EU grants Serbia aid package

The European Union said it had granted Serbia 70 million euros in aid for infrastructure and reforms needed to gain membership.

The European Union on Saturday said it had granted Serbia 70 million euros (95 million dollars) in aid for infrastructure and reforms needed to gain membership of the 27-member bloc.

"The assistance package foresees support for projects bringing direct benefit to Serbian citizens and helping continuation of political and economic reforms necessary for Serbia's progress in the European integration," the EU delegation to the country said in a statement.

Projects covered by the package include the reconstruction of a bridge in the northern Serbian town of Novi Sad and health, education and legal reforms, the statement said.

The aid would complement the 100 million euros already received by Serbia in 2009.

Serbia in December applied for a EU membership, hoping to be granted a candidate status this year and join the 27-member bloc by 2014.