Serbia had used only about 10% of the EU grant approved for the Niš-Merdare motorway, according to a European Commission assessment, and tendering for the remaining sections has been delayed again.
- The European Commission's 2026 assessment, dated 4 November 2026, shows only around 10% of approved EU grant funds drawn down.
- Tendering for the remaining motorway sections has been postponed to the end of 2026.
- Missing project documentation for the Pločnik-Merdare section has been pending for an extended period.
- The assessment does not describe the project as cancelled but points to preparation and procurement delays.
Serbia had drawn down only around 10% of the EU grant funding approved for the Niš-Merdare motorway by the time of the European Commission's 2026 assessment, dated 4 November 2026. The document also says that tendering for the remaining sections of the motorway has been postponed again, to the end of 2026.
What the assessment says
The Pločnik-Merdare section is part of the project, and EU funds have also been secured for it. According to the assessment, the preparation of missing project documentation for this section had been pending for an extended period.
The assessment does not describe the project as cancelled. It points to delays in preparation and procurement that have kept most of the approved grant money unspent.
Why slow utilisation matters
Slow use of grant funds raises the risk that money will be reallocated or lost. It also delays the benefits of better regional connectivity and makes planning harder for contractors who depend on a clear tender schedule.
The case reflects a wider weakness in Serbia's public investment cycle. Large projects often receive political backing and financing commitments before their technical packages are fully ready. When documentation, land acquisition, permits or procurement fall behind, approved capital stays idle and construction timelines slip.
What to watch next
The next milestone is the tendering for the remaining motorway sections, now pushed to the end of 2026. Completion of the missing documentation for the Pločnik-Merdare section is the other step that will determine how quickly the remaining EU grant can be used.
The assessment implies that Serbia's infrastructure planning needs to give project maturity the same priority as financing announcements.
Frequently asked questions
How much of the EU grant for the Niš-Merdare motorway has Serbia used?
By the time of the European Commission's 2026 assessment, Serbia had drawn down only around 10% of the approved EU grant funding.
Has the Niš-Merdare motorway project been cancelled?
No. The assessment does not describe the project as cancelled, but it identifies delays in preparation and procurement that have left most of the grant unspent.
When will tendering for the remaining sections take place?
Tendering for the remaining sections of the motorway has been postponed again, to the end of 2026.
Why does slow use of EU grant funds matter?
Slow utilisation raises the risk that money will be reallocated or lost, delays the benefits of better regional connectivity, and makes planning harder for contractors.
