The National Bank of Serbia has been listed in the SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) register of the European Payments Council since 13 March, thereby formally confirming that the country’s system is aligned with European standards.
The operational implementation of payments within this scheme will begin on 5 May, enabling both citizens and businesses to carry out euro transactions significantly faster and at lower cost.
Serbia has become the 41st member of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), and the full application of the new rules brings fundamental changes to the way money is transferred across borders.
Veljko Mijušković, a professor at the Faculty of Economics in Belgrade, noted that this was a key step in Serbia’s economic integration with the European Union.
“The core idea behind SEPA is to eliminate a certain type of distinction between domestic and international payments in euros. Previously, some cross-border transactions involved a greater number of intermediary banks, which increased both the cost and the time required for the transaction to be completed,” Professor Mijušković explained.
Savings for citizens and students abroad
The main benefit for citizens will be the speed and more favourable conditions for sending and receiving money, including family remittances. Instead of waiting several days, funds will now be transferred within one working day.
“If a parent in Serbia sends money to a student in Vienna, both the fees and the speed of availability of funds will change. If the transaction is carried out on a Monday, the money will be credited to the account on Tuesday under standard SEPA payments, while instant payments will be completed within minutes, or even just a few seconds. Savings are achieved for both the sender and the recipient,” the professor noted, adding that it is not necessary for the euro to be a country’s official currency to participate in this system, as demonstrated by Sweden.
Greater competitiveness for companies and a magnet for investors
For the domestic economy, SEPA means improved liquidity and more efficient cash flow management. Companies will be able to receive payment for goods sold abroad much more quickly, reducing the need for additional borrowing and complex banking arrangements.
“The reduction of operational risk and business costs directly increases the competitiveness of our companies in the European market. It is also a strong signal to foreign investors. Membership in SEPA sends a message of stability and integration with the European financial market, making the environment more familiar to investors,” Mijušković underlined.
Security and banks’ technical readiness
Although the system brings numerous advantages through the development of digital technologies, Professor Mijušković notes that there are also standard risks inherent in modern payment systems.
“There are cybersecurity threats and a need for user adaptation, but these challenges are not unusual and can be successfully managed. The key lies in the responsible and prudent use of technology, along with adherence to protocols, in order to ensure that transactions are carried out securely,” he pointed out.
Most commercial banks in Serbia are in the final phase of technical adjustments. The first transactions are expected immediately after 5 May, while full integration of the entire financial market is planned in the coming months.
According to Professor Mijušković, the economic effects will be multiple, given that the European Union is Serbia’s largest external trade partner.
(Mondo, 15.04.2026)
https://mondo.rs/Info/Ekonomija/a2214375/pogodnosti-sepa-sistema-za-gradjane-i-privredu-srbije.html