Author: Marko Djuric – Serbian Foreign Minister
Over the past year Serbia has undergone an ambitious and concerted effort to adopt green energy solutions and promote investments across key renewable energy sources, including wind, solar power and hydrogen production. The framework of this sustainable green transition—outlined in the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan and Serbia’s new Law on Use of Renewable Energy Sources—clearly defines an approach to smart investments in energy efficiency and innovative technologies as sources of heating and cooling, the phased electrification of critical transportation infrastructure, and, importantly, implementing strategic international agreements and partnerships.
This week marked a profoundly important next step for Serbia’s journey, as I had the distinct honor of standing in Washington, D.C., alongside U.S. Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, Jose W. Fernandez, to commemorate the landmark bilateral Agreement on Strategic Cooperation in the Field of Energy in the Republic of Serbia. This agreement, the result of years of work, is a powerful symbol of the joint Serbia-U.S. commitment to securing a more sustainable future for our nations while also bolstering economic ties and building on our nearly 150-year relationship.
At its core, this agreement is designed to promote U.S. investment in realizing Serbia’s clean energy objectives, aiming to assist in expanding our renewable energy capacity. By reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, this agreement will help Serbia transition toward cleaner energy sources—advancing both environmental goals and the EU standards we need to meet for membership. U.S. companies like Hyundai ENG America and UGT Renewables are already laying the groundwork for solar plants in Serbia, set to be operational by 2028. These partnerships represent tangible progress towards energy independence for Serbia and, most importantly, a greener future that will benefit generations to come.
While renewable energy is a cornerstone of this partnership–and will bring countless benefits to our citizens–there is also significant potential for Serbia and the U.S. to foment additional partnerships in the natural gas realm. We have already reached an agreement with Azerbaijan to purchase 400 million cubic liters of natural gas annually starting this year. As we build on this, exploring opportunities to develop new natural gas infrastructure, construct pipelines, and explore alternative gas sources, we are grateful for the support the U.S. will provide under this agreement. I am fully confident these efforts will diversify our energy mix, effectively enhancing Serbia’s long-term energy security.
As Under Secretary Fernandez noted during our signing, the climate crisis is one of the most pressing challenges we face today—but it’s also one of the greatest opportunities. For Serbia, that is certainly the case. This partnership isn’t just about energy. It’s about strengthening our relationship with the U.S. – a steadfast ally – while simultaneously creating a future where our people thrive, our economy grows, and our environment is protected through our unwavering commitment to energy diversification and sustainability. I speak for all Serbians when I say we greatly look forward to working closely with the U.S. to turn this bold vision into reality. Together, we can build a cleaner future for our children and subsequent generations.
Photo Credit: Minister Djuric/Instagram
