The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), in partnership with the European Union (EU), has launched a new facility aimed at accelerating the preparation of road modernisation projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The initiative is designed to strengthen project planning and ensure that priority road infrastructure investments are properly developed, structured, and ready for financing. It focuses on improving road safety, enhancing connectivity, and supporting infrastructure development in line with EU standards.
The programme is backed by a €10 million EU grant, which will be used to finance technical studies, feasibility assessments, environmental and social impact evaluations, and detailed engineering designs for priority road sections. These preparatory activities are intended to create a strong pipeline of investment-ready projects that can attract large-scale funding from international financial institutions.
According to the EBRD and EU, the initiative is expected to mobilize up to €300 million in future road infrastructure investments. The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the World Bank are also expected to co-finance subsequent implementation phases once project preparation is completed. This coordinated approach aims to ensure efficient use of resources and faster delivery of modern transport infrastructure.
The programme will support road authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina by helping them prioritize key transport corridors and improve the overall quality of project design. Special attention will be given to enhancing road safety standards, strengthening climate resilience, and ensuring compliance with environmental and technical requirements aligned with European Union regulations.
Officials emphasized that the facility is not only focused on physical infrastructure but also on improving institutional capacity for long-term transport planning. By strengthening the preparation phase, the initiative seeks to reduce delays in project implementation, improve investment readiness, and ensure that future road upgrades deliver sustainable economic and social benefits for the country.
