Serbia launches 500 mln euro digital networks project

The project will ultimately give access to the internet to all of the country's citizens, especially those in the most remote rural areas, prime minister Ana Brnabic said, as quoted in a government statement last week.

The project is financed by the state and private telecommunications companies, the government said, without naming the participating companies. The state's contribution of 250 million euro comprises a 118 million euro loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and a 35 million euro grant from the European Union, added Brnabic.

The first phase will enable high-speed internet access to around 700 rural settlements, 120,000 households and about 730 schools.

The first phase will be completed by the end of next year, and by the end of 2025, the country's entire territory will have high-speed broadband coverage.