The Government of Serbia today adopted the draft Law on the Budget for 2026, which envisages total revenues and receipts amounting to 2,414.7 billion dinars, representing an increase of 2.9 percent, or 68.5 billion dinars, compared to the revenue amount projected in the original budget for this year.
Tax revenues are planned at 2,080 billion dinars (an increase of 126.6 billion dinars), non-tax revenues at 303.3 billion dinars, and donations at 31.4 billion dinars, the Government announced.
The proposed budget foresees total expenditures and outlays amounting to 2,751.7 billion dinars. A fiscal deficit of three percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) is projected.
This result, as stated, will not disrupt the established trajectory of reducing the public debt-to-GDP ratio, which is projected at 44.5 percent in 2026.
The projected economic growth rate for 2026 stands at three percent of GDP (with growth expected at five percent in 2027 and 3.5 percent in 2028). The Government also adopted a series of decisions approving financial plans for 2026.
Among other things, the Government also adopted the Draft Law on the Tax on the Import of Carbon-Intensive Products, which introduces a tax on the import of carbon-intensive products – iron and steel, cement, fertilisers, and aluminium – in order to ensure equal market conditions for domestic producers and importers of these products in Serbia, and to encourage the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, in line with EU practice and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
Additionally, the Draft Law on the Tax on Greenhouse Gas Emissions was adopted. The aim is to encourage the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, improve environmental protection, and ensure equal treatment of all economic entities in accordance with the “polluter pays” principle and European regulations.
The Government also adopted the Draft Law on the Exchange of Data, Documents and Information in Cases of Temporary Incapacity for Work through the use of the software solution e-Sick Leave – Employer, given that the existing procedure related to sick leave is outdated, slow, and susceptible to abuse, as it is entirely conducted using paper documents.
This software solution will be linked with the Republic Health Insurance Fund and will provide comprehensive digital management of the sick leave process. Self-employed individuals and employers who do not employ others will also be able to access the system. According to the Government’s assessment, the implementation of the e-Sick Leave – Employer software solution will reduce administrative costs, delays, and errors in the process, while simultaneously increasing legal certainty and transparency.
(Danas, 06.11.2025)