Serbia moves to charge fees on state loan guarantees and expand anti‑corruption agency powers

Serbia’s Ministry of Finance has drafted amendments to the Law on Public Debt that would require all public enterprises receiving a state guarantee to pay a commission. The proposal adjusts only two articles, making the payment of a fee for each guarantee mandatory and tying the issuance of guarantees to capital investment projects rather than liquidity needs. The draft also stipulates that state‑aid control regulations will be considered when granting guarantees. Serbia’s public debt stands at about €41.1 billion, roughly 43.7 % of GDP.

Separately, lawmakers are considering changes to the Law on Prevention of Corruption that would broaden the remit of the Agency for Prevention of Corruption’s Council. The revisions could allow the Council to conclude cooperation agreements with domestic and foreign anti‑corruption bodies, participate in international organizations, and receive a monthly allowance equal to the average gross salary of agency staff (members would receive 70 % of that amount). The draft also introduces stricter oversight of public officials’ assets, granting the agency access to bank accounts and the ability to investigate assets exceeding €50,000, while proposing separate legislation for whistle‑blower protection. Critics warn the expanded powers could blur responsibility lines between the Council and the agency’s director.