EFT’s business philosophy is that its profits and growth should be made in tandem with profits and growth for the local communities in areas where the company operates.

The Group feels strongly that this model of adding value and creating wealth in partnership with the local community is of paramount importance in fostering belief in a market economy and the reform process. 

This philosophy has yielded impressive results for the Group, now acknowledged by local people, reputable international NGOs and international capital markets. For a good example of positive impact of this philosophy, please see the report by the European Stability Initiative “Return, energy and the future of Bosnia”.

EFT believes that the future of the region lies firmly in the European Union. This common EU destination offers the countries of South-East Europe the much needed political and legal stability for continued recovery and growth.

The pursuit of full membership in the European Union envisages wide ranging political, social and above all economic reforms, which bring the introduction of European norms in almost every facet of life. The energy sector plays a crucial role in this integrative process.

EFT has unconditionally supported this idea since inception. The company has been the key catalyst in the creation of the regional energy market, willing to take risks when others were not. The idea of creating a single energy space in South-East Europe, void of state monopolies and barriers to trade, was later enshrined by the European Commission in the so called “Athens Process” which resulted in the SEEREM Treaty. It is widely recognized as key to successful reforms of the energy sector in South-East Europe.

Apart from adding value and creating wealth, the company strives to improve the quality of life of its employees and their families, as well the local community and society at large through various philanthropic activities focused on education, healthcare, environmental protection and the arts. In recent months these have included:

Development of the new IT center at the “Desanka Maksimović” primary school in Stanari

EFT has furnished the “Desanka Maksimović” primary school in Stanari with computers and accompanying software, as well as the relevant computer courses. The primary school in Stanari now has a fully equipped IT center.

Development of the library at the “Desanka Maksimović” primary school in Stanari

In May 2008, the employees of EFT began an initiative to build a new library at the local primary school in Stanari. Employees of the Group have donated two books each.

Development of the language department at the “Desanka Maksimović” primary school in Stanari

EFT has furnished the “Desanka Maksimović” primary school in Stanari with equipment for a brand new language department

Scholarship program and awards for the best students and teachers at the “Desanka Maksimović” primary school in Stanari

Since EFT’s arrival in Stanari in May 2005, the company has begun a comprehensive scholarship and awards program for the best teachers and pupils at the local primary school in Stanari. Each year, EFT makes generous awards to the best students and pupils, while those who go on to achieve notable results at regional competitions are awarded full scholarship programs.

Development of a new CDT department at the “Desanka Makimovic” primary school in Stanari

EFT has fully furnished a new Construction, Design and Technology center at the local primary school in Stanari. 

Development of the new basketball court at the “Desanka Maksimović” primary school in Stanari

EFT has fully refurbished the basketball court at the Desanka Makismović primary school in Stanari. The company has also donated a full set of new basketball equipment. The new basketball court in Stanari was officially opened in September 2007 by Dejan Bodiroga, the famous basketball player.

Furbishment of the Doboj hospital with new air-conditioning units

In June 2008 EFT furnished the maternity ward at the Doboj hospital with air-conditioning units. The donation was officially presented by Stevan  Lončar, the EFT–Stanari Mine and Thermal Power Plant director.

Environmental clean-up

In May 2006, employees of EFT and pupils from the “Desanka Maksimović” primary school in Stanari took part in a joint effort to clean the local Ostruznja river. The move represented the first in a series of joint efforts and educational talks aimed at improving the environment in Stanari and the surrounding areas.

Forestation program

EFT and the pupils from the “Desanka Maksimović” primary school in Stanari undertook the forestation of the surrounding edges of the Stanari mine. Several hundred spruce trees have been planted, thereby improving the noise and dust protection levels at Stanari. EFT has previously planted over 20,000 trees in Stanari.

Donations to Belhospice Centre for palliative care and palliative medicine in Serbia

EFT has generously donated financial assistance to the Belhospice Centre for palliative care and palliative medicine in Serbia. The hospice provides palliative care to terminally ill patients in Serbia. It also assists the process of education of relevant professionals as well as of the general public in the concept of palliative care.

Donations to the Save the Children programme in Serbia

EFT Group supports the Save the Children programme in Serbia, which focuses on inclusive education and child protection. The programme funds and implements children related community services and strives to influence national policy in this area. 

“The Chevening – EFT scholarship programme

From 2010 EFT and the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office will provide funds for a new Chevening – EFT scholarship programme. The Chevening – EFT scholarship will be administered by the British Council in Serbia, as part of its existing Chevening scheme. The Chevening Scholarship Programme is a prestigious awards scheme that funds international postgraduate students who want to study in the UK. www.eft-chevening.net