in environmental protection and climate change. Our goal is clear - to continue encouraging innovations such as those we are recognizing today, as they demonstrate that the green transition is not a cost, but an investment in a more competitive economy, preservation of biodiversity and a better quality of life for all citizens of Serbia,” emphasized Tatjana Gelić, Assistant Minister for Nature Conservation at the Ministry of Environmental Protection.
“Since 2022, together with partners within the “EU for the Green Agenda in Serbia” initiative, we have supported more than 90 innovative green solutions and investments from the private and public sectors, local governments and civil society. These 15 green innovations we have recognized today clearly show that the green transition is already delivering tangible benefits for both the economy and citizens. Across the country, they are already contributing to reducing harmful emissions and waste, improving air quality, protecting nature and rare species, strengthening company competitiveness, and creating new jobs,” said Yakup Beris, UNDP Resident Representative in Serbia.
“Today’s award winners show that innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. Their work demonstrates that forward-looking companies can unlock new opportunities, create jobs and accelerate decarbonization. Partnerships are key to this. Together with all partners within the ‘EU for the Green Agenda in Serbia’ initiative, the European Investment Bank proudly supports the transition towards a greener, more resilient and sustainable future,” said Damien Sorrell, Head of the Regional Hub for the Western Balkans, European Investment Bank.
The second part of the program featured an inspiring dialogue among financial sector experts focused on green investments and opportunities to finance green, sustainable solutions in Serbia.
Experts agreed that green financing in Serbia is already delivering tangible results, with increasingly available support models and growing interest from businesses to invest in sustainable projects. The importance of blended finance models was particularly highlighted, combining public, private and international donor funds to further accelerate the implementation of green investments.
This event was organized within the framework of the “EU for the Green Agenda in Serbia” project, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with financial and technical support from the European Union and in partnership with the Ministry of Environmental Protection, in cooperation with Sweden and the European Investment Bank, with additional funding from the governments of Sweden, Switzerland and the Republic of Serbia.