At its session, the Government of the Republic of Serbia adopted a set of decrees and conclusions setting out the framework for several support and incentive schemes for 2026, ranging from strengthening processing industries based on domestic raw materials, to empowering women’s entrepreneurship in rural areas and preserving traditional crafts, as well as fostering rural tourism and implementing population policy measures.
- Incentive Scheme for the Development of Processing Capacities in the Production of Wine, Beer and Spirits from 100% Domestic Raw Materials for the year 2026 – This scheme is aimed at investments in processing infrastructure and capacities within the relevant sectors. An amount of RSD 150 million is earmarked in the form of non-repayable grants, with the aid granted under the de minimis regime. Eligible beneficiaries include entrepreneurs (sole traders) and micro and small companies, subject to registration with the Serbian Business Registers Agency (SBRA) and in the relevant sectoral registers (wine register, beer producers’ register or spirits producers’ register).
- Financial Support Scheme for the Processing of Fruit and Vegetables from 100% Domestic Raw Materials for the year 2026 – This scheme provides RSD 70 million, with the stated aim of increasing added value within the agri-food value chain and ensuring a more stable market placement of domestic products.
- Financial Support Scheme for the Processing Activity of Producing Cheese and Other Dairy Products from 100% Domestic Raw Materials for the year 2026 – The scheme likewise provides RSD 70 million. Its focus is on modernising and expanding processing capacities, as well as encouraging the establishment of new dairies operating exclusively with domestic raw materials, with particular emphasis on smaller producers and the expected effects on rural development.
- Support Scheme for the Development of Women’s Entrepreneurship in Rural Areas for the year 2026 – The scheme allocates RSD 50 million and is directed at the economic empowerment of women in rural communities, through the promotion of entrepreneurial activities and employment.
- Support Scheme for the Development of Traditional and Artistic Crafts and Home-Based Handicrafts for the year 2026 – The scheme provides RSD 25 million, with the objective of preserving traditional activities while enabling their adaptation to contemporary market conditions.
- Incentives for the Development and Enhancement of Rural Tourism and Hospitality Services – These incentives are regulated by a specific decree governing the conditions, procedure for allocation and the use of funds. The model is based on non-repayable support of up to RSD 2.9 million per project, subject to mandatory co-financing by the beneficiary of at least 10% of the total project value, making the measure relevant also for small- to mid-scale investment projects in rural destinations.
- The Support Programme for the implementation of population policy measures and support in the field of family and children for the year 2026 provides slightly over RSD 392 million. The funds are intended for the co-financing of measures implemented by local self-government units in the area of family and children. In this way, national measures are supplemented and extended by measures at local level, so that support is tailored to the needs of the population within individual communities.
For economic operators and other potential beneficiaries, the key next step will be the operationalisation of these schemes through publications by the competent authorities (calls for applications, guidelines and accompanying documentation), which will specify eligibility requirements, award criteria, deadlines and evidentiary documentation.
For additional information or consultations, the Tasić & Partners team is at your disposal.