EBRD loan signed for the modernisation of Montenegro's strategic Bar–Podgorica railway line

Montenegro's main railway connection between the Port of Bar, Podgorica and the border with Serbia is set to become safer and more reliable following the signing of a €50 million European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) loan on 1 October 2026.

Start of the academic year marked by official opening of the reconstructed "Stiv Naumov" student dormitory in Skopje

The reconstructed "Stiv Naumov" student dormitory in Skopje was officially opened on 30 September 2026, adding 1,150 beds to the national student accommodation system.

EU grants clear the way for demining of the Sava riverbank in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The European Union has provided €8.3 million in grants, secured through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), to clear more than five million square metres of mine-contaminated land at 73 locations along the right bank of the Sava River in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Favorable financing for digital and green investments by Serbian businesses

A range of Serbian businesses will be eligible for favorable financing as a result of a €22 million agreement between the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Erste Bank a.d. Novi Sad.

One more step in completing Corridor Vc

A public event on 2 September 2026 marked the completion of the Doboj Jug – Medakovo sub-section of Corridor Vc, an important step toward finishing this strategic European link.

Agreements signed with 21 municipalities mark major milestone for Kosovo's Adequate Social Housing Programme

The signing of agreements with all 21 participating municipalities of the Adequate Social Housing Programme in Kosovo* has been completed, marking a major milestone in the transition of the Programme from preparation to implementation.

Improved conditions for teaching and sports in North Macedonia

A transformative initiative is reshaping educational infrastructure across North Macedonia, as 30 schools and sports halls receive modernised facilities through a collaborative effort.

SME Go Green: two Serbian businesses invest in a greener future

Small and medium-sized enterprises across the Western Balkans are investing in greener technologies with support from the SME Go Green Programme, supported by the EU through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF).

A major step towards better connectivity

Construction of the Skopje–Blace motorway is beginning thanks to EU support.

New project supports cleaner, safer environment for 800,000 people in Serbia

Around 800,000 people in Serbia are set to benefit from a cleaner and safer environment as the country launches preparations for the closure and remediation of 17 unsanitary landfills, with support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Union (EU) through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF).

Commissioner Kos visits North Macedonia to discuss the country's EU accession path and reform efforts

Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos visited North Macedonia on 8 July 2026 to discuss the country's EU accession path and reform efforts. To date, North Macedonia has received €142.1 million under the Reform and Growth Facility following progress in delivering key reforms.

The Western Balkans
Investment Framework (WBIF)

The Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) is a financial platform that coordinates investments for the socio-economic development of the Western Balkans. It brings together the European Commission, partner financial organisations, bilateral donors and the Western Balkan partners to prepare, finance and deliver priority in-frastructure and private sector support across the region.

The WBIF finances public sector infrastructure in areas such as transport, energy, the environment and digital connectivity, funds technical assistance to turn project ideas into investment-ready proposals, and helps small businesses gain access to affordable financing. Through this collaborative approach, the WBIF serves as the main financial vehicle for implementing the EU’s policy priorities and investments in the region, in support of the Western Balkans’ EU accession process.

Public sector

2015-2026

€4.3 bn WBIF contribution to investments

€15.4 bn Total investments value

* Figures cover WBIF financing of public sector investments since 2015, when direct investment financing began; technical assistance is excluded.

Private sector

2006-2026

€742.5 m WBIF contribution

€4.1 bn Total investments value

** Figures include support delivered from 2006 under the preceding EU programme, which was subsequently integrated into WBIF.

What we are achieving together

2009-2026

The WBIF supports investments in six key areas: Sustainable transport, Clean energy, Environment and climate, Digital future, Private sector and Human capital

Sustainable transport – core TEN-T network

285 km

of new roads

762 km

of railway lines

Clean energy

655 km

of cross-border electricity interconnection lines

Environment & climate

3.5 m

people with access to improved drinking water source and sanitation facility

Digital future

17,000

km

of optical fibre cables

Private sector

627,000

MSMEs supported

Human capital

96,600

students benefitting annually

The EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans

The EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans is the European Commission’s key policy framework to bring some of the benefits of membership to the region in advance of accession, boost economic growth and accelerate much needed socio-economic convergence. It enables beneficiary partners to step up reforms and investments to significantly accelerate the speed of the enlargement process and the growth of their economies.

It is implemented through a €6 billion financing instrument, the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans (RGF), from 2024 to 2027. At least half the total amount (grants and loans) finances priority infrastructure investments in transport, energy, digital, and human capital development through the WBIF. The remaining amount of loans will be channelled to the treasuries of the beneficiaries.