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Vlasina hydropower plant reconstruction deal signed

The European Union (EU) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) are joining forces to fund the reconstruction of the Vlasina hydropower plant cascade, an important step in modernising Serbia's energy infrastructure.

First greenfield Eco-Industrial Park in the Western Balkans

The European Union, International Finance Corporation, and local government partners have signed a landmark agreement to establish the first Eco-Industrial Park pilot in the Western Balkans, located in Šabac, Serbia.

Montenegro’s ambitious €9 bn transport infrastructure programme

The European Union, through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), funds the development of transport infrastructure in all Western Balkan countries and in Montenegro, in cooperation with the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB).

New section of railway in North Macedonia towards the Bulgarian border is now operational

The reconstruction of the 31 km railway route between Kumanovo and Beljakovce, in the north-eastern part of North Macedonia, has been completed and is now open to travellers. Trains will now be able to run at 100 km/h and stop at three new stations on the line.

Kosovo secures funding for energy efficiency in public buildings

A project for energy efficiency in public buildings in Kosovo was scaled up this month through a loan of up to €50 million provided by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

A big boost for small businesses in Albania and Serbia

The European Union and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) are working hand-in-hand to support small and medium-sized businesses through a number of dedicated programmes.

New motorway boosts North Macedonia’s connectivity

The much-anticipated Kriva Palanka - Dlabochica - Stracin expressway has officially opened in North Macedonia on 4 January 2025, marking a major milestone in regional infrastructure development.

€5 million EU grant for solar power plants in Oslomej and Bitola

On 18 December, a €5 million investment grant agreement, a donation from the European Union (EU), was signed today in Skopje between ESM (Power plants of North Macedonia) and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

WBIF Key Achievements report 2023 released

On the 15th anniversary of the Western Balkans Investment Framework, the 2023 Key Achievements report showcases the contribution of the WBIF to the implementation of the Economic and Investment Plan for the region.

Electricity for 45,000 Serbian Households from Kostolac Wind farm

Intensive works on the construction of Kostolac wind farm with the installation of new turbines are underway, and should be completed by mid-2025. This will supply energy to 45,000 households in Serbia.

European Union and the Western Balkans

The Western Balkans are an integral part of Europe. We share a continent, and we work best when we work together.

The European Union and the region work together towards

long-term economic recovery
green & digital transition
faster regional integration
convergence with the EU

The Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans 2021-2027, put forward by the European Commission in October 2020, is a clear sign of the EU’s commitment to these goals in the region.

Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans 2021-2027

The Economic and Investment Plan identifies 10 investment flagships and allocates a substantial financial package of up to €9 billion in EU funds, with a potential to mobilise up to €20 billion of investments through the Western Balkan Guarantee Facility.

The implementation of the Economic & Investment Plan for Western Balkans directly contributes to the Global Gateway, EU’s connectivity strategy launched in 2021 aiming to boost smart, clean and secure links in digital, energy and transport sectors and to strengthen health, education and research systems across the world. Global Gateway is fully aligned with the UN’s Agenda 2030 and its Sustainable Development Goals, as well as the Paris Agreement. Global Gateway aims to mobilise up to €300 billion in investments. Through a 'Team Europe approach', Global Gateway will bring together the EU, its Member States and their financial and development institutions to mobilise the private sector to leverage investments for a transformational impact.

Up to €9bn in EU funding (IPA III 2021-2027)

Up to €20bn of investments leveraged through the Western Balkans Guarantee Facility

10 investment flagships

Green and digital transition

Latest News

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29-01-2025

New section of railway in North Macedonia towards the Bulgarian border is now operational

An important link on rail corridor VIII, the route between Kumanovo and Beljakovce was inaugurated in January ...

Learn more

24-01-2025

Kosovo secures funding for energy efficiency in public buildings

A project for energy efficiency in public buildings in Kosovo was scaled up this month through a loan of up to...

Learn more

22-01-2025

A big boost for small businesses in Albania and Serbia

Two new programmes to support greening and digitalisation through innovative financing.

Learn more

Investment Priorities

The Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans invests €9 billion in six priority areas: Sustainable transport, Clean energy, Environment and climate, Digital future, Private sector and Human capital.

Sustainable Transport

Clean Energy

Environment & Climate

Digital Future

Private Sector

Human Capital

Western Balkans Investment Framework 15th Anniversary

The Western Balkans Investment Framework is an EU initiative, uniting regional beneficiaries, international financial institutions, and bilateral donors to enhance the European perspective of the Western Balkans. Due to its collaborative nature in line with the ‘Team Europe’ approach, the WBIF has been identified as the main vehicle for the implementation of the ambitious Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans.

Financing Facilities

The European Union, through the WBIF, contributes to programmes and facilities that provide financial instruments to:

improve capacity & access to affordable finance for the SMEs
support the regional measures to cut CO2 emissions
help create a sustainable market for energy efficiency

Guarantee instruments facilities help to reduce:

the cost of financing for public & private investments
the risk for investors.

European Fund For Southeast Europe

Regional Energy Efficiency Programme

The Regional Energy Efficiency Programme

Green Economy Financing Facility

EFSD+, Western Balkans Guarantee Facility

Western Balkans Enterprise Development & Innovation Facility

The Western Balkans Enterprise Development & Innovation Facility (WB EDIF), co-financed by the EU through WBIF, aims at improving access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Western Balkans. In addition, WB EDIF also aims to create:

a more favourable financing environment for SMEs, and
a sustainable equity market on the long-term (including)

This includes the promotion of policy reforms to create the adequate business climate for SME financing.

Connectivity Agenda 2015-2020

The Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans builds on solid work already in progress. In 2015, the European Union and its Western Balkan partners set out on an ambitious journey to improve connectivity - within the region and with the EU.

Five years on, we are delivering what we set out to achieve. The projects under the Connectivity Agenda are bridges of cooperation, bringing people and economies closer together. Better roads and railways are bringing faster, safer travel and a boost to trade. More efficient energy systems are delivering greater energy security and less pollution.

€3.7bn

Of total investment leveraged

€1bn

In EU Grants

€124m

In technical assistance for project preparation

Projects supported

45000

Jobs Created