On Wednesday, October 21, 2026, Hall 3 of the Belgrade Fair played host to the grand opening of the 21st International Energy Fair and the 22nd International Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Fair—EcoFair.
Spanning three days, from Wednesday, October 21, to Friday, October 23, this premier event is held under the unified banner “The Message is in Nature”. Bringing together domestic exhibitors alongside participants from Germany, Turkey, Greece, Hungary, Canada, Bulgaria, Croatia, and Poland, the fair serves as a gathering ground for leading experts in renewable energy—chiefly solar power—energy production and distribution, batteries, chargers, environmental protection, and recycling. Together, they are set to exchange insights and experiences on diversifying energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency, preserving biodiversity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, developing infrastructure for renewables, fostering regional cooperation, promoting sustainable transport, and adapting to climate change.
At a time when the world is grappling with energy crises, climate change, and the imperative shift toward renewable energy sources—and when environmental preservation has become more vital than ever—both the Energy Fair and the Ecology Fair stand as pivotal platforms for the exchange of knowledge and expertise.
Addressing the attendees, Rade Mrdak, advisor to the Ministry of Mining and Energy, emphasized that the Ministry devotes special attention to energy efficiency, naming it a cornerstone of the nation’s energy policy.
Mrdak highlighted that the Energy Fair offers an ideal window to showcase hallmark projects, investments, and cutting-edge technological solutions within the energy sector. Furthermore, it brings citizens closer to practical avenues for more efficient energy use, helping them reduce costs and elevate their overall quality of life.
From October 21 to 23, visitors can explore the Ministry of Mining and Energy’s pavilion, which features a model energy-efficient house showcasing various energy-saving renovations suitable for households.
“Our goal is to demonstrate, in a practical and easily understandable way, just how much energy can be saved by replacing windows and doors, installing insulation, and setting up solar panels and heat pumps. Crucially, we also want to show citizens the substantial financial assistance they can secure from the state to bring these measures to fruition.”
He particularly stressed that citizens do not have to walk this path of investment alone, as they can rely firmly on financial support from the state.
„Through the subsidy program we run in tandem with local governments, citizens can access support covering up to 50 percent of their investment for individual energy efficiency upgrades. This rises to 65 percent for those opting for bundled packages, such as simultaneously upgrading windows and doors while adding insulation. For socially vulnerable households, subsidies can cover up to 90 percent of the total costs. Our mission is to ensure that lower-income households can replace worn-out fixtures, enhance their home insulation, curb energy consumption, and secure better living conditions,” Mrdak stated.
He further noted that since 2021, nearly 50,000 households across Serbia have been granted subsidies for the energy renovation of houses and apartments, with the Ministry aiming to bring that number to around 70,000 households by the close of 2027.
Mrdak also heralded a forthcoming round of subsidies.
“In a matter of weeks, the Ministry of Mining and Energy will launch a new public call for cities and municipalities. Following the signing of agreements with these local authorities, public calls for citizens will be rolled out within the subsequent 60 days. This means that by the very end of this year, a fresh window for subsidy applications will open, enabling even more citizens to replace outdated windows, install insulation, upgrade heating systems, and adopt solar panels,” Mrdak concluded.
The opening ceremony also featured an address by Sara Pavkov, the Minister of Environmental Protection. She underscored the profound significance of both events, noting that these issues sit at the very pinnacle of state priorities.
“This year’s slogan speaks volumes, far beyond its surface meaning. Nature sends us messages every single day, visible in the very surroundings we live in. They clearly tell us that we must cherish nature, manage our resources responsibly, and map out our development along a sustainable path. Consequently, our answer lies in our actions—in concrete projects, responsible institutions, and tangible results,” she said.
“When it comes to environmental protection, we do not merely talk the talk. Today, more than ever before, Serbia is steadfastly investing in and building a green future. By 2030, we plan to have 8 modern regional waste management centers operational, where waste will be treated in strict accordance with European standards.”
“At this very moment, we are constructing wastewater treatment plants that will directly benefit roughly half a million citizens of the Republic of Serbia. Concurrently, 465 kilometers of sewage network have either been completed or are currently under construction.“
Turning to measures aimed at improving air quality, Pavkov recalled that since 2021, the state has been incentivizing the replacement of boilers fueled by heavy oil, coal, or heating oil through public contests.
“We set a target to transition 200 such boilers to gas or other eco-friendly energy sources by 2027. I am proud to say we have already significantly outpaced that goal, as nearly 300 boilers in public institutions have already been replaced or are in the process of being upgraded,” she highlighted.
Pavkov reminded the audience that environmental protection demands collective action from the state, institutions, and citizens alike.
“Grand national milestones are achieved through a combination of large-scale organized efforts and small, personal steps. The state bears the responsibility to provide the necessary conditions, institutions must implement the measures, and each of us can make a difference through personal example,” she noted.
She emphasized that these fairs are invaluable because they unite knowledge, innovation, industry, and institutions under one roof.
“When we all join forces, we create the perfect environment for grand ideas to blossom into concrete results. This lies at the very heart of our vision—a vision often spoken of from a position of immense responsibility by Aleksandar Vučić as the President of the Republic of Serbia. He has consistently maintained that a developing Serbia must invest in a greener future, where economic growth and environmental protection walk hand in hand as two interconnected paths,” Pavkov said.
Two Pillars Supporting the Future of Humanity
One of the greatest challenges of the modern era is reconciling the thirst for energy with the absolute need for environmental protection, and our fairs offer an ideal crucible for forging answers to these pressing questions.
By weaving connections between diverse stakeholders and fostering the flow of knowledge, the Energy Fair and EcoFair pave the way for fresh investment opportunities, innovation, and the long-term advancement of energy and ecology in Serbia and the wider region.
These prestigious events are proudly held under the auspices of the Ministry of Mining and Energy and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of the Republic of Serbia.
Stepping into the role of host city for the 22nd International Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Fair – EcoFair this year is the City Administration for Environmental Protection of Novi Sad.
Beyond the Exhibition: A Rich Array of Accompanying Programs Awaits Visitors
Orchestrated by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, a series of panel discussions and thematic sessions will be held, featuring insights from over thirty distinguished speakers.
The panel discussions will run across all three days of the fair, divided into three core categories: The Green Transition and Economic Competitiveness, Social Engagement for a Sustainable Future, and Knowledge and Innovation in the Service of Sustainable Development.
The fair welcomes visitors daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Individual admission tickets are priced at 800 RSD, while parking is available at 300 RSD per hour.
Tickets can be conveniently purchased online via the official website.
