10-06-2026
The Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) is a financial platform that coordinates investments for socio-economic development in the region. Since its official launch in 2009, the WBIF has been addressing the region’s investment needs and supporting the Western Balkan partners in their EU accession process. Through a ‘Team Europe’ approach, the WBIF brings together the EU, its Member States and their financial and development institutions, as well as Western Balkans beneficiaries to mobilise the private sector and leverage investments for transformational impact.
Marta Kos
European
Commissioner
for Enlargement
We are confident that the Growth Plan, combining structural reforms, faster and deeper market integration, and stronger financial incentives, will respond to our common objective of achieving socio-economic convergence of the Western Balkan partners with the EU and, in parallel, contributing to make progress on their EU accession. The WBIF will be central to achieving these goals.
The European Union is the largest investor and trading partner in the Western Balkans. Through the WBIF, it provides funding for investments and technical assistance, co-chairs the Strategic and Operational Boards, and coordinates the financial platform’s activities. As the main driving force, the Commission ensures that the WBIF financing is aligned with EU policies and enlargement priorities
The WBIF is governed by the Strategic and Operational Boards, which are cochaired by the European Commission and a rotating Bilateral Donor country. Their members include the European Commission, the EU Member States, Norway, and the Partner Financial Organisations. Several bodies participate as observers, such as the European Parliament, the Regional Cooperation Council, the Transport Community, the Energy Community, and the Western Balkans 6 Chambers Investment Forum.
Partner Financial Organisations play a major role in the WBIF. Their involvement is key to the design, financing, and implementation of infrastructure and development projects in the Western Balkans. They co-finance projects alongside EU and national contributions. This blended finance model increases the viability and scope of investments.
The WBIF Bilateral Donors contribute directly to the European Western Balkans Joint Fund. The Bilateral Donors are actively involved in the WBIF governance and operations to ensure concerted and coordinated efforts. They support small-scale yet high-impact projects.
The six Western Balkan economies on the path to EU accession prioritise projects for investment in line with national and EU strategies. Both public investment and private sector development needs are taken into account.
EU contribution to major transport and energy projects (2015-2020)
WBIF contribution mobilised for investments in infrastructure projects (2021-2024)
in WBIF contribution to investments in energy efficiency, renewables, and energy connectivity infrastructure
to support key investments (2024-2027)
