The Serbian government is preparing to distribute a new package of financial aid from the Akcionarski fond, a fund predominantly owned by Serbian citizens. This initiative, announced by the Ministry of Finance, is set to provide financial support to approximately 4.8 million citizens who hold shares in the fund. The Akcionarski fond, established over a decade ago, allows citizens to acquire shares in various state-owned enterprises, with citizens holding a 98.65% ownership stake, while the state retains a 1.35% share.

The aid distribution is part of a broader effort to support citizens financially, with the Ministry of Finance outlining the application process for eligible individuals. According to the law governing the right to free shares and monetary compensation during privatization, Serbian citizens who were adults by the end of 2007 and have not previously claimed free shares from state enterprises are eligible. These citizens automatically became shareholders in the Akcionarski fond, receiving shares in several major companies, including Telekom Srbija, Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS), and Aerodrom Nikola Tesla, as well as shares in the Akcionarski fond itself.

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Siniša Mali emphasized that the funds to be disbursed belong to all Serbian citizens, highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting its people. The Akcionarski fond holds significant capital, with assets including shares and stakes in 373 companies across Serbia, and dividends from these holdings. The fund’s financial reports indicate it has substantial cash reserves, with 27.5 billion dinars in fixed deposits and an additional 492.4 million dinars in current accounts. In 2025 alone, the fund generated a net profit of 1.5 billion dinars, primarily from interest income.

The application process for this aid begins on September 7 and runs until September 21, 2026. Citizens can apply through the Treasury Administration’s portal, where they can also verify their status in the Akcionarski fond. Those already recorded as shareholders will receive the aid automatically, while others must submit an application electronically. The process requires applicants to provide their unique citizen identification number and the registration number of their valid ID card.

This financial aid initiative is part of a series of state support measures aimed at mitigating the economic impact of rising living costs and the energy crisis. The Serbian government has previously distributed dividends from the Akcionarski fond, but this new package represents a direct cash payout to citizens, activating a portion of their assets held in the fund. Despite the aid’s potential benefits, questions remain about the fund’s long-term sustainability and the exact amount of money currently available for distribution.