Serbia and France Sign Nuclear Energy Cooperation Partnership Agreement

Serbia and France are deepening cooperation in the nuclear energy field, with both sides signing a significant partnership agreement. Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović-Handanović announced via social media that the agreement was signed jointly by the Republic of Serbia, French electricity company EDF, and the French Development Agency AFD, aiming to lay the foundation for Serbia's peaceful nuclear energy projects. This cooperation will focus on strengthening Serbia's expertise, talent pool, and organizational capacity in the nuclear energy sector, while providing a scientific basis for future energy decisions.

This partnership is a key outcome of the Serbian government's reception of the EDF delegation and French Ambassador to Serbia Florence Ferrari. Both sides conducted in-depth discussions on next steps for cooperation. Đedović-Handanović emphasized France's position as a global leader in nuclear energy and its significant role in knowledge, institutional, and talent development. Serbia hopes to leverage French experience to inject new momentum into the development of its own energy sector.

The core value of this project lies not only in the research itself but also in talent cultivation. Serbia will prioritize the development of a local team of experts and engineers, strictly adhering to the safety standards and recommendations of the International Atomic Energy Agency. By introducing advanced technologies and management concepts, Serbia aims to enhance the overall level of its nuclear energy sector and ensure safe and reliable energy development.

Serbia's goal is to complete all necessary studies by mid-next year, enabling informed decisions on further advancing nuclear energy projects. In the coming years, Serbia will continue to strengthen its energy infrastructure, regulatory framework, and professional capacity building, laying a solid foundation for the country's long-term energy development.

Through cooperation with France, Serbia hopes to diversify its energy mix, improve energy self-sufficiency, and provide strong support for sustainable economic development. This nuclear energy cooperation marks an important milestone in bilateral relations and signifies a major step forward for Serbia on its energy transition path.