WBIF Bilateral Donors

WBIF Bilateral Donors

About the Western Balkans Bilateral Donors

The WBIF Bilateral Donors (BD) reiterate their strong support for sustainable and green development of the Western Balkans. Within the WBIF, concerted efforts and coordination with partners are as important as ever. The Bilateral Donors are actively involved in the WBIF governance and operations to support small-scale technical assistance and investment projects in all sectors. 

The Bilateral Donors welcome the EU’s clear commitment to support green and sustainable energy investments in accordance with the Green Agenda and the Energy Support Package 2022 for the Western Balkans, a highly timely and important step to assist the region in the joint endeavour of energy security and carbon neutrality across Europe. Also, the social dimension – among others – plays a key role in human capital formation in the region. Investments channelled through the WBIF in key areas, such as health and education, are imperative to continue improving the quality of life in the Western Balkans in a collaborative way, especially in challenging times.

See BD Booklet

Latest Bilateral Donors News

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WBIF Key Achievements report 2023 released
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03-12-2024

WBIF Key Achievements report 2023 released

On the 15th anniversary of the Western Balkans Investment Framework, the 2023 Key achievements report showcase...

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European journalists visit EU flagship investments in North Macedonia and Albania
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10-10-2024

European journalists visit EU flagship investments in North Macedonia and Albania

The regional media trip showcased significant investment projects marking 15 years of dedicated EU support thr...

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Updated WBIF factsheets now available
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03-10-2024

Updated WBIF factsheets now available

Autumn brings the updated WBIF factsheets, including the latest figures and project examples.

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Bilateral Donor Contributions as of July 2024

Total:

€131.4 m

Altogether, the Bilateral Donors have allocated €69 million through twenty investment grants that co-finance 21 projects with an estimated investment value of €559 million in the environment & climate, clean energy and social sectors. These grants help finance infrastructure projects with a high impact on people’s lives, from healthcare and education facilities to public infrastructure for clean water, sanitation and renewable energy generation. Through these investments, the funding made available by the WBIF actively promotes social cohesion and protects the environment across the region.

Bilateral Donors and the new WBIF governance

The new Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 of the European Union aims at ensuring improved coherence and overall donor coordination between the EU and the Western Balkans. 

In line with the strategic orientation of the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+), the IPA III Regulation envisages a new governance for WBIF, whereby the EU Member States become full members of the WBIF’s novel governing bodies, the Strategic and Operational Boards (including Norway).

Under the updated WBIF governance the status of 'Bilateral Donor' thus remains a privileged position in WBIF and is granted by the Operational Board to the EU Member States and Norway which directly contribute to the Joint Fund. At the Operational Board meeting in July 2024 in London, the Netherlands pledged a new €500,000 contribution to the WBIF Joint Fund, thus becoming a Bilateral Donor. The Bilateral Donors are also members of the Project Financiers’ Group (PFG) and take part in the decision-making process on the allocation of their pledged funds in the Project Financiers’ Group and the Assembly of Contributors.

Publications

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WBIF Bilateral Donors Factsheet
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25-07-2024

WBIF Bilateral Donors Factsheet

WBIF Bilateral Donors factsheet (last updated in July 2024).

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WBIF Bilateral Donors booklet July 2024
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25-07-2024

WBIF Bilateral Donors booklet July 2024

Overview of the WBIF Bilateral Donors flagship investments, July 2024

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Economic and Investment Plan: Endorsed Flagship Investments 2020-2024
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22-07-2024

Economic and Investment Plan: Endorsed Flagship Investments 2020-2024

Flagship investments endorsed under the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans, July 2024.

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Videos

Partner Financial Organisations

Western Balkans Partners