Serbia adopts 2026 budget rebalance and energy crisis relief law

The National Assembly of Serbia has adopted a rebalanced republic budget for 2026, setting total revenues and receipts at 2,527.15 billion dinars. This represents a 4.7 percent increase of 112.45 billion dinars compared to the original budget. Total expenditures and outlays have been increased to 2,923 billion dinars, a rise of 6.23 percent.

Alongside the budget, parliament passed a law to mitigate the consequences of the energy crisis and rising living costs through one-time financial assistance. This support is directed at various categories, including pensioners, individuals with disabilities, parents receiving child benefits, and veterans. For example, pensioners will receive payments ranging from 20,000 to 35,000 dinars depending on their income levels. Financial Minister Siniša Mali stated that the measures aim to protect citizens' living standards during the ongoing crisis.

The rebalanced budget also allocates significant funds to priority sectors, including a record 315.9 billion dinars for the Ministry of Defense and the Serbian Armed Forces, as well as increased spending for healthcare, education, agriculture, and social protection.