The European Commission has announced a €171 million support package to strengthen infrastructure and private sector development across Western Balkans partner countries. This funding combines contributions from multiple EU sources, including the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA III), the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) bilateral donors, and the Reform and Growth Facility (RGF), targeting projects in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. The initiative underscores the EU’s commitment to sustainable growth, regional connectivity, and economic integration in the region.
Of the total package, €91.8 million is earmarked for infrastructure projects expected to mobilize €263 million in total investment across seven key projects. These include the rollout of broadband infrastructure in Albania, improvements to the electricity transmission system in North Macedonia, construction and energy-efficient renovation of educational facilities in Montenegro and North Macedonia, electrification of the Durres-Tirana Railway line in Albania, and water treatment and wastewater projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina. These projects will be implemented in collaboration with international financial institutions. In addition, €2.9 million is allocated to four technical assistance projects in Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina, supporting future investments in energy, water, innovation, and research.
The package also dedicates €76.3 million to initiatives supporting the private sector. This includes the Western Balkans Forward Programme to help SMEs expand exports to the region and EU markets, the SME Go Green Programme promoting sustainable and circular economy investments, and the W-BOND pilot program providing SMEs with diversified financing beyond traditional loans. Additional support focuses on strengthening public-private partnership capacities and governance in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Implementation of these projects will begin following approval by the Western Balkans Investment Framework Operational Board and the finalization of agreements and preparatory studies.
This support package forms part of the broader Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, designed to integrate partner countries into the EU Single Market, advance regional economic cooperation, and accelerate socio-economic convergence with the EU. The Reform and Growth Facility, with a financial envelope of €6 billion for 2024–2027, serves as a key instrument to translate reform progress into tangible investments. The WBIF, established 15 years ago, channels €3 billion in grants and loans under the Facility to priority sectors such as transport, energy, digital infrastructure, and human capital, while also supporting the IPA’s pre-accession objectives. Together, these mechanisms contribute to the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy and the long-term development of the Western Balkans.
