The U.S. Department of State released Thursday that nearly USD 40 million were allocated for Serbia in 2012 within the U.S.'s international development program, which is by USD 13.5 million less than in 2011.

The U.S. government plans to allocate USD 39,050,000 for Serbia in the fiscal 2012, which begins on October 1. In the fiscal 2010, the assistance totaled USD 51,553,000, and USD 52,550,000 in 2011.

The largest part of the aid is intended for programs for governing justly and democratically (USD 18,375,000), strengthening peace and security (USD 6,850,000), encouraging economic growth (USD 13,735,000), and the so-called investing in people (USD 90,000).

According to the U.S. State Department's website, the aim of the assistance is to strengthen institutional capacity of key government bodies, promote transparency through the improvement of adherence to the rule of law, support civil society development and create opportunities for economic growth.