An online presentation of the GEFF Programme results and the announcement of further investments in the green economy’s housing sector will be held today at 11:00, via the Balkan Green Energy News portal. The GEFF Awards Ceremony aims to present the results of the Western Balkans GEFF (Green Economy Financing Facility) Programme, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) credit line that provides funds for investments in the green economy’s housing sector. During the event, acknowledgment and awards will be presented to all those who have contributed to the success of the Programme. The EBRD also intends to present its partners with some 1,000 trees that will be planted throughout the region.

A panel will be held during the event to discuss challenges and plans to increase investment in energy efficiency and further green up the region’s economy, in line with the EU’s Green Agenda and the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans 2021-2027.

Speakers and panelists at the GEFF Award Ceremony for the Western Balkans include:

• Richard Masa, Head of Sector, Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), European Commission;
• Aleksandra Vukosavljević, EBRD, Director, Financial Institutions, Western Balkans and Eastern Europe;
• Violeta Kogalniceanu, Head of Infrastructure and Energy Efficiency, Energy Community Secretariat;
• Leander Treppel, Director of the EBRD Board.

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Read the interview with Richard Masa (EC), Aleksandra Vukosavljević (EBRD) and Violeta Kogalniceanu (Energy Community) on the Balkan Green Energy News

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Over the past four years, the GEFF Programme has helped more than 9,000 households across the region to improve their energy efficiency, saving 12,000 tons of CO2 emissions annually, equivalent to removing 7,700 cars from the streets. Over €44 million has been invested in energy-efficient technologies through the GEFF Programme, and further €135 million will be provided to increase energy efficiency in the Western Balkan region, mitigating climate change.

GEFF is implemented under the umbrella of the WBIF project ’The Regional Energy Efficiency Programme for the Western Balkans (REEP Plus)’, funded by the European Union and the Federal Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Austria (BMF) and delivered in partnership with the Energy Community Secretariat. The REEP Plus is identified in the European Commission's Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans as one of the Flagship projects within the "Renovation Wave" under the Investment window "Clean Energy". These projects contribute significantly to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and improve the living standards and health of citizens.