The European Commission will invest €3.2 billion on some 21 transport, digital, climate and energy connectivity projects in the Western Balkans.
This investment package comes as part of the Commission’s Economic and Investment Plan. Put forward by the European Commission in October 2020, the Economic and Investment Plan pledged €9 billion in grants and up to €20 billion in loans leveraged by the new Western Balkans Guarantee Facility.
The Plan aims “to spur the long-term recovery – backed by a green and digital transition – leading to sustained economic growth, implementation of reforms required to move forward on the EU path.”
The projects in this first package will include the construction of major road and railway connections in the region, the development of renewable energy sources, the construction of wastewater treatment plants, as well as the development of rural broadband infrastructure.
EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi said that with this package, “we are accelerating the delivery of the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans on the ground.”
“We have identified these flagship projects in close cooperation with our partners. Better and more sustainable connections in transport, digital infrastructure and renewable energy will boost the economy, drive the green and digital transition of the region and bring a host of opportunities for people and businesses in the Western Balkans and across the EU,” he added.
Implementation of the projects is expected to happen throughout 2022 and 2023.
