Commission welcomes Serbia joining SEPA schemes, allowing for faster and cheaper euro transactions for citizens and businesses

Today, 18 banks in Serbia have officially joined the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) schemes. This will make euro currency transactions between these banks and the European Union more reliable, faster, and cheaper, potentially saving up to €400 million for individuals and businesses. For small and medium-sized enterprises, it will also simplify international transactions and facilitate more cross-border trade.

The decision was made by the European Payments Council after Serbia entered SEPA's geographical scope in May 2025. Serbia is the fifth EU enlargement partner to join the SEPA schemes, following Albania, Moldova, Montenegro and North Macedonia.

This development highlights how gradual integration can deliver concrete benefits to our partners and their citizens well ahead of EU accession. The European Commission will continue supporting this work, including through the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, which strengthens socio-economic ties with the EU, including by providing gradual access to certain areas of the EU single market, in line with EU standards and regulations.