Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans 2021-2027

Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans 2021-2027

Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans 2021-2027

‘The Plan offers a path for a successful regional economic integration to help accelerate convergence with the EU and close the development gap between our regions, ultimately speeding up the process of EU integration. This plan should help to transform the Western Balkans into one of the most attractive regions for investments in the world.’

Olivér Várhelyi

About Us

ABOUT

The Economic and Investment Plan identifies 10 investment flagships and aims to spur the long-term recovery, accelerate a green and digital transition, and foster regional cooperation and convergence with the EU. It will help attract public and private investments, backed by the Western Balkan Guarantee Facility, which has a potential to mobilise up to €20 billion. Investments will only be sustainable if Western Balkan partners accelerate reforms, including in the area of rule of law and fight against corruption.

OBJECTIVE

The main aim of the Economic and Investment Plan is to spur the long-term economic recovery of the region and foster regional economic integration. We want to support a green and digital transition in the Western Balkans, the implementation of reforms required to move forward on the EU path, and bring the region closer to the EU Single Market. All of this should lead to sustained economic growth and job creation.

EU Funding

Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance IPA III

Up to

€ 9 bn

in EU funding

To support:

  • economic convergence with the EU
  • competitiveness and inclusive growth
  • sustainable connectivity
  • twin green and digital transition

Western Balkans Guarantee Facility

Up to

€ 20 bn

of investments

To reduce:

  • the cost of financing for public and private investments
  • the risk for investors

COVID-19 EU Support Package

Team Europe

€ 3.3 bn

for the region

To support:

  • health sector
  • businesses and public sector
  • socio-economic recovery
  • transport of equipment

Under the adopted Multi-annual Financial Framework 2021-2027

Economic and Investment Plan Priorities

Package of infrastructure projects

frontloaded for funding in 2021-22 with the expectation that these would unlock significant investments

EU digital strategy

as the guiding principle for a human-centric digital transformation of their economies and societies

Common Regional Market

as a stepping-stone to integrate the region more closely with the EU Single Market

Human and entrepreneurial capacity

to innovate and develop an economic niche

European Green Deal

offers a blueprint for joint action to tackle the challenges of green transition

Good governance and rule of law

and respect for fundamental rights, functioning of democratic institutions and public administration

Connectivity Agenda Projects

Progress to date (January 2022)

Read More

Latest EIP News

View All
The Port of Brčko starts the works on the final component of the EU-funded modernisation project
image

04-10-2024

The Port of Brčko starts the works on the final component of the EU-funded modernisation project

Work on Lot 3 of the EU-funded Brčko Port modernization began on 30 September and will finish by March 2025.

Learn more
Updated WBIF factsheets now available
image

03-10-2024

Updated WBIF factsheets now available

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

Learn more
Spring updates for WBIF factsheets
image

15-04-2024

Spring updates for WBIF factsheets

Overviews by WBIF sector, transport corridor and bilateral donor-funded projects are now available.

Learn more

Latest EIP Videos

Publications

View All
From Plan to Action - WBIF Key Achievements 2023
image

02-12-2024

From Plan to Action - WBIF Key Achievements 2023

WBIF Key Achievements Report for 2023 on advancing the implementation of the EU's Economic and Investment Plan...

Learn more
WBIF Newsletter November 2024
image

27-11-2024

WBIF Newsletter November 2024

WBIF Newsletter November 2024

Learn more
WBIF Albania - North Macedonia Power Interconnection
image

09-10-2024

WBIF Albania - North Macedonia Power Interconnection

WBIF Albania - North Macedonia Power Interconnection Factsheet (October 2024)

Learn more

Partner Financial Organisations

Western Balkans Partners