The World Bank and Serbia have successfully completed technical discussions on a loan that will finance Serbia’s shareholder contribution to Europa Re. The completion of these talks mark an important milestone in Serbia’s efforts to join Europa Re. Negotiations to finalize the technical discussions will take place on January 27, 2011. Serbia is seeking Europa Re membership to help its population access affordable insurance to protect private property against floods, earthquakes, and landslides. Particularly the valleys of Serbia's larger watercourses, which are where the largest settlements and the most important farmland, infrastructure, and industry are located, are highly prone to floods.