The Western Balkans
Investment Framework (WBIF)
The Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) is a financial platform that coordinates investments for socio-economic development in the region.
Due to its collaborative nature, the WBIF is the main financial vehicle for implementing the EU’s ambitious policy priorities and investments in the region.
Through a ‘Team Europe’ approach, the WBIF brings together the EU, its Member States and their financial and development institutions, as well as Western Balkans beneficiaries to mobilise the private sector and leverage investments for transformational impact.
The WBIF contributes to the Global Gateway strategy and is the main vehicle for implementing the EU’s Reform and Growth Facility.
Private sector
What we are achieving together
2009-2026
The WBIF supports investments in six key areas: Sustainable transport, Clean energy, Environment and climate, Digital future, Private sector and Human capital
Sustainable transport – core TEN-T network
285
km
of new roads
762
km
of railway lines
Clean energy
655
km
of cross-border electricity interconnection lines
Environment & climate
3.5
m
people with access to improved drinking water source and sanitation facility
Digital future
17,000
km
of optical fibre cables installed
Private sector
627,000
MSMEs supported
Human capital
96,600
students benefitting annually
The EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans
The EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans is the European Commission’s key policy framework to bring some of the benefits of membership to the region in advance of accession, boost economic growth and accelerate much needed socio-economic convergence. It enables beneficiary partners to step up reforms and investments to significantly accelerate the speed of the enlargement process and the growth of their economies.
It is implemented through a €6 billion financing instrument, the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans (RGF), from 2024 to 2027. At least half the total amount (grants and loans) finances priority infrastructure investments in transport, energy, digital, and human capital development through the WBIF. The remaining amount of loans will be channelled to the treasuries of the beneficiaries.
Pillar 1
Deepen regional economic integration within the Western Balkans
Pillar 2
Bring the Western Balkans closer to the EU Single Market
Pillar 3
Accelerate fundamental reforms
Pillar4
Increased pre-accession funding
